So... remember the movie "Peaceful Warrior"?  Remember, we saw it together in Texas a few years ago?  We even got some free tix from a crazy online promotion.  Remember?

You don't?  I guess most people don't, 'cause everyone I ask has never even heard of the film.  Now, the 3 people I know who actually did see it didn't really care for the movie.  I thought it was wonderful.  First off, I got free tix.  Second, the movie, which talked a lot about change, actually influenced me to change 3 times during the film.  At the front, I thought I needed to use my gifts to be the best there is.  In the middle, I realized that I needed to give it all up and just quit, because I was only being selfish trying to be the best.  By the end, I came to the conclusion that I needed to be the best there is so that I could give it to others.

I wonder if that's why they gave the tickets away?  Rumor has it that it was $15 million worth.

Now, being the best there is a very subjective term and I know that.  But we could put it several ways:  cranking the amp to 11, giving 110%, give it all you got to give... you get the point.

Why be the best?  Because this world doesn't need any more mediocre.  We gots plenty of that, friends, and where has it taken us?  We've also got plenty of rockstars and ego-trips and famous people and fame-seekers.  What we need is great art, great beauty, great service, great Truth.  This world needs greatness.

So these lofty ideas get me thinking, as ideas often do.  How can a man be truly great if great doesn't mean squashing your competetion?  But there's the rub, great is squashing your competetion, but we need perspective to see who our competetion is.  Mine is me.

Be the best for me.  Quit it all.  Be the best for others and give it away.

A number of years ago, before I went solo, my bandmates and I recorded at a studio we affectionately called, "The Room With The Vibe".  It had a good feel to it and we were comfortable to do our thing without any pressure.

With no disrespect to that wonderful studio, I've found the new room with a vibe.  It's called 4th Fridays and, logically, is held every 4th Friday in Dearborn, MI.  I've had the privilege of having been a member of the audience, and now a performer, and there is something special about this place.

The house band is amazing, and the jazz band that I shared the stage with last night, Zamar, tore it up!  They rocked my face off.  All of their songs were phenomenal, but "Majesty" was the jam!  As an inside joke to our new friends in Zamar, if you're reading this, tell Marlin, "Cool Beans!"

So, if you like great music and/or coffee, and like to have your expectations exceeded, drop in one of these months.  You will not be disappointed.  Detroit is still the "Rock City" and "Motown" and 4th Fridays proves it.

Until later,
Brion

Truth and Beauty

(or)

Comfort and Happiness

Which do you choose?