When I play from my mind, I get in trouble.
-Stevie Ray Vaughan
Today's quote comes from famous blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan. I relate very directly to this concept. As a musician, I find that performing for an audience requires that you play from your heart. You must play purely for the joy of playing and for the enjoyment of the listener. There is a time and place to play from your mind, that place is the practice room. During rehearsal time is when one should perfect technique and ability. I confess that I have "played from my mind" on stage at times. And thusly, I did get in "trouble". One of my personal faults is my inability to forgive my own mistakes in the moment of performance. I have had the issue of getting angry at myself during these performances. The result of this anger is the dilution of the performance and my failure to ultimately provide the service I am responsible for. Hence, "When I play from my mind, I get in trouble."
Stevie Ray Vaughan (1954-1990), the native son of Dallas, Texas and considered one of the greatest blues guitarists to have ever lived. SRV followed closely in the style of blues legends such as Albert King, Otis Rush, Muddy Waters, and of course, one of his obvious prime influences, Jimi Hendrix. With his group, Double Trouble, which he co-founded, SRV was heavily responsible for the blues revival of the 1980's. Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble recorded several albums throughout his career including the 1983 classic Texas Flood, Couldn't Stand The Weather, and Soul To Soul. I am not one to say my mind gets "blown" often. Yet, when I first saw footage of Stevie Ray Vaughan, I WAS blown away by the sheer intensity of soul that could clearly be seen oozing from within him. Truly, SRV was a special player. In 1990, SRV's life was tragically cut short in a helicopter accident following a show in East Troy, Wisconsin. His powerful tone, incredible showmanship, and heart-wrenching leads will live forever.
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