Whatever the mis-understanding it gave us an insight to your deep music experience and appreciation. It is amazing that there were JW's who still managed to keep their identity together and actually flourish.
I was able to flourish because I was not raised in the organisation at all.. far from it. I came from a very free and creative background. I also took well over a 2 decade break from the organisation and to fill the gap and void that appeared I completely immersed myself in music. I was practicing my instrument often up to 16 hours a day for a straight 14 years. On leaving the first time I had an absolute explosion of personal creativity.
On leaving for the second and final time I am now having another. It's very clear to me that being locked in a tight confining box like that the society creates for you all creative energy and expression is choked to death.
I myself have been fortunate to personally met some of the worlds greatest musicians including: Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, BB.King , Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Betty Carter, Dave Brubeck (and his whole family), Mike Stern, Art Blakey (dozens of times) Nina Simone, Wynton and Branford Marsalis, George Benson, Jacques Loussier (beautiful piano player,and an incredible human being), Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard , Pace De Lucia (worlds best flamenco guitarist), Juan Martin (same), Paco Pena (ditto), Zakhir Hussien (worlds No.1 tabla player unbelievable human being!) Joe Pass, Julian Joseph, Several of Bob Marley's children (various concerts), Fela Kuti and all his 27 wives, Jimmy Page and John Bonham from Led Zepplin, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Pantera (whole band), Prince (he's only about 4ft tall, lol) , Chris De Burg, Bjork, Fishbone, Jools Holland, Jamiroquoi, and many ohers I can not remember.
Growing up surrounded by these people and their astounding music your entire life does something to you. It alters you for ever.
