When I was working in New York many
years ago, I had a wonderful business manager, who was also a good friend, and a
tennis pro. Go figure. Geoff could be quite inspirational at times and had a
wonderful way of making complicated or challenging situations simple.
We often talked about tennis as a great "tonic" for me. He called it a "now
activity." And when one is engaged in a now activity, the problems of the world
fall away. It's a kind of aerobic meditation. You can't be worrying about love
or money or world affairs when someone is slamming
an overhead at you. And, like many forms of meditation, the relief it provides
is giving one a few moments or even seconds free from
thought.
Music, it is said, "has charms to
soothe a savage breast." (Congreve 1697) Well, in my opinion it certainly does,
and so do tennis, cooking, and many other "now" activities.
When the music business
becomes too intense, the best thing I can possibly do is sing. Or cook. Or,
better yet, sing and cook for my friends with wonderful music playing in
the background.
I'm pretty good in the kitchen
and really love making beautiful and delicious food for friends and family. And
lately I've been toying with creating recipes for my music. Enjoying a creme
brulee while listening to "Je Cherche Un Homme" would be insanely sensual. I
think those songs deserve a proper dinner companion! And what self respecting
recipe would not enjoy a good song whilst being devoured?
Music and food go together
perfectly, as do the fans who love them. I would make a bet that any passionate
music lover could become a good cook, too, if given a little guidance. It's all
in the "feel."
What would you cook while listening
to "Nice Girls Don't Stay For Breakfast?" I've got my answer!!
