Moments, Memories, & Jazz

December 15, 2019

Today’s the Day!

Happy 90th Birthday to Dr. Barry Harris! Many of his loved ones, friends, and students are gathering tonight in...

by Laurie Early

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July 22, 2019

Vegetables in Manhattan (A summer fluff piece)

I almost cried when I saw the artichoke; it seemed to be trying to hide from me as I...

by Laurie Early

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June 30, 2019

Bird Feathers

A quick post this month as I have been resting and healing and generally catching up on musical and...

by Laurie Early

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May 31, 2019

Magnets and Distractions

My back is messed up. No use in going over why this happens to me periodically. I will accept...

by Laurie Early

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April 8, 2019

Authenticity (Happy Birthday Billie Holiday)

“Everyone’s got to be different. You can’t copy anybody and end up with anything. If you copy, it means...

by Laurie Early

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March 31, 2019

Free Inspiration

The best things in life, like inspiration, are free. I walk down a new street and chance to...

by Laurie Early

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February 28, 2019

Carousels – Not For Me

This weekend I will be avoiding the luggage carousel by traveling light. I will also attempt to avoid any...

by Laurie Early

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January 30, 2019

NYC – A Day in the Moment

Certain things grabbed my attention recently as I traveled from commitment to commitment. Manhattan is full of activity, but I...

by Laurie Early

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December 31, 2018

Shift Happens

We can stay “in the moment” all we want to, be mindful and appreciate each passing second–but, even if...

by Laurie Early

November 30, 2018

Current, Flow, Swing, and Reflection

“Big Red Swing” 1971 Theodore Ceraldi Some months speed by, like a rushing river flowing through a narrow gorge....

by Laurie Early

October 29, 2018

Vocalese 101

“There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the...

by Laurie Early

September 30, 2018

Signs, Guides, and Flow

I really had no clue what I wanted to write about this month, until a sudden epiphany yesterday at...

by Laurie Early

August 30, 2018

Ten Years After

Anniversaries are a natural time of reflection. So I am commemorating ten years of my new life in jazz....

by Laurie Early

July 25, 2018

Moments of Silence

Silence can be the loudest sound in the world, especially if you are longing to hear the next note,...

by Laurie Early

June 18, 2018

Lyrical Triggers & Process

Sometimes it is as simple as a title I have no control over; an inspiration that opens a floodgate...

by Laurie Early

May 4, 2018

Sometimes I’m Happy

Things are getting really interesting this year! I am taking an improvisation class with saxophonist, Bob Mover, and have...

by Laurie Early

April 13, 2018

April Showers of Poetry and Prose

Do I have regrets? Yes, I do. I do. I regret every lost opportunity to look towards you and...

by Laurie Early

March 20, 2018

Roman Moments (I Never Knew)

I am back in New York now after a particularly poignant Barry Harris Jazz Workshop in Rome. It was...

by Laurie Early

February 10, 2018

Tips and Tricks on YouTube

YouTube is an inspirational online platform for musicians and songwriters. It is so much more than an online-radio. We...

by Laurie Early

January 31, 2018

Easy Does It

“Blue skies, smiling at me, nothing but blue skies do I see”….for a while that song meant everything hopeful....

by Laurie Early

December 10, 2017

88 Keys + 88 Years = Barry Harris

Dr. Barry Doyle Harris will be 88-years old next week. Born on December 15, 1929, he has lived one...

by Laurie Early

November 21, 2017

Poems for Billy Strayhorn (IV)

The technical side of this piece began when I read a songwriting book that suggested opening a set of...

by Laurie Early

October 1, 2017

A Burgundy Twilight

I feel a major shift in my life, starting today, October 1, 2017. Without going into details, a nine-year...

by Laurie Early

September 12, 2017

Ornithology

September–still warm from the end of summer, yet moving towards the frost. I am thinking of all the wonderful...

by Laurie Early