When I drew this graphic, I was just doodling in some graphics program. Later, I noticed, in the picture, symmetry, balance, color, space, repetition, contrast, unity and diversity. I really grew to liking it. For me, it represents a lot of what I appreciate in a creative effort. Actually, the word "effort" doesn't exactly apply to that doodle, or need it apply much to the creative process. For more on that, see Kenny Werner's "Effortless Mastery"

I would love to play in a group where it's musical dimensions were shaped by creativity. Usually, however, groups I've played in had their musical shapes inhibited by one thing or another. Their musical dimensions often might be represented by this:

Some creative inhibitors, in my opinion, are (and, by the way, I have fallen prey, to one degree or another, to all of these):

• Ego
• Lack of vocabulary
• Fear, or translated, "Trying to keep the gig"
• "Paint by numbers" approach to each tune - an emphasis on playing within certain styles
• Lack of focus on the music being played
• Low energy and or poor health

There are probably many other such inhibitors to creativity. But, enough negative. Some of my most creative moments were characterized by:

• Trusting my musical sense
• Lack of self involvement and fear, translated - lack of ego
• The feeling of "just doodling around"
• Rules and styles, though present, don't dictate the music's direction
• The music feels larger than the sum of it's parts - synergy
• No fatigue - the feeling that I could play all night
• Inevitably, people listening respond (hopefully in a positive way!)

As I grow older, I crave a more creative, effortless, approach toward playing music.