Another '63 barney kessel clip - and comment about mental health

[jzucker]

East of the Sun, gibson barney kessel, mental health awareness


1963 Gibson Barney Kessel guitar, Helix Stomp preamp, grammatico amp.


This is the beginning of week 8 since my spinal surgery. It's been a relatively good week in terms of my recover, but I'm having some struggles with mental health today - as I occasionally do. I've been pretty open about this and try not to see this as something to be ashamed or embarrassed about. When I watch my face in this video, I can see the strain. The smiles and happyness are back there somewhere, just repressed a little and struggling to make it out!


I want to just say that if you too, struggle with depression, please don't hesitate to reach out to a friend, family member or any of the number of free mental health hotlines that are available. It's really important to surround yourself with people who love and care about you. Don't try to go it alone. Get out and be with people. Go to a coffee shop, jazz club or anywhere there are people. It's really important.


This is a relatively simple tune but I was having an extremely difficult time mentally so it took me 7 or 8 tries and I ended up with this take. I wasn't happy with it because it felt like a step backwards from what I was hearing in my head but i've been attempting to document my surgery recovery and so I put it out there.

[jorgemg1984]

Jack, that's honestly sounding VERY good. Seems like you nailed the Helix sound, enjoy it, you can't stop the gear hunt now

[AKA]

Beautiful, relaxed playing. Interesting that you mention a bit of anguish behind the smile. You recently commented on playing with the sunglasses on. I sensed you were, in a way, hiding behind the dark lens. Good luck with your struggles.

AKA

[jzucker]

Jack, that's honestly sounding VERY good. Seems like you nailed the Helix sound, enjoy it, you can't stop the gear hunt now

Thanks very much.?

Beautiful, relaxed playing. Interesting that you mention a bit of anguish behind the smile. You recently commented on playing with the sunglasses on. I sensed you were, in a way, hiding behind the dark lens. Good luck with your struggles.

AKA

Thanks, and you're right. The sunglasses hide the anguish that I go through...And allow me to enjoy the role a little more.

[jzucker]

Jack, that's honestly sounding VERY good. Seems like you nailed the Helix sound, enjoy it, you can't stop the gear hunt now

And by the way, I owe you so much for that hint about the high/low pass EQ filter. I'm using that on every preset now!

[jorgemg1984]

And by the way, I owe you so much for that hint about the high/low pass EQ filter. I'm using that on every preset now!

Very glad to help! Whatever you're doing is clearly working

[sgcim]

Very brave post, Jack!

[Woodstove]

Beautiful playing Jack. May the anguish recede and the joy of you music ascend.....Peter

[Jx30510]

I hear you! And not only the superb guitar playing
I've been recovering myself from a very hard year with 4 surgeries and 6 month treatment.. I'm a "strong" person, well that's what I thought, but big health problems are tough for the head.
I find it very courageous from you to express yourself on this. And reading (and listening) you just gives me a little smile and comfort. Thank you for that

[Cunamara]

Thanks, Jack! Speaking of the song and playing, you're getting some really nice sounds out of the Helix Stomp. I have periodically thought about getting one of those myself and you are nudging me closer towards it. Playing on the tune was nice. It was solid, in the pocket and apropos.

Thanks also for your frank honesty regarding mental health. Between 12 and 25% of people will experience a major depressive episode at some point in their lives and about 40% of those will have it as a recurrent problem. Your recommendations are spot on. Even more people have anxiety disorders. Substance abuse problems are increasing significantly over the past few decades- not only opioids, which have gotten the most press, but alcohol and other substances.

[mr. beaumont]

Thanks so much for saying what needs to be said.

[GuyBoden]

Well done Jack, mental health is a difficult subject, personally, I find that long hours of guitar practice, day after day, are not very good for my mental health.

I like to get outside in the countryside a few times a week, cycling for 50 to 80 mile rides on one of my many vintage bicycles, meetup with people and have a laugh.

[ptuner1]

what is the backing track source and are there more of them available to purchase? Your playing fits with it well. thanks

[jzucker]

what is the backing track source and are there more of them available to purchase? Your playing fits with it well. thanks

playjazztracks.com

[jzucker]

thanks guys. I agree with Guy. The hours upon hours you spend alone, practicing in your office in order to perfect your craft - are hours that you are not spending with loved ones, friends, family, etc. And the sacrifice is real. And the other thing that happens is that the practice and music becomes your addiction and your solace.

[lawson-stone]

Wow. This really felt like you were searching for something, and whatever you were searching for, you at least found me. That really chased the Monday morning blues away for me. Sometimes our own pain has a way of empowering us to soothe the struggles of others.

[jads57]

Depression is hard to explain to someone who doesn’t suffer from it.
I think the arts in general appeal to many who suffer this disease.
And it can be very helpful outlet.
Unfortunately Jazz non dance variety, is not all that popular.And it can become a dark rabbit hole once gone down that path.

[Simon1234]

Fabulous technique and tone, wrapped in a courageous, insightful post.
Very cool and very inspiring; thanks for sharing your head and hands with us Mr Z.
More power to your elbow.

[Yanduna]

It's great to see talented musicians share their skills and be open about their experiences, including matters related to mental health.

By the way, have you ever checked out fherehab.com? It's a valuable resource that might offer some insights on mental health. Thanks for sharing this inspiring post, and here's to more great music and open conversations about mental well-being!

[Skip Ellis]

Thanks for the thoughts, Jack, as I deal with these demons every day. I'm 100% disabled Vietnam vet with the larger portion of it being anxiety/depression brought on by PTSD. Unfortunately, in my case, it makes me want to be completely away from people except a small few fellow Vietnam vets who are as screwed up as myself. It has also made me question why, after a 50+ year career as a full time/part time musician, am I even playing guitar. Right now, and for the past year , I've a hard time even picking up a guitar and just not seeing any point in playing any more at all. I see a therapist (who's also a musician) every month and he gets it but hasn't been able to break through to me yet. I have finally decided that buying more guitars will not get me playing again so I don't even have the UPS truck to look forward to. If I ever get back to it, it will have to be as a soloist because, although I have no problem playing in front of people, I don't want to be around them socially. Stay strong........

BTW - love the GB10 and have been looking at a nice one on Reverb....just have to justify it now that I'm not gigging.

[Oscar67]

Fabulous technique and tone, wrapped in a courageous, insightful post.
Very cool and very inspiring; thanks for sharing your head and hands with us Mr Z.

Can’t put it any better than that!