60 Seconds of Love

60 Seconds of Love

123 Consecutive
60 Seconds of Love
Over 2 hours of improvised material
3/24 was the first

It was a few weeks into New York City’s Covid lockdown – back in March of 2020. I was alone and isolated in my ever-shrinking apartment. I became gripped with a desire to contribute, to help, to somehow participate in the healing. Friends’ parents were dying. All my artist and educator friends in NYC were -are- staring into an abyss of career and financial ruin, while simultaneously fearing for the lives of our families, friends and ourselves. The future is not only daunting, but seemingly erased.

I couldn’t stand being passive. I had to do something! Music and food are the two things that universally bring people together, and I’m a much better musician than chef, so I listened to my inner voice…

Music was my answer.

My experience performing bedside in hospitals as a volunteer with Musicians On Call provided me the framework. I improvise for each visit, and so have learned to cater the style and length of my performances for each patient.

When I saw that Instagram limited its posts to a minute, the concept took shape. I love improvising, letting the music take me where it will, so I figured I’ll share a minute of my grooving. I’d give it a shot and see what happens.
One Minute Improvisation. 60 Seconds of Love.

And, before I knew it, I had done 3, then 10, then 25. 40, 50, 75… Creating these spontaneous, complete arcs within such a brief timeframe was a welcomed artistic challenge. And, I was so humbled when people from all over the globe began expressing their appreciation and gratitude. The consistency became a beacon of hope.

What can be accomplished in only a minute? What possibly can music do in light of a pandemic? In light of profound injustice? How can one person’s commitment bring joy to thousands of despairing people? Well, music is community, is inspiration, is hope, is humanity. Music is respite for the soul.

I sure hope you find joy and solace in these 123 minutes. I hope that in light of social and racial injustice, in facing the Covid pandemic – in fact, whatever may stand in your path – that this music gives you strength to persevere.

I also hope that you return to and continue to enjoy all these 60 Seconds of Love! Please let me know what you think! And, please share with others!!!