Life in the Penthouse
Two years ago I decided that every year I would challenge myself and learn
something new.
The rules are simple, it has to be something I have always wanted to do, it has to be interesting and it has to be fun.Sounds pretty easy, well yeah it is. Because it has to be fun.
The first time I decided to do the challenge I took up golf which turned out to be a lot more fun than I thought it would be.
Now I am not going to say that I am brilliant but I am getting there. I have also set myself a long term goal of playing the international mens veteran circuit when I am 65. I figure I have 28 years to get really good at golf which really makes it a pretty realistic goal.
Twelve months ago I decided that I really wanted to be a musician. I wanted to get inside the music that I play as a DJ. I have so many musician friends who have impressed me with the way they talk about the music, the passion, the dedication the highs and lows of the rock n roll lifestyle, well perhaps more loungey than rock but you get the idea!
I wanted to feel what they feel, to get inside the music, to feel the camraderie of the band environment, to hit those magical notes To create through the living and breathing entity that is song.
I needed an instrument that really inspired my passion, an instrument that caught my imagination, an instrument that featured in the music that I love.
So I chose the Bongos, or perhaps they chose me?
I practised constantly, watched the best play, read about the instrument and it’s history and at one point even interviewed Mr Bongo himself, Jack Costanzo.
Well after a year of practising in the penthouse living room I was invited by a good friend to play at a cafe in Sydney for an art showing. A three piece band, bongos, guitar and vocalist. I had never played with anyone other than my record player so to say I was a bit nervous is an understatement.
I arrived at the cafe with my bongos ,met the guys and we sat down and started to play. We started off with a Bossa Nova tune and suddenly my nerves were gone and for the rest of the night I was all over the bongos in a way I had never experienced whilst playing with the records in the penthouse living room.
This has been such a fun experience that I can’t wait to do it again and I has inspired my imagination and dedication to my new instrument in ways I can’t express in words.
My advice, don’t stand still, try new things, meet new people and live!
Koop Kooper