Is it Lame To Get Teary Watching “How The Grinch Stole Christmas?”

Posted by admin on December 9th, 2009 | No Comments »

Because I just did.

The old cartoon version that is.

I read a book a while ago by renowned playwright David Mamet called “The Three Uses of the Knife.”  He said something about how the purpose of art is to “inspire cleansing awe.”  That’s not a direct quote, but I remember that phrase, “cleansing awe.”

And I have just been cleansingly awed so to speak by the Grinch and how his tiny heart…three sizes too small, grew three sizes larger with the spirit of christmast.

So what is it about this timeless piece of art that resonates so deeply with people?  I watched it with a five year old and a seven year old and we equally awed by the end…and when I was 7 years old myself I loved it just as much as I do now.

I think it stricks a chord in so many people because I believe we all yearn for deep connection with the infinite well that lies within our heart…and we all, especially new yorkers who are caught so deeply in the hustle and bussle of going and going and going, have a tendancy to be slightly grinchy, slightly closed down in that area of our lives.  And great art…amazing art can blast through our layers of resistance and remind us of something that lies deeper within.  Thats what the Grinch just did to me.  So thank you Dr. Suess and Chuck Jones.

Interview with Myself

Posted by admin on December 7th, 2009 | No Comments »

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: “Inside Zach Maxwell: A pointed look at the distinctive, the virtuosic, and extraordinary songwriter and performer, ZACH MAXWELL.  December 7th, 2009″

Interviewer: Zach Maxwell

Zach Maxwell:  So Zach, it’s really great to have you here.

Zach Maxwell:  It’s great to be here and thanks so much for having me.

Zach Maxwell:  I’m a big fan really…and the last time we sat down to have a chat was quite a while ago.  You’ve been a pretty busy guy these days haven’t you?

Zach Maxwell:  Sure have Zach, just finished a new album, got finished with a series of solo acoustic shows and a CD/birthday release party…trying to train my dog not to jump on people and getting ready for three weeks in the beautiful rocky mountains of Colorado.

Zach Maxwell:  Sounds like a pretty tough life to me!  (laughter)

Zach Maxwell:  Can’t complain bout a thing!

Zach Maxwell:  So the last time you were here, we were talking about how you didn’t feel like you had any studio material that really represented you clearly, or at least represented you as a songwriter…am I correct?

Zach Maxwell:  Yes you are correct.  Although, in retrospect I think it was more that I hadn’t really found my true voice yet as a songwriter.  In the previous two recordings I’d done, I was either focusing on showcasing the band arrangements, groove, vocal harmonies etc., or trying to showcase my own vocals or guitar playing so that people could know I was a “good” singer with a “good voice.” And, over the past year and a half, I’ve done a lot of soul searching on what the most important things are that I want to convey as an artist, and  began to realize how narcissistic and lame that old approach was. And that’s not to say that I don’t love my old records or that I think that things that I’ve done in the past are lame, because I don’t…but it’s more so to say that one of the things that I’ve realized about music, and what I believe separates the remarkable from the ordinary is being able to remove “oneself” as much as possible from the creative process.  Do you know what I mean?

Zach Maxwell:  I think so, but I’m not totally sure.

Zach Maxwell:  Well, in other words…the less the music is about YOU–the performer, and the more the music is about the MUSIC the better.  You see, there are SO many good singers in the world who can do this crazy vocal run and sing this slick phrase here or hit that
crazy note there.  And when shit hits the fan, nobody really cares that much.  Sure, people like to be impressed, but nobody really gets moved in their heart just be being impressed. What moves people and has always moved people are good songs and good stories.  And
that’s not to say that people don’t love an amazing singer or an amazing voice, but more so what I think makes a truly amazing singer is when they use their instrument in service of the story they are telling and the song they are singing, rather than to show off their “talent.”  This might seem obvious…I don’t know.

Zach Maxwell:  No Zach…it’s not obvious…it might be the most profound thing I’ve ever heard.  You are clearly a genius.

Zach Maxwell:  Thanks.

Zach Maxwell:  So, how do you feel like this new record “Silent Bear” relates to what you are saying.

Zach Maxwell:  Well, it’s the first time in my life that I have really focused on trying to write great songs and great stories, and remove myself from it as much as possible at the same time.  In each song I try to become the character singing it, or if the song needs to be
sung simply to convey the message, then I will sing it that way instead of worrying about trying to show somebody how cool this lick is how great or powerful my voice is.

Zach Maxwell:  Gee…that’s amazing.  No wonder why it’s the greatest record I’ve ever heard.

Zach Maxwell:  Oh…I don’t know about the greatest…but I appreciate the sentiment.

Zach Maxwell:  No seriously Zach, this is without a doubt, the greatest record I have ever heard.  Ever.

Zach Maxwell:  Well, I’m glad it resonated for you.

Zach Maxwell:  I’ll say!  So what’s next for you now?

Zach Maxwell:  Well, going to be enjoying the holidays and then once the new year starts I will be performing regularly in the New York City area, both solo and with my electric band, and am planning to hit the road in late spring for a more formal tour. Stay tuned for the dates…

Zach Maxwell:  You’ve been performing strictly solo-acoustically for the past year and half, do you have a preference between your solo gigs and your electric gigs?

Zach Maxwell: Well, the past year and a half I’ve really had the intention of trying to strip down everything, and like I said before, focus mostly on telling the story and writing good songs with good hooks.  I’m very excited however to get back to playing with my electric band because that is really what I enjoy doing most.  I love playing solo, but the joy of connecting with other musicians, and playing with a drummer and bass player who get people off their feet and dancing is really what give me goosebumps.

Zach Maxwell:  Yea…there really is nothing like seeing you live with your electric band.

Zach Maxwell:  It’s definitely a good time.  No doubt about that.

Zach Maxwell:  Well Zach, I look forward to hearing it and coming to those shows.  And as always, for the people reading this, if you would like to receive updates on Zach’s upcoming tour dates and appearances, enter your name and email in the opt in form at
www.zachmaxwellmusic.com.  You can download Zach’s new record “Silent Bear – EP” as well as Zach’s other music at that same url, as well as listen to streaming mp3s etc.  Zach, thank you so much for coming. It was really a great honor to get to speak with you and hear your wisdom and check out your hot body.  Can’t wait to see you live in the coming months.

Zach Maxwell:  Thanks again for having me Zach.  See you soon.