Some Reflections on 2020 So Far
Author: Tim Leah
Date: August 26, 2020
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and are not necessarily those of Ottawa Jazz Happenings or of JazzWorks Canada.
Some Reflections on 2020 So Far
On March 10 this year I underwent sudden open heart surgery. It went well and I was discharged a few days later just in time for lockdown. As we all know, the personal, emotional, and financial cost for many, and particularly for those of us who have lost friends and loved ones to COVID-19, was and remains enormous.
Part-time musicians like myself are fortunate to not have to depend on performing for our livelihood. Yet we nevertheless miss gathering and performing with others. In my case, I knew I would be out for a while following my surgery and would have to sub out a number of spring gigs, but they were cancelled anyway due to the lockdown.
I soon began to miss playing, and started banging away (gently!) on the drum kit a few weeks after surgery. My colleagues in Off the Record arranged a short open air socially distanced 'driveway concert' for some neighbours, and on May 16 we played for the first time since February. Donations to the Food Bank followed at our suggestion. Since then we've done two more and I've been fortunate to play with friends (too numerous to name!) around town in open air driveway concerts and jam sessions, all generating much needed support for local food banks.
Another excellent combo (Jazzmin-T, or Jazzmin-V for virtual!) has taken to remote recording sessions. Here's an example. And some of my blues musician bandmates (from Barry and the Blasters) have been recording some original material. It’s all been great fun and a real tonic for those involved! I feel truly blessed.
While I continue to enjoy and support the many live stream performances available to us, it appears likely that these times will continue for some time to come. So I encourage everyone to try to stay positive and make the best of things by playing whenever you can with whomever you can. You will feel better for it.
Tim Leah, drummer
On March 10 this year I underwent sudden open heart surgery. It went well and I was discharged a few days later just in time for lockdown. As we all know, the personal, emotional, and financial cost for many, and particularly for those of us who have lost friends and loved ones to COVID-19, was and remains enormous.
Part-time musicians like myself are fortunate to not have to depend on performing for our livelihood. Yet we nevertheless miss gathering and performing with others. In my case, I knew I would be out for a while following my surgery and would have to sub out a number of spring gigs, but they were cancelled anyway due to the lockdown.
I soon began to miss playing, and started banging away (gently!) on the drum kit a few weeks after surgery. My colleagues in Off the Record arranged a short open air socially distanced 'driveway concert' for some neighbours, and on May 16 we played for the first time since February. Donations to the Food Bank followed at our suggestion. Since then we've done two more and I've been fortunate to play with friends (too numerous to name!) around town in open air driveway concerts and jam sessions, all generating much needed support for local food banks.
Another excellent combo (Jazzmin-T, or Jazzmin-V for virtual!) has taken to remote recording sessions. Here's an example. And some of my blues musician bandmates (from Barry and the Blasters) have been recording some original material. It’s all been great fun and a real tonic for those involved! I feel truly blessed.
While I continue to enjoy and support the many live stream performances available to us, it appears likely that these times will continue for some time to come. So I encourage everyone to try to stay positive and make the best of things by playing whenever you can with whomever you can. You will feel better for it.
Tim Leah, drummer