The Power of the Moment
There’s something magical about live music. It’s raw, unpredictable, and completely in the moment. For me, that’s where the heart of music lives—not in the studio, not on the page, but right there on stage, when you’re locked in with your bandmates and the audience, letting the music lead the way.
Improvisation has always been a huge part of my musical journey. Whether I’m playing with a full band, doing a solo piano show, or jumping into a jam session, I rely heavily on feel and intuition. It’s about listening more than playing—tuning in to what’s happening around you and responding in real time. That’s where the real art lives.
Learning to Trust the Unknown
Early on in my career, I learned that the most powerful musical moments often come from not knowing exactly what’s going to happen. When I played with Band Du Jour, we were constantly pushing boundaries—blending soul, funk, rock, and jam influences in a way that left room for surprises. You’d start a song and end up somewhere totally unexpected.
Then, during my time with the Derek Trucks Band, I saw what deep musical trust looked like. Derek was young but wise beyond his years. He played from such a soulful, honest place that you couldn’t help but rise to meet that level. Playing with him taught me that improvisation isn’t about showing off—it’s about serving the song and letting emotion drive the music.
I carried that lesson with me into every project that followed—from Leftover Salmon’s jamgrass explorations to my own band and solo gigs. The more you let go of control, the more room you leave for something beautiful to happen.
Listening Is Everything
One of the biggest keys to improvising live is being a great listener. When you’re truly present on stage, you’re not just thinking about what you’re going to play—you’re listening to what everyone else is doing, responding to it, and building something together.
It’s like a conversation. If everyone talks at once, it’s chaos. But if you listen, respond thoughtfully, and leave space for others, the music becomes something bigger than any one person. I’ve always loved being part of those musical conversations.
As a keyboardist, I see myself as a bridge—tying together rhythm, melody, and harmony. Sometimes that means laying down a solid groove on the Hammond B3. Other times it means pulling back and letting a piano line float through the mix. But always, it’s about responding to the moment.
Reading the Room
Playing live is never just about the musicians—it’s about the audience, too. I’m always watching the crowd, feeling their energy, and adjusting accordingly. You can feel when people are locked in, when they’re ready for a deep jam, or when they want something more upbeat. That connection is a two-way street.
Some of the best nights I’ve had on stage happened because the audience was right there with us, open and ready to go wherever the music took us. That kind of energy fuels the band and pushes us to take risks we might not take otherwise.
Whether I’m playing at a packed festival with Steely Dead, a local show with the McKay Brothers, or a solo set in a quiet listening room, I’m always tuning in to the vibe of the room. That’s where intuition comes in—knowing what the moment calls for and trusting yourself to follow it.
Mistakes Can Be Gold
Here’s a secret: sometimes the best parts of a live show come from a mistake. You hit the wrong chord, someone comes in a beat early, or the arrangement goes out the window—but instead of panicking, you lean into it. You adapt. You create something new.
Improvisation means being open to those happy accidents. It means being vulnerable and willing to take chances. Not everything will land, but that’s okay. The audience doesn’t expect perfection—they want truth, energy, and a sense that something real is happening right in front of them.
Some of my favorite solos or transitions started with a “mistake” that turned into something better than what I originally planned. That’s the beauty of live music—you’re creating in real time, and anything can happen.
Practice Meets Freedom
Now, I don’t want to give the impression that it’s all just winging it. Improvisation requires a strong foundation. You need to know your instrument, your scales, your chord changes, and your bandmates. That’s where practice comes in.
I’ve spent thousands of hours at the piano, learning everything I can—from classical theory to blues riffs, gospel voicings to jazz harmony. All of that gives me the tools to improvise with confidence. The more you know, the more freely you can express yourself.
Once the foundation is there, the key is letting go of the plan and being open to the present moment. That’s when the real magic happens.
Still Chasing the Spark
After decades of playing, I still get excited every time I step on stage. Why? Because no two shows are ever the same. Even if the setlist is familiar, the energy is always different, and there’s always the chance that tonight, something special will happen.
Improvisation and intuition keep the music alive for me. They keep it fresh. They remind me that music is a living, breathing thing—and that when we truly listen, trust, and follow the moment, we tap into something much bigger than ourselves.
That’s the art of playing live. And it’s what keeps me coming back, night after night, ready to see where the music wants to go next.