My transcription of Thelonious Monk playing ‘Round Midnight from his record ‘Greatest Hits’ is now available on my Post page. Hope you enjoy!

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I thought it would be neat to compile a list of recommended readings.  I have found the following books to be worthwhile readings.  They have all contributed in some way to my musical and personal development.  I’ll be adding to this list as I read more books!

All books purchased through this list (which can be found under “Resources” in the sidebar) will generate a small percent return through Amazon Affiliates for my mom’s fundraising campaign: The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers

I can’t remember why I first visited Seth Godin’s blog.  But once I read his stuff, I was hooked.

One could say that “marketing” is his area of expertise, but I prefer to think of him as an expert in sharing ideas.  He wrote the most downloaded e-book on the web, called Unleashing the Idea Virus.

Seth also coined the term “permission marketing.”  After reading these words, I completely rethought my web presence.  In fact, the philosophy that underlines my blog is influenced mainly by Seth’s work.

Here are two of my favourite videos of Seth:

The very fact that I’m encouraging you to check out Seth Godin is proof that his teachings works!

Check it out!

The next few posts will focus on articles and blogs that I’ve read and enjoyed.  After all, my blog shouldn’t only be about my ideas; it should be about your ideas too!

First off, I would encourage you to check out David Braid’s writings.  He doesn’t have a blog (yet!), but he occasionally posts some of his written works.  You can be sure that if it’s from David, it’s going to be good!

David is one of my mentors and good friends.  I like to say that all of my teachers (before David) taught me to be a musician.  But David taught me to be an artist.

His most recent article is an examination of a line by Joseph Conrad:

“A work that aspires, however humbly, to the status of art should carry its justification in every line.”

He has also written about good vs. bad music and on a definition of jazz music.  Great stuff; check it out!

Oh…and his music isn’t bad either!!

I have posted a video of me playing my My Foolish Heart at the Montreal Chamber Music Festival in May 2010.  Thanks to Claude Thibault from Sorties Jazz Nights for the footage.

Hope you enjoy!

My transcription of Thelonious Monk’s Ruby, My Dear from his record ‘Alone in San Francisco’ is now available on my Post page. Hope you enjoy!

(Chris’ posts appear every other day at chrisdonnellymusic.com.  If you enjoyed this post, please share using the buttons below! Sign up for free email updatesor RSS updates.  Thanks!)