One aspect I love about bebop is that it has both sides, masculine, and feminine.  When performed by the greats like Charlie Parker, Barry Harris, Bud Powell, and so many others it flows intuitively, emotionally and expressively, and it also contains logic for the intellectual mind. A perfect blend of spirit and matter. 

 It times when I feel adventurous and grounded, I may explore more chaotic or dissonant or complex music, but at times of chaos, overwhelm, distress, frustration or confusion, bebop grounds me. It gives my mind something to wrap itself around and explore…I ask, “How can we play over these chord changes?”  Having a question like this to explore provides opportunity for inspiration. The actual notes themselves can show us the way, which provides inspiration and connection to the body and heart because it is grounded. It makes sense.  It strengthens the belief “I can,” especially if you transcribe it yourself.  It is empowering, that one can learn from someone else instead of relying on scales/modes/theory.  This inspiration may ultimately lead to more freedom, development of one’s own unique voice, and even new melodic ideas in the moment of improvisation.  And it certainly connects the hands, ears, and intuition so that strong melodies are more likely to unfold.  Transcribing, embodying a solo, and playing in union with a recording forms an energetic connection, a form of Yoga (which simply means “union”) – and allows for a flow state to arise.  We can then step into that state and feeling with a live group.

So sometimes if you can’t get into the meditative space first and then express from there, going the opposite route can be quite helpful. Go material first and get grounded and then you can explore the heavens. the more you root down, the more you can expand upwardly, a beautiful paradox.