Welcome to the first installment of “The Lion’s Den” my empowering interview series. In these interviews I sit down for a radically honest one on one conversation with some of the biggest movers and shakers around. These interviews are not for the faint of heart or the easily offended.
They are for the curious and open minded individuals like ourselves that strive to be the best we can be in life. We all face challenges, that is a given in life. It was what we do when these challenges arrive that sculpt our minds and brave our hearts.
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. When we “embrace the ugly baby” and do not deny fear. We embrace it and use it to our advantage.
Our fears don’t stop death, they stop life.
This month I sat down at my home in Texas with none other than the phenomenal Jazz guitarist Clint Strong. Clint’s resume is way too long to post here but to give you an idea he has shared the stage with Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, George Jones, and Ray Price. Guitarist such as Ted Greene, Herb Ellis, Tal Farlow, Howard Roberts and Allan Holdsworth sing his praises. That is some great company!
In Clint Strong you will find an amazing story. Here is an individual who knew wanted he wanted to do with his life when he was 9 years old. Listen to how he struggled to convince the 4 P’s of this.
The classic 4 that hold us back when we lose faith in ourselves;
1.Parents
2.Professors
3.Priest
4.Politicians
Hear how Clint started gigging professionallty at 13 years of age and never looked back. Here how he saved up $2000 and headed west from Texas with his guitar and ended up in Merle Haggard’s band for 13 years.
There are very few guitar players that trigger the “WOW” factor like Clint does in his live performances. He is a bit of an enigma in that he is easily in the top 4% of jazz be-bop guitarist in the world. Yet he is candid, approachable and humble at the same time and possesses an incredible sense of humor about life.
Hear the important role his father played in his life and how he surrounds himself with musicians that are the best. Clint says “you should always try to be the worst guy in your band” That is a very humble quote but there is a lot of wisdom in it.
You will hear profound perspectives on practicing and designing a life doing what you love. I have learned more about music from sitting down for dinner with Clint in one hour than I did in 4 years of “music school” You will too and thank’s for coming on board with us and welcome to “The Lion’s Den”
Stay tuned for next month when we sit down with none other than the “Yorkshire Terror” Allan Holdsworth.
Stay tuned!
Eric
Musician & Song Writer
