OK... As of Feb 2009, I had a 3-4 hour private lesson with Jimmy Haslip of the Yellowjackets, Jing Chi, and the Allan Holdsworth Group:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psHRGHWZH1w
We continue to communicate fairly regularly (phone and email).
He opened my eyes to a very different way of thinking (and not thinking
), listening, hearing, playing, just having fun. He also suggested some things to practice.
He is a really sweet person, and very generous with his time, especially in light of his virtuosity and incredibly busy touring and recording schedule. I think if I were younger and just starting out, it would be tricky for me to continue this over the phone/web, but at my stage it's actually perfect: I am motivated to practice as per his guidance, and I don't hesitate to contact him if there's anything I am unsure of.
