Personally speaking, 2025 has been an eventful year. When looking back, I have had some of the best times, including but not limited to more music making, more time with my family and people that I love. I feel like I’ve made progress in my personal development. I’ve seen even more clearly how my passion and my purpose are aligning. I am learning to prioritize my peace.
2025 also had challenges. For me, there were tests of patience, test of integrity, tests of discipline, tests of friendships, and tests of enforcing my personal boundaries. There were losses. I shared in the emotional roller coaster with my friends and colleagues who lost their homes and personal property in the devastating fires of last January.
The loss associated with the transitions of music mentors and heroes … RIP Quincy Jones, Roberta Flack, Anthony Jackson, Jubilant Sykes, Jack DeJohnette, Phil Upchurch.
However, as in every year, I learn things. If I act on some of what I’ve learned and I focus my energies to that which is for my highest good, I receive certain signs to keep going.
I’m learning to: Share positivity. Share joy. Share knowledge. Remain curious. Pursue excellence. Relish the work, remain leery of shortcuts. Offer service to others, inspire and motivate positive progress wherever you can.
Music is my artistic vehicle of expression. I am blessed. So many of the activities that I love most, involve contributing to the joyful experience of others. From audiences who attend the concerts, to students with whom I share knowledge. I love the opportunities to play, to compose and to listen to music.
For some people the start of a new year offers the possibilities of “reset”, “continuation” or “change”.
Whatever it is for you … I wish you the best in 2026 .
Thanks for reading this … HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Stay tuned!
-Patrice