It’s this time of the year again. We are gathering around family and friends sharing a meal and enjoying each others company.
And it also a time to reflect on what you are thankful for.
And when I sit back and think about that, I must admit I have a lot to be thankful for.
Of course my immediate thought go to my family and our health and our cats. One of them is driving me crazy as I write this, because he likes to chase the cursor on the monitor.
On further reflection a story comes to mind I want to share with you.
I just played a gig in New York and after the show we had drinks with the promoter. I had a very nice conversation with some of his friends who also were at the show. And this lady told me that she needs to thank me. I was somewhat puzzled and asked her “what for?” She said she listens to my music everyday at work. She always has her Smooth Jazz playlist running, and it is that music, that keeps her going and makes her day enjoyable. She couldn’t do without it.
The beauty is, that she was thanking me, and I, at the same time, feel the urge to thank her and all my fans like her. As for an artists it is the biggest reward to hear, that my music is loved and touches someone’s heart. And I’m sure I am speaking for most of my peers here. We artists might have a cool persona on stage, but we are all human beings and have our fears, worries and insecurities, just like everybody else. So hearing you tell me you love my music, or you guys signing up to my mailing list, gives me the strength to keep going when I feel insecure.
So I am very, very thankful for my fans like yourself. Without you I would not be able to continuously put out records and play shows. I feel truly blessed that I am able to get up every morning, get my coffee in the kitchen and walk over to my studio and just write new songs or work on recordings. It’s what I love to do. And when the product of my work is something you all enjoy listening to, then we have a win win situation.
So a HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and THANK YOU for your love and support.
NILS