Béla took his banjo across (back to) Africa to meet with and play with musicians of the different regions of the country. It amazed me how music connected him so immediately with people that often did not share a verbal language with him. As soon as the instruments would begin, everyone would seem so much at ease and so happy.
I can't help but think to myself what an amazing additional benefit that musicians have as artists. Often times their art form allows them great opportunities to connect to other humans, allowing the music to bond them to complete strangers, even if it is only for the duration of one throwdown. I find myself slight envious of this social aspect of music. Being a studio artist is most often (from my experience) a fairly solitary process.
Perhaps sharing art here more will bring about more connections with other artists?
For now, I will listen to the soundtrack for the documentary and work in my sketchbook and be happy for Béla and his experience in Africa. Enjoy this poorly sketched banjo - proof that not all sketches have to be "good". Sometimes, you just have to "throw it down" to get yourself moving on to grander things!
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