Reaching Home

Salut Les Amis! Been a minute since I last sent out a newsletter. The return to Pune, India has been an absolute whirlwind of activity and joy! Between catching up with family, reconnecting with old friends, and preparing for the upcoming shows, every moment has been filled with warmth and excitement. The familiar sights, sounds, and tastes of home have been reinvigorating my creative spirit in unexpected ways.

Here are 10 thing worth sharing this week!

1. Shopping Adventures

The vibrant markets of Pune have been an absolute feast for the eyes. Every street corner reveals a new palette of colours, from the rich fabrics in traditional stores to the modern boutiques dotting the cityscape. The experience of bargaining and discovering hidden gems in these markets has been both nostalgic and exciting.

2. Rickshaw Rides

There's something uniquely exhilarating about zipping through Pune's streets in an auto-rickshaw. The open-air journey offers an unfiltered view of the city's pulse, from busy intersections to quiet neighbourhoods. These rides have become my favorite way to rediscover the city's changing landscape.

3. Home-Cooked Delights

Nothing compares to the comfort of home-cooked meals prepared with love and tradition. Each dish carries memories of childhood and family gatherings, making every meal a special occasion. The authentic flavours and aromas have reminded me of what I've been missing all this time.

4. Pani Puri Adventures

Despite initial hesitation, diving back into street food has been a delightful risk worth taking. That first bite of pani puri transported me straight back to carefree childhood days. The perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors proves why this remains an eternal favourite.

5. Gayatri Sessions

The intimate musical gatherings at GayatriSessions have been soul-stirring experiences. Watching Vineet Alurkar, Milind Mulick, and the Bavdhan Booze Band perform in such a close setting created magical moments. These sessions remind me of why live music in intimate venues holds such a special place in my heart.

6. Jazz Practice Journey

Diving deep into jazz fundamentals has been both challenging and rewarding. The chromatic exercises from Kurt Rosenwinkel have pushed my technical abilities to new levels. Working through Dorian modes and pentatonic approaches has opened up new pathways in my improvisation.

7. George Benson's Influence

Revisiting "Breezin'" has been a masterclass in musical excellence. Each listening session reveals new layers of artistry and technical brilliance that continue to inspire. The decision to build a vinyl collection of influential albums feels like creating a personal musical museum of inspiration.

8. Pat Martino's Wisdom

The True Fire course on Parental Forms and Vertical Approaches has been eye-opening. Pat Martino's systematic approach to guitar theory challenges conventional thinking about the instrument. Each lesson feels like unlocking a new dimension of musical understanding.

9. Kurt's Technical Mastery

Working through Kurt Rosenwinkel's creative exercises has been both humbling and inspiring. His approach to modern guitar techniques pushes the boundaries of what's possible on the instrument. These exercises are reshaping my understanding of guitar vocabulary and expression.

10. Practice Milestone

Completing 117 consecutive days of practice represents a significant personal achievement. This journey has taught me the true meaning of discipline and dedication to craft. Taking a well-deserved break now feels like a reward for maintaining such rigorous consistency.

That's all for this week's newsletter. Each day back home continues to bring new inspirations and experiences that fuel my musical journey. Thanks for reading.

This newsletter is an ad free, AI free, anti-algorithm oriented piece of my writing where I will continue share all my thoughts and experiences in my creative journey!

-xoxo

Ameya

For tour dates, gigs, and other inquiries, please visit www.ameyaxoxo.com