For chapter three, I was allowed to observe a practice session ahead of a performance later that night in Kalamazoo, Mich. with musicians Seth Bernard and May Erlewine. Also at the practice was percussionist Mike Shimmin and bassist Andrew Kratzat.

During the practice, I recorded video and audio focusing attention on Bernard and Erlewine, a duo in a committed personal and creative relationship. Following the practice, we sat down for an interview.

I showed them portions of the video during their practice and had them describe their musical communication in their own words.

John Campos

As another preview piece while the documentary is being stitched together, here are a few segments from a conversation with Campos where he talks about what a strange environment the recording studio is and how he works with musicians helping them find their natural place where communication can occur.

(image: John Campos performing with the Corn Fed Girls)

Gorman, who recently joined Who Hit John? examines how each band member contributes to the music conversation process and how songs take their shape.

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Duval, who plays in a duo with Traci Seuss and also with a five-piece rock group called Two Track Mind, says the key to understanding musical conversation is listening. Often in noisy bars where live bands are most often found, it can be difficult to listen and create a musical moment Duval suggests.

However, there are times during a song when the conversation between Duval and his fellow musicians is crystal clear. He says it is in those moments, created with the aid of time, that music can inspire.

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