Stop and Listen to the Music

I am the founder of “Music Bridges ATW” and creator of the recent historic songwriting/concert event to Cuba featured in several L.A. Times articles written by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez on March 23, 27, 29, and, most noticeably, a very unflattering and in my opinion very unkind portrayal of Woody Harrelson and the Cuban people on March 30th.

My father taught me that it is a person’s mission in life to first and foremost try to make a difference in the world while you’re here. I passionately believe that to be true, and therefore my personal goal in the events I have created has been to build a musical bridge between nations in conflict by showing the power of music as a communication tool; that people to people and particularly artist to artist through the art of songwriting we can transcend for a moment the strife around us and show a glimpse of the goodness and harmony that is possible in these troubled times.

It has been a true “labor of love” and I have been blessed to be supported by many wonderful artists, colleagues and sponsors along the way. Through five such projects over 11 years including the latest to Cuba, I have seen the magic of the lasting friendships and great musical memories that are created by artists together from many countries during these gatherings. What happened in Cuba was by far the most profound and moving musical bridge and human experience realized yet.

It is therefore hard for me to imagine exactly what your reporter was seeing. Certainly not what we were doing. The positive spirit of the event was all around her if she chose to notice. If for a change, the press would try to champion the good in events like this instead of the weaknesses and see through the eyes of the artists participating, instead of the journalistic eye always probing for some darker angle, the world would be a better place. Surely, next time I would like to suggest that it be mandatory for any reporter covering one of my events to trade in their pad and paper for a guitar or keyboard for a few days first and after this time I would bet that the report would be a little more balanced in favor of the artists, the better aspects of the regular people involved, and the positive message that is sent by such endeavors. Make music and friends, not insensitive press!!!!

ALAN ROY SCOTT

Woodland Hills

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I was staggered on returning from the “Music Bridges” trip in Cuba last week to read not one but three deeply negative, bitter and false articles about the trip.

To begin with, the session in which I was involved was one in which I wrote all the harmonies and Brenda Russell wrote the melodies. Jose Luis Cortes acted more as an arranger. Nothing was shown to me by any Cuban musician, and in fact it was a delightful collaboration full of musical humor and irony that clearly went over Valdes-Rodriguez’s head.

Our collaboration was so successful that it was chosen to close the concert that showcased the week’s work. I have also been invited by Cortes to return to Cuba to record with him later this year. There was a great spirit during the week, no feelings of superiority on one side or the other, just great enthusiasm to work together and make music.

We live in a world of deep political mistrust and cynicism and, while it may be naive or idealistic to try and build bridges through music, it is a sorry affair when someone like Valdes-Rodriguez can only see fit to pull them down.

ANDY SUMMERS

Venice