David Senra

And one of the most important things happens around this time of his life.

He meets somebody that understands him.

This is the beginning of his relationship with John Landau.

John Landau was the first person I met who had a language for discussing these ideas in the life of the mind.

Together, we shared a belief in the bedrock values of musicianship, skill, the joy of hard work, and the methodical application of one's talents.

We also had that instant chemical connection that says, I know you.

John was better educated than most of my homeboys.

I was interested in doing my job better and being great.

Not good.

Great.

Whatever that took, I was in.

Now, if you don't have the raw talent, you can't will yourself there.

But if you have the talent, then will, ambition, and the determination to expose yourself to new thoughts, counter-arguments, new influences will strengthen and fortify your work, driving you closer to home.

In 1974, I was a young and developing musician.

I was interested in forefathers, meaning the great people that came before him.

It's exactly what you and I get together every week and talk about.

I was interested in forefathers, artists, brothers in arms, people who thought like this who had come before me.

John knew who and where they were.

This was very hard for Bruce Springsteen to do.

He does not let people into his life easily.