Day 5 - Epilogue

The end of a journey is a natural place to reflect. What led us to this point? How did we get here?

These questions help us make sense of the trek and reorient where we will go next.

In this spirit, I thought it appropriate to reflect on where this journey began. To do so, I unearthed some archival gems floating around on the internet.

The first is a video of one of our very first performances (you can probably tell how nervous I was by how much I’m sweating).

The truth is, I never set out to be a composer or bandleader. For many years my goal was to be a bassist, a sideman, a jazz mercenary.

However, things change. New opportunities present themselves and growth ensues. Although our ‘Expedition’ is winding down, I wanted to leave you with a little piece of history from my journey.

The second video is my first time climbing outside. At that point, I had been climbing in a gym for about a year. In that time, I had met and learned from much more experienced climbers.

When the opportunity came to go with them outside, on a real adventure, I jumped at it. I thought I was prepared, but like most things worth doing, it was WAY more intense than I thought it was going to be. It reminded me of how it felt to start playing professional level gigs after college.

Looking back, it was the start of a life outdoors. Camping, hiking, and kayaking soon followed, and as you know, I do my best writing after spending time away from the noise and pressure of the city. It keeps me humble, focused, and present, enjoying the moment then looking forward to the next adventure.

‘May the Road Rise up to meet you…’

Irish Blessing

All of the experiences I have shared with you through ‘Expedition’ have led up to this moment, so that I can share with you, this vision. Each of these influences, trials, defeats, and victories have helped sharpen the tools needed to articulate this story.

It is my hope that this experience has given you some space to relax, reflect, and reenergize so that you may seek out your next ‘Expedition’, whatever that may be…

I am eternally grateful for your participation in this crazy experiment, and I look forward to our next sonic adventure in jazz.

Remember always: jazz is a journey,

Nicholas Krolak

Credits

‘Expedition’

Tim Brey - piano

Gusten Rudolph - drums

Tony Miceli - vibes

Ehtan Fisher - vibes (Stargazer)

Josh Lawrence - trumpet

Jon Katz - alto sax

Sean Bailey - audio engineer

Mikhail Bezruchko - photography