Gotta focus on the music
Focus on the heart of things
Focus on the peace that music brings
Musicians have been very creative in getting their music out there. This "quarantune" was an early example. You can see it is as homemade as it gets.The singer, the guitar, the recording device.
There were three evenings in the past few months when music did "carry me merrily and gently down the stream".
The first one was early on, in March. Chris Smither was on what is called a Parlor Room Home Session. He is a longtime time favorite of Tom and I, and it was a delight to see him in his own home. He told stories and sang his wonderful songs. I was transfixed. The music was just what I needed when everything had changed so much in such a short time. You may watch it here. Just to let you know, it takes a few minutes before he appears.
The second one was Keith Urban, live streaming on Amazon Music. An hour in which I thought of nothing. I just basked in the music. There are several videos on YouTube from the show. Here is one where Keith sings with Pink.
The third was a live stream of Farm Aid. You may find most (all?) of the performances here. I hope that address works, but if not, just go to YouTube and type in Farm Aid 2020. This is where I first heard Lukas Nelson, and I've since bought an album, and follow him on Instagram where he often posts videos. Lately he's been doing something called Soundcheck Songs where his band Promise of the Real explores "songs and artists, some well-known, some more obscure, that have influenced us as a band in one way or another." These are also on YouTube on his page. Farm Aid introduced me to other artists I'd not heard before like Black Pumas, whose album I've also bought. You may see a Tiny Desk Concert of them here.
And speaking of Tiny Desk Concerts, they are a wonderful music source to visit, if you haven't already. The main page is here.
Music gives solace to my soul and is as necessary as air, never more than in this strange and sad year.
I can't imagine living without music. I have several friends in Houston who either have bands of their own or play in a band around this part of the state and they are struggling right now. All of them have "day jobs," of course, in order to have an income that supports their families, but in every case they depended on the music gigs for those little extras their salaries can't cover. And now, that's largely dried up for most of them. It's been a tough year for musicians around the world, I suspect.
ReplyDeleteYes, it has.
DeleteAnd I do feel the same way. I am always surprised at the people I know who don't care that much. Music is background. Both my son and I hear the "background" music and not the conversation. :<)) And he was in bands for years.
Hi Nan, thank you for coming by my blog and leaving such a nice comment. I love music, so this was an interesting post to read. I hadn't heard of Lukas Nelson. He has a beautiful voice. I will check out ore of his music. Aren't the Tiny Desk concerts fun to listen to? I can't remember where I had heard about them, but I've enjoyed some interesting music that I wouldn't have discovered otherwise.
ReplyDeleteMusic is a huge part of our lives. In the evenings we listen to music, both CD and vintl, and it's a great source of entertainment. Last night we listened to Christmas music on CD, enjoyed a glass of wine and good conversation. Other nights we have enjoyed the Beatles and loving McCarney's bass on She's So Heavy and other nights we have classical. Can't imagine not having a good stereo and music.
ReplyDeleteWe watch a DVD some nights and have a fire others but the majority of our evenings are spent in the den.
By the way, I want to thank you for suggesting blogspot to relocate my book blog. You probably don't remember but I was so very frustrated with Wordpress and was going to quit my book blog. You suggested blogspot and i am very happy with the new blog! I called it Turn the Page - so, thank you :-)
Thank you for telling me about my idea helping. It means the world to me that you took the time to do so!! I will look for Turn the Page!
DeleteNan, you saved me. I truely loved book blogging and realized how much I missed it when I quit WP. I hope Santa brings you a special present for sharing good ideas!
DeleteHere is my link if you'd like to take a look.
http://1toast.blogspot.com/
Tina
xo and Merry Christmas!!
I found it the other day!! It's on my blog list now.
DeleteAnd gosh, you are so welcome.
That is exactly how I felt when I listened to Messiah from the Duke Chapel. I appreciate the effort all these musicians have taken to cheer us up.
ReplyDeleteYes!
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