Generational Music

As I was growing up, my household was firmly rooted in classical music, Broadway music and old Irish tunes. When my sister and I wanted to listen to "our" music, we were pretty much told that we couldn't listen as long as parents were around who might hear it also. Yes, this was BEFORE the days of the walkman, the MP3 player, and personal listening devices of any kind. I grew up really out of the loop, so to speak, of modern music evolution. Basically, I was behind the times, and my kids would probably say that hasn't changed! So I tried to make sure I didn't put a damper on THEIR listening. I guess that is what drives my music. It's a real mix - some country ("garbage"), soft rock ("filth"), gospel, tributes, novelty, show tune type, choir music, lots of harmonies, odd chords and things that defy classification. I like it all, and there is something for most everyone. If you click on my "links" tab, it will take you to not only my own cds and videos, but also those of my son, Seth, who does more hard rock, alternative, soft rock, and so on. He also cut his teeth on classical, peppered with Pearl Jam and Pink Floyd. Out of it all, those links will really provide something for everyone. Check them out, and just enjoy.

Silent Learning

What a joy it is to be surrounded by so many talented people - musicians, artists, seamstresses, incredible cooks, quilters, remodelers, car builders (wink, wink), and I could go on and on. As each friend or family member discovers something new that they love to do, I learn so much from them! Seeing how someone else has put aside their dreams and finally picked them up again, or maybe they never let go and just pushed forward, I learn about "silent learning". It seems that even when we are not actively honing our craft, we are learning and tucking things away within us for future reference. That song someone wrote today, started 10 years ago in a situation they might rather forget. But it simmers over the years, and suddenly it is a terrific song. The memory of a place or time gone by hovers in the memory of an artist who puts all of that emotion into incredible colors on canvas or a photograph that betrays a heart. We learn because we live. You teach me because you create. You inspire me because you love and you live every day to its fullest. I want to be just like you when I grow up!

Continuing Education

Life never ceases to amaze me! At this stage of the game, I am experiencing things I never thought possible. As long as I am learning, I feel really alive. And there are so many ways to learn! Many of you know how important music is to my family, and to me. It is the substance of my roots, and my roots are the substance of much of my music. My sister once told me that my poems were like reading a diary. I think that would be an apt description of my music as well. There are things I may never accomplish, but I definitely think that as long as I can move forward, even by inches, it is worth the effort.

When I began writing music so many lifetimes ago, I never dreamed it would move beyond a handful of songs. Now there is a closet full! When I began recording my songs more than 3 years ago, I never thought it would go beyond ONE! Oh, how it gets in your blood! Four albums later, plus collaboration on a couple of others, and I still don't see the end in sight.

What began as an effort to preserve my hobby, talent, avocation, for the sake of my children and grandchildren, has become a real passion. And I would encourage anyone else who has a passion, to pursue it relentlessly, whether for their own sake, that of their posterity, or whether they might want to start a new career. But first and foremost, do it for the love of doing it! It's cheaper than therapy. Well, maybe not...

Anyway, the results are far better than therapy. After 3 years of recording, I finally reached a point where I could lay myself open enough to take voice lessons. I feel that I owe an apology to my voice coach, however, for every step of progress, it reaffirms how glad I am that I was given the advice to go and do this, and that I actually took that advice, and am trying to make myself over. It's not easy, sometimes it's not pretty, but I owe so much to anyone who has inspired me, ensouraged me, advised me, and suffered through the harsh reality with me. By the time I am at the end of my journey, I will be a different person. In some ways, I hope I will become the person I was born. But I will be very different than the person I became, and am now - "unbecoming". Does ANY of this make sense? Get out there and get after your passion!