The Gift of Music

Minnie Riperton

Forgot the Words?

The gift of music is given... Given to be shared....
Music is one of those aspects of life that has the ability to truly peer into the inner core of one's being and share the essence of life itself. It is a gift. It is meant to be shared. It is ageless. The old is fresh. The new is cherished as if it has been around for years. Here, Barbra sings a song, newer at the time, which has become cherished in its own time (also sung by Karen Carpenter). Join the musical genius of Burt Bacharach in this "Burt and Barbra at the Piano" moment in musical history.

Live or Canned?
This week we were working with the tracks recorded @ DM2 Studios - our "Albumette Project." There is no comparison to the non-live counterparts! Hey, synthesized sound is great. It is useful, but the human touch via a live session just cannot be replicated.Live music, recorded creatively, inspires what is best in us, as musicians. It shares art and inspires the sharing of art.Can't wait to share it with you when Albumette is finished (first part of 2010). To check out a list of the awesome musicians that I am referring to, visit www.faceboo

Forgot the Words?
As a singer, my biggest concern is whether I will forget the words. However, the show must go on, regardless of a temporary (or longer!) lapse in memory! The ever-talented Ella showed us just how it could be done with "Mack the Knife." This is one of my favorite songs by Ella... Listen for yourself, as she sings, and I quote Ella, "...we're making a wreck of Mack the Knife." Ella - you created a masterpiece of entertainment!

"Vertical and Taking Nourishment"
I can't help but recall a conversation I had with an elderly gentleman. He had had a very hard life and even the process of standing up was difficult for him, but he strove to live life as full as possible.When I asked him how he was, he answered, "Vertical and Taking Nourishment." Now, when someone asks me how I am doing, that response pops in my head (sometimes out of my mouth, as well).It really puts it in perspective. Instead of complaining about all of the bad things that are (or could be happening), one can be thankful that they are vertical and taking nourishment.

Minnie Riperton
Was just listening to Minnie Riperton ~Lovin' You~What a beautiful, gentle voice! So soothing and comforting. To watch her sing is to not only feel the music but experience her delivery, as smooth as if it is easy like breathing. Yet, who among us can capture the essense the way Minnie does? Rest in peace, Minnie.To watch Minnie, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE0pwJ5PMDg