Wednesday, August 26, 2009

First Day of School '09


First Day of School '09
Originally uploaded by Alanmine
Another first day of school.

A big 1st grader and an even bigger 5th grader.

Wow it goes by fast.

Music Appreciation

Music and I have a strange relationship. I am one of the least talented musicians you'll ever meet. My music career consisted of one year of violin in the 5th grade, and there was a short time with a recorder (is that even a real instrument?) somewhere in elementary school. I have no concept of tone or pitch, can't read a lick of music, and my singing should be restricted to the shower. Despite my inability to grasp music on any tangible level, I have an emotional connection to music that is as vital to me as any of life's other basic needs. Music is something I feel, something that, if matched to my current mood, weaves through my soul and brings it out to the open. I recently told you how I keep a lot of me deep inside of me. Music is one way to channel some of that out. The right song helps bring a part of me out from behind the walls I have built. It's not anything that anyone can really see. The music just has to be loud enough to envelope me in its emotions, and I just feel along with it.

I especially like the part of the song where the music just goes, seemingly lead by itself, to a predetermined place. Branford Marsalis' solo in the middle of A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square by Harry Connick Jr is my all time favorite. It touches me at my very core. I have also recently love listening to John Mayer, especially live performances, where he just breaks into unbelievable solos. I don't know much about music, but I know that man can play a guitar. I'm listening to Gravity a lot lately, but it's hard for me to nail down my favorite.

If I figure this out right, I'd like to share both those songs with you. What songs touches you emotionally? I would love to hear about it.