Oh my, I love these columns that relate to music. My husband of 52 years just died. His first love was family, but a close second was jazz and classical music. As he grew older, it was jazz that we listened to on jazzradio.com, piano jazz trios. Our favourites are the melancholy ones in minor keys. Fragile by Harry Pickens Trio, or Pretty Women Marian McPartland, to name two. Its so important to remember that everyone is human and that music evokes a different side of the brain, the emotional left side. As a long time Liberal, I would take a big breath and give Harper the benefit of the doubt because he obviously loved playing music. I look forward to your Vancouver night where you mix politics and music.
I am not a musician (one wretched - me - year of piano when I was ten) and I am not an artist of any nature. But, boy, I can appreciate! As my hearing has declined (I am told that the next adjective for me is "profound") I more and more enjoy visual art. Very much including the written word.
Thanks, Paul. I'm sharing this with my choir. It'll make them better at following and engaging with the person I'm mentoring to take on the duties when I retire.
After playing in rock bands in high school, I took a long break from it. I started up again shortly after a career change when I was 39. I've been doing it steadily since then, for quite a few years, and have added jazz to the mix. Somewhere along the line, I noticed that the friendships you form with people you played in bands with for any length of time are qualitatively different from other friendships. It's hard to say how -- or at least I can't right now. But I know that difference is there.
Oh Paul, what a lovely piece. As someone who made it to grade 10 at the conservatory in piano, but who panicked and backed out when invited to study performance in uni (“I’m just not good enough!”), this really resonated. Classically trained, I remember my first time jamming with a band….I had never learned to improvise…and it was a mess…but glorious. To lose your sense of I and to trust others and just go where it takes you…hmmm….maybe something we need more of these days and every day.
This is great…having been raised with Music this article is pure candy. When my mom’s family was together the house was like a concert hall. What joy!!
Oh my, I love these columns that relate to music. My husband of 52 years just died. His first love was family, but a close second was jazz and classical music. As he grew older, it was jazz that we listened to on jazzradio.com, piano jazz trios. Our favourites are the melancholy ones in minor keys. Fragile by Harry Pickens Trio, or Pretty Women Marian McPartland, to name two. Its so important to remember that everyone is human and that music evokes a different side of the brain, the emotional left side. As a long time Liberal, I would take a big breath and give Harper the benefit of the doubt because he obviously loved playing music. I look forward to your Vancouver night where you mix politics and music.
I am not a musician (one wretched - me - year of piano when I was ten) and I am not an artist of any nature. But, boy, I can appreciate! As my hearing has declined (I am told that the next adjective for me is "profound") I more and more enjoy visual art. Very much including the written word.
As always, Sir, Bravo; very well done!
Been waiting for a Monk/Wells crossover event for ages. What a day.
This is a wonderful essay. Thank you.
I really liked this.
Thanks, Paul. I'm sharing this with my choir. It'll make them better at following and engaging with the person I'm mentoring to take on the duties when I retire.
Wow! Must have been a long train ride!
Sometimes I scan; I surely didn't this time.
Paul, I still remember the incredible sound of your trumpet back in our UW days
After playing in rock bands in high school, I took a long break from it. I started up again shortly after a career change when I was 39. I've been doing it steadily since then, for quite a few years, and have added jazz to the mix. Somewhere along the line, I noticed that the friendships you form with people you played in bands with for any length of time are qualitatively different from other friendships. It's hard to say how -- or at least I can't right now. But I know that difference is there.
Oh Paul, what a lovely piece. As someone who made it to grade 10 at the conservatory in piano, but who panicked and backed out when invited to study performance in uni (“I’m just not good enough!”), this really resonated. Classically trained, I remember my first time jamming with a band….I had never learned to improvise…and it was a mess…but glorious. To lose your sense of I and to trust others and just go where it takes you…hmmm….maybe something we need more of these days and every day.
Such a good read, making meaning out of many seemingly disparate threads in life. Really enjoyed this.
Thank you Paul, that was a fun piece to read!
Paul, this article really hit all the right notes for me! Thanks for bringing those two favourite elements - music and politics - together!
I really enjoyed this. Much nicer morning read than the usual headlines.
This is great…having been raised with Music this article is pure candy. When my mom’s family was together the house was like a concert hall. What joy!!