Musings on music . . .

On the music front, I most appreciate artists and their repertoire over years of writing and/or performing. In our current digital age, disposable culture and shrunken attention spans, I struggle with today's penchant for "songs" (what - when I was a kid - we called "one hit wonders") versus "albums". I have some "songs" in my collection (mostly dance remixes, appropriately, I think!), but as a relationship person generally, I've always preferred finding an artist that could consistently and repeatedly tell good stories. I'm particularly fond of "theme" or "concept" albums. In fact, one reason I put out my CD when I did is because I recognized - on a time line - putting out a "concept" CD (collection of songs) - complete with well thought out and "intentional" photographic images and including the lyrics in a "designed" lyric booklet - was a "now or never" proposition. In fact, I probably hit the market with a concept CD moments after the whole digital revolution sounded the death knell for the compact disc. But, I would not have missed the opportunity.



So, that's why my favorite genre is "Americana." My favorite artists are all storytellers, regardless of whether they're singer/songwriters or interpretive singers. And, because I have these "relationships" with these artists, I've only room for so many I can truly know in depth. Though most of these are listed on my profile, I wanted to repeat them - and add others - for continuity. Well, the "Old Standbys" include: Bonnie Raitt, John Hiatt (when "on" is a "dead on" lyricist/songwriter/musician/storyteller), James Taylor, Nanci Griffith (she just gets better - like a fine wine - with age), Fleetwood Mac and its 'stars' as solo artists: Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham (his new disc, "Gift of Screws," is accessible AND truly good) and Christine McVie.



Emmylou Harris has been another huge influence, Patty Griffin (no one writes about the desolate landscape of heartbreak, hopeless desires and never ending hope so well, I think). I'm particularly moved by "When It Don't Come Easy" and "Rain" (which is the first song of Patty's I ever heard. I remember exactly when and where I was when I heard it). Bruce Cockburn's "Dart to the Heart" is an amazing disc. I think he's underrated, too. David Wilcox lost major label representation, but had/has been making consistently good music for awhile, too.



Other more 'mainstream' favorites include: Shawn Colvin and, of late with his latest disc, John Mellencamp.



And, my latest influence and newest artist in residence on my iPod is Ryan Adams. I've ordered his latest disc - which got really good, probably his best reviews - but haven't got it yet. But, "Easy Tiger" has several solid tracks and his "Follow the Lights" EP he did in 2007 has a chestnut that's in heavy rotation (part of an equally heavily rotated customusic mix I made called "giving thanks" at Thanksgiving) called "My Love For You Is Real." I realized lately it would have been perfect on the "Brokeback Mountain" soundtrack. It has this great building, atmospheric outro that echoes wild, wide open spaces and 'big country' skies . . .

Nanci Griffith

On Friday, November 7, Nanci Griffith reprised many of her best known songs in a concert at Berklee's Performance Center in Boston, MA.

Though I've been a fan of Nanci's for more than two decades, I've only had the opportunity to see her in concert once before. I first saw Nanci in concert at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH. A bittersweet experience, I ended up seeing Nanci by myself, though I had two tickets to the show. Back then, sifting through the debris of my relationship with "The Love of My Lives," I'd bought the second ticket with the hope that he'd see the show with me. Regardless to say, (and thankfully for me), I can't recall why I ended up there by myself - and wasted the second ticket - but, I remember the experience as amazing.

First, Nanci's height took me by surprise. Her being one of those tall Texan girls totally surprised me. I pictured her as a petite waif! But, she awed me, nonetheless!

So, on Friday, November 7, with a good friend, we witnessed the wonder that is Nanci in all her complex simplicity. Nanci performed her songs with a small and tight band that consisted of two guitarists and one percussionist/drummer. She performed many of the songs that define her career. She particularly showcased songs from her last CD: "Ruby's Torch."

Specifically, three songs from that last disc stand out. Below you'll find the lyrics to the three that stood out for me. And, Nanci states she's headed to the studio in December to record her next disc. I can't wait! Till then, enjoy . . .


"When I Dream"

I could have a mansion that is higher than the trees
I could have all the gifts I want and never ask please
I could fly to Paris, oh, it's at my beck and call
Why do I go through life with nothing at all

But when I dream, I dream of you
Maybe someday you will come true

I can be the singer or the clown in every room
I can even call someone to take me to the moon
I can put my makeup on and drive the men insane
I can go to bed alone and never know his name

But when I dream, I dream of you
Maybe someday you will come true

But when I dream, I dream of you
Maybe someday you will come true


"If These Walls Could Speak"

If these old walls
If these old walls could speak
What a tale they'd have to tell
Hard headed people raising hell
A couple in love living week to week
Rooms full of laughter
If these old walls could speak

If these old halls
If hallowed halls could talk
These would have a tale to tell
The sun going down, a dinner bell
And children playing at hide and seek
From floor to rafter
If these old halls could speak

They would tell you that I'm sorry
For being cold and blind and weak
They would tell you that it's only
That I have a stubborn streak
If these old walls could speak

If these old fashioned
window panes had eyes
I guess they would've seen it all
Each little tear and sigh and footfall
And every dream that we came to seek
or followed after
if these old walls could speak

They would tell you that I owe you
more than I can ever pay
Here's someone who really loves you
Don't ever go away
Is what these walls would say

If they were not so mean
If these old walls could speak


"In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning"

In the wee small hours of the morning
While the whole wide world is fast asleep
You lie awake and think about the girl
And never ever think of counting sheep

When your lonely heart has learned its lesson
You'd be hers if only she would call
In the wee small hours of the morning,
that's the time you miss her most of all

When your lonely heart has learned its lesson,
you'd be hers if only she'd call
In the wee small hours of the morning,
that's the time you'll miss her most of all

The Smile Train

Last summer, on a number of daily commutes to my job in downtown Boston, I found myself staring at a poster that often appeared on the back and side of our MBTA buses. The poster contained a number of photos of babies, toddlers and young children who have cleft palate.

Now, I'm aware of cleft palate. Ever since I, too, was a young child, I was aware of cleft palate. Of course, time passes by. Other concerns and priorities come rushing in to fill my days and I quite honestly hadn't thought about cleft palate in probably years.

The young faces that fill The SmileTrain poster continued to creep into my thoughts, even when I wasn't confronted with the images on the poster.




And, I decided I would do some research on the organization and make a donation. And, I decided I wanted to make a regular donation. So, I now contribute $25.00 a month to The SmileTrain. I wish I could contribute $250.00 a month (the cost for the cleft surgery), and maybe someday I'll be able to do that. But, at least I know that at least one child a year will have this surgery due to my contributions. And, $50 (the balance of my annual contributions) is enough to cover the costs for the medications for one surgery.

According to the results of the myriad of questions I've answered to help form the profile for my OKCupid.com personals profile, one of my 'qualities' is that I'm less giving. This bothers me because I don't think it's true. I am selective about 'giving.' And, in a relationship, I can be very generous, but I also desire reciprocity. I don't think this makes me 'less giving.' In the end, the OKCupid.com calculations of responses to my answers to their questions are not the definitive analysis of my generosity.

And, I have to point out that it was the expression of this one little guy that just about broke my heart and convinced me to donate to The SmileTrain organization. Why? Well, when I looked at the faces of most of the other infants and toddlers, I could see they hadn't yet developed the concepts of the 'self' and the 'other,' in terms of how we begin to understand when people are looking at us and passing judgment. Yet, it was in the eyes of this young boy that I realized he knew he was different. He'd apparently begun to internalize what the world thought of his difference. A leap? Perhaps. But, I don't think a big one. And, being someone who is especially aware of how others perceive and judge other people, I figured if I could contribute to an organization that would help relieve one stigma through a relatively simple surgery, I'd definitely contribute.




And, ultimately, since if you know me at all, you know there's part of me that wishes that I had had the opportunity to be a dad. And, yes, I probably could have made that happen, but not in the way I had hoped. So instead, I look for opportunities to help my nieces and nephews and now, ways to help children of the world less fortunate than me and mine.

For more information on The Smile Train, click on the logo below. It'll take you to the site. You can check 'em out and do some research of your own. And, perhaps, you'll consider donating, too. And, if not, perhaps you've already found another cause (or causes) you, too, can contribute to.



Peace all.