Music Appreciation Friday

 By Doug Clark

Head Writer - The Inspiration Engine

Enjoy some good music on a Friday. 

Band on the run

Photo credit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f4/Paul_McCartney_%26_Wings-Band_on_the_Run_album_cover.jpg

Only the good die young

Photo credit: https://www.billyjoel.com/music/greatest-hits-volume-i-volume-ii/

Lost on you

Photo credit: https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7518840/lp-lost-on-you-finds-greece-success-europe-shazam

A Simple Bit of Inspiration

The instrumental song Clubbed to Death (Kurayamino Mix) by Rob Dougan is one of my all time favorite songs. I have listened to it countless times to get in the mood for writing. Now, almost like a Pavlovian response to hearing it, I feel the need to put words on paper. 

For your listening pleasure: Link Here 

The piano solos half way through and at the end are just amazing to me. I find myself wanting to listen to this piece at least twice every time I hear it. 

What about you? Are than any piece of music you find inspirational and motivational? Let me know what they are. I'd love to have more music to motivate me.

Thanks for reading. Questions and comments are welcome.  

Let the Music Do the Talking

I was thinking of doing something just a little different today. It's been a long time since I put up a play list. To me, music is so very inspiring, it has to be shared. I've done my fair share of poking around YouTube and I've found a few pieces that are really good. So here they are.  Enjoy!

The first is from Charles McNeal:

Here's a piano piece:

And here's one that some may find just a bit harder to appreciate but it's a favorite of mine:

Thanks for reading... okay, well today it's watching and listening. Comments welcome.

The problem with communication is the illusion that is has occurred.

-George Bernard Shaw.

 

It’s interesting how when you open up to people, they reciprocate.  It’s amazing how shut in and closed off a person can be if they stop communicating with others.  Have you ever noticed that most people don’t like to start conversations?  A lot of people feel intimidated and out of sorts if they walk into a room filled with people they don’t know.  And public speaking, most people fear that more than death, or so the rumor goes.  Why is this?  I think it’s because they are shut off from others, sometimes for long stretches where they never challenge themselves to try harder, do more, experience something new. 

When you open up to someone, even if it’s only one person, you get a chance to learn about who they are, what they are interested in, and what motivates and inspires them.  Just recently I was talking with a guy I know at work.  We’ve known each other for a while, but up until now, before I mentioned I was learning to play the saxohone, I had no idea he was musically inclined.  Turns out he knows how to play several instruments.  None of them are the sax, but still, I learned something, simply because I was willing to offer a little bit of information about myself, and listen to him. 

Having friends is a rewarding and enriching experience.  The more friends you have, the more rewarding experiences you can have.  If you find it difficult to make friends, or speak to those you don’t know, expand your experiences by taking up a hobbie.  I took up surfing and the saxophone, and you know what, I’ve met people who are interested in the same thing.  What is more, I’ve learned that friends I already have are interested in the same things.  Look at it like this; I’m building social bridges with multiple people.  The more bridges I build, the more I can cross and get to know more people.  The effort you put into expanding your interest pool and simply talking to people will enrich your life in ways you can’t imagine.  So, get talking!

Making music is cool

I'll admit, I'm partial to the saxophone.  Even though I can't play worth a damn, I still have one, and am trying to learn.  I would never subject anyone to my playing, except my neighbors and my teacher, but I found a few examples of good old sax playin'.  Enjoy!

First up, President Clinton, seriously, he's pretty good.

And then there's this.

One more.