If you’re wondering where I’ve been, I’ve gotten my new blog thanks to a competition run by Kristyn from mummyk.com. The prize was from Michelle at Little Hero Hosting.
I’ve just managed to get the email subscription service up and running over on my new site, so you still have that option 🙂
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Blessings,
Alice you should really…
or
Alice, you should have…
These combinations of words have been at the beginning of many, many tasks in recent months, and I need to do something about it.
A couple of years back, when I was really into list-making (something I should return to methinks…whoops THERE I GO AGAIN) my husband suggested listing all that I wanted to achieve that day, and include two things that I could already cross off.
That worked a treat for a very long time, and I guess I’ve lost my groove with all that stuff.
Perhaps if I replaced those words with “Alice, you did…” or “Alice, you’ve done…” I’d be in a better head space.
It makes me think of all my human efforts to attain perfection in numerous pursuits. There are so many rules…
YOU MUST do this so that…
YOU SHOULD do this because…
By placing His one and only Son on the cross, God’s response is “I DID IT FOR YOU,” and “I HAVE DONE IT FOR YOU.” All that God wants is a relationship with me. Despite what many might say, there are no other boxes that need to be ticked…HE’S ALREADY DONE IT FOR ME!
Linking up with Jess for
Yay! Time for another Sunday Session. Perhaps one day I will post on a Sunday.
Paul Simon would have to be another all time favourite artist. He also has chooses the most amazing musoes to play with him. The particular beat that drummer Steve Gadd plays in this classic song is one that many drummers attempt to master. Steve Gad has that ability to make it flow and make it look so effortless. You can see why he is one of the most admired drummers in the world.
Finally a classic from the 80’s. Very appropriate considering it’s one of my nicknames. This video always gives me the giggles.
So which grooves have been getting your feet moving, or giving you the giggles?
Come and share it with us over at Thea’s blog!
This week I have two totally unrelated pieces of music, just because!
During last week I was in the car with the kids A LOT! Whenever this song came up on the cd all four of us sang our hearts out. We all had a blast, and it was much nicer than having the kids squabbling with each other!
His Cheeseburger – Veggie Tales
Finally, on the weekend I played with an orchestra which played some traditional Korean music, and Western classical music. One of the pieces was the orchestral piece featured in Sunday Session – B. Another involved a quartet (four players, just in case you’re wondering) of traditional percussion instruments, also known as Samulnori, much like this group here. In English Samul means “four objects”, and nori means “play”. Thanks Mr. Wikipedia! The name of the wind instrument is a “taepyongso”. Such a distinctive sound, don’t you think?
Traditional Korean music
So what’s been making you sing your heart out, or ringing in your ears lately? Feel free to link up with us over at Thea’s blog.
Last week I dug out a cd that I hadn’t heard for a while. WH and I were introduced to Jamie Cullum when my sister gave us a cd of his many years ago. On the cd he did a cover version of another favourite artist of mine. I really like this live, jazz version of Jeff Buckley’s song…
Second song for this week is the man himself, Jeff Buckley. I’ve been fascinated by his voice since the very first time I heard this particular song on Triple J many years ago. The night that he played a concert in Perth I remember thinking ” I’ll definitely have to catch him the next time he’s in town! ” Unfortunately that opportunity never came. So sad that he passed away at such a young age. With his insightful lyrics, versatile voice, unusual chords and guitar riffs, and the amazing grooves set by the drummer, I’d have to say that Jeff Buckley is one of my all-time favourite artists.
Want to share some tunes that are significant to you? Feel free to link up with us over at Thea’s blog.
I’ve loved linking up regularly with Thea’s Sunday sessions. As my sister said during our Skype chat last night,” Music is a big part of you Alice!” Joining in with this link up is a part of what I’ve communicated in my poem “Just Ask…“. THANK YOU THEA!
Both pieces of music today make up a big part of my musical history.
Hiromi Uehara & Chick Corea
This would have to be one of my favourite jazz tunes. I was introduced to the music of Chick Corea by a percussion teacher in high school. During my first year at uni I was introduced to this tune, and I catch myself singing the melody fairly regularly. I love the rhythm and energy that it has. I love how Hiromi and Chick communicate how much fun it is to play in a group situation, which musos refer to as “an ensemble” or “chamber music” situation. In this case, obviously, they’re playing together as a duo. Such energy and sensitivity in this performance.
Claire Edwardes
The final piece for this week is performed by the amazing Australian percussionist Claire Edwardes at a prestigious music festival in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. I played some pieces like this while I studied percussion, and watching this has brought back many memories. Anyway, Claire is someone who has performed and done wonderful things for percussion music, and contemporary chamber music all over the world. Check out her website (by clicking on her name above) to find out more about her.
Want to share some tunes that are significant to you? Feel free to link up with us over at Thea’s blog.
Last Friday was Lego Boy’s 9th birthday. Our eldest, our one and only boy…OUR BABY boy is 9! I know it’s a cliché, but I keep asking myself, “Where has the time gone?”
Here are two tunes that he absolutely LOVES!
First up, the amazing Stevie Wonder. You can’t keep still to this tune can you? How about that catchy brass lick? Just humming it can change the way you’re feeling. Not to mention giving you a quick lesson in jazz history. Take it away Stevie!
Finally, whichever mood Lego Boy is in, he perks up when he hears this tune, and happily sings along.
Want to share some tunes that are significant to you? Feel free to link up with us over at Thea’s blog.
Whatever’s wrong with me won’t go “just like that”
There’ll be no dramatic change after a simple chat.
A while ago I hit a wall
Instead of running, I could barely crawl.
I’d seen, I’d heard,
“Pick yourself up, you’ll be just FINE!”
But……
FINE didn’t come.
What I’ve needed is TIME.
TIME to walk down different tracks…
TIME to get the old me back.
Praise God for family and friends: old, new, near and far
You have NO IDEA how precious you are!
The haze of despair is gradually being transformed.
What has been my “usual” is no longer my norm.
That’s not to say that I don’t still have days
when I find myself amidst the haze.
Perhaps then you don’t know
…what to do?
…what to say?
Just be my friend, lend an ear and ask…
MANY THANKS to Gemma for hosting this bloghop of very real, open and honest posts. Click around and let people know that you care.
Thanks to Thea for hosting another Sunday session. With my last session being dedicated to my hubby, I thought I’d make the Father’s Day part (mainly) about my Dad.
First up a beautiful song that communicates how blessed I am to have such a wonderful father here on Earth (can’t wait to see you at Christmas Dad!), that my kids are blessed to have such a fantastic father in Wonderful Husband (WH), and that I have an amazing Heavenly Father as well. It’s the hope and prayer of hubby and I that our kids will experience this for themselves some day.
Father’s Love
I remember my Dad playing this song a lot on record…record you say. What is that? While searching for this I found out that there’s also a German version of the song…wunderbar!
Tina Rainford – Silverbird
This song is a traditional song from the region in Indonesia where my dad comes from, Minahasa in North Sulawesi. I have visited once, and hope to return with my own family some day. It would be great for them to meet the extended family. With my paternal grandmother being one of eight, and my paternal grandfather coming from a slightly larger family there is no end of relatives to catch up with!!
The xylophone-type instruments played in the video are called “kolintang”. I have many great memories of watching my Dad playing guitar, and both parents singing along at Indonesian gatherings, after my mum had cooked up a storm. Food and music make for good times don’t they?
Esa Mokan – Traditional song from Manado, North Sulawesi
(Translation from regional dialect, with many thanks to Audry)
You are the only one in my mind
Let there be no other
Keep believing in God
And we all will live long and happily
Keep believing in God
And we all will live long and happily
Finally a song for this time of year, a beautiful jazz waltz written by trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, which I first came across at uni.
Up Jumped Spring
Which tunes have sprung your ears wide open lately?
I know that Thea has said that there are no rules, but I think some kind of focus for me is a good thing. Somehow B seemed appropriate. You’ll get my drift before the end of it.
I’ve just started playing with a reggae band, so I’ve been listening to the tunes of this amazing musician for inspiration. After all, Bob Marley IS REGGAE, right?
Bob Marley – Them Belly Full
Over the weekend I listened to Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 (his last) played by the Australian World Orchestra. This amazing orchestra is made up of professional Australian musicians, all of whom travelled from around the world, and around Australia, to take part. The broadcast on ABC Classic FM was almost as good as being at the Sydney Opera House 😉 It’s such an uplifting piece of music, and quite something to see it performed live. What beats it? Actually performing it as part of the orchestra or choir. Enjoy this performance (0ver two videos) by the NAFA Orchestra from Singapore.
Beethoven – Symphony No.9, 4th movement (in 2 parts).
I was introduced to Beady Belle a few years ago by some friends at our church in Perth. This particular tune is good late-night-winding-down music. So sit back, relax, and enjoy it, if you’re in that kind of mood.
Beady Belle – Closer
What have you been listening to lately? Feel free to share it with us over at Thea’s blog.
Reflections of a MusicAl Mama 