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Throwback Thursday: Garden Party -Ricky Nelson **Final Music Post 2015-2016**

I went to a garden party to reminisce with my old friends
A chance to share old memories and play our songs again
When I got to the garden party, they all knew my name
No one recognized me, I didn't look the same

But it's all right now, I learned my lesson well
You see, ya can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself

And people came from miles around, everyone was there
Yoko brought her walrus, there was magic in the air
An' over in the corner, much to my surprise
Mr. Hughes hid in Dylan's shoes wearing his disguise

But it's all right now, I learned my lesson well
You see, ya can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself

Played them all the old songs, thought that's why they came
No one heard the music, we didn't look the same
I said, hello to "Mary Lou", she belongs to me
When I sang a song about a honky-tonk, it was time to leave

But it's all right now, I learned my lesson well
You see, ya can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself

Someone opened up a closet door and out stepped Johnny B. Goode
Playing guitar like a-ringin' a bell and lookin' like he should
If you gotta play at garden parties, I wish you a lotta luck
But if memories were all I sang, I rather drive a truck

But it's all right now, I learned my lesson well
You see, ya can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself

An' it's all right now, yeah, learned my lesson well
You see, ya can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself

What's New Wednesday: Ophelia & Ho Hey -The Lumineers

Oh, oh, when I was younger, oh, oh, should have known better
And I can't feel no remorse, and you don't feel nothing back

Oh, oh, got a new girlfriend, he feels like he's on top
And I don't feel no remorse, and you can't see past my blinders

Oh, Ophelia, you've been on my mind girl since the flood
Oh, Ophelia, heaven help a fool who falls in love

Oh, oh, got a little paycheck, you got big plans and you gotta move
And I don't feel nothing at all
And you can't feel nothing small

Honey I love you, that's all she wrote

Oh, Ophelia, you've been on my mind girl like a drug
Oh, Ophelia, heaven help a fool who falls in love

Oh, Ophelia, you've been on my mind girl since the flood
Oh, Ophelia, heaven help a fool who falls in love

Oh, Ophelia, you've been on my mind girl like a drug
Oh, Ophelia, heaven help a fool who falls in love

I've been trying to do it right
(Hey!) I've been living a lonely life
(Ho!) I've been sleeping here instead
(Hey!) I've been sleeping in my bed,
(Ho!) Sleeping in my bed
(Hey!)

So show me family
(Hey!) All the blood that I would bleed
(Ho!) I don't know where I belong
(Hey!) I don't know where I went wrong
(Ho!) But I can write a song
(Hey!)

1, 2, 3
I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweetheart
I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweet

I don't think you're right for him.
(Hey!) Look at what it might have been if you
(Ho!) took a bus to China Town.
(Hey!) I'd be standing on Canal
(Ho!) and Bowery.
(Hey!)
(Ho!) And she'd be standing next to me.
(Hey!)

1, 2, 3
I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweetheart
I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweetheart

Love. We need it now
Let's hope for some
'Cause, oh, we're bleeding out

I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweetheart
I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweet

Traditional Tuesday: Summer -Vivaldi (smalin)

In keeping with the season:

Last weekof music Blog! My Monday: Soak Up the Sun -Sheryl Crow

Heading to the Virgin Islands with my daughter the end of this week.
Here's a good theme for the weekend!

Freedom Friday: You've Got a Friend -James Taylor

Throwback Thursday: Landslide- Stevie Nicks

I'm working on this with 'Travis Pick' style, lovely song made up of great chords and lyrics.

What's New Wednesday: We Are Young -Fun

Give me a second I,
I need to get my story straight
My friends are in the bathroom getting higher than the Empire State
My lover she’s waiting for me just across the bar
My seat’s been taken by some sunglasses asking 'bout a scar, and
I know I gave it to you months ago
I know you’re trying to forget
But between the drinks and subtle things
The holes in my apologies, you know
I’m trying hard to take it back
So if by the time the bar closes
And you feel like falling down
I’ll carry you home

Tonight
We are young
So let’s set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun

Tonight
We are young
So let’s set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun

Now I know that I’m not
All that you got
I guess that I, I just thought
Maybe we could find new ways to fall apart
But our friends are back
So let’s raise a toast
‘Cause I found someone to carry me home

Tonight
We are young
So let’s set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun

Tonight
We are young
So let’s set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun

Carry me home tonight (Nananananana)
Just carry me home tonight (Nananananana)
Carry me home tonight (Nananananana)
Just carry me home tonight (Nananananana)

The moon is on my side (Nananananana)
I have no reason to run (Nananananana)
So will someone come and carry me home tonight (Nananananana)
The angels never arrived (Nananananana)
But I can hear the choir (Nananananana)
So will someone come and carry me home (Nananananana)

Tonight
We are young
So let’s set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun

Tonight
We are young
So let’s set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun

So if by the time the bar closes
And you feel like falling down
I’ll carry you home tonight

Traditional Tuesday: Oz The Great & Powerful -Elfman

Continuing the Oz theme (love the Celesta):

My Monday: Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Harry Nilsson, You've Got Mail)

I'm working on learning an easy version of this on the piano. In my mind it is just like this one:

Freedom Friday: Good-bye Yellow Brick Road -Elton John

Time to leave our stay in Kansas, it's been a tough but great week.

Throwback Thursday: Dust in the Wind -Kansas

https://youtu.be/12DeNdF0KPA
This song was one of our lessons yesterday. The Travis pick.

What's New Wednesday: Kill Em With Kindness -Selena Gomez

https://youtu.be/HHP5MKgK0o8
Not too many lyrics, right?

Traditional Tuesday: Danse Macabre (guitar) -Saint Saens

https://youtu.be/YP5hzLsbDTM
I'm taking Teaching Guitar Workshop 2 this week and my teacher mentioned hearing this performed on guitars with picks, "not good tone" she said. Something I wouldn't have considered before this week.

My Monday: I Ain't Missing You -John Waite

https://youtu.be/S89AmJFP-j0
He's being ironic.

Freedom Friday: Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side -The Magnetic Fields

https://youtu.be/MokC9aoQ6YA
This is referenced as a song between Auggie and his Dad.

Throwback Thursday: Space Oddity -David Bowie

https://youtu.be/9_M3uw29U1U
This song is referenced in the book 'Wonder' it is a theme between Augie and his older sister's friend.

What's New Wednesday: Party Rock

https://youtu.be/KQ6zr6kCPj8
A fun video of a top song in 2012.

Traditional Tuesday: Beethoven's 9th Fourth Movement

https://youtu.be/4pbMUEHvoAo

I was blessed to watch KC Symphony and Chorus perform this whole piece live last Sunday 6/19/2016. The conductor Michael Stern fittingly dedicated their performance to the recent victims of the Orlando shooting. I wept in awe of Beethoven, the performers, and the Joyful hope of their message.

My Monday: Beautiful -Christina Aguilera

https://youtu.be/aoYEQgG4-JY

I recently re-read Wonder by R.J. Palacio she quotes this song, very appropriately.

Freedom Friday 2Xs: A Taste of Honey- Herb Albert The Tijuana Brass & Feels So Good -Chuck Mangione

A Taste of Honey is worthy of dancing to with friends young and old!
[I think he might be faking on this video.]





Feels So Good makes we want to go on the Love Boat.

Throwback Thursday 2Xs: Dance With Me -Orleans & Dancing in the Moonlight -King Harvest

Let's dance, a nice way to celebrate 26 years of marriage!



Love the moon (ha!)

What's New Wednesday 2Xs: Can't Stop the Feeling -Justin Timberlake & Ain't Your Mama -Jenifer Lopez

Fun tune, dancing is fun and important.




No laundry etc.

Traditional Tuesday 2Xs: Bolero -Ravel & Aquarium -Saint-Saëns (smalin)

My first piece today is one I associate with the pairs Ice Dancing Gold of the 1984 Olympics.
I love the slowness of the tempo, the repetitive/calming of the snare, tympani and brass. The tune is haunting, majestic, and as the tonic modulates I too am transformed.








This second piece is one I enjoy sharing with young listeners. I have a picture book similar to this smalin video that helps to engage the listener. Instead of diamonds and rectangles the book's author used fish and seaweed. Often when I'm done 'reading' it the elementary students are so captivated they applaud as if they've been at a live performance.

My Monday 2Xs: I Still Haven't Found/40 -U2

This week I am going to post 2Xs a day since next week I plan to be gone to Yellowstone with my sisters and mom.

The opening of this first song is beautifully harmonized, the syncopated Psalm-like vocals put me in a place of pure contentment. I think it's about seeking God, an unquenchable search.
 


This second song I first learned at YoungLife in high school when we sang it as part of our worship time. I was really into Christian Contemporary music at the time and this was the first I realized U2, a mainstream group, was singing about their journey of faith. This song is Psalm 40.

Freedom Friday: Mad World -Adam Lambert

 His voice along with this haunting melody send my soul to a place peace.

Throwback Thursday: Mad World -Tears For Fears

I didn't remember hearing this in the 80's but loved it when it was covered on American Idol (up-coming Friday post).

What's New Wednesday: Just Like Fire -P!nk

From Disney's "Alice Through the Looking Glass"

Traditional Tuesday: Piano Quartet in C minor -Brahms (smalin)

Lots of passion played off well between the strings and piano.

My Monday: America -Simon & Garfunkel

I like this song but even after reading about it on Wikipedia I really don't think I 'get it'.

Freedom Friday: Everybody Knows Your Name -Cheers Theme Song

A really funny show (for a few seasons):

Throwback Thursday: Burning Down the House -Talking Heads

My sister used to sing this to me:

What's New Wednesday: I'm On A Boat -Jimmy Fallon w/The Lonely Island

I can always count on Jimmy Fallon to add some cheer to my day especially when classroom instruments are involved:

Traditional Tuesday: Fugue in C major -Bach (smalin)

Well-Tempered!

My Monday: Smoke on the Water -Deep Purple

https://youtu.be/4__vwHL6mAs
Marching song THS 2015 and before.

Freedom Friday: You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban

Throwback Thursday: If -Bread

https://youtu.be/Q-22LPgdXhw
Lovely words, an excellent candidate for a reboot.

What's New Wednesday: Shut Up and Dance With Me

https://youtu.be/h12oDyv-1as
Fun!

Traditional Tuesday: Lord of the Rings, Main Theme

https://youtu.be/1iYEwFDLVnM
A small slice of Howard Shore's beautiful masterpiece.

My Monday: Ain't No Mountain High Enough -Martin Gaye/Tammy Terrell

https://youtu.be/EGBXIK5TZjs
Classic!

Freedom Friday: There is Nothing Like a Dame -South Pacific

https://youtu.be/ZgzvTHsOxSQ
"There ain't a thing that's wrong with any man here, that can't be solved by..."

Throwback Thursday: She's a Brick House -Commodores

https://youtu.be/-5EmnQp3V48
A strong sexy woman.

What's New Wednesday: Piece By Piece -Kelly Clarkson

https://youtu.be/q4zmIpNVI5Y
A little sad while inspiringly hopeful.

Traditional Tuesday: Shostakovich Symphony II

https://youtu.be/jPxm-uAkKLc
I'm looking forward to hearing this performed by KC Symphony and Chorale this June.

My Monday: Happy Birthday: Stevie Wonder

https://youtu.be/KibW1FBhQlU
Not familiar with this song but I love Stevie Wonder and my husband who is 48 today!

Freedom Friday: It's Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White

https://youtu.be/oaS0iSmZSqo
A song we like, my husband referenced it in my mom's mother's day card this year.

Throwback Thursday: Pretty Women -Roy Orbison

https://youtu.be/_PLq0_7k1jk

What's New Wednesday: Whistle While You Work It -Katy Tuz

https://youtu.be/G9k2f6VAB7c
Fun!

Traditional Tuesday: Beethoven 9th mov 1

https://youtu.be/3SZ9QzGg95g
Another listening to prepare for upcoming KC performance!

My Monday: Whistle While You Work -Snow White

https://youtu.be/YSnXNHUEodY
Good idea!

Freedom Friday: Living In The Red -War

https://youtu.be/ge-rSH0BVyA
Love this song, not so sure about thus video.

Throwback Thursday: Hey Jude -Beatles

https://youtu.be/NWP_lqd_8M0
Got behind in posting --catching up.

What's New Wednesday: The Girl You Think I Am -Carrie Underwood

https://youtu.be/P54ZQ9jkOds
A sweet song for girls with supportive princess relationships with their Dad.

What's New Wednesday: Beyonce Lemonade

https://youtu.be/fqEbtg5DH9Y
It's so new you can't even find it on YouTube. Apparently it's a big deal.

Traditional Tuesday: Beethoven's 9th IV

6https://youtu.be/QDViACDYxnQ
Wonderfully powerful!

My Monday: You and Me are Free to Be

https://youtu.be/_26FOHoaC78
I learned this song and watched these movies in elementary school. This tune/lyrics puts me in a happy place.

Freedom Friday: Purple Rain -Prince

https://youtu.be/u79oki5v4cg
Guitar skills!

Throwback Thursday: When Doves Cry

9https://youtu.be/pYVOrzv61Yg
RIP Prince, thank you!

Traditional Tuesday: Beethoven's 9th m III

https://youtu.be/F2aEikKiGcc
Quiet anticipation.

My Monday: Baja. Marimba Band

https://youtu.be/N6OGZ_F61rA
A cure for the Monday blues.

Freedom Friday: Slow Ride

https://youtu.be/jn1406Ujoz8
If I slow down anymore I'll be going backwards.

Throwback Thursday: Crimson and Clover -Tommy James and the Shondells

https://youtu.be/GpGEeneO-t0
A favorite color and flower.

What's New Wednesday: PillowTalk -Zayn (language)

https://youtu.be/YO-XGWSvZB0
Catchy rhythmical lyrics, is there an edited version?

Traditional Tuesday: Beethoven's 9th mvt II

https://youtu.be/Tn4lk8fRskA
Love the timpani parts, can't wait to see KC perform this entire piece in June.

My Monday: Vision Quest

https://youtu.be/-qi8B6Z4vJY
One of the pieces performed by the HS band this past week at contest.

Freedom Friday: Gloria in Excelsis Deo

https://youtu.be/q6avgOtcPS4
A version of one of the songs the HS sang for contest this past week.

Throwback Thursday: Stop Draggin' My Heart Around -Stevie Nicks/Tom Petty

https://youtu.be/6UD0c58nNCQ
Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood rocked it out last night on American Idol with a great cover of this classic hit.

What's New Wednesday: Iko Iko

https://youtu.be/FMQRfliyznQ

Fun with Jimmy Fallon and friends.

Traditional Tuesday: Beethoven 9th Symphony mov 1

https://youtu.be/3SZ9QzGg95g
I'm excited to have tickets for a Father's Day performance of this entire piece with KC Symphony. Other movements will be on future posts.

My Monday: Give Me Something to Believe In -Poison

https://youtu.be/G5uamDMoW4o
An unexpected source for a deeply felt ballad.

Freedom Friday: Boogie Oogie Oogie -A Taste of Honey

https://youtu.be/c3e0cuDoX_0
If you're not up yet, what are you waiting for?

Throwback Thursday: Lemon Tree -Peter Paul & Mary

https://youtu.be/eceRvPx3wrs
A tune I enjoyed as a kid in the 1970's.
A pretty arrangement of a sad song.

What's New Wednesday: Elastic Heart -Sia

https://youtu.be/jaqymceidB8
You can't see her face even though her name suggests otherwise. Maybe anonymity is a gimmick or the smartest decision a star has ever made.

Traditional Tuesday: Finlandia -Sibelius

https://youtu.be/F5zg_af9b8c
A beautiful symphony with a surprising hymnlike ending.

My Monday: Theme Song to The Partridge Family (Come on Get Happy)

My sister made my son a beautiful quilt in the De Stijl style (like the Partridge Family bus), she's entering it into a quilting show. She's thinking of titling it "Come On Get Happy"

Freedom Friday: Morning Has Broken -Cat Stevens

https://youtu.be/kKoRp05L95c
Happy Easter!!

Throwback Thursday: All the Time

Today I woke up with this song in my head. Lovely!
Thanks Barry Manilow

What's New Wednesday: Work From Home -Ty Dolla $ign

https://youtu.be/5GL9JoH4Sws
Is this for real? I mean it's playful, right? A fun song with an engaging hook.

My Monday: We Will Rock You -Queen

https://youtu.be/-tJYN-eG1zk
The original stadium jam, in honor of March Madness. It still lights us up 40ish years and running!

FYI: My bracket is half over (left side is out) but I do have 2 out of 8 left. Go UVa!

Traditional Tuesday: Bedřich Smetana: Má vlast / My Country - Prague Spring 2015 Opening Concert

This is incredible and is especially enjoyable with these notes:



http://www.mso.com.au/2014/bedrich-smetana-ma-vlast-my-country/

Freedom Friday: Sound of Silence -Simon & Garfunkel

https://youtu.be/4zLfCnGVeL4
Great words and harmony!

Throwback Thursday: I Want to know What Love Is" -Foreigner

https://youtu.be/raNGeq3_DtM
Solemn, bluesy, and hopeful.

What's New Wednesday: 7 Years -Lukas Graham

https://youtu.be/jErJimwom94
Another song about life through the years, I like!

Traditional Tuesday: Carol score

https://youtu.be/sxpk5htn5lw
Another Oscar nominated film score.

My Monday: Groovin' On a Sunday Afternoon

https://youtu.be/-ft8WLX9G1I
Such a wonderful chillaxin' song, so my life.

Throwback Thursday: The House of the Rising Sun -Animals version

https://youtu.be/hRXb7K7k7bQ
The passion of these musicians is as intoxicating as the story the lyrics tell.

Freedom Friday: The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers -Winnie the Pooh

https://youtu.be/dJFyz73MRcg
It feels like Friday because I'm off tomorrow...TGI-Th!

What's New Wednesday: Simple Song #3 -David Lang

https://youtu.be/Vk8g-jknd1E
This song was an Oscar Nominee, it is from the movie 'Youth' about a screen writer and a composer. It sets a somewhat melancholy mood.

Traditional Tuesday: Bridge of Spies Score -Thomas Newman

https://youtu.be/DC9S8fASUyc
Another Oscar nominee for Best Film score this year. Lovely sonorities, I'm excited to see the movie.

My Monday: Hit Me Baby One More Time -Britney Spears

https://youtu.be/C-u5WLJ9Yk4

A fun dance teen video, a definite song of the 90's.

Freedom Friday: I Will Always Love You -Whitney Houston

https://youtu.be/H9nPf7w7pDI
Such a beautiful song of a difficult good-bye. I love how Whitney's voice sweetly soars.

Throwback Thursday: Babe -Styx

https://youtu.be/uBi61pgDUP8
Tommy Shaw's vocals are very distinctive. I love how his tone brings out the meaning of the lyrics.

What's New Wednesday: Love Yourself -Justin Bieber (Ed Sheeran)

https://youtu.be/VlWsKoNC_h0
A boy rant on a breakup, well played. A good message for anyone in a difficult relationship that possibly needs to be ended.

Traditional Tuesday: The Hateful Eight Overture -

https://youtu.be/DBKT_Uvu2S4
Ennio Morricone won the Oscar for Best Original Score at this year's Academy Awards. After a career of success some would retire, thankfully he hasn't.

My Monday: All I Wanna to Do -Sheryl Crow

https://youtu.be/hgmBaE1cqD4

A big Oscar night last night, hopefully the guests enjoyed a fun night of celebrating successes.

Freedom Friday: Moon River -Henry Mancini (Andy Williams)

In August of 1986 the beginning of a deep friendship occurred between me and my now husband of over 25 years. This version of this sweet song continues to be especially meaningful.

Throwback Thursday: Hooked on a Feeling(cover) -Blue Suede

https://youtu.be/NrI-UBIB8Jk
Best opening to a pop song!

What's New Wednesday: Wildest Dreams -Taylor Swift

https://youtu.be/e1ZfYJsf_UQ

No doubt she's a pop artist (who was once country). Congrats on the Best Album Grammy.

Traditional Tuesday: A Little Night Music -Mozart

https://youtu.be/o1FSN8_pp_o
A lovely 4 movements of strings given to us by the once child prodigy.

My Monday: Two Less Lonely People -Air Supply

https://youtu.be/lRvrbDVYdAA

Love their harmony, passion, and message.

Freedom Friday: I Got You Babe -Sonny and Cher

https://youtu.be/BERd61bDY7k

Great duo sing their signature song, early video.

Throwback Thursday: Ring of Fire -Johnny Cash

https://youtu.be/BAEKPE_mFRY

I love the way Johnny Cash sings so low and how he draws out his voice to slightly slow down the rhythm. It really works!

What's New Wednesday: Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran

https://youtu.be/YQLqu-ThMOY

Grammy winner for best song.

Traditional Tuesday: Lacrymosa -Verdi (Requiem)

https://youtu.be/t3m5R1vVPzM
Beautiful fugue like entrances, indulgint lyricism in contrast to the forceful and exciting opening of the same mass.

My Monday: Presidents Day

https://youtu.be/3uxhzO2xab8

Happy Presidents Day!

Freedom Friday: Proud Mary -Ike and Tina Turner

https://youtu.be/hzQnPz6TpGc
Epic version that surpasses that of the original (see Thursday's post this week).

Throwback Thursday: Proud Mary -CCR

https://youtu.be/L-2Of9aznxg

I heard a great version of this on American Idol recently, I'll post the original today and another tomorrow.

What's New Wednesday: Raise 'em Up -Keith Urban

https://youtu.be/31KOGb1MU4g

I've been enjoying KU on American Idol and I thought it was due time I post a country song.

Traditional Tuesday: Requiem, Dies irae -Verdi

https://youtu.be/ZDFFHaz9GsY

This is an exciting mix of vocals and orchestra a wonderful use of accents and dynamic contrast.

My Monday: We Are the Champions -Queen

https://youtu.be/Ev4pwFMaZQc

Great song to celebrate the Bronco win over the Panthers. A fun night with my son.

Freedom Friday: Welcome Back Kotter theme song

https://youtu.be/5VlGyMG0ksg

I was remembering this song and show today when my co-teacher and I were discussing our HS Choir. We both agreed that the show is funny and this song is lovely.

Throwback Thursday: Piano Man -Billy Joel

 This was one of the songs that played over and over on our 'mix tape' when I worked at Red Lobster during my college summers. That job and this song were great motivation for me to stay in school. [BTW: we sang this song in the kitchen]

It's nine o'clock on a Saturday
The regular crowd shuffles in
There's an old man sitting next to me
Makin' love to his tonic and gin

He says, "Son, can you play me a memory
I'm not really sure how it goes
But it's sad and it's sweet and I knew it complete
When I wore a younger man's clothes."

La la la, di da da
La la, di da da da dum

Sing us a song, you're the piano man
Sing us a song tonight
Well, we're all in the mood for a melody
And you've got us feelin' alright

Now John at the bar is a friend of mine
He gets me my drinks for free
And he's quick with a joke or to light up your smoke
But there's someplace that he'd rather be
He says, "Bill, I believe this is killing me."
As the smile ran away from his face
"Well I'm sure that I could be a movie star
If I could get out of this place"

Oh, la la la, di da da
La la, di da da da dum

Now Paul is a real estate novelist
Who never had time for a wife
And he's talkin' with Davy, who's still in the Navy
And probably will be for life

And the waitress is practicing politics
As the businessmen slowly get stoned
Yes, they're sharing a drink they call loneliness
But it's better than drinkin' alone

Sing us a song you're the piano man
Sing us a song tonight
Well we're all in the mood for a melody
And you got us feeling alright

It's a pretty good crowd for a Saturday
And the manager gives me a smile
'Cause he knows that it's me they've been comin' to see
To forget about life for a while
And the piano, it sounds like a carnival
And the microphone smells like a beer
And they sit at the bar and put bread in my jar
And say, "Man, what are you doin' here?"

Oh, la la la, di da da
La la, di da da da dum

Sing us a song you're the piano man
Sing us a song tonight
Well we're all in the mood for a melody
And you got us feeling alright

What's New Wednesday: Hello From the Dark Side -parody

https://youtu.be/UAMyh8DjCrQ

Traditional Tuesday: Clarinet Quintet Opus 115 mvmt III-Brahms

This piece is written for string quartet and solo clarinet. In this video smalin shows the clarinet with a live yellow line. I especially appreciate that we can see when the soloist is silent.

https://youtu.be/x6tbHKgV8Bo

My Monday: Back Home Again -John Denver

Had a great time away and now I'm glad to get back into the regular routine.

Freedom Friday: Mockingbird -Carly Simon/James Taylor

Another road trip standard growing up.

Throwback Thursday: Handyman -James Taylor

Listening to James Taylor is like taking a trip to my childhood home. I can't return home in the physical sense, this will do.

What's New Wednesday: Star Wars Ep 7 March of the Resistance -John Williams

Another great theme from John Williams:

Traditional Tuesday: Spring (Allegro) -Vivaldi

One of our first pieces this semester for HS music appreciation, this piece was written for strings and solo violin. I like this arrangement with various winds. Smalin's  illustrations let the eyes aid the ears in deeper observation.

My Monday: One Bottle of Pop etc.

As far as I know I learned this song on a long car ride to my grandmother's house when I was in 1st grade. A standard, I have used it in my past years with young choirs I've led in order to encourage multi-voice singing. This year my colleague revived it with the JH choir.

Freedom Friday: The Prodigal Son -Keith Green (Luke 15)

 I have always loved the parable of the lost coin, sheep, and son since we sung about it in Children's Choir (see older post for Story Tellin' Man, August 21, 2015). Keith Green was a rare person of faith, who composed and performed songs like this that portray deep meanings from scripture. Keith Green is greatly missed, thankfully his unique way of telling the Gospel message lives on in many recordings.

 I often wonder, when pondering Luke 15, which son is the prodigal: the one who leaves and comes back or the jealous one who stays?

Throwback Thursday: Take It Easy -Eagles

So many great songs from the Eagles, thank you and RIP Glen Frey.

What's New Wednesday: Rey's Theme (Star Wars Episode 7) -John Williams

I love this newest character from Star Wars, I'm so glad John Williams has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Soundtrack.

Traditional Tuesday: Sonata in F Major -Handel

My private student from another school/town is working on this piece for her solo contest this year. I'm excited for her as she is a very dedicated young artist.

My Monday: Can't Turn Me 'Round' -The Roots

This post contains a powerful message in song and video to remember an important leader of the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr.

Freedom Friday: O Danny Boy -Frederic Weatherly

This is one of the songs the choir students are trying out as suggested by my colleague for a suitable contest piece. The students really like it. Some suggest meanings of the lyrics are that Danny is being sent off to war and this is being sung by his parents.

Throwback Thursday: Changes -David Bowie

RIP --

What's New Wednesday: I Will Wait -Mumford & Sons

Thankfully, one of my students mentioned this was a group/type of music she liked.

Traditional Tuesday: Asturias -Isaac Albeniz/John Williams

John Williams is the name of (at least) two very important musicians, this is the guitarist.

My Monday: I Love -Tom T. Hall

My sister reminded me of this song recently as a gratitude post, a cassette tape copy of this album was a staple for our family on long trips. A wonderful tribute to some of the many underrated finer things in this world.

Freedom Friday: Surf City -Jan & Dean

We are singing a Surfer medley in chorus and this song is my latest earworm.

Throwback Thursday: You Light Up My Life -Joe Brooks/Debby Boone

This song laid a foundation of music appreciation in me when I was young. I knew all the lyrics as I had sung it in school chorus. Whenever I couldn't sleep (and sometimes still today) I would go through the entire song in my head as a sort of self lullaby. I heard once in an interview that Debby Boone considers the 'You' to be God.

What's New Wednesday: Photograph -Ed Sheeran

If you think there are no real musicians writing real music I would challenge you to look for it. Ed Sheeran is a fresh sound with transparent lyrics I admire.

Loving can hurt, loving can hurt sometimes
But it's the only thing that I know
When it gets hard, you know it can get hard sometimes
It is the only thing that makes us feel alive

We keep this love in a photograph
We made these memories for ourselves
Where our eyes are never closing
Hearts are never broken
And time's forever frozen still

So you can keep me
Inside the pocket of your ripped jeans
Holding me closer 'til our eyes meet
You won't ever be alone, wait for me to come home

Loving can heal, loving can mend your soul
And it's the only thing that I know, know
I swear it will get easier,
Remember that with every piece of you
Hm, and it's the only thing we take with us when we die

Hm, we keep this love in this photograph
We made these memories for ourselves
Where our eyes are never closing
Hearts were never broken
And time's forever frozen still

So you can keep me
Inside the pocket of your ripped jeans
Holding me closer 'til our eyes meet
You won't ever be alone

And if you hurt me
That's okay baby, only words bleed
Inside these pages you just hold me
And I won't ever let you go
Wait for me to come home
Wait for me to come home
Wait for me to come home
Wait for me to come home

You can fit me
Inside the necklace you got when you were sixteen
Next to your heartbeat where I should be
Keep it deep within your soul

And if you hurt me
Well, that's okay baby, only words bleed

Inside these pages you just hold me
And I won't ever let you go

When I'm away, I will remember how you kissed me
Under the lamppost back on Sixth street
Hearing you whisper through the phone,
"Wait for me to come home."

Traditional Tuesday: Der Erlkönig -Schubert/Goethe

I studied this piece in my young college years and I loved it right away. The poem Schubert used has the vocalist express 4 characters: Narrator, Father, Son, and Erlking (a mythical boogeyman). You can tell 'who' is singing by the range of the voice, words that are spoken, and style used. In this video the lyrics are written in italics when the alluring Erlking speaks to the boy. The piano represents the horse that is the setting of the story. For some fun facts look up how old Schubert was when he wrote this piece and how long it took him to compose it?

My Monday - Working in the Coalmine -Allen Toussaint

Today's post is a tribute to this musical performer songwriter from Louisiana who is greatly missed.

Freedom Friday: Wild Thing -Tone Lōc (Mature Content)

Since I referenced this song yesterday, here it is in all its 1980's rap glory:

Let's do it

Workin' all week
9 to 5 for my money
So when the weekend comes
I go get live with the honeys

Rollin' down the street
I saw this girl and she was pumpin'
I winked my eye, she got into the ride
Went to a club was jumpin'

Introduce myself as Loc
She said, "You're a liar"
I said, "I got it goin' on baby doll
And I'm on fire"

Took her to the hotel she said
"You're the king"
I said, "Be my queen if you know what I mean
And let's do the wild thing

Wild thing
Wild thing

Shoppin' at the mall
Looking for some gear to buy
I saw this girl she cool rocked my world
And I had to adjust my fly

She looked at me and smiled and said
"You have plans for the night"
I said, "Hopefully if things go
Well, I'll be with you tonight"

So we journeyed to her house
One thing led to an other
I keyed the door, I cold hit the floor
Looked up and it was her mother

I didn't know what to say
I was hanging by a string
She said, "Hey, you two, I was once like you
And I liked to do the wild thing"

Wild thing
She loved to do the wild thing
Wild thing
Please, baby, please

Posse in effect
Hangin' out is always hype
And when me and the crew leave the shindig
I want a girl who's just my type

Saw this luscious little frame
I ain't lyin' fellas she was fine
The sweet young miss go gave me a kiss
And I knew that she was mine

Took her to the limousine
Still parked outside
I tipped the chauffeur when it was over
And I gave her my own ride

Couldn't get her off my jock
She was like static cling
But that's what happens
When bodies start slappin' from doin' the wild thing

Wild thing
She like to do the wild thing
Please, baby, please

Wild thing

Doin' a little show at the local discotheque
This fine young chick was on my jock so I say what the heck
She want to come on stage and do her little dance
So I said, "Chill for now but maybe later, you'll get your chance"

So when the show was finished I took her around the way
And what do you know she was good to go without a word to say
We was all alone and she said, "Tone, let me tell you one thing
I need 50 dollars to make you holler, I get paid to do the wild thing"

Say what
Yo love you must be kidding
You're walkin' babe
Just break out of here
Hasta la vista baby

Wild thing