Music had a compelling influence on my growing up years, first listening then later engaging with it. Starting with guitar, however once my parents agreed to store an old piano for a friend and neighbour, that triggered a passion in learning piano and embellishing in the creative possibilities that followed. As an only child, my Father played Pipe Organs in Cathedrals in Germany (pre-war) from an early age of 8 and became quite accomplished, then came the War and along with his own organ, everything he and his mother owned inclusive of their 2 storey house was destroyed. The next phase of his life was purely about survival. Winding forward, both my father and I struggled to communicate warmly, we both somehow shied apart on any emotional issues. Sensitive topics were avoided (probably where I needed a lot of support growing up) although deep down love was certainly there. My Father still retained most of his old Organ music, and I found through learning the piano (and some basic self-taught theory), I could play some organ music, hence igniting a new found warm connection with him that we otherwise may not have enjoyed. The next phase was discovering to play some early Elton John tunes and becoming infatuated with Leon Russell’s style of Jazz infused R&B in Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs and Englishman. I found playing the piano therapeutically supportive in my growing up years, and really connected me with my inner-self (and does to this day).
Difficult to answer, as so many songs resonated with me, but probably Funeral For a Friend with Love Lies Bleeding because of the progressively changing moods that the piece takes you through. This was also one of the few pieces of Elton John music that my Father and I jointly connected with. Angie (Rolling Stones) and Your Song (E.J), and Leon Russell’s cover of Bob Dylans Hard Rain also very early favourites. Also, I was very inspired from a broad range of music from Henry Mancini, Rogers and Hammerstein (musicals sound of Music) and Oliver and Irvin Berlin to Fats Waller (Your feet’s too big) and Duke Ellington
Particularly learning to play these pieces somehow gave me identity and therapeutically connected with me. I found I could create and improvise from many ideas derived from combinations of most genres and felt inspired by the concept of becoming extremely competent at playing and creating. I guess therapeutically supported me in times of stress, not withstanding dealing with 20 years of my Life in the Corporate Jungle, building supply relationships all over the world. Across my lifetime, it became a fabric of who and what I am.
Hard Rain I found the lyrics so inspirational and really tells a story of a young man venturing into the world and reporting back to his father on his experiences, and about what he was going to do about it.
“I saw ten thousand talkers whose tongues were all broken, I saw guns and sharp swords in the hands of young children” “Heard ten thousand whisperings and nobody listening, heard one person starve and many people laughing” I found these lyrics so compelling and deep! Song 2 – THIS IS ME - key questions Introduction: How would you describe YOU – your goals, personality, attributes, challenges? Goals – Now I’ve semi-retired I’m happy in knowing I established strong footprints in the corporate world of procurement in building of Supply Chains all over the world. Now it’s about spending more time playing piano and collaborating with other musicians as a common interest. My ultimate goal is to create my own music and share that with anyone that will listen.
Difficult to single out “a” song? Again Hard Rain, because it takes me through an emotional journey of emotions and memories.
The last verse that refers to “What’ll you do now my blue eyed son?” and goes on to deal with what he plans to change, through his own actions, in helping to make the world a better place.
Difficult to pin-point specifically, but broadly reflecting on lyrics occasionally seems to re-set my mind to make sure I stay on course.
Song 3 – SHEDDING THE BLUES ( Connecting, Collaborating, Creating ) - key questions
Introduction: How did you come to be involved with Shedding the Blues? Through a Friend’s introduction, and understanding a group of Men were collaborating together through music, and doing so, supporting one another and good health and well-being, and having fun in the process.
Again difficult, but maybe Bridge over Troubled Water b.Why did you choose this song and what is its relevance to your involvement in Shedding the Blues? I guess through lyrical references on supporting each other (and love the Piano intro!) Art Garfunkel’s version live at Maddison Square Garden still gives me shivers!
I guess I feel it has a broad relevance, to what we are doing most of the time
“Sail on Silver Girl, sail on by, your time has come to shine, all your dreams are on their way. See how they shine, oh if you need a friend, I’m sailing right behind”.
2 Comments
Kev
2/2/2023 11:54:54 am
Nice stuff Ray. That's just a great description of how music has been at various times the backdrop, the main focus and the colour in your life. Thanks for describing also how important music was in helping you and your father become more connected.
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Guy WERNER
5/16/2023 11:42:58 pm
Wow, Ray: your poor father; experiencing life in Germany as she suffered defeat. I've seen photos of the destruction of her cities under Bomber Harris that some consider war crimes e.g. Dresden. Then came the terrible food shortages that Europe in general experienced.
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