booshink » Music and Art

Two of the Best – Together

the editor — Sat, 01 May 2010 11:55:05 +0000

Back in Time

the editor — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 02:01:19 +0000

I remember first hearing this song back in 1968 and thinking it was one of the neatest songs I had ever heard; it still is. This video is very entertaining, too, and epitomizes the stylized videos of the era. Worth a watch.

And here are the lyrics:

We skipped the light fandango
turned cartwheels ‘cross the floor
I was feeling kinda seasick
but the crowd called out for more
The room was humming harder
as the ceiling flew away
When we called out for another drink
the waiter brought a tray.

And so it was that later
as the miller told his tale
that her face, at first just ghostly,
turned a whiter shade of pale.

She said, ‘There is no reason
and the truth is plain to see’
But I wandered through my playing cards
and would not let her be
one of sixteen vestal virgins
who were leaving for the coast
and although my eyes were open
they might have just as well’ve been closed.

The Magic Box

the editor — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:46:39 +0000

I have a magic box. It is made of wood and strung with string. It was made by an old man in the hills above Barcelona. There’s music in there; all the music of the ages. Last night I was able to call it forth.

At times such as that I just hold it and stroke the strings gently; the music comes out, aided only slightly by my fingers. I know the magic is in there always but most times I’m afraid; afraid that my clumsy attempts will only cause it to hide deeper within the wood and strings.

But late last night, in a moment of quiet solitude, I surrendered. I forgot myself and my inadequacies and was able to conjure up the right spell to bring the music out and it came and enveloped me. My body and mind felt renewed and refreshed.

I slept better because of it.

The Sanford Pottery Festival

the editor — Sat, 23 May 2009 12:59:47 +0000

This is late news but it’s worth mentioning: the Sanford (NC) Pottery Festival was held on May 2 and 3. This event started in 2002 and has now become the largest pottery festival in NC. If you missed it this year (as I did) then try to make it next. You won’t be disappointed.

In a state known for pottery, Sanford and the surrounding area is probably the richest place in the world for this art form. I would hazard a guess that there are more potteries in and around Sanford, NC than anywhere else in the world.

And more than that, there are artists of all kinds living and working in this area. Painters, sculptors, wood-workers, musicians, jewelry makers, poets and writers all seem to be drawn to this area in central North Carolina. Maybe it’s the beautiful countryside with its gently rolling hills and deep rivers that attracts and then sustains these creative spirits; maybe it’s something in the water. Whatever it is, this place has a spirit and a charm all its own.

Go visit when you can but be forewarned: you may not want to leave.

For more information visit SandfordPottery.org and the Chatham Artist’s Guild web site.

String Song

the editor — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:09:23 +0000

An old tune, anonymous,
plucked from the strings of my guitar,
brings a ghost to life.

Where was the song
these many years? Am I the last
to hear?

Strings and wood cannot contain
it but only serve
to call it forth.

And I must hear and understand.

North Carolina Art

the editor — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:29:39 +0000

Kathleen Jardine

(06.11.2008, 14 Photos)

Here are some samples of paintings by Chapel Hill, NC artist Kathleen Jardine. You can visit her and other fine North Carolina artists at their homes and studios during this year’s Chatham Studio Tour.

The Classical Guitar

the editor — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 11:34:35 +0000

The study of music, when approached from a position of honesty and respect, teaches us, among other things, form, structure, logic, discipline, and an appreciation of order and beauty. It gives us an awareness of things outside of ourselves and an understanding of things deep within us.

But most important, it teaches us humility. If you don’t believe this, undertake the study of the classical guitar. If it does not humble you, you will probably never be able to unlock the profound beauty and magic of this noble instrument. I feel that it is very important, especially for our young people, to pursue a study of serious music and to learn to perform on an instrument, in particular the classical or nylon stringed guitar.

Why the Classical Guitar?

The classical, or nylon-stringed guitar, has a rich history going back over 400 years. During that time a well-defined technical system has been developed to guide the student toward mastery of the instrument and a rich library of music has been written.

Musical masters through the ages have written, arranged, or had their music transcribed for the guitar including Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Hayden, Mendelssohn, and Scarlatti, just to name a few.

Not only is there a rich library of music for classical guitar but the methods by Sor, Carcassi, Aguado, Guiliani, and others are unchallenged for their rich music and splendid exercises for developing technical control.

Benefits

The study of the classical guitar is challenging but the rewards are worth the effort. It will test you, for the guitar can be a difficult and demanding instrument. There are no shortcuts and it will allow for no cheating. But when you reach that spot of physical, mental, and spiritual alignment and the music begins to flow effortlessly – well, it’s transcendental. Some days I come away from my practice session disappointed and discouraged, for things haven’t gone as I wanted. But when I reach that “spot” a wave of contentment and relaxation washes over me that is indescribable. I know that it is good for my soul.