Its funny, as i get older....it seems what i write about tends to be about the past, and memories. I guess those are really so much more about who we are NOW...as much as they were important points of our pasts.
As i had so many things that influenced who i feel i have become, there are some that stick out more than others.
When we were kids, we used to spend alot of time with our grandparents, on weekends. It never made any sense why , until i grew up..and realized what my parents might go through trying to raise me...and my sisters, so...weekend breaks from mom and dad make alot more sense now...than ever.
There was always music playing in my grandparents house. It could be traditional ukrainian music, on the fm station, or stereo in the living room, or some jazz or big band selections from my uncle.
Being the only boy, in a family of sisters, and strictly girl cousins....i spent alot of time with my uncle. It could be doing odd jobs with him...or just hanging out in that house. He has an amazing taste for music...and i was exposed toalot of great music when i was a boy....through my uncle.
if you were to come see what i listen to....on my computer, or in my mp3 player...or for that matter, the cd stand behind me, you would find alot of what i picked up from him...glenn miller, billie holiday,louis armstrong, the marsalis brothers, john coletrane, miles davis...and soo much more.
One song i remember hearing was called Rhapsody In Blue....a modern day classic , composed by George Gershwin. The full version is some 16 minutes long, and something to hear. Some years ago, i saw it , at the IMAX in winnipeg....in fantasia 2000.
I can honestly say, this song is very possibly, my favorite song....ever.
Rhapsody In Blue , was preformed on the Grammys this year....by album of the year winner Herbie Hancock & Ling Ling. This preformance was simply...the most brilliant grammy preformance i have experienced. There were other great preformances this year...like The Time & Rihanna, Beyonce & Tina Turner, John Fogarty, Jerry Lee Lewis & Little Richard, and yes....even crack head Amy Winehouse.
But Rhapsody In Blue.....blew them away.
It brought back memories, from my childhood. It reminded me how strong of a musical influence my uncle & my grandparents are....in my life. From my Gigi playing mandolin on a quiet saturday afternoon, or driving around town listening to great music, in my uncles car. There is no end to how these people will influence and effect my life.
thank you.
