"Sparks" from Tommy

I know I say this a lot, but this song is unbelievable. It's by the band The Who, and it's featured in their musical called Tommy. The musical is about a deaf, "dumb" (mute), and blind kid. It goes through his life, and actually the child ends up being a champion at pinballf (the story is fiction). The thing I like about "Sparks" is that it doesn't involve any singing. It is purely an instrumental break, and in my opinion it is the best modern song that doesn't involve voice.

Everytime I hear "Sparks" I get so pumped up. The offbeats and the drums rule the song, and I just love the whole aura of the composition. Every time there is a hit I just want to dance or do a hit myself- through dance. For me it is an incredibly moving song. I gets me so energized; I just want to jump around. I do admit that I have some bias. You see, I was in the production of Tommy when I was eight years old, and I was the main person on stage during this time of the play. However, I couldn't move since I played the deaf, dumb, and blind kid. I just fell in love with the song. Also, I think that the band that played at my community theatre did a better job than this video does with the song. I'm sure that The Who were just spectacular at the song, but the arrangement I listen to has a better balance of guitar, synthesizer, bass, and drums.

Maybe there's a reason why I just want to dance to this song when I hear it. Maybe when I had to be standing still during this whole, all I wanted to do was jump around and "sing along" (on ba). Perhaps I get energized from the song so much because I never had the opportunity to when it was so close to me.

Anyways, here is The Who performing the song. Try and listen for the melody, and perhaps you will find it stimulating as well.

"Uninvited"

One of Alanis Morissette's title songs is "Uninvited." It's a strange, eerie piece. She is telling someone that he is uninvited. My show choir performed this song last year, but I think her version is much more cool. First of all, I really enjoy the tune of the song. I could sing it all day. Of course, it sounds very odd when the soloist is not a female voice. Nonetheless, the song is very unique and appeals to the thinker. I also really like how the song is almost like a poem with music. Using lots of simile and metaphor, the words make you think. For example, "Must be strangely exciting to watch the stoic squirm." What does this mean? In context of the song, I think it means that it must be thrilling for her lover to watch her surrender and struggle against his love. In my mind, the song is about a struggle. The singer is trying to escape the love of someone. In this phrase, she was the stoic and the man took pleasure in making her struggle
She is telling the man that he is "uninvited" to her. He's not allowed to love her. And it's unfortunate that this had to happen. She loved him and was attracted to him- like any hot-blooded woman she's wanted an object to crave.

I really like the orchestral part of this song as well. It's almost poetic by itself. It's very strong, and it is nearly all minor until the very last chord when she begins to sing again. Also, the song is based off of the simple four note repetition first heard at the very beginning of the song.

Alanis Morissette promotes another discussion all by herself. Now I'm not a big Alanis Morissette fan, but in this song she does a great job. She gets the audience to feel her innocence and desires. Her body language and her voice inflection both promote her vulnerability and weakness to love. I do not think that what she does in this song with her voice and her body would be acceptable for any other song. "Uninvited" calls for a profound harshness, but it also calls for softness. It is about a contradiction of feelings, and I really like it.

A Tribute to Tom Jones

One of Tom Jones' best songs is "She's a Lady." It's not only catchy, but the lyrics I think are also very creative and true. Tom Jones is talking about how this girl of his is a "lady." She's the kind of woman that all guys want. You can take her out for a fancy dinner and yet you can love her at the same time. She's not prude, but proud. She's a natural beauty.



Tom Jones has one of those voices that seems like every note is effortless. When you listen to him sing and then try to sing the notes yourself, you find that the notes are way higher, or are held out to long, or something. Tom Jones voice is like a baritone in a tenor range. He's a great singer, and will be remembered for many great songs.

Not only does he perform upbeat songs, but many of his songs are pop ballads. One song is called "I Who Have Nothing." The song is about pure love- and he's saying that this guy who seems to have everything does not have the love that he does.



When Tom Jones sings, it seems like every note is his last one. Every note is given appropriate emphasis, and he often graces over notes with such ease and fluidity. The only thing that I wish was different about Tom Jones is his range. You see, I am a baritone myself, and it is really frustrating when I can't sing along with Tom Jones. His songs are so great and captivating that I just want to sing along. Unfortunately, I often have to drop the octave and it doesn't sound very good at all. As much as I enjoy being a baritone, I would appreciate becoming a tenor for the soul purpose of being able to sing along with Tom Jones.

The Power of Music II

Although music has a strong effect on a single person, music has a different purpose when many people are making it or listening to it. This weekend, my school is putting on A Chorus Line, and I am a part of the cast. The cast is very talented, and I am very glad to be a part of such a wonderful group. Last night, we were all talking about this together in a circle during rehearsal. We all focused on one person, and we raised our hands to talk about that one person. Well it finally got to Paige Hauer. She is a senior, and when she was a sophomore she became very close friends with my brother through the spring musical, and subsequently I got to know her as well. We are pretty good friends today- after co-starring in the fall musical, participating in two speech team events together, performing in show choir together for two years, and being in A Chorus Line together. Through all of the work that she has done with me, she has really changed me and bettered me as a person. She has a lot of street smarts, and she often has the solution to everyday situations which I may be troubled with. I think I've learned a lot from her. Music has truly made this friendship possible. If I hadn't gotten involved with theatre or show choir at Kennedy, I would've had no way of knowing her, and I feel that I would've been a much different person.

Anyways, so I started to talk about her during the circle time, and what I said is paraphrased above. After saying I began to cry. Not only did I cry, but I couldn't stop crying for about five minutes. Well, by that time I was laughing and crying because I couldn't believe I was crying. I mean, I can't remember the last time I cried, so when it happened I just thought it was so pitiful or something. I couldn't believe I was so emotional, and I guess I just started chuckling. Before that moment, I didn't think that I would cry over another person (except if something really tragic happened), but not having some friends around next year isn't considered tragic by most people. I felt so sad though, unbearably sad. The only time that I had ever gotten that emotional over leaving my friends was when I was in fifth grade at the end of The Music Man. I remember that day so very clearly. The last show was over and we all got out of costume. We all hugged each other in the lobby-like area backstage, and I began to cry as I gave a hug to Tara Jeanne Vallee. Besides the funeral of Papa and hearing the news of Bubbie's death, it was the saddest day of my life. Everything was coming to an end. I think I've always had a fear of things coming to an end. Perhaps that's part of the music and theatre business.

You see, performing in a show is great, and it makes me feel very happy. However, every show comes to an end. I don't remember specifically, but I think that subconsciously I am afraid of endings for this purpose. I think somewhere in my childhood I became very good friends with people and then I never spoke to them again. I know that's what happened with The Music Man, but it also happened with Tommy, the Paramount's Follies, The Sound of Music, Cinderella, Seussical, and many other shows that I've been in. It's sad to think that many of the relationships you make in a show are erased the day the show ends. I think that this loss is a big part of who I am. I am not a guy who has a best friend, I just have a lot of good and okay friends (I've also never had a girlfriend). I think there may be a part of me that is afraid of the former kind of friendship, because I am afraid that it will end and I'll never talk to that person again. No worries though, I'm happy with what I've got.

I guess I have gone off on a tangent, but not really. You see, I am changed as a person as a result of the power of music. In my first post on the Power of Music, I talked about how great music can change a person. But more fully, music has the potential to unite people, move people, change people. Music has shaped my life, and I cannot think about what my life would be like without it.

Alegria- Cirque du Soleil

Some of the most powerful music can be found in the many shows of Cirque du Soleil. The music is modern, but has an ancient feel. It's some of my favorite music, and I know that its extraordinary feel adds a great deal to each show. My favorite of the Cirque du Soleil songs is the theme from Alegria.

Without Music

Yesterday at my voice lesson, my teacher told me about how he couldn't sing for a year and a half as a result of an operation he had on his throat or something. He loves to sing, and his whole career is based off of it (teaching voice lessons is a side job to his composing). He said that a part of him was gone when he couldn't sing. He also didn't know if he would ever sing again(and he did in the end), but it just got me thinking. What if I couldn't make music? What if I couldn't sing or play the piano? I would be a completely different person. I love music, and I don't know what I'd do if I wasn't a part of it. I would simply be devastating.

For example, when I'm at my home or in my car (and I'm there alone or with my family) all I do is sing. I sing choir songs, songs from the musical, songs from the radio, or any other song that pops into my head. I can't help but sing, and I know that must get annoying to my parents who are constantly in the presence of the singing. I really don't know what I'm going to do in college. I know I must not sing as much to keep my roommate sane, but I hope I can make it without singing as much.

Also, when I'm home I like to play on the piano and write music. Sometimes the music doesn't sound so good, but once again my parents tolerate it. Sometimes the music is very beautifully, and I am really proud of it- that's what really makes me want to play. I want to make beautiful music that can change people. Most of the time you don't succeed, but when you do it's really something special. It's a great feeling to know that what you've created has changed someone's life.

I couldn't imagine going through life without this feeling. I couldn't imagine going throughout life without a purpose. To me, music is a reason to live. It's not the only thing thatmakes life good, but it definitely makes life better. Although I do not plan on singing professionally ever, I want to make music that would inspire people. I want to change people not only through my future career, but also through music. It's such a powerful device, and I know I'd be a wreck without it.

Vocal Technique (I need some)

"Singing is a game of opposites," says my voice teacher Rob Nassif. You need energy, but your body needs to be relaxed. Your stomach muscles shoud not flex, except when you are in second gear. Second gear is just like a different tessatura than your regular voice, and although the listener doesn't hear a difference, the singer feels a whole lot different in second gear.

One thing that makes a voice wonderful is the vibrato. Somehow, it keeps the tone up and hleps the singer commit to a longer phrase. Vibrato is an essential key to ligit singing. Another essential tool is having both the quack and the yawn. The "quack" in a voice is how "pingy" the voice is, while the yawn adds a dullness to the voice. The perfect combination not only sets up the singer for a good tone, but also prepares the singer for a better closure of the vocal chords. It also makes way for a more present vibrato, while helping breath control.

When a person is singing, their vocal chords are supposed to be all touching. Thus, when a person sings, the breath trying to exit creates a pressure chamber because it can't exit that easily as a result of the closed vocal chords. This pressure lets the singer do innumerable things with their voice in range, as well as with the difficulty of the music and dynamics. Singing is truly a game of opposites. You must have your body relaxed, but yet there must be pressure and energy inside. You must have ping in your voice, but you must also have dullness. The list goes on and on.

Even though I understand all of this, I cannot do it, unfortunately. It's easier to say all of those things than actually do them. I only wish that someday I could implement all of these techniques for singing better. Right now, I need to work on my vibrato and my body tension mainly. Once I have my vibrato and body relaxation, I believe that I will produce a much better sound.

"Just As I Am"

I was first introduced to this song when Happiness Inc. (the show choir) performed it in the 2006 season. It was beautifully done, with an especially talented soloist. I then wanted to hear how it was originally sang so I went to Youtube and looked it up. The version that caught my attention the most was David Phelps version. It is simply unbelievable. This guy has one of the largest ranges I've ever heard, and every note (the high ones and the low ones) seem effortless. Also, Phelps seems to put so much heart into this song (I imagine he does with every song). To me this song is about acceptance. It's about wanting to be a part of someone else's world, and not having to change your true feelings for something or someone else. It's about "reaching out" and wanting to be loved.

Reading the comments from YouTube I found out that David Phelps is a Christian rock artist. Therefore, the song seems like it originally meant that he was asking acceptance with God or Jesus. This makes sense, however, I think for many it can be seen as a love song (moreover, a song between two people). That's how I view it, and it makes a much better connection.

I hope you take a look at this video, and I hope that through the sensational music it brings inspiration into your own life.

My Immortal

I do not particularly like Evanescence, but I think that this song is very powerful. Her voice in one with the piano is very unique. Although I have never been in a serious relationship, I feel like I can understand her. She's broken, and she is affected forever by what someone did to her. "These wounds won't seem to heal." What "he" did will never go away. He scarred her for life. We all are hurt by someone else in our lives, and the impression is often deep. I have yet to have these feelings, but I imagine that when I do they will be similar to this song.

Groban- Oceano

A few posts back I was discussing Josh Groban's new genre of music. He sings in Italian for many of his songs, but then has a modern style to his singing. This song, Oceano, is an example of that.



As you just saw, not only did the music have a modern feel, but the set, the lighting, and everything else had a modern feel. The only thing that seemed slightly classical was his technique, which makes the song that much better. He uses correct technique to sing. He has a great tone that you could listen to all day, and his vibrato is the cherry on top of it all. Also, Josh Groban is young and has a audience that is skewed to a more young audience. Thus, the kids and young adults can still have fun and be in the presence of great, healthy singing, instead of having to listen to a musical soundtrack or opera to hear the more classical voices. Don't get me wrong, I love other types of singing, and I'm not saying that voices other than classical voices are wrong. All I am saying is that it's a good thing for young people to hear the ligit voice once and awhile. The ligit voice in my opinion is very beautiful, but the music that often accompanies it is often boring. Josh Groban and his music is not boring at all, which is why I enjoy listening to his music.

A Capella

About a month ago, my friend started singing Amazing Grace, and then I joined him with harmony. It sounded really cool so whenever we're bored we just start that up again. For some reason, singing a capella is very rewarding. It's the only time when you can hear the pure voice- the voice is by itself without piano or guitar or anything else shadowing it. It is very powerful when there are many people singing a capella together- well only if they sing well together. If the group isn't very good, the effect is lost completely, which is why it's sometimes safer to have background music that aids the singers. I'd rather hear nothing at all than hear a bad a capella group. When I hear a bad a capella group I just sit back and laugh. I know they're trying really hard, but when you sing a capella you have to understand your skill. Those groups that aren't very good should pick out easier music and leave the more difficult songs to more experienced groups. However, when my groups' a capella pieces fail I don't laugh at all. I am just embarrased and wish for a second shot.

In school, I am currently in three musical groups that sing a capella pieces (but not exclusive to a capella pieces). The first is called Concert Choir, which is a just a mixed choir. Last year we sang an Eric Whitacre piece called "A Boy and a Girl." It's about an archeological find: a man's and a woman's bones were found embracing each other. The song is essentially about their love. It's a beautiful song, and I will remember that song as one of the best my choir has ever sung.

Although the group doesn't traditionally do a capella pieces, this year Happiness Inc., the show choir, performed two minutes of a capella with the song "Fix You." I was proud of the group for taking on the song, and I thought we did our best. I only we wish we could've performed the song with a better amount of air (we sang it right after two very physically demanding songs choreographically). If we had been just a little more fit to sing the song then it would've been an undeniable success.

Finally, I am a part of Moonlight Express, the jazz group at Kennedy. Traditionally, the group has only sang a capella pieces, but this year we got a back-up band that plays in three out the four songs. Our a capella piece this year is entitled "Embraceable You." The arrangement of the song iss very beautiful. The song is delicate and I think that the group displays that very well. I love singing that song, but I only wish I could listen to us sing it from the audience (of course I can't because then I wouldn't be singing it). I love singing a capella, and it's very fulfilling to me. I just hope that I will be able to do it for the rest of my life.

The Music of a Movie

For me, a movie only has the potential to be great if the music is great. Even if the actors are horrible, the movie can still be okay. Think about watching a scary movie without music. It is definitely not as scary, and there is no suspense to lead up to the scary parts. Also, the parts when something jumps out at you, there is no orchestral hit to accompany the jumping out. Music often brings great suspense to scenes often dealing with fighting crime, a chasing scene, or an action scene. The most obvious example for me is in "National Treasure." If you've ever seen the movie, you will also agree that the movie is accompanied by some awesome music. Whenever Nicholas Cage and his costars are running from the "bad guys," there is this music that makes you want to listen in and see what happens. Here's a link to hear the music, and I must say that this music doesn't give the music in the movie full justice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXwTMJMD1As

In my opinion, some of the most powerful music that has ever accompanied a movie is the music in "Titanic." When I watch the movie, it is the music that makes me eyes start to water. Yes, the story is sad, but I could handle it alone. The music along with the visual just digs right down into me. The music makes the story what it is, and it makes it a masterpiece. In most Best Picture films, as was "Titanic," the music is utilized to its full extent- think of "The Lord of the Rings" and "Million Dollar Baby." The first uses regal music along with music that gets your heart pumping blood more quickly while the second often uses gentle piano. Both have their effects, and both substantiate the feelings of the movies.

Music in movies is like the voice of a recorded book. When you read the book, you get the story and you understand it, but when someone is saying it, you get the emphasis, the connotation, and often the most raw feelings are exposed. Similarly, movie music is like saying something instead of writing it. Isn't it much easier to write, "I love you," than actually say it? And isn't it much easier to write down mean things than actually say them to a person face to face? Of course it is, but when you actually say those things, they go right to the heart. When someone tells you they love you there's a feeling that you cannot replace. Respectively, you are much more hurt when someone screams at you nasty comments instead of them writing them down. Music in movies helps display the power of the emotion, and it sets the mood of the whole movie. Overall, there is nothing like the perfect mixture of a movie and its music. It is something.

Josh Groban- A New Genre, a New League

Josh Groban has one of the most amazing voices of our time. This post is basically a tribute to him, so if you feel differently go ahead and look at something else. Josh Groban has many qualities that all singers strive for: incredible vocal technique (precision for every note, complete vocal control, he sings "ligitly" or properly) and he puts his heart into every song- much like the other singers I have praised in this blog. One quality that is rather unique to Josh Groban is that he sings many of his songs in Italian. However, the songs that he sings do not sound like anything classical. Those songs sound more as if they are modern songs of another country. Many of Josh Groban's songs mix operatic style and text perfectly with the modern day, which is why his style is so appealing.

Before Josh Groban, most teens and young adults only listened to rap and hip hop, two types of music that didn't require highly trained singing. When Josh Groban entered the pop world, people couldn't get enough. His songs have a popular feel, and yet they show off excellent singing technique that make his songs even more powerful and influential than songs that don't involve proficient singers. I remember the first time I ever heard Josh Groban sing; it was at the Super Bowl about five years ago and he sang "You Raise Me Up," perhaps his most well-known song. I was so impressed, and I think he drew in many people to his genre through that performance.

I also think that the chord structure of all of Josh Groban's songs fit the music and text perfectly, and they are often very innovative, feeding off of classical and modern styles. As a result, it appeals both to young and old listeners, drawing in a wide range of ages to the music. Nearly all of his songs are also very catchy; the lyrics and the tune help do this.

Another strong point of Josh Groban is that all of his songs showcase his voice. For some artists, some songs don't show their high notes or their power. Some artists only have up beat songs while others can only have somber ballads. Some songs don't let the singer craft the music to make it more interesting, and some songs just aren't moving at all. Each and every one of Josh Groban's songs show his high notes, his power, his gentleness, his craft, his technique, his control, his energy, and his heart. Each of his songs actually means something. For me, even if the lyrics are all in Italian, I am still moved by his songs. The tunes just give themselves to me and they make me think of good times- or bad times. And whether his songs are in Italian or English, each builds and builds throughout the whole song until it reaches the climactic high note or phrase. However, the way up to that moment is just as interesting and moving.

All in all, Josh Groban has created a new type of singing. His songs colorfully blend music that appeals to the youth now with music that appeals to older generations. Many of the songs have a classical feel with new and present lyrics and melodies. They music is unlike any other, and Groban has created something truly extraordinary. Creating new music is always something artists strive for, and I think that Josh Groban will keep creating brilliant music that touches the hearts of millions, if not billions, of people.

Toto's Africa

I only wish I had heard this song before this week. Toto's Africa is a masterpiece. The tune is intriguing and it brings you into the song. I do not totally understand the choice of words, such as "I bless the rains," e.g. However, the words seem to fit perfectly with the melody and the harmonies. One of the coolest parts of this song is the overriding theme that starts from the very beginning. The change of chords in this theme is very catchy and enhances the funk of the song. Here's the music video.



As you saw, the accountant was an African American lady (who could've been African or South American in reality). I don't want to seem like a racist, but I think this has some significance. I think he's talking about his love to this African woman. Obviously, the lyrics such as "wild dogs cry out in the night" and the background music of African marimbas, bongos, the African sounding flute, and the gong all establish that the song has to do with more than just love; it has to do with a primitive and tropical love. If you listen to the song without looking at the video, you may be unsure why he says "I bless the rains down in Africa," but if you see the woman, it all makes sense. He's praising Africa as being itself. He is praising Africa for its beauty and for making way for this young, beautiful woman to be with him. That's what the song is about.

Let It Be- Xavier

One of the best songs I've heard all this year was Xavier's "Let it Be." The thing that made this song was the soloist. She is simply amazing. She has pure talent, as I knew her from when she was six or seven singing "Don't Rain on my Parade." Her voice is perfect for this song, and although some say that the solo is too long, I wish that the solo would keep going. When I heard it at the Kennedy Invitational, it gave me goosebumps. Kudos to you!

The song is also one of the greatest songs ever written. It is one the Beatles' best, as it's tune is strong as well as the words. I really think that Xavier gives the song justice.

It's So Hard to Say Goodbye

Before hearing this song, I had thought Boyz to Men was some rap group. But "boy," was I wrong. There is so much talent in this group, and I think that everyone should listen to this song. Besides the amazing talent, one of the great things about this song is that it is so straightforward. The group expresses their feelings in no round about way. They get to the point, and they get to the heart of the listener. Also, every listener can somehow relate to this song. There's always a time when you have to say goodbye to someone something.

For me, one of the hardest times to say goodbye was at my grandpa's funeral. He was such a influential person in my life, and it was hard to accept that I would never get to talk to him again. However, I knew he was happier and that he was with his wife, my grandma Bubbie.

Another moment occurred during the last show of "The Music Man." I still remember standing in the hallway leading to the exit of the theatre, saying goodbye to everyone. I was saying goodbye to all of those great experiences on the tour and to the people I truly loved. It's always hard to say goodbye, and this song vocalizes those feelings almost too perfectly.

People

"People" is originally from the musical "Funny Girl" but soon after became a pop culture hit. It's one of Barbara Streisand's most famous songs. I personally enjoy a few things about it. First, I enjoy her voice. It's spectacular- especially in this song. Secondly, I enjoy the tune and melody. It flows so smoothly and it's so easy to remember. Lastly, I enjoy the meaning of the song. It's that nothing is better than being with one person and loving them forever. Now since I am not in love, this song has a meaning perhaps beyond the scope of the song. When I first heard the song, I thought about all of the people I knew and my friendships with them. The song made me realize that even if I have hundreds of friends, it doesn't mean anything unless I really need one of them. Everyone needs someone, but sometimes people don't need others. The ones that have someone, perhaps a friend, whom they need and whom needs them back are the luckiest people in the world.