For over four years I have been blessed to participate, albeit in a small way, in making music. This has been a life long dream. As a child I was envious of classmates and neighbors who were fortunate to own or rent musical instruments. I would sit just outside the circle at their homes and witness a strange phenomenon. Family. Some of those families incorporated music into their special sphere. Sometimes I felt as if my eyes would bulge from my head and my heart would jump out of my chest. Growing up in poverty, I was used to hunger, but the true hunger didn't have anything to do with food or clothes. My secret desire was for music in my life.
Recently I watched my hubby send seven of his tunes on discs to CD Baby. Hubby composed the background tunes and played guitar parts to all seven songs. I may be prejudiced, but I believe his songs are awesome. You can decide for yourself and hear snippets of his songs here.
The name of the CD is Bipolar Shaman. The name is meant to arouse interest if someone is curious enough to want to learn about the long road hubby traveled to get to where he is today.
This is so exciting. I have watched as the sound wave forms wiggled and danced on the computer monitor and lights dancing on the various components, and even though I don't know the technical whatchamacallits, I have learned so much just by being in close proximity during the composing and mixing and playing. The tunes being assembled, drums on one track, oohs and aahs on one track etc.
Sometimes it was grueling work, but hubby persevered and the finished product proves his impressive talent. Living with a composer/musician has many advantages. Not only do I witness the frustrations of starting up new equipment and the inevitable hardware problems, I also see the many successes. Watching someone working diligently on something he believes in is a blessing to behold. For the musician, this is an enjoyable chore. For the musician's wife, watching and listening as he plays the guitar is the dessert.
Music has definitely been a major part of my life since I met my hubby! By the way, his name is James.
33 comments:
How cool. I'll check out his music. The advances in music production have allowed musicians more autonomy in making their own stuff and getting it out there. Gives everybody a chance to be heard by the masses, no easy feat since the music industry is so highly competitive.
I lived with a drummer for 10+ years, and I thought he was fabulous (and so did a lot of rated musicians), but musicians are forced to live as paupers unless they make it big.
Sigh.
Anyway, I'm so glad you are living your dream to have music in your life. You are surrounded by it!
You are very lucky to have a husband with so much musical talent!! I wish that my parents had made me continue with my piano lessons!! Music can do some many things for our soul...if you know what I mean!! I will check him out!!
Fragrant Liar, I didn't know you lived with a musician, and for such a long while too! I am glad you and I have that in common. And you understand how much music means to me.
Gayle, I really like it that my hubby is a musician. He is composing and re-doing his music almost day for parts of each day. I like hearing it and it so good for him too.
I clicked on the link and listened. Very cool. I liked it a lot. I've been blessed to have a number of musicians in my life at various times. I've always thought it was very cool.
I played flute when I was a kid (it was the easiest instrument to carry, something my mother wisely suggested I consider), and was always sorry I didn't stick to it.
My other musical forays included piano (my mother wanted one, so I got lessons) and, believe it or not, Accordion (long story).
Oh, and I had a music teacher once who played all sorts of exotic instruments he used to let me play around with, like a set of bagpipes. Not the Scottish kind, though. His were made out of goat's skin, I believe.
I have memories associated with all of those. They are fun to think about. Thanks for the reminder.
Kathy,your music memories are so nice. I did not have actual musical instruments in my life growing up. But other people's music was always there saving me when I thought all was lost.
Awesome!! I listened to all, just awesome. How very fortunate that you two have each other and that music is surrounding you!
I just had to say that Flip has been writing, playing and recording his own music for years, too, also doing all the instruments. Sadly, he is losing his enormous abilities because of his AD, but it has been truly exciting watching the birth of good music again and again.
And now I will listen to your wonderful James. I love the name Bipolar Shaman, by the way.
James is great! I thoroughly enjoyed listening to his music, and wish him every success with it.
Cheryl, yes, music is a big part of our life together and individually. Thanks for listening and commenting.
heartinsanfrancisco, thank you for listening. He is already working on the music for another CD. Hugs to you and Flip.
I clicked on CiCient.... I wonder who that is in honor of... hmmmmm.... very cool musician hubby. So happy that there is a richness of beautiful music and James in your life. Having musical talent is a gift from a Higher Power for sure.... xoxoxo
I never did have musical talent, singing or playing. I did try the clarinet in elementary and junior high, but I after a number of years I gave it up. I always envied others who had the ability. Sometimes I lip synch or sing along when no one is listening. A pat on the back to your husband and his talents.
I took up the banjo in high school, entertained myself all through college but could never read music... still can't. Put the instrument down years ago and keep telling myself I will pick it up again. I guess I prefer listening to people who play it a hell of a lot better than I ever will.
Darn it! I can't get it to work!
Congratulations! Thank you for the music samples. I am listening to them now. Perfect music for working. Calming and relaxing.
I had no idea! I'm married to the same husband! And I've enjoyed being able to help mix the music and watch him perform his magic - it's fun, isn't it?
He often wonders if I get bored hearing the same thing over and over as he makes changes/additions, etc. - but I always reassure him that it's never boring since I do like to witness it morph into true beauty. :)
I'll definitely check out your hubby's music - and share with my hubby, too...I wish you lived nearby, I bet they would have fun getting together to jam! :)
Hey you sexy cool chick! You won the APRON! You are part of the wicked cool sisterhood now! <3
That stuff is really cool! I listened to a bunch of the samples on the mix pod! If I had any money, I would buy it! LOL
Your James is very talented! such beautiful sound, such spirit!
I wish you both every success and happiness,
xo
Elise
I love that you have something (and of course someone) in your life that you love so much. It sounds like he has real talent and the determination to pursue this love.
Stopping by to say thanks for visiting my blog.
This could my story...husband growing up in poverty with the MUSIC DREAM. Mine was the same - and now has a mini recording studio in a small room upstairs, guitars, keyboards, basses, drums all over the house.
I'm the only one in my family who is not musically blessed. My daughter was the star flute player throughout high school and an excellent vocalist; son plays virtually everything and is a band director at a local high school. I've lived with music all my married life.
My husband will love James' music...it's just his style. I'll have him give a listen tomorrow!
Some people just have a natural talent..apparently your husband is one of the gifted ones:)
Love the music he makes, and it's great that you get to be involved!
I can't now, but I shall check it out later. What an intriguing post! Life with James must be very interesting.
That is a nice guitar and a great sound.
I just love the title of your blog — TechnoBabe's Adventures :)
And, I'll surely check it out! I'm sure James is amazing considering what you have expressed for him here. You both seem to be a perfect couple with perfect ambitions and perfect professions :)
I have maxium respect for anyone that can play an instrument. I used to run a fan club for Bobby Vee, and his whole family, well apart from his daughter, were all wonderful musicians, and I thought it must be amazing to have such a musical family.
I'll check out your husbands music when I get on my other computer, as it won't work on this one.
I am married to a musician as well. Though I have some musical abilities, they do not compare to that of my husband. He works hard and never gives up, and though he doesn't play mainstream music AT ALL, I think it is amazing.
I am always so proud when I see him up on stage, or even fiddling with his acoustic guitar on the couch.
Congratulations! I just listened to the sample music, and I still have chills. I'm not just saying that to be nice. It is wonderful. And I said it over there, but I just have to say how much I love "CiCient." Big smiles! I hope everyone will check it out.
I know you are so proud of James. He is very talented. It's awesome how he has used a difficulty in his life to transcend and create something so beautiful! I will bookmark his site and order a copy as soon as I have money (probably next month). I can't wait to hear it all! I know several people who will also love it, so I'll forward the link. Thank you for sharing!
That is so very exciting. As soon as I get to a computer (that is non work related : )I will search for his songs : )
I sense the presence of a lot of love in this post. He is lucky to have your support and caring.
We're listening to your hubby and HE IS AWESOME!
I listened to Sacred Circle and loved it! That hubby of yours is talented :)
Bipolar Shaman. Nice. I've always felt that there's a fine line between creativity and insanity. I crossed it a long time ago, too.
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