how many of you (my readers that is) know that I am a member of the Seattle Men's Chorus, cause if you didn't, now you know. And were not just your typical gay chorus either.
Our chorus is having a concert this weekend called "Comedy Tonight" which is chock full of hilarity, musical numbers, and the answer to the question "What's short for sex?"...Leslie Jordan. Yes, Mr. Beverly Leslie himself of Will and Grace fame will be joining us on these festive Pride evenings.
I often hear people comment that they disdain gay choruses because of their "camp" tendencies. Now true that we do have a lot of colorful and campy songs, but for the most part it is carried by well rehearsed and talented people. A great example of this talent I will share with you as an exclusive since this is a recording of one of our rehearsals (most likely it'll be pulled cause of copyright infringements and blah blah). It's not a song of humor, but a song that reminds people of the beauty that is the community chorus, and that we are serious professionals!
In this live rehearsal recording, we sang with the Seattle Women's Chorus what is considered a canonical American art song written originally as a poem by Pulitzer Prize winner James Rufus Agee in his collective book of poems "Permit Me Voyage" and set to music in 1938 Samuel Barber. The one we sang was a choral arrangement by Barber that places the melody in canon between the soprano and tenor parts. This is a more difficult piece for choir than the original solo song which was intended for a Baritone alone as it was premiered by the musician himself.
When singing, I could only hear myself and the two next to me. I didn't hear the other parts till our director made the Alto women open up (and blow everyone else away) so we can hear the blend, and I swear to you I couldn't sing after. I was so deeply moved by the beauty of the range and piece that it took me a while to get myself together to proceed. The song will literally take your breath away. As if this song is bringing down the angels themselves (cue beautiful anime angels descending upon gay folks).
If you like movie soundtracks with heavenly voices and classical music then you'll surely enjoy this piece, if not bring tears to your eyes. So if the night skies are clear, open up your windows, enjoy a glass of merlot, and gaze the stars, "Sure on this Shining Night".
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
There used to be a time...
when I thought of myself as one day becoming a parent. My life plan back in high school was to be in a successful profession and have kids by the time I was 28. I am now 28 and no where near that goal, and perhaps never will be as far as children go.
My BBF and I used to talk about us having kids who we'd go to PTA meetings for, shop clothes for, drive around in matching "Soccer mom" type lux SUVs, and watch their recitals. His kid would play the violin, while mine would play the piano or sing. They'd make us proud.
The way my life's been going I know that having a kid is not something I should even be contemplating. I'm now just getting my finances in shape, only now in a relationship that's gone longer than a couple of months, and barely have enough time for myself with all the social engagements I have to keep up with.
I recently listened to this song by the extraordinary Regina Carter that I want to share with you. My love of instrumentals bloomed when Cameron introduced me to Ms. Vanessa Mae. The song was from her album Paganini-After a Dream and was written back in 1887 by French composer Gabriel Fauré. What Ms. Mae did with electronica/classical fusion, Ms. Carter generally did the same but with jazz influences instead. Most Jazz fusions I will admit irritate the hell out of me with their over-exaggerated way of embellishments that's suppose to convey feelings that to me just ends up a hot mess. This song fortunately, is not one of those. It's emotions are easily achieved and felt. The classic song comes to life with a haunting charm to it, that even when the song picks up tempo, the violin sounds melancholy, almost sad. I feel as if this song suits my feelings about my life as of right now. Age 28, somewhat happy, upbeat and frustrated, with hints of disappointments over goals and dreams unattained.
Wherever this child of mine may be, in some cosmic waiting room somewhere, whether or not he or she will ever come to be, a lullaby for you called "Pavane".
My BBF and I used to talk about us having kids who we'd go to PTA meetings for, shop clothes for, drive around in matching "Soccer mom" type lux SUVs, and watch their recitals. His kid would play the violin, while mine would play the piano or sing. They'd make us proud.
The way my life's been going I know that having a kid is not something I should even be contemplating. I'm now just getting my finances in shape, only now in a relationship that's gone longer than a couple of months, and barely have enough time for myself with all the social engagements I have to keep up with.
I recently listened to this song by the extraordinary Regina Carter that I want to share with you. My love of instrumentals bloomed when Cameron introduced me to Ms. Vanessa Mae. The song was from her album Paganini-After a Dream and was written back in 1887 by French composer Gabriel Fauré. What Ms. Mae did with electronica/classical fusion, Ms. Carter generally did the same but with jazz influences instead. Most Jazz fusions I will admit irritate the hell out of me with their over-exaggerated way of embellishments that's suppose to convey feelings that to me just ends up a hot mess. This song fortunately, is not one of those. It's emotions are easily achieved and felt. The classic song comes to life with a haunting charm to it, that even when the song picks up tempo, the violin sounds melancholy, almost sad. I feel as if this song suits my feelings about my life as of right now. Age 28, somewhat happy, upbeat and frustrated, with hints of disappointments over goals and dreams unattained.
Wherever this child of mine may be, in some cosmic waiting room somewhere, whether or not he or she will ever come to be, a lullaby for you called "Pavane".
Friday, June 13, 2008
Vanity has got to be...
my most favorite sin of all! Up there, right before gluttony cause this boy can eat! (shut it, Tuffie, this isn't open for commentary)
My vanity however is all internalized. I believe that whatever is within will reflect eventually on the outside. Meaning if you see yourself as beautiful and love yourself unconditionally, it will show on the outside as well.
This blog is about the songs that makes me feel good. Songs that I have on my iPod or car that gives me good vibes through out the day.
When I first get up in the morning, I scratch my underwear down from whatever nether regions it has reached, smack my mouth a few times, look at myself in the mirror and say, "Good morning sunshine!" It's always pleasant to see one's self in the morning before your eyes have had time to really wake up and focus in on that pimple that seem to have grown over night, or the fact that your lips are chapped like crazy. As I begin my routine I listen to this wonderful song by K.T. Tunstall released in 05 as her third single to her debut album "Eye to the Telescope". It's refreshing, it has a nice message, and upbeat enough as to not be so abrasive to the ears so early in the morning. You'll feel just like one of the models from The Devil Wears Prada where this song was featured, and just like them you'll be saying "Suddenly I See".
After you've gotten ready for work, step out into the sunlight (or rain clouds as it is here in Seattle) hop into your car, ride metro, or just strut yourself to this song by Jet released in 03 from their "Get Born" album. It's upbeat, and gets the blood flowing. Imagine yourself being oogled at and given stolen glances as you act oblivious to the fact that many are asking "Are You Gonna Be My Girl".
And as the work day ends you find yourself migrating to the nearest gym, as many health conscious gay men do, to try and squeeze in some all too important body sculpting exercise and weight lifting. As you finish off your whole set with a stroll on the elliptical machine, try this song for size originally released by Elvis back in 69 for his last feature film "Change of Habit". The song was refreshed by the wonderful Paul Oakenfold for an 03 release which got considerable airplay as the token song for one of Toyota's ads. The song is within a good tempo to pace yourself on, and as you clench the buttocks for all to see, there will be considerable "Rubberneckin'" (p.s. and just for you, I'm placing two versions for you to chose to stride to, with the first one being the Oakenfold mix)
You end the day and begin the night as you prepare yourself for a night of gal abashing around with friends. Tossing around many of your outfits amongst each other to see which one will be the one for the evening. You pass around the booze and shots as a pre-game, glancing at the mirror as you fix yourself up, and blasting this on the radio by the fab and glam Republica released back in 96. The song was their biggest hit to date. Check yourself once more in the mirror, straighten out that shirt, check out your ass and proclaim to the rest of the hoochies outside that baby, I'm "Ready to Go" (British Version)
My vanity however is all internalized. I believe that whatever is within will reflect eventually on the outside. Meaning if you see yourself as beautiful and love yourself unconditionally, it will show on the outside as well.
This blog is about the songs that makes me feel good. Songs that I have on my iPod or car that gives me good vibes through out the day.
When I first get up in the morning, I scratch my underwear down from whatever nether regions it has reached, smack my mouth a few times, look at myself in the mirror and say, "Good morning sunshine!" It's always pleasant to see one's self in the morning before your eyes have had time to really wake up and focus in on that pimple that seem to have grown over night, or the fact that your lips are chapped like crazy. As I begin my routine I listen to this wonderful song by K.T. Tunstall released in 05 as her third single to her debut album "Eye to the Telescope". It's refreshing, it has a nice message, and upbeat enough as to not be so abrasive to the ears so early in the morning. You'll feel just like one of the models from The Devil Wears Prada where this song was featured, and just like them you'll be saying "Suddenly I See".
After you've gotten ready for work, step out into the sunlight (or rain clouds as it is here in Seattle) hop into your car, ride metro, or just strut yourself to this song by Jet released in 03 from their "Get Born" album. It's upbeat, and gets the blood flowing. Imagine yourself being oogled at and given stolen glances as you act oblivious to the fact that many are asking "Are You Gonna Be My Girl".
And as the work day ends you find yourself migrating to the nearest gym, as many health conscious gay men do, to try and squeeze in some all too important body sculpting exercise and weight lifting. As you finish off your whole set with a stroll on the elliptical machine, try this song for size originally released by Elvis back in 69 for his last feature film "Change of Habit". The song was refreshed by the wonderful Paul Oakenfold for an 03 release which got considerable airplay as the token song for one of Toyota's ads. The song is within a good tempo to pace yourself on, and as you clench the buttocks for all to see, there will be considerable "Rubberneckin'" (p.s. and just for you, I'm placing two versions for you to chose to stride to, with the first one being the Oakenfold mix)
You end the day and begin the night as you prepare yourself for a night of gal abashing around with friends. Tossing around many of your outfits amongst each other to see which one will be the one for the evening. You pass around the booze and shots as a pre-game, glancing at the mirror as you fix yourself up, and blasting this on the radio by the fab and glam Republica released back in 96. The song was their biggest hit to date. Check yourself once more in the mirror, straighten out that shirt, check out your ass and proclaim to the rest of the hoochies outside that baby, I'm "Ready to Go" (British Version)
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
So I'm totally...
psyched that my best friend Tuffie finally watched "Sex and the City". I told him that if nothing else it would definitely be an experience for him. And sure enough it was.
There were several themes in the movie, but to me the main one was forgiveness.
Forgiving, in my opinion, is a form of a gift that one could bestow on someone else. Just like love, forgiveness is something you never just give away easily and to just anyone. Forgiveness has a lot of weight, importance, and power. It can relieve someone of pain and misery, it can also mend relationships and bridge gaps between adversaries.
Transgressions are of varying degrees that require specific kinds of forgiveness. There's the forgiveness that erases everything, and there's the kind that we give that never forgets. The latter of the two is considered the consolation prize, cause let's face it, when significant damage is done there's no way to repair it, and there's no win win situation at hand. We count our loses, and if we manage to forgive, then we can absolve ourselves of pain, guilt, and resentment.
The song I have chosen was used in the trailer for the movie, and if you were paying good enough attention, played right after Miranda and Steve's session with their counselor. It was the tune that played as Miranda and Carrie talked in the park. The song was written by Don Henley, Mike Campbell, and J. D. Souther and was released in 1990 as part of Don Henley's third solo album "The End of Innocence". Don Henley is a member of the famed country/rock band The Eagles. The song is lyrically beautiful, poignant, and touches on the basic and most human of emotions that we go through as far as reasons and absolution. India.Aire recorded a cover version that was the one used for the film. It's one of the few times when a cover actually gave justice to such a wonderful piece. She released it along with a few other great songs in 2006 for her "Testimony: Vol 1, Life & Relationship". My cousin gave me this album back in 06 and have always loved this version.
I've gone through times in my life where I needed forgiveness and have given it as well. I'm making a lot of apologies to myself, and there's one big one that I've yet to accept. There are times when I thought I had forgiven, when in fact I hadn't just because the betrayal was too much to just be dismissed. This is what makes us human. We don't forgive sometimes cause in our hearts we know it would just be a lie. I couldn't do it, even as a consolation prize.
Let us meditate on these thoughts, and listen closely to India.Aire as she brings us to "The Heart of the Matter".
There were several themes in the movie, but to me the main one was forgiveness.
Forgiving, in my opinion, is a form of a gift that one could bestow on someone else. Just like love, forgiveness is something you never just give away easily and to just anyone. Forgiveness has a lot of weight, importance, and power. It can relieve someone of pain and misery, it can also mend relationships and bridge gaps between adversaries.
Transgressions are of varying degrees that require specific kinds of forgiveness. There's the forgiveness that erases everything, and there's the kind that we give that never forgets. The latter of the two is considered the consolation prize, cause let's face it, when significant damage is done there's no way to repair it, and there's no win win situation at hand. We count our loses, and if we manage to forgive, then we can absolve ourselves of pain, guilt, and resentment.
The song I have chosen was used in the trailer for the movie, and if you were paying good enough attention, played right after Miranda and Steve's session with their counselor. It was the tune that played as Miranda and Carrie talked in the park. The song was written by Don Henley, Mike Campbell, and J. D. Souther and was released in 1990 as part of Don Henley's third solo album "The End of Innocence". Don Henley is a member of the famed country/rock band The Eagles. The song is lyrically beautiful, poignant, and touches on the basic and most human of emotions that we go through as far as reasons and absolution. India.Aire recorded a cover version that was the one used for the film. It's one of the few times when a cover actually gave justice to such a wonderful piece. She released it along with a few other great songs in 2006 for her "Testimony: Vol 1, Life & Relationship". My cousin gave me this album back in 06 and have always loved this version.
I've gone through times in my life where I needed forgiveness and have given it as well. I'm making a lot of apologies to myself, and there's one big one that I've yet to accept. There are times when I thought I had forgiven, when in fact I hadn't just because the betrayal was too much to just be dismissed. This is what makes us human. We don't forgive sometimes cause in our hearts we know it would just be a lie. I couldn't do it, even as a consolation prize.
Let us meditate on these thoughts, and listen closely to India.Aire as she brings us to "The Heart of the Matter".
Monday, June 9, 2008
Love is...
ever a prevailing mystery.
Recently, I had my mom watch John and I's new favorite flick "Across the Universe".
I knew my mother would like it because she's familiar with all of their songs and so was my father. This was the kind of music they grew up with, and the kind of songs they fell in love to. If you're not at all familiar with The Beatles, their songs, or 60's history, then you will probably not get much of the allusions and innuendos in the songs. Like the fact that all of the characters' names are based on the Beatles' songs.
Anyway, getting back on subject, a personal favorite of mine in the whole songbook is the same favorite of my mom's. The song evokes the feelings of someone who's heart has been broken before and is hoping for the real thing before she let's herself fall for this new love. It's a common fear that most people have when faced with the possibility of being in a new relationship. There's insufficient words to describe what heartbreak feels like, but the same can be said about the excitement that a new love brings.
The song appeared in the UK album "A Hard Day's Night" and the US compilation "Something New" back in 1964. It was written primarily by John Lennon with help from Paul McCartney. The song is notable for its unusual structure, which includes an unrepeated introductory section followed by sequential verse sections, each having a slightly expanded form, but with no obvious chorus or bridge section. The song also features a two-part harmony, sung by Lennon and McCartney together into a single microphone at their suggestion, and intricate chord changes. There is a version of this song where you can hear McCartney's voice crack (Love Songs album)used in the stereo version, but in the mono version of the song he strains but doesn't crack. The mistake in making the "cracked" version for the box set and consequently "master set" was completely an archivist's error when placing the masters back into the Capitol Records' vault. There are several renditions of the song out, most notably the one recently done by Maroon Five, one by Sammy Kershaw, and a merengue version by Caña Brava. The one I'm using for this blog is heard in the movie performed by one of the lead stars in the film and Marilyn Manson's girlfriend, Evan Rachel Wood of "Thirteen" fame. I chose her version aside from the obvious reference to the movie, because not only can you hear the raw emotion in her voice when she sings it, but if chance you saw her singing in the film you couldn't help but sympathize with her predicament. The arrangement was wonderfully simple and uncluttered in it's acoustic style.
I can relate to the song whole-heartedly because I've been the kind who's fallen a few times and is in constant fear of messing up and be on the losing end, that or be cheated by love. Regardless of all these cautions and apprehensions, I manage to bring my guard down and let myself just be lost in the embrace and affections of my beau John. And as for mom, she gets teary hearing the song for she believes that dad had never let her down when she decided to be his; for he had loved her unfailingly and completely.
So dedicated to love and my parents, here's "If I Fell".
Recently, I had my mom watch John and I's new favorite flick "Across the Universe".
I knew my mother would like it because she's familiar with all of their songs and so was my father. This was the kind of music they grew up with, and the kind of songs they fell in love to. If you're not at all familiar with The Beatles, their songs, or 60's history, then you will probably not get much of the allusions and innuendos in the songs. Like the fact that all of the characters' names are based on the Beatles' songs.
Anyway, getting back on subject, a personal favorite of mine in the whole songbook is the same favorite of my mom's. The song evokes the feelings of someone who's heart has been broken before and is hoping for the real thing before she let's herself fall for this new love. It's a common fear that most people have when faced with the possibility of being in a new relationship. There's insufficient words to describe what heartbreak feels like, but the same can be said about the excitement that a new love brings.
The song appeared in the UK album "A Hard Day's Night" and the US compilation "Something New" back in 1964. It was written primarily by John Lennon with help from Paul McCartney. The song is notable for its unusual structure, which includes an unrepeated introductory section followed by sequential verse sections, each having a slightly expanded form, but with no obvious chorus or bridge section. The song also features a two-part harmony, sung by Lennon and McCartney together into a single microphone at their suggestion, and intricate chord changes. There is a version of this song where you can hear McCartney's voice crack (Love Songs album)used in the stereo version, but in the mono version of the song he strains but doesn't crack. The mistake in making the "cracked" version for the box set and consequently "master set" was completely an archivist's error when placing the masters back into the Capitol Records' vault. There are several renditions of the song out, most notably the one recently done by Maroon Five, one by Sammy Kershaw, and a merengue version by Caña Brava. The one I'm using for this blog is heard in the movie performed by one of the lead stars in the film and Marilyn Manson's girlfriend, Evan Rachel Wood of "Thirteen" fame. I chose her version aside from the obvious reference to the movie, because not only can you hear the raw emotion in her voice when she sings it, but if chance you saw her singing in the film you couldn't help but sympathize with her predicament. The arrangement was wonderfully simple and uncluttered in it's acoustic style.
I can relate to the song whole-heartedly because I've been the kind who's fallen a few times and is in constant fear of messing up and be on the losing end, that or be cheated by love. Regardless of all these cautions and apprehensions, I manage to bring my guard down and let myself just be lost in the embrace and affections of my beau John. And as for mom, she gets teary hearing the song for she believes that dad had never let her down when she decided to be his; for he had loved her unfailingly and completely.
So dedicated to love and my parents, here's "If I Fell".
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