The Healing Touch of The Singer and The Song

[The Rez]

My Mom and I sat here tonight listening to Gospel Favorites of Roy Acuff.

In the morning it was The Essential Glenn Miller (In the Mood is her favorite.)

Weak as she may be (all 95 lbs of her) music makes her eyes just shine.

Mid-day we listened to John Stewart at Jimmy Duke's (San Diego area) from 2003. Same shine, especially when she recognized my little voice hollerin' out(rudely?) in hope that John would sing That Lucky Old Sun. Mom had me play it 3 times runnin'.

Having been thru the whole rock & roll journey w/ me, whether she dug it or not, she is quite hip musically. After the dbl live at Jimmy's we brought out the Kingston Trio College Concert CD (which she still knew by heart from all my teenage LP spinning of it.) The smiles grew brighter and brighter.

Later, it was time for The Wildlife Concert. She'd been to John Denver concerts w/ me long ago in the 70s, but never saw what she saw today. Still more smiles, reverie, common ground, the finest of sounds.

And Don Quixote - Big Blue she remembred, too. And the Reno video. She'd been w/ me to Gord concerts, too, yrs ago.

So, from Glenn Miller thru John Stewart, The KT College Concer, thru John Denver to Gord - and all the way back to Roy Acuff, her dad's favorite - and songs from her childhood, the pain eased. Didn't leave, but eased as the Healing Touch was received. I suspicion the Lord smiled, too.

Such times for you? Please share?

The Rez

PS: Ain't nobody could balance a fiddle bow on his nose like Roy Acuff.

[mnmouse]

A different kind of healing....

I have an uncle, my mother's only sibling. When I was child, I adored him. He moved out to the East Coast, and we rarely got to see him after that. When I was a teen, he visited several times, and I thought he was the coolest guy I had ever met. He was gifted in the arts, a teacher at a community college, an archeologist who traveled the world and dug up lost cities. And he was my friend.

When I was 17, he came to stay for a few weeks one summer. Having not seen him for several years, it was kind of awkward at first. Then one day we all headed for the mall, and when we got there, he said "You all go do what you want to do, Sharron (that's me) and I are hanging out together this afternoon." We went straight to the music store. We perused the aisles, and I delighted in sharing music of artists with which he was not familiar, he delighted in doing the same with me. We discussed favorites of mine, (including Lightfoot, Taylor, Baez, Chapin) and favorites of his, and discovered our musical tastes overlapped...he purchased two albums of Keith Jarrett. We went for coffee and pie and opened up to eachother, and I shared a lot with him I hadn't shared with too many, if any, others. We went home that evening and listened to each other's music.

Fast forward several years. I am married and living in a small town, and another summer is upon us. Another long anticipated visit has arrived, and I welcome him. He came with my parents for dinner, and after dinner we never actually left the table. I cleared the dishes, we sat and talked. My parents drifted home, my husband went to bed. We broke out a bottle of E&J and I put on Gord's Gold and we opened up again. He told me of memories from when I was very small, watching me grow around his three boys and marveling in the wonders of how uniquely feminine, yet strong and self-assured a girl can be from the get-go. We talked about families and relationships. Maybe it was the combined magic of the music and the E&J and the lateness of the hour, but he returned the years-ago favor by sharing a lot with me that he hadn't shared with too many, if any others. We talked about Gordon's music...the lyrics led to rich conversation. My husband got up to go to work the next morning, and we were still sitting at the table, talking. It was magic.

I saw him again two summers ago, and he looked so old and worn. We did not talk as long...he was tired. He got to know my daughter, and reveled in how much she looked like me, and how uniquely feminine, yet strong and self-assured she was. Last summer, I received word that he was gone. It hit me hard, but I broke out Gordon Lightfoot and Keith Jarrett and there was a healing in the music. Not a physical healing, but a healing of the heart.

Thanks, Rez, for starting this thread and allowing me to share.

mnmouse

[The Rez]

Let's bring it forward, shall we Ms Mouse?

I figure the whole focus of music in our lives has been a "healing of the heart." If it weren't so, we be trading posts on Click n' Clack's CarTalk Hotline.

That's cool, too, but I need the music. My Lord, how I need the music - tonight.

The Rez

. . . and the MUSEic, she was there for the finding.

[mnmouse]

Originally posted by The Rez:
That's cool, too, but I need the music.

Don't we all, Rez, don't we all?

"Remember when the music
Was a glow on the horizon of every newborn day
And as we sang, the sun came up to chase the dark away..."
-- Harry Chapin

[Borderstone]

Give me almost any singer/songwriter's album
and I feel good (or melencholy) in no time.

I tried to listen to Roy Acuff once,I just could not get into it. No offense,just doesn't grab my attention.

[The Rez]

Borderstone:

I figure so much of what a person get's into musically, relates to their life circumstances under which they hear it. Otherwise, it wouldn't touch them.

I expect I have the same reaction to most Rap as you did to Roy Acuff. It's just not part of my experience. I can appreciate it from a musical understanding of the form, but it doesn't grab me. It seems the rest of America, anyway, doesn't have my disconnect.

With Roy Acuff (and all the Country Sing-Thru-the-Nose folks of the 40s & 50s) it's music my Grandpa dearly loved. So, I can't hear Roy Acuff w/o thinking of Grandpa - especially the hymns. It's also among the first music I ever heard w/ soul - even though I doubt the word "soul" was ever used when I was 4 & 5.

For the life of me, I don't understand why so much of the world doesn't even appreciate Gord for his Gift, much less John Stewart, and a slew of those other singer/songwriters we love here.

I even know people who absolutely don't get The Wiggles.

The Rez

. . . Harry Chapin - oh, yes

[The Rez]

Another quick PS:

A fellow whose music has that healing power for me is Terry Clark. Not, the C/W lady Terry Clark, but the Christian singer.

His brother, Duane, reaches me even more - but he doesn't make records, except w/ his brother.

The Rez

[DJ in MJ]

I mentioned this on another thread. My wife and I both have Gordon Lightfoot and Dan Fogelberg at the top of our all-time favourites list. Yet only one of us loves Al Stewart (me) and John Denver (her). We've both tried to get into the other artist, but without success, even if the talent is appreciated and understood.

I must agree with The Rez. I think it has to do with life circumstances, our culture, and the things that mold and shape us as we grow.

[The Rez]

I've been holding off for sometime now, mention of a radio project which promted this topic in the first place. Tonight, I'm feeling the thump of the Lord's knuckle on my bullheaded brain to bring this information to you and to ask for you wisdom.

Here tis:

I worked for 15 yrs at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa producing a children's radio program called The Puppet Factory. My character was Uncle Ned - Puppetmaker. That ended when my mom needed me full time.

Now the pastor has asked me to consider a new radio program - which wouldn't take time away from my caregiving to Mama - but could be pre-taped like is done w/ game shows - a weeks worth at a time.

My pastor's concept is for me to be a "late night" disk jockey. The program would be run 5 nights a week at about 2 or 3 a.m. That's the time so very many badly hurting people need that healing touch of music and, in this case, tied in with the comfort available in the arms of the Lord.

I would play and/or sing music that is designed to reach those standing on the precipice of chosing life or death. In other words, bring Hope. Hope is not wishing. Hope is rock solid. It must be given and, hopefully, received.

The program is in the brainstorming stage right now, but it did prompt this topic origianlly. I have been one of those hurting people on the precipice.

Empathy is needed not sympathy. And Hope is needed, not platitudes. It's my pastors position (and mine) that music is the vehicle thru which the agnozing, hurting soul can be reached.

The songs I choose need not be "Christian" songs, but my task would be to play and/or sing songs of Hope and blend them in with The Good Hand of The Lord. The embrace always open.

Would you please, ponder this way-too-lengthy post and suggest songs (or parts of songs) from Gord that I could include (w/ his permission.)

I would never pretend to limit the way the Lord might choose to work in someone's life. To end the suffering hurt and bring them home.

I figure there's a whole lot of music that touches me deeply and gives me hope. The writer and singer of so many is our own Gord.

Thanks for Listening,

The Rez

. . . where seldom is heard a discouraging word . . .

[ July 31, 2005, 03:04: Message edited by: The Rez ]

[The Rez]

Thanks for the b/c suggestions for the radio outreach to hurting people.

Some excellent, encouraging songs to a person in hurt needing hope - from someone who's been there.

Rainy Day People - so good. Please give it some more ponder. Things are coming together w/ the radio outreach, and I sure could use your input.

What would reach you, were you that lost soul out in radioland. What would give you hope in the form of a song - a Gord song.

Thanks for the replies,

The Rez

[BILLW]

Hey Rez,

The one that always works for me is:

Second Cup Of Coffee

Best of luck with the project,

Bill

[bjb]

Hi Rez,
One essential song which you've probably thought of is "The House You Live In". How about "Mama Said" -- touching and has great advice too.

I know this show will do well if people know about it, cause such a thing is badly needed. Any chances of having it on web radio?

Bonnie

[bjb]

Just thought of another one -- Flying Blind. I don't know how others interpret this song, but to me it's about living on after the loss of one or both parents...no answers, but lots of Gord's characteristic "been there" imagery...

[The Rez]

2nd Cup o' Coffee
House You Live In
Mama Said
Flying Blind

Such fine recommendations. Thank you.

It's so apparent in each tune to find a Scriptural parallel to reference, for the context of the program.

You folks are so helpful. Each thought creates though on my end, too - as Iron sharpens Iron.

And yes, Bonnie, it will be available on the Net. KWVE (Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa's station) programming can be accessed thru their site: calvarychapel.com.

The logistic problem is that it'll be a 2 or 3am show here on the coast, but when you'd be able to hear it would depend on your time zone.

Those guys who do all this fancy Web stuff will, as I understand it, have some things archived, too. Hey, I don't know how it works - I'm just a Piano Guy.

I'll keep y'all posted as to the progress. Your encouragement means much to this old heart.

The Rez

The Balboa Institute of Technology and Counting Real High

[bjb]

Last night I listened to Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds", a beautiful, beautiful song when you're hurting. And by coincidence, a friend sent me some lyrics from Social Distortion called "When the Angels Sing", written by a recovering heroin addict. Myself, I think that Social Distortion's music for WTAS kind of covers up the lyrics, so I had a thought. What if you played the melody yourself? Then you could either sing or read the lyrics for a change of pace

Your question has given me so many ideas it's hard not to write you a book!

[Auburn Annie]

You can always cull the classics. For example, "Love Walked In" by those Gershwin boys:

Love walked right in, and drove the shadows away
Love walked right in, and brought my sunniest day
One magic moment, and my heart seemed to know - that love said hello
Though not a word was spoken
One look, and I'd forgot the gloom of the past
One look, and I had found my future at last
One look, and I had found a world completely new
When love walked in with you

or this one (Someone to Watch Over Me, 1926):

There's a saying old, says that love is blind
Still we're often told, "seek and ye shall find"
So I'm going to seek a certain lad I've had in mind

Looking everywhere, haven't found him yet
He's the big affair I cannot forget
Only man I ever think of with regret

I'd like to add his initial to my monogram
Tell me, where is the shepherd for this lost lamb?

There's a somebody I'm longin' to see
I hope that he, turns out to be
Someone who'll watch over me

I'm a little lamb who's lost in the wood
I know I could, always be good
To one who'll watch over me

Although he may not be the man some
Girls think of as handsome
To my heart he carries the key

Won't you tell him please to put on some speed
Follow my lead, oh, how I need
Someone to watch over me

(bridge)

Won't you tell him please to put on some speed
Follow my lead, oh, how I need
Someone to watch over me

Someone to watch over me

[ August 15, 2005, 11:17: Message edited by: Auburn Annie ]

[bjb]

One more:

Live On, by the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band

Hello my friend, can't sleep again
Got too much on my mind
It's half past 3, you're calling me
Just to make everything alright
Can't see the light, heat of the night
Tired of feeling so wrong
Well, I've been there, and it's not fair
But you just gotta live...live on
...
I know it's true, I'm living proof
The road is hard and long
If I could find a way, I'd take your place
But you just gotta live...live on

[ August 15, 2005, 14:06: Message edited by: bjb ]

[The Rez]

The Great American Songbook - yes!

And the new crop of today - yes!

Miranda suggested "Cool Water"

My Lord, what a wealth of wonder.

Standing in awe,

The Rez

[The Rez]

I was thinking tonite of Light and of Rivers. Gord's River of Light, John Stewarts Strange Rivers, and more.

In those two songs The River is metaphore for being on the right path - for the wrong are many. Easily equated w/ being in God's Will rather than out.

John S. uses The River metaphore often across the yrs. How 'bout Gord? Any come to mind?

I looked at the lyrics to the Social Distortion tune suggested - Mighty! Set up just right, I could use their recording alo. After all, those who are hurting, whatever the reason, are not old folkies.

I've always been particularly taken w/ the music of Leonard Cohen. I know there is a way to set up Bird on a Wire, for instance, properly to allow it to be empathetic as it is and yet carry the Christian context of Hope.

The more I ponder choices, the more the songs present themselves. Even Brother Ray's Live at Newport 58 take on Drown in My Own Tears. Everything doesn't have to be mellow.

The songs sung last week on the hour fund raiser for Katrina survivors are, each one, appropriate. Who Will Stop the Rain isn't about Rain, really. Metaphore galore is good. Scriptural parallells are easily found.

Time for the River of Dreams now,

Blessings,

". . . and I bring you The River . . . and I sing you The River"

[The Rez]

bjb,

Do you know which ABBA recording the song is on. While not an avid fan of theirs (like the rest of entire world in the 70s,) they put out some fine records. My pardner razzes me 'cuz I'm a sucker for Dancing Queesn

The whole idea of the Late Nite Radio thing is to reach folks hurting for whatever reason and help them back to life - and, being a Christian station - tie things in w/ Jesus' Good News.

I'm of the opinion that the majority of the songs I "DJ" should be those, such as have been kindly suggested, from the popular song book.

And also of an eclectic mix. Every person in years of tears is not a "folkie" or a "headbanger." But why not both - side by side - on the radio. If the message and the dovetail w/ The Word is there . . .

That Social Distortion song is a prime example. I'm inclined to play their original and then read the lyric - and then the path to Scripture.

Sorry for the "free range" ramble tonite. I've a PowWow w/ the Pastor tomorrow. Organizing thoughts has never been something I've been accused of mastering.

So, Blessings again tonite - and many thanksgivings,

Rez

[bjb]

Hi Rez,
The Abba song "I Have a Dream" is on the Voulez-Vous album and has a beautiful melody and message. There's another one "Chiqitita" on the same album about heartaches and the belief that you'll be dancing once again...

I was also thinking about Gord's Fading Away, which is kind of inspirational about resisting temptation (I think)

BJ

[bjb]

In a Windowpane

[The Rez]

A Late Night Radio Outreach update (sounds like an SNL sketch)

What follows is some "free-range" thinking, noodling, and - no doubt - redundancy. Thanks to each for your suggestions - each and all of which work perfectly, and will.

Here 'tis:

We're about two weeks away from going in studio to do the 15min Demo for Pastor Chuck's input . . . then we go. My aim is to use The American Bandstand Template and record five shows at one daylong session.

The whole purpose is to reach out to the person in Pain at the other end of the radio. Whatever Pain - Whatever Source. Pain is Pain. Soothing is Soothing. Healing is Healing. One persons Need isn't greater than another's.

"Music hath charms to soothe the Savage Breast" (not Beast)
"God's Word is Health." The Christian application of these two things, and whatever I might be led to bring to the table - having walked the Hard Road - will act in concert to not only Soothe, but to bring Hope. Sure Hope! Such is our Prayer.

Lately, I've been batting around a few concepts. My plan is to have the music be very eclectic and differing in styles. The idea of medleys has been upfront these past couple days: A secular song followed by a Christian song holding the same values. Or, perhaps, a secular song followed by a Christian song showing the opposite values.

Here's an example:

John Denver's "Seasons Suite" (in it's entirety) followed by Pete Seger's "Turn, Turn, Turn" (many versions there to choose from - The Byrds, Judy Collins, Pete Seger himself, etc. (both "Folk)

The Rolling Stones "Sympathy for the Devil" followed by Hoyt Axton's "The Devil" - check out Hoyt's lyrics. (both "Rock")

The Rolling Stones "Gimme Shelter" (or versions by John Stewart, Kathy Mattea, etc.) followed by a precious song by a good friend - Dwayne Clark - "In the Shelter of Your Presence - In the Safety of Your Arms" ("Rock" to "Lullaby")

"Hobo's Lullaby" (Arlo Guthrie, The Kingston Trio, Woody Guthrie, etc.) followed by "Homeless Brother" from Don McClean ("Even Jesus on the highway was a lost hobo.") Jesus owned nothing - a Homeless Brother Hobo on The Road.

"Anytime" (Eddie Arnold 50s Country take, Arlo Guthrie's Bluegrass take, Louis Prima & Keely Smith - eclectic, yes?) followed by Crystal Lewis' "Come Just as You Are."

"Questions" from The Moody Blues ("I'm looking for someone to change my life. I'm looking for a miracle in my life . . . " followed by the album-cut Organ lead from "Whiter Shade of Pale" That melody is from Bach; written for his church; and dedicated to the Lord.

Every song above has a direct Scriptural "Chapter & Verse" example.
That's the overall idea and some "free-range" thinking ideas.

Lotsa other people's music to look into - Gord (oh, yes) and your recomendations, Elvis, and . . . Brother Ray.

Almost forgot this medley: "Drown in My Own Tears" (Ray Charles Live at Newport Jazz '58) followed by Mavis Staples take on Stephen Foster's 150yr old song "Hard Times" followed by Iris De Mente new composition, "He Reached Down."

Time to hush now. I only pray the words flow the way they ought come recording time.

Blessed Peace,

The Rez

[The Rez]

Just a Note of Thanksgiving . . . and a SHOUT!!!


MY MAMA JUST WALKED ALL THE WAY 'ROUND HER BED AND BACK AGAIN - W/O HER WALKER OR CANE!!!! THAT'S THE FIRST TIME SHE'S BEEN ABLE TO TAKE A STEP SINCE FALLING AND BREAKING HER HIP AND LEFT LEG ALMOST TWO YRS AGO.

HALLELUJHA!

I JUST HAD TO TELL SOMEBODY!!!!!

Tonite, after the Tricksters got their Candy, Mama & I listened again to Roy Acuff singing Old Tyme Hymns.

The Healing Touch of the Singer and the Song in the Good Hand of The Old Master Painter from the Faraway Hills.

Blessed Peace,

The Rez

[The Rez]

The Healing Song Today was for Mama . . .

David Mallet's "The Garden Song."

I played it for her, w/ some very slight lyric changes bringing it into full Christian mode.

This day followed:

We'd hired a friend to come do all the backyard work (tree trimming, weeding, etc.) that I can't do w/ the Joys of Vertigo. While Jose was working, Mom went out there w/ him bein' the StrawBoss.

I grabbed some long-handled round-edge (safety) clippers and went to town myself.

When I got back from town, they'd done most of it . . .

That was the first time Mama's been able to be in the backyard in two years. There's no grass, just fruit trees and bare earth. Also, many stumble-holes.

But, she negotiated the terrain like the Cherokee she is - and I was never worried.

She was filled to the top w/ Joy being out there working again. And she stayed our for two hours!

As a Banjo Rat Buddy said to me,
"Praise God . . . and then do it again!"

Amen . . . and Amen . . .

The Rez

PS: I'm fixin' to take over the regular chores on the Organ at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. Pastor Chuck called and I'm to begin in two weeks.