Music: The Power of the Story

I have been preaching to my musician friends for a good while now- that the story behind the music is almost (and in some cases is) as important as the music itself.  This has been my mantra for quite some time now as in this time of humanity there is more music being produced and consumed than in any other time in history.  In order to be heard-  you have to be extraordinary... your story has to be extraordinary... your music has to be extraordinary.  

Zach Sobiech was extraordinary.

 If you have not heard his story, or seen his numerous videos-  Zach was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 14 and battled the cancer until it took his life just three days ago.  Zach was extraordinary.  One of the ways Zach coped with his terminal illness was in song.  He wrote a song that he uploaded to youtube as a way to say goodbye to his loved ones.  The song went viral and his story was picked up by Soul Pancake and turned into a short documentary, then the video was amended by the many celebrities that his story had touched and was turned into the celebrity version of the video.  The combined social power of these videos netted nearly 12 million youtube views as of today.

His story touched me in the deepest of places as a father, and a musician.  It is really amazing to see someone in the face of such daunting odds turn to music and positive emotion to see himself, his family and friends through the impending end of his life... and to then leave a legacy as strong as music and song itself behind for others to enjoy, learn from and grow from.  

Today as I logged into iTunes (embarrassingly) looking for the new Flo-rida single, I was shocked and pleased to see that Zach has topped the iTunes singles chart.  In just 18 years he accomplished so much and all through his powerful story, his positive outlook, and the love he shared with others.  Dont tell me that the context does not matter.  This kid was all context.  And he succeeded and achieved what millions would only hope to achieve (in a musical sense). update: Proceeds and donations are going to the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund.

 I dont know Zach, but it is my hope that he is out there smiling down on all of the positive energy he created and the wonderful musical legacy he left us.  Download this.  You wont regret it.

Where to post your Social Media?

There is actually a lot of truth to this flow-chart.  I still have not fully embraced Google+ as Im not sure it is really that embraceable   I DO like the hangout feature- but aside from that I am not convinced Google has built a better mousetrap.

Finally...

Should you applaud? - a Carnegie World Premier

After attending a World premier concert at Carnegie Hall last week I stumbled upon this and found it to be quite funny.  It is too often the case that people not knowing the music they are listening to break up a perfectly good pause with ill-timed applause. 

Normally, I would write a lengthy review of my experience at Carnegie, however I believe that there is nothing much I could say outside of the words of Steve Smith and the New York Times and it is admittedly a bit difficult to put into words just how special that night was-  with the ensemble I played in, my conductor/mentor (and father) in the audience with me and to be surrounded by so many fantastic friends and colleagues. -- I will say that Mohammed Fairouz has written an intriguing, powerful composition that will go down as one of the great new wind works of the 21st century.  I had the pleasure of  spending time with Mr. Fairouz as well as conductor Paul Popiel and am eagerly awaiting the release of the work on CD through the Naxos Wind Band Classics imprint (which I curate) next November.  I believe this album will be a game-changer for wind recordings.  Time will tell.