Music...

I have always had a love for music. Almost all music.
I say this solely becauseof 'rap' .
It should go without saying because I really don't
consider 'rap' music.
Over the past few years I have learned to tolerate
small doses over short periods as long as I don't listen
to the lyrics.
That being said I'm pretty much open to anything else.
My first love was rock although I seldom followed
the groups that others liked.
I guess I just had weird tastes. I was more into groups
like Uriah Heap.. Meatloaf..Santana and Chicago.
I don't know if today's youth can appreciate
the talent it takes to sing..AND play the songs these
groups performed.
Not in these days of synthesized sounds and such.

These days I listen to a lot more country than anything.
I like a lot of the new artists and yea.. I still like the older
'twangy' stuff now and then. I never miss a Jamboree in
the hills concert and although I don't do solo concerts I
did make an exception when Colin Raye was in town.
He is just one of those performers that I will explain later.
A couple of years ago a friend got me interested in Blues
music. I really enjoyed the Hertiage Port Blues festival
last year and plan on going a couple days this year as well.
After all 'Blues' is not too far off tract from one of my all
time favorites Janis Joplin. Another of 'those' performers.

I think what i look for in music is total commitment by
the performer. The music is really secondary to me.
I love to watch a performer who truly loves the music they
sing. Guys like Meatloaf that have a great passion for
their music. And Janis , who screams like a banshee
but puts her whole heart and soul into every song.
We all have our favorites and if you watch them perform
I'll bet you will find they have these same qualities.
It's one thing to sing songs and perform but you can
tell when a person truly loves his/her music.

This takes us to the crowd. You've seen them..the one
person who just can't control themselves at a concert.
At the Blues festival last year there was a 40'ish young
lady that filled that bill. she never sat down..
dancing in the aisles..singing every song.
Most thought she was under the influence or just maybe
a little shy of whatever it is that distinguishes us as
being sane... But no.. she just truly loved the music and
felt the need to let go. I wish ,at times, I could be that free.

I've been fortunate enough to visit and enjoy blues and
jazz clubs in Memphis &New Orleans. Bars and such in
Nashville etc. and they all have one thing in common
people that truly love and believe in what they are doing.
Trust me they can't be doing it for the money.
It's got to be for the love of music... and it shows !

So next time your at a concert..let lose..Nobodys
watching (except me... ;-) And I understand completely !!