It is All About Music. A Sensitive Question of the Week. Pure Talent.
Rock, Country, Blues, and real R&B. Red or Blue? A Different Level of Voice.
Quote of the Week:
“I’ve often been asked how baseball has influenced my life in music. I think it was actually the other way around: music influenced how I played baseball… If I was resilient and determined in my practicing [the guitar], I would progress and be able to play the music I really wanted to play. I also learned that I could easily transfer the discipline and focus of practicing my guitar to sports – or anything else. When you’re seven years old and realize that the musical instrument you’re holding in your hands empowers you to do whatever you want in life, it’s a breakthrough moment.” – Bernie Williams (New York Yankee 1991-2006), Rhythms of the Game
Bernie Williams played professional baseball for sixteen years, all as a center fielder for the New York Yankees. With a career batting average of .297, with 287 home runs, and 1,257 runs batted in (RBIs), Williams was a five-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner, and is widely recognized as one of the greatest switch-hitting center fielders.
From Williams’ quote, it is obvious he found music at a young age, eventually being a classically trained guitarist. He has released two jazz albums and was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2009.
Music was and still is an important part of our lives. From the voices of the church choir to the heavy metal of Rammstein, different music influences us in various ways. Listening to music makes me reflect, calms me, and most importantly puts a smile on my face. From 2009, here is Bernie Williams showing off on guitar.
This week’s post supports Bernie Williams’ quote, presenting artists and bands from various music genres. Music can be a common denominator in many ways, bringing together both the young, and not so young. Music enjoyment crosses nationalities, genders, and religions as well.
John Michael (Mickey) Thomas was one of the vocalists with the band Jefferson Starship. Thomas’ range is amazing, and he shows off his vocal talents with Jefferson Starship’s hit song, Jane.
The Hard Rock genre is broad. Classic rock, hard rock, soft rock, and punk road come to mind. Here is the band Journey with lead singer Steve Perry, regarded as one of the best rock singers of all time. From 1981, Steve Perry and Journey with Don’t Stop Believin’.
Some readers of JustMyTake have shown their disdain when I mention rock ballads. Rock ballads are a real thing, and maybe best-represented by the song Still Loving You by the German band Scorpions. In this 1996 version, the Scorpions welcome classic violinist Vanessa-Mae.
What I find great about music is the opportunity to change up what you listen to…depending on the situation and mood. We go back to 1969 with one of greatest vocal groups of all time with Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin and Al Bryant. From the rock of Jefferson Starship, Journey, and Scorpions, we switch it up with The Temptations performing I Can’t Get Next To You.
The Blues genre originated among people in the Deep South of the United States. The Blues started in the 1860s and is a blend of African music traditions and folk ballads. This is Benny Rivers, generated by AI (yep) delivering deep vocals and meaningful lyrics with the song, Step by Step. Yes, “there is strength in growing old.“
John Fogarty and Credence Clearwater Revival. The song Fortunate Son crosses over from rock to blues. The song was written by Fogarty after learning a U.S. Senator’s son had been released from a North Vietnamese prison.
One of the best rock songs of all time, performed by tremendous musicians including the son of Led Zeppelin drummer Jon Bonham. This is Stairway to Heaven performed by Ann and Nancy Wilson of the band Heart, with a gospel choir that just adds to this incredible version of this amazing song. To me, the greatest rock and roll song of all time.
Question of the Week. I am not concerned nor do I care about last Tuesday’s results. What is important to me is that the noise is over.
I asked for your prediction on the midterms, and here are your answers:
- Same as now.
- The Red stays intact.
- I mean 🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️ puppets? Muppets?
- House goes blue…Senate stays barely red…
- Republicans.
- Blue mega tsunami. Trying to manifest.
- Dems will sweep…no doubt.
- Unfortunately, it will be republicans.
- The one that MANY will not like!!
- Incredibly tight but the Republicans keep control.
This week’s Question of the Week is a two-part inquiry: 1) how many hours of local television news do you watch per week? 2) how many hours of national television news do you watch per week? (Specifically on a TV, not your phone or other device).
Pure Talent. I have no idea what this thirteen-year-old is singing but what comes from his mouth is unbelievable. He sings at an octave called “God’s Octave” which makes sense because I strongly assume that this is what angels sound like…definitely Pure Talent.