2010年 02月 02日
A few words for what they are worth...
I play blues harp when I can and recently have been focusing on the importance of keeping the beat or keeping the Rhythm.. basic I know, but putting a focus on this has really been important.
As Howard Choy use to say, 'the penny drops and every now and then will drop some more.'
Recently doing my Tai Chi, I have been seeking the rhythm in the movements, listening to the beat... Once again basics and Iv been doing this to a degree anyway, but to put more of a mind to this listening, has been interesting and a kind of a breakthrough.
Its like playing my harp where my whole body has to be involved, like Albert Lotto talking about playing piano where posture is paramount . I'm getting a real sense of all the parts working in harmony, every little piece, bones, muscles, molecules, everything supporting and working together like a well oiled machine or an excellent band or piece of beautiful music.......
A reply from my friend Izumi who is a music therapist in Sydney...
I used to play Chopin piano pieces a lot. I found it sometimes difficult. Chopin's music has a lot of rubato to express emotions and feelings. I heard that Chopin said that rubato is like trees. When the wind blows, the branches and the leaves are moving, but the tree itself doesn't move. He talked about the importance of basic beat. Since then, I always tried to keep the same beat even when the melodies have rubato. Then, I found that I could feel his music clearer. I think it's related to our heart beat or breath, and any activity has this same principle... Izumi
Just saw a good movie called 'Cadillac Records'
1940's through to 1960's about the musicians that recorded on Chess Records.
Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry, Little Walter, Muddy Walters, Howling Wolf and Etta James. I just Love this music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QJyAXfG8NM
