Futurelawyer

Moonlight Sonata Like You've Never Heard It.

My artist collaborator, Heather Joi, posted this today, and it is magical. Valentina Lisitsa is amazing. You have never heard a better rendering of the Moonlight Sonata than this one. The Third Movement especially, which many never get around to, is unbelievable. Her fingers fly across the keyboard. Thanks, Heather. You made my weekend.

 

Parrotheads Are Mourning The Loss Of Jimmy Buffett.

Jimmy Buffett Parrotheads. Lovers of Jimmy Buffet are grieving today, as he died last night at age 76. This is sad for me for several reasons. My love of parrots and his music informed my youth, and the fact that I am only a year younger than Jimmy causes me to focus on my own mortality even more than usual. My love of parrotheads and beach music are well known among my friends, and I have attended his concerts over the years whenever he was in the Tampa area. His business sense was amazing, and we make a point to eat at Margaritaville whenever we are in Orlando. So, toast a life well lived, and a life that gave happiness to millions of fellow humans today. I will be listening to a Buffett mix this afternoon. I don't drink much; but I will be downing a beer or two in his honor.

Isao Tomita - Arabesque No. 1 Electronica.

My favorite version of the Arabesque is the Tomia electronic masterpiece on the Snowflakes Are Dancing album, which is the version that Jack Horkheimer used on Star Hustler. Close your eyes and forget the world for a few minutes.

 

Happy Birthday, Claude DeBussy.

Is there a more hauntingly beautiful tune than Arabesque No. 1? I was first introduced to it by a version played as the intro to Star Hustler, a late night Miami astronomer short that played during Dr. Who reruns. Jack Horkheimer was the host, and died in 2010. I could listen to this music all the time.

 

Nothing Ever Changes, So Relax And Live While You Can.

I learned a valuable lesson in the Sixties, when I was in high school, and a big night out was visiting a folk music venue and drinking ginger beer. We were such innocents; but we loved folk music, and the bohemian vibe. When I first heart this song, I thought I was the recipient of some time bending wisdom that was new to the world. In my old age, I realize that nothing will ever change, and the world will always be in turmoil. Live your life, with as much happiness and joy as you can. All the rest is useless.

 

The Voice Of Heaven - 13 Year Old Malakai Bayoh.

When I heard this, I was quite literally transported, and this is a perfect choice for a Sunday concert. Last year, this young virtuoso debuted, and many predict a great future for him. Voices like this only come along once in a generation, and bring us closer to whatever spirituality remains in our modern souls. 

 

Sometimes You Just Have To Take An Alan Parsons Project Break.

I have written before about my Bose Smartglasses, which I wear all the time. I hate having little plugs in my ears, and the glasses have Bose direct speakers that send great sound to the ears while keeping the user aware of his surroundings. Sometimes, however, I want immersive sound, and my favorite group, Alan Parsons Project, sounds great in over-the-ear headphones. Find a pair with great bass, and you won't be sorry. Don't spend hundreds of dollars on a name. These cost less than $100 and they are great. They are light and comfortable, and keep me in my own world whenever I want. 

What Is The Greatest TV Theme Of All Time?

It's Monday. Nobody wants to start a new week. Let's play what is the greatest TV theme of all time. My choice:

 

I Collect Vinyl - I Love Confusing Millennials.

You know  you are old, when you try to explain vinyl records to a millennial. 

"If You Want To End War, You've Got To Sing It Loud".

I was reminded of Alice's Restaurant in a post by Cultural Offering, referring to Ray Visotski's blog post for Thanksgiving. Many consider it a Thanksgiving tradition, and play it on that day. My memory of it is as an anti-war anthem during my college years from 1965 to 1969. We were all subject to the draft, and sweated out lottery number drawing. I was an R.O.T.C. cadet in college, which was mandatory the first two years; but, in 1967, it became a lifeline. If I had to go the war, I wanted to go as an officer, and that required two more years of R.O.T.C. training. Upon graduation, the commission I received turned into a lifeline. I found it ironic that a military commission turned out to be the reason I avoided VietNam, when I joined the Reserves and received active duty deferments for the three years of law school. But, I digress. The horror of war, in which many died, was spared to the luckiest of us; but, the song's message, delivered at a time in which most Americans give thanks, still rings true today. I am sure that many of us carry survivor's guilt; but, we must let that go. Be thankful you are alive; but, remember those who have died. I love this version of the song, due to the art and subtitles with the complete lyrics. It may be an idealistic dreamer's dream; but, what if every person in the world sang it?