blog
So my band had an opportunity to play at Cherry Blossom this year. We had a blast. Take a few minutes to listen to a couple of songs, recorded live at the Cox Capital Theater on Friday, March 22.
Band Members:
Joey Stuckey: Guitar
Tom Rule: Keyboard
Monty Cole: Sax
Miguel Castro: Drums
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Joey Stuckey Band: End of Solo through Bridge of 'Fall' from 'Mixture.' Live at Cherry Blossom Festival 2013
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Joey Stuckey Guitar Solo from 'All Blues Live' at Cherry Blossom Festival 2013
Meeting the Eye in the Sky, My week in Nashville with Alan Parsons and other friends
(pictured with Alan Parsons)
In mid-February of this year, I had an amazing opportunity to work with and learn from one of my musical heroes and one of the great producers, Alan Parsons.
If somehow you don’t know who that is, though I am not sure how this would be possible, Alan has been the producer and/or recording engineer with some of the most iconic bands/artists to make recorded music including the Beatles and Pink Floyd. Not to mention, being a great performer and songwriter and, of course, founder of the super group “The Alan Parson’s Project."
The door for me to meet Alan was opened because I am professor of music technology for Mercer University and I had been in touch with Alan and his outstanding team about their educational products. Alan has come out with a video series with friend and co-producer, Julian Colbeck, called 'The Art and Science of Sound.' It is a great project and truly useful for the pro and novice alike. After speaking with them about the series’ usefulness for college instruction, the opportunity to work with Alan was brought to my attention and I jumped on it!
It is very hard for me to take time out of my own schedule as a producer, educator and performer, but I did it and it was one of the best experiences of my life.
We met Alan and his team at the famous Nashville studio 'Oceanway,' where Alan was producing three up and coming artists that had won a song writing contest held at the renowned Blue Bird Café.
(pictured with Annie Mosher)
Here I must pause to talk about these three amazing song writers. First there is Annie Mosher-- beautiful, sweet, sassy, everything a good redhead should be! But seriously, she is super wonderful to be around, and as a thoughtful and clever songwriter she captures something special when she sings and plays her guitar - bringing her art to life.
(pictured with J.P. and his wife, Irene)
Next, my new life long friends, J. P. Williams and his lovely wife, Irene. These guys are a couple that remind me of my amazing wife Jennifer and I - a true match made in heaven. J. P. is one of the best songwriters I've ever had the privilege to listen to. His lyrics and sense of melody are so clean and vivid that you are taken to a new plane of existence when he performs for you. Oh yeah, did I mention that he is also blind like myself? Well, I am now convinced that blind people will one day rule the world.
(pictured with Paul Sikes)
Last, but not least, is Paul Sikes. He knows how to write a song that is so accessible everyone can relate to it. Paul is one of those artists that will make a million dollars or two before he turns 40, you just can’t keep yourself from singing along to his hooky music.
(pictured with Nick)
(pictured with Coley and Abby)
(pictured with Julian Colbeck)
I also want to say how much I enjoyed meeting and working with the Oceanway crew, especially Nick, and the rest of Alan’s team: Julian, his daughter Abi, her boyfriend Coley and “mister fix-it” Charlie.
Working alongside Alan to make these recordings of these amazing artists’ music into audio sculptures was transcendent.
I was honored to be able to lend my ear to the process and learn from the master. Alan was so accessible, friendly, and knowledgeable it makes you respect the man even more. He has the pedigree and talent to be a stuck up diva, but, he isn’t and, that ladies and gentlemen, is why he is such a great teacher and human being.
I wish I had the time to share all I learned, but my time with Alan has made me a better producer and engineer. And the friends I made and the outstanding talent I was able to witness, made that week something I will treasure and carry with me for the rest of my life.
Three other things happened that week I want to quickly share:
First, my wife Jennifer got a once-in-a-lifetime chance to sing back up vocals on an Alan Parsons’ recording - how cool!
She and the other ladies in the session did a group back up vocal part on Annie’s song. My wife isn’t a trained singer, but did a great job blending in, which is a difficult thing to do.
(pictured with Doug and Michelle Diamond)
Next, I got a chance to eat, yeah, you know food had to come in to this somewhere, at a great Nashville restaurant - Demo’s Steak and Spaghetti, with my friend and fellow engineer, Doug Diamond (yes that is his real last name) and his wife Michelle - both the brains and beauty in the Diamond family.
(pictured with Zelda Sheldon)
Finally, I got the chance to work with an amazing educator and composer, Zelda Sheldon. What to say about Zelda? She is a true renaissance woman and so talented. She has just moved to Nashville from Australia and is already making a name for herself as a vocal instructor and songwriter. Zelda and I spent an entire day together singing, and co-wrote our first song – a blues number called “Do Me Wrong”. We are writing together on a regular basis and I am grateful for my new friend and co-writer. I also got to meet, through Zelda, another outstanding Aussie song writer and educator - Heather. She is also blind and the most independent person I know. Did I mention that blind people will one day rule the world?
So as you can see, pun intended, it was an amazing week of new friends and music. My only regret was I wasn’t able to visit with my wife’s mother and sister and her family who also live in Nashville, but I barely had time to sleep and the days were full.
Thanks for taking the time to read this blog and make sure to take the time to check out the artists I mentioned here and also Alan’s video series.
Joey
We here at Audio Style are BIG time fans of the comedy styling's of Eugene Mirman.
But, when we reached out to his management, they turned us down for an interview. We are sure this was a mistake, how could they not want Eugene to be on the show? It is after all in the words of our internet radio Eeyore, Comedy Gold.
So we have resolved each week to send out a plea to Eugene basically begging him to be on the show so we can die happy. Each week we will come up with a new plea, this week, our first attempt is a short song, yeah, it's amazing!
Please enjoy and share.
Joey
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My friend and student Louise Warren and I recently spent the day in my studio recording her outstanding composition "This Is Home" which will be featured on WMAZ13 just prior to the Super Bowl kickoff on Sunday February 3. Video imagery from around Middle Georgia will be synchronized to the song for a powerful multi-media experience about the heart of our state.
I was excited to be the producer for this project - providing my touch on arrangement, recording, mixing, mastering and performing electric guitar, bass, keys, and drums - to support Louise's vocals and acoustic guitar.
Louise is a talented artist and great student and I encourage everyone to check out our collaboration on Sunday.
Joey
My friend Joe Solo, the producer who developed Macy Gray, has some amazing tips for anyone who wants to be in the music biz. Whether you are just starting out or a veteran, you can really learn a lot from Joe - check it out:
Get creative, marketing, & music industry information you won’t find anywhere else - it'll help you move ahead and break through.
Each nugget is self-contained and gives you knowledge you can use RIGHT NOW to accelerate your music career and help you get the recognition your music deserves.
Sign up FREE at:
Joey Stuckey
Apple has major design flaws with iPad Mini for blind users of VoiceOver. The main present I really wanted for Christmas of 2012 was the iPad mini, since I have had such great success using the iPhone 4S and iPod touch with the speech software voiceover.
Indeed one of Apple's main selling points for the visually impaired is that all of the apps that come included with the iPad mini, iPod touch or iPhone 3 or later, are totally accessible with the VoiceOver program - or so goes the claim. However this is not 100% correct.
I recently discovered that in the audio books tab inside iTunes while the sighted user can tab back to return to the audiobook main menu from where you can select what audio book you wish to listen to, this is not possible for the blind user. I called Apple tech support and, while they were very helpful, they discovered that I was correct - Apple made a major oversight and has no plans to correct the flaw anytime soon.
Even more frustrating on the audiobook front is that while Apple claims that everything is backed up in the iCloud (all apps, music etc.), audiobooks are not.
I hate to have to inform Apple but 'all items' means 'all items.' If audiobooks are not backed up in the cloud, the selling point should say 'most items' and then you can read for details about which items are backed up in the cloud and which are not.
After digging through pages and pages and pages of different FAQs etc., I did not see anything mentioned that Apple expects you to take care of your backups, as audiobooks are not supported.
If audio books were simply not supported in the cloud I would be okay with that (although not really understanding why). But it is more insidious than that. In fact audio books cannot be found under purchased items. So if you delete an audiobook from your iOS device or computer you have to rebuy the audio book. No other item in the entire iTunes store is treated in this manner. As audio books are one of the main reasons I wanted an iPod, it is frustrating that audio books are so unimportant to the Apple experience!
I have seen a few people talking about this on the net via blogs... Even a few that defend Apple. However I have two things to say to their points:
First, I agree that if the product is removed from iTunes for whatever reason, you don't get another download of the product that has been removed. At that point, you need to have either backed up your purchase or take it up with the third party that provided that product in the first place. The main problem with this scenario, is that Apple makes it impossible to back up audio books from your IOS device, at least without buying a third party program.
Second, the point that most audiobook titles are provided by aubible.com, I say, 'Guess what? that is ridiculous!' The fact is that if you are a distributor of products or services and you offer the download of all purchased items, then where you get said product is not relevant. I provide iTunes with music via the portal of CDbaby. and I am subject to the policy of allowing fans that have bought my music to redownload my music from the iTunes Store.
It wouldn't take much to make these problems disappear and truly make the Apple experience what it should be and claims to be. As a person that spends a lot of money and time using Apple products and services, I hope that Apple shows me that they care about me and the rest of the blind community and other audio books enthusiasts!
Just saw the new James Bond movie, 'Skyfall' at the Mall of Georgia IMAX theater. Now, how cool is that? A blind man pays extra to go to Imax!
Loved the movie!
...I also just bought the second season of CSI on DVD (Jennifer and I are huge fans). More on that later.
J
Getting ready for the big Skydog Music Fest on Sunday November 18, 2012 at Macon's Central City Park. The rehearsal I attended was some of the most fun I have had in years. Most of the best players were in attendance. It was like a family reunion with outstanding music. It took place at Wesley Audio in Gray. The place was jam packed with musical goodies like pianos, guitars, drums, etc and great friends making great music. Just a few of the outstanding players include Robert Coleman, Ed Clark, Chance Royal, Ken Wynn, and so many more. The concert on Sunday is a must-attend event for any music lover.
Rehearsal
Joey
This past Saturday, (November 10), I had the pleasure of setting in with some friends of mine, the guys from the hot Atlanta band, Soup.
I used to promote these guys on my terrestrial radio show Home Grown on the old I-Q radio 96.5 FM in Macon, GA.
I hadn't seen them for about 10 years. This past Saturday, they had a reunion show at Smiths Olde Bar in Atlanta and it was a packed house -standing room only!
I got to go out and rip some guitar with this most outstanding band.
Here are what the guys said after the set:
"Bro, your playing was phenom."
- Bram
"Great to jam with u brother!! My parents thought you were amazing!!"
- Kevin
"Joey, I just want to thank you again for last night. It was an honor to share the stage with you. Your playing blew my mind. We must do it again. I had an outpouring of compliments from people on your performance after the show. Thanks again!"
- Erik Rowen
I look forward to doing it again and thank the guys for asking me to be part of their celebration of music!
Here I am, jamming.
I had a ton of fun at the 34th Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards in Atlanta last weekend (October 14, 2012). It was held at the Cobb Center in North Atlanta. Besides the fact that it took less than 2 hours to get there (my Publicist, Em Fergusson, drives like crazy and always gets lost, but I digress...), we showed up and got to take some cool pics on the red carpet, gave some interviews and pictures to the press and had a helluva time listening to legendary acts like Godfather of Southern Rock, Charlie Daniel's, sultry vocals by Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles and the highly intensified powerhouse 38 Special. I couldn't hold back shrieking at the top of my lungs with my ultimate fav, Wet Willie and their flaming talent.
All in all, we had a great time...got to meet some awesome folks and sampled some cool hors d'oeuvres in a bright, big red room with cool-looking chandeliers.
Here's some pics from the event.
With my dad, Talmadge Stuckey near the red carpet
With my publicist, Em Fergusson
Near the red carpet
On the red carpet
On the red carpet
At the 34th Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards
Photographers & Media
Being interviewed
Being interviewed
This is the show with Merle Kessler, here is the driect link to listen:
J
http://www.artistfirst2.com/ArtistFirst_Audio_Style_2012-10-14.mp3 ">http://www.artistfirst2.com/ArtistFirst_Audio_Style_2012-10-14.mp3
It is always exciting when a dream comes true.
I just had that experience!
Many of you know that I had some major health problems as a child from a brain tumor. Well, one of the things that got me through those hard years included British comedies and public radio. One of the treasures I found on public radio was Duck's Breath Mystery Theatre. You might remember the guys from this comedy dream team as the guys that came up with the 'Ask Dr Science,' the popular MTV icon Randy of the Red Woods and my personal favorite, Ian Shoales: A comedy commentator that ranted way before John Steward, Denis Miller and Louis Black. The wit of Ian has been seen on Nightline, 60 minutes and much more.
Well, recently I decided on a lark to ask Merle Kessler, (AKA Ian) to be on my radio show, Audio Style. I couldn't believe it, he agreed and so I got to visit and interview one of my comedy heroes. Merle is a great guy and a true artist. So make sure you tune in to my show on Sunday, October 14 at 10pm EST, (NYC time) to hear this gem of a show!
Below, you will find Merle's bio, but, honestly, just look him up on youtube or google - you won't be disappointed.
ABOUT Ian Shoales
"Ian Shoales" is the pen name used by Merle Kessler, under whose tattered banner he has been churning out cranky commentaries since 1979. His acerbic observations were first heard on NPR's "All Things Considered," from 1979 to 1988. He has since been featured on NPR's popular news program, "Morning Edition," on ABC's "Nightline," and online in Salon Magazine.
In addition, various pieces have been printed in newspapers (NY TIMES, LA TIMES, MINNEAPOLIS TRIBUNE, WASHINGTON POST, and USA TODAY, among others), and satirical essays by Ian Shoales have appeared in the Utne Reader, Mademoiselle, and elsewhere. Currently Shoales has a weekend morning slot on San Francisco's KQED. And he is heard on the public radio program, Philosophy Talk (which can be streamed and/or downloaded at www.philosophytalk.org), where he puts a button on things at the end of the show.
OTHER LINKS
http://www.salon1999.com/archives/shoales.html
block quote
10 years ago this October:
October, a time usually associated with fall festivals and Halloween, is special to me for another reason.
It was during this time of year, 10 years ago, that I asked my wife, Jennifer, to marry me.
I will save the story of how we met for another time, but at the time of my proposal, I was the musical director for the Macon State production of the Rocky Horror Show and in a wheel chair awaiting hip surgery.
Much of the courtship of Jennifer revolved around this production and the entire cast was nosily involved in if I was going to ask Jennifer to marry me.
Now, my policy for working for someone in my chosen field of music is to get half up front and the other half of payment when done, but I realized I needed to buy a ring for my love and so I went to my boss, Sydney Chalfa, and asked if I could have my money early. She graciously said I could and so I took my entire check for the production and went ring shopping.
I spent three full days looking every where trying to find the perfect simble of our love and at a price I could live with. The first ring I liked was $20,000 and I about passed out, but, I finally found a ring that worked and, with my mom's encouragement, I decided to go ahead and ask Jennifer to marry me that very day.
And, wouldn't you know, she almost messed it all up!
My wife, is a certified Nurse Midwife. Basically a masters degree in nursing focusing on women's health. She doesn't, contrary to popular belief, wear hippy clothing and carry around marijuana. On this faithful day, October 10th, 10 years ago, I had flowers, candles and a video camera all set up at my recording studio. I was going to have her come to the control room and I was going to have my dad get me out of my wheel chair, get me on one knee and pop the question then and there. Jennifer was coming to pick me up after she got off work to take me out to play practice. But, then, things went wrong: She was working on call and told me she had a patient in labor and couldn't take me that night. I got to confess, I wasn't happy. All that work, all the emotion, and I wasn't going to be able to put my plan of proposing in to action? But, not knowing/accepting the word 'quit,' I hatched another plan, which worked out better and makes a much better story.
I asked the friend that had introduced us, Lee McWilliams (also a nurse at the hospital) whether the hospital would mind if I came there to propose. She said it would be no problem and I could use her office.
So, me, mom and dad all went down over to the Coliseum Hospital - flowers, camera and ring in toe - to pop the question.
As we headed towards Lee's office, however, a problem occurred to me: Jennifer would often sit and chat with other health care professionals at the nurses station. Problem was that this station was in line of sight of Lee's office. So we quickly involved all the nurses on call that night to keep Jennifer busy so she wouldn't come wandering around the corner and see me before I was all set up. I got to Lee's office with out being busted and Lee went to the nursery and stole, I mean borrowed, a Winnie the pooh lamp for mood lighting. My dad got me out of the wheel chair and on one knee and then everyone went around the corner to wait for the big moment.
Lee called Jennifer and said she needed her opinion on something and could she come to her office. After this, Lee ran out and left me alone to do what had to be done. My wife, being a proper southern lady, knocked on Lee's closed door. I realized that she wasn't going to come in unless Lee invited her, so doing my best Barry Gibbs voice I said, "Come in." She did, saw me on the floor, and her first thought was, 'oh my god, he has fallen out of the wheel chair!' I won't repeat here what was said between two people that had finally found true love, but, there were many tears, hugs and laughter. Isn't it amazing what GOD can do for you if you only have faith?
I always remember this time of year fondly and all those that made it so special: the cast of Rocky, the ladies at the hospital, my family and my lovely wife. So to all of you that were there, you have my love and gratitude. Here is wishing all who read this a great October and a truly blessed and romantic one like I had 10 years ago!
MIXTUREcast #3: Too Pooped to Bop
Guest Blog Post by Tom Rule
Once again our intrepid musicians - Joey Stuckey and Tom Rule - embark on a mixing session for the next track on Joey's new album MIXTURE.
This time, they're mixing Too Pooped to Bop, the first tune written for the album over a year ago....and throwing in some Fisher-price toy and an Oscar Peterson reference.
Take a listen - and subscribe to this blog so you'll keep up with progress as we mix MIXTURE.
MIXTUREcast #2: Fall
Guest Blog Post by Tom Rule
It's time for MIXTUREcast #2, when Joey Stuckey and Tom Rule mix the next track from Mixture. Fall is an interesting mix of sounds & textures & melodies & even has some killer rock drumming from Dr. Marcus Reddick.
Spread the word - MIXTURE is coming!
MIXTURE Cast 4: DotDotDot
Guest Blog Post by Tom Rule
Time for yet another episode of MIXTUREcast as our fairly normal musicians embark on another epic mixdown session for MIXTURE, Joey Stuckey's new jazz guitar album on Senate Records.
You just KNOW there are puns and gratuitous references to Miguel "Not From Cuba" Castro - and even some LANGUAGE...and what's with the "Enchanted Biker Cap"?
Well, English is language. Right?
MIXTURE Cast 5: Crooked
Guest Blog Post by Tom Rule
Episode FIVE already?
Yup, it's time for another epic episode [try saying that 3 times fast!] of MIXTUREcast, where our heroes --- uh, our -- uh --- the guys attempt to create something out of a mishmash of tracks.
Today's victim - er, track - is called CROOKED.
Watch and gaze in wonder at Tom's VINTAGE Joey Stuckey Band tshirt.
Decide if Joey is nuts when he compares Tom's Rhodes playing to Herbie Hancock.
Watch in amazement as 2 grown men make their chairs bounce.
Snicker as a case of mistaken identity means the track title references the wrong jazz standard.
Your jaw will drop as Tom & Joey discuss using the Take 6 samples from a Roland keyboard…and you will shake your head in amazement as you discover that Angry Birds has really taken over the entire world.
Mixture Cast #6
Guest Blog Post by Tom Rule
Episode 6 of MIXTUREcast brings our intrepid musicians to the hard parts of the album...they just THOUGHT the earlier tunes were tricky to mix!
Watch and marvel as they give you the behind the scenes story of Windows Down - and experience the wonder of the guys discussing:
poltergeists,
the Rippingtons,
Hammocks,
cool T-shirts,
mention Dr. Marcus Reddick of Mercer University [you're welcome, by the way],
wonder why Dr. Stanley Roberts doesn't know the difference between a circle and oval,
and even engage in THE GREAT PEANUT BUTTER DEBATE.
...and - oh, yeah - the music is pretty cool as well!
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Joey Stuckey
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Tom Rule
Mixture Cast #7
Guest Blog by Tom Rule
Episode #7 of MIXTUREcast is now ready for viewing and features the guys talking about Give 5, which they've mentioned in several previous episodes.
...but this time, a few secrets are hinted at, and even mention is made of an upcoming CONTEST!
Of course, Tom's handwriting gets a good dose of "reality", some off-the-wall comments are made, and Joey reveals that the light at the end of the tunnel would do him no good.
The title is, of course, an oblique nod-of-the-head to Paul Desmond's famous tune "Take 5".
Yes, it was deliberate!
Mention is also made of the drum Miguel used on the track - a Rebolo and a Casa Vallenata. You can see pictures on Tom's blog at
http://tomrule.blogspot.com/2011/09/give-5-tracking-set-1.html
http://tomrule.blogspot.com/2011/10/give-5-tracking-set-2.html
http://tomrule.blogspot.com/2011/10/give-5-tracking-set-3.html
You will also [eventually - we gotta make 'em legible!] be able to purchase the charts and sheet music to all of the the tunes on Mixture over at http://www.MacMusicGuy.com, among other places.
Watch it here:
As always, for more information:
JOEY STUCKEY
TOM RULE
Mixture Cast #8
Guest Blog by Tom Rule
It's time for Episode 8 of MIXTUREcast. This time our intrepid musicians rhetorically ask State Bank if they want to sponsor the cd release party - and Joey YET AGAIN tempts fate by invoking the FDA.
In the midst of the silliness are some recollections of writing and recording Sunday Brunch - the first tune the guys wrote together. It has a peaceful Sunday Afternoon kind of vibe.
Joey thinks the A section sounds like Lee Ritenour or Pat Metheny, and the B section like Yellowjackets. What do you think? LEAVE A COMMENT!
The guys also veer off-topic [yet again] to discuss Oceanside, Joey's EP from a few years ago which featured a puccoloist named Francesco Bonifazi
http://www.thejazzwhistler.com/
The album is named MIXTURE because it's a blending of styles AND sources. - yes, someone asked!
....oh, and a quick apology to Patty Williams, who really DOES have good taste!
....and Have YOU met the jerk who makes things difficult for everybody?
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Joey Stuckey
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Tom Rule
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Mixture Cast #9
Guest Blog by Tom Rule
Once again the guys darken the doors of ShadowSound Studio to discuss another track from Joey Stuckey's new jazz album MIXTURE. Today's track is one of the first the guys wrote together - HOLLY TREE HOPEFUL, which has an interesting story behind it.
It features the inimitable Dr. Marcus Reddick once again on drums - YOU'RE WELCOME MARCUS! - along with the usual random selection of topics, including but not limited to:
The Beatles
Yellow Submarines
Tesla Action Figures
Dogs and Didgeridoos
State Bank & Trust
One legged Models
A Nintendo DSi [can YOU find it?]
.....along with some very cool hats, including an GENUINE Indiana Jones model. It's genuine because that's what it says in the label!
Once again Tom gets nailed - this time because he forgot he'd recorded the piano part.
Dr. David Klee, an excellent flautist, is mentioned in one of the "behind the song" stories. As promised in the video, here is the link to David's album that Tom played on:
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As usual, for more info:
MIXTUREcast
JOEY STUCKEY
TOM RULE
Mixture Cast #10
Guest Blog by Tom Rule
Episode 10 of MIXTUREcast covers the first track on the new album - We’ll See. This song has a touch of John McLaughlin guitar and even some Joey DeFrancesco-style B3 playing [thanks to the Roland RD700-sx and Native Instruments Kore B4 softsynth].
This episode also features a special audio guest [or a poltergeist, depending on your point of view], and Tom once again has to translate some “Joey audio engineer speak” into plain English.
We’ll See has a great swing feel that would be excellent for a college or high school jazz combo to pick up. The charts will be available over at MacMusicGuy.com in June 2012 - http://www.MacMusicGuy.com.
There’s even some advice for music students around the 8 minute mark - PAY ATTENTION!
....and along with some gratuitous HeeHaw and Dominican Republic references, there’s mention made of an upcoming contest where you can win some free autographed stuff.
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Keep an eye on this space for the news about
the CD release party, summer 2012!
As usual, for more info:
Joey Stuckey
@jstuckeymusic on Twitter
http://www.ShadowSoundStudio.com - where we recorded this album!
Tom Rule
http://www.VidChatUniversity.com - music lesson over Skype!
I still like to buy CD's.
Not because of the artwork. Being blind, I couldn't care less about that. You children of the digital age may not know this, but, MP3's aren't CD quality audio. Yes, iTunes and every other retail site that sells digital content uses them, but, that don't make it right:-)
It is better quality than FM radio and satellite radio for that matter, and for the casual listen (like driving to work), working out at the gym or hanging out with friends on the beach - it sounds great! But I gotta tell you audiophile, it aint.
Don't get me wrong, I love my iPod and that is the best MP3 player on the market for my money but, it still doesn't give you the depth of sound a CD will.
I don't want to bore you with the technical details. If you want that kind of discussion, take my music tech class at Mercer University.
I am just saying, that unless I can't find the CD in my local retail store; I just have to have it now; I get a song that I like okay, good enough to buy; or I want anything else the artist has ever done and will ever do, I'll GET the CD! Point in case, I just found at the local B&N a remastered CD of the Smiths greatest hits, pure magic.
So, dust those old CD's off and crank up the stereo and enjoy some fidelity sound!
J
This Thursday, 9/29/11, I am excited to share with you that it has been 30 something years sense my brain tumor was successfully removed!
It is quite an amazing story and one that should bless your faith in a higher power, regardless of what faith you embrace.
For the full story, come to one of my inspirational talks! But, for here and now, I want to share this:
The reason I am blind and have some other health obstacles is because of the brain tumor that was found and removed when I was a baby. My mom knew something was wrong with me but, the doctors told her she was just over-protective.
"Moms, always listen to your instincts!"
Anyway, she didn't give up and they figured out that, indeed, something was wrong with me because I fell down a flight of 30 stairs. Gee, guess I couldn't see after all:-)
Well, they told my mom that it was a very difficult surgery and if they came out in less then 7 hours it had gone badly for me. I might add here that the surgeon was not a religious person. They came out after about 2 hours.
My mom and dad were terrified but the doctor said, "I don't understand it, but, the surgery went well - it was like someone else was guiding my hands!"
My friends, we are all called to a purpose. Maybe you haven't found it yet, but, it is there, and in your DNA waiting for you to bless the world. I am living proof that there is much more to this universe then just what we can perceive through our senses.
I hope you on this day, Thursday 9/29 find a reason to celebrate like I do and find reasons to feel blessed in your amazing life!
J
I was deaply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Bob Parris this week.
He was and remains a true music legend for those of us that called Mercer Home for our musical education! below is a reposting of the announcement from the Dean of Music.
Friends,
I write to you today to inform you that our friend and colleague Bob Parris passed away early yesterday morning. Many of you know that Dr.
Parris has been battling cancer for the past two years. He went home from the hospital with Hospice on Monday and his wife, Ellen, and all of his children have been with him.
Two years ago this month, Bob told me of his cancer. He fought an amazing battle with little complaint. His work and his students kept him going and I am convinced played an important part in his determined struggle.
Few people can say that they have given the best of their professional lives to one institution. Dr. Parris came to Mercer as a young faculty member approximately 32 years ago. His contributions to the music school, Mercer University, his students and colleagues have been invaluable.
A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 582 Walnut St., in Macon, tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 24) at 10:00 a.m. A reception for friends and family will be held immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Robert Parris Organ Scholarship Fund through the Townsend School of Music. I know Ellen and the family appreciate your prayers.
I was reading Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel's Spiritual Anthology and came across this passage:
"Our greatest problem is not how to continue but how to return. 'How can I repay unto the Lord all his bountiful dealings with me?' (Psalm 116:12). When life is an answer, death is a home-coming. The deepest wisdom man can attain is to know that his destiny is to aid, to serve . . . This is the meaning of death: the ultimate self-dedication to the divine. Death so understood will not be distorted by the craving for immortality, for this act of giving away is reciprocity on man's part for God's gift of life. For the pious man it is a privilege to die."
John Dickson, Dean and Professor of Conducting Townsend School of Music Mercer University
Okay, for those of you that know me, you know that I am very hard to offend! Not only am I not offended or sensitive about being blind, but, I have quite the repertoire of blind jokes. You know like two blind guys walk into a bar…
Furthermore, I don’t burst in to tears when I hear the song Blinded by the Light and one of my favorite movies is Hear No Evil See No Evil!
In fact, I have felt offended with the media very few times, at least in regard to comments about blind persons, but, I have been offended three times to date.
The first time was in the movie Dumb and Dumber. To say that a blind kid wouldn’t notice that he had been given a dead parrot with its head taped back on is just stupid, but, so was the film.
The next time was in some movie with Bill Murray where he made the comment that some kid that was playing baseball hit like Helen Keller. I am sorry, but, there is nothing funny about Mrs. Keller! She is one of a few we can truly call a hero and I am hard to impress!
However, in comparison to the promo that is running for the Sarah Silverman show on Comedy Central the previously mentioned infractions upon my sensibilities was nothing!
Sarah does a promo where she says that she is out cutting the hair of some blind woman as her public service and that you should remember that while blind people can’t laugh, you still can and to watch her show. Here’s my problem with this statement. It’s not funny! It is also not helpful to the general population’s concept of blind people. It is hard enough dealing with being blind and trying to change how people look at who you are as a blind person without some stupid @!*^% making fun of you and confusing the issue even more.
Again, if her joke had been funny, like about a blind guy driving, painting or mowing the lawn, then I would say, laugh on. But, I guess if you aren’t funny to begin with and you think that dating Jimmy Kimmel is a good idea, then we shouldn’t judge Mrs. Silverman too harshly.
Hey folks!
Welcome to my blog! Hope you'll enjoy some of the silly, interesting and informative stuff I put out on here.
Looking forward to hearing from all of you!
J
I LOVE Ducks!
I don’t know why, but I find ducks very cheerful and God knows we need that in the 21st century!
I can’t see that they are brightly colored as I am blind, but, something of their brightness must come through spiritually–I guess because they can always cheer me up!
So, I love ducks. I collect them in all shapes, sizes and colors!
If you want to ever get me a gift, then I’ll take a duck. Here is a picture of me and a giant duck at the Annual Duck Race in Macon, GA.
Well, go out and have your own duck experience!
J