My Case For Popular Music: The Heresy Continues!


Can opera singers go wild over searing, soulful blues guitars? You betcha. What about that style referred to as "confessional songs?" Absolutely. I love the music that suits my voice. I feel so blessed that I get to do this incredible thing.  I find immense pleasure in performing on stage. But the rub is that given the choice, I almost always prefer a rock or blues concert, preferably in one of the outdoor venues referred to as "sheds" over attending most classical music performances. Yeah, some you are sure I'm going to hell in a bucket.

A singer can log long hours of study, practice, memorizing. For me, at the end of the day, give me Delta blues, Clapton or Bonnie. Some times I go on a Jackson binge, or I listen to live tapes sanctioned and encouraged by John Mayer ( do you remember how The Dead set aside real estate at their concerts just for tapers?). This music fills me, expresses my feelings in ways I cannot. I need this music like I need air and water.

Here is who I've been listening  (and singing) to:
+Clapton, Clapton, Clapton-- all incarnations, but especially blues. Watch "24 Nights."
+John Mayer--the guy has chops and is a great performer. Fuck the tabloids.
+Bonnie Raitt--goddess with a devil's bottle slide, works hard for social justice
+Radiohead--because they are Radiohead!
+John Haitt--you've heard other's cover his songs. A treasure
+Sara M.--best of her generation. Intelligent writer.
+Jackson--best therapist in town to turn to when I can't find the words.
+CSN(Y)- -I'm a sucker for good harmonies mixed with liberal politics.
+Derek Trucks Band-do you know this guy? Bottle slide genius!
+Robert Cray Band--another guy you need. Great blues.
+G.Harrison-- I'm revisiting All Things Must Pass. He's right, you know.