Lifted
January 7, 2013 § 29 Comments
I have tried to write of this before and backed off. I just don’t have the words. But tonight I must try.
Dimly lit room, warm against the black and cold night outside. The house is still. I sit in solitude and listen. Time stops.
I’ve heard this music a thousand times, returning to it again and again. My refuge, my sanctuary. Redemptive. Elusive. Rapturous. As beautiful as the blue sky of day.
More than a half century ago, Miles Davis summoned Bill Evans, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderly, Jimmy Cobb, and Paul Chambers to the studio and they made this magic. And here I am, for the thousandth time, taken away by the absolute artistry of it all. Lifted up and away.
If ever I am lost, and I need to get home, I come here and listen- and give thanks for the courage of those artists and for all who came before and after. Those who give us in their artistic creation the understanding that beauty and truth do exist.
They bring me home. As they have done tonight.
only here only now 
Beautiful.
I almost see the music you heard…
Yes, me too. I see it, smell it, feel it, and hear it. Exactly.
Tom
Your lines make the music resound in the solitude of its healing imagery
nothing like music to lift the soul tom, cool post…
This is beautiful and truly inspiring. Like you, I’m grateful for those certain pieces of music, those sounds that capture me and send me away to places I’ve never been, to the highest highs and the lowest lows, to new insights, and sometimes just to myself in the quiet and in the dark. I am eternally grateful to music and music makers. Hugs, Brenda
Hi Tom, When I read this yesterday I went straight to my music to find Kind of Blue, I lay on the floor doing yoga stretches and listening, it carries me away too, a long time old favourite. Music has a power to reach the whole of us, to touch and lift us as you say. When my m-i-l had a stroke she could not speak of read well, but she could sing and play the piano, and nothing made her happier, it was her way to peace. Blessings, Christine x (i thought i should come back today and tell you!)
It’s true that music and other forms of art can return us to ourselves in a way nothing else quite can – lovely post.
Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life. ~Ludwig van Beethoven
There’s music in the sighing of a reed;
There’s music in the gushing of a rill;
There’s music in all things, if men had ears:
Their earth is but an echo of the spheres.
~Lord Byron
Personally I think music is the language of the soul. – Me 🙂
Your posts lift us all. Thank you.
As always, another beautifully written post to brighten my morning! I have always been a big believer that music can lift the spirits when they need it, and also give you the release you need in times of sorrow or difficulty. It can inspire all things whether it be a heart-pounding workout, thoughtful writing session or calming rest on a Sunday afternoon. Thanks for sharing!
I think artists all give in their own way. They inspire us with beautiful music, they take us into another world with a fascinating picture, they lighten our burdens with a happy story, and they bring us together like you do Tom, by sharing very personal and treasured moments.
Kind of Blue.
Throughout my years of wandering, it’s the only music I’ve kept with me ever since I was first introduced to Miles during my uni days. It is transportive.
Nice piece, Tom. Set the mood quite cozily.
G
What a beautiful post. Music has such a great effect on our very soul. When I want to lose myself I slap on Vespers of the Virgin Mary by Monteverdi. Gets me everytime!!!
Hi Tom, I am afraid I had to google this, now listening on youtube! Music always soothes the soul! Thank you for sharing this with us all. Welcome home!
Namaste
Anne
Ah! Classic!!
I am so glad you decided to write this…. beautiful!!!
Jenn,
Me too. Always better to take the risk. Your work is the best example of this I know- honest, real, and vulnerable- taking those risks so that we can experience the artistry of your words.
Tom
Can almost feel your joy in the moment reading this Tom ~ made me venture straight over to my i Tunes library to see what I might find to soothe myself in this lovely way you have described ~ beautiful expression you have shared dear one – thank you! Robyn
Robyn,
There is something magical here- and something courageous in the artistry. I also feel it in your poetry and photographic images. The artist must put herself out there and when it clicks, it is rapturous in the experience.
Thanks for your kindness.
Tom
Well done, my friend. The depth of it all comes through.
J.,
Thanks for the kind words.
Feeling much energy in this New Year. Let’s chat soon.
Tom
You have great taste in music!
Hey Sophie,
So good to hear from you.
I have only three albums on my laptop- “Kind of Blue,” a collection of Maria Callas’s greatest arias, and the All Green Greatest Hits album. What do you think?
Thanks.
Tom
I see we have a Jazz man here. Miles on trumpet, Paul on bass, Cannonball on sax, Jimmy on drums, John, tenor sax and Bill on piano. Kind of Blue. I like this album it is relaxing.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Francine,
I enjoy many jazz styles and artists but this one, it’s special to me. Warm and electric, all at once.
Thanks for the read and the message.
Tom
Reminds me of your entry called “the raw courage of artistry” which is hanging on my wall. The line towards the end”…true artistry is rare -which is why it should be adored and venerated” says it well.
You are lifting us all up as well!
Lori
Lori,
I’m so happy for our connection. We are each on a journey. I often feel as though you are walking alongside me.
We are surely giving each other strength and energy.
Tom
That they do. It is a beautiful thing to listen to. It’s Honest and real in all of its artistry. I like you, like to stay awhile when I listen.
Susan,
I listen to lots of music but there’s something special for me about “Kind of Blue.” Familiar and surprising, every time.
Thanks for coming by.
Tom