The Power Of Love

An amazing day with Jazz Masters Sheila Jordan & Cameron Brown/L-R Sheila, Kate Hammett Vaughan, Christie Grace Cameron & Lara Crema.

Quote of the week:

“Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best.”  ~Henry van Dyke

WOW ! Yet another full week with our fifth exciting week with Ariel Hyatt’s  Music Success in 9 weeks and the SAC gang ( Songwriters Association of Canada) as we took a look at specific ways to build our YouTube channel. Here is mine: http://www.youtube.com/ChristieGraceMusic . I began sharing home videos of  a few performances a few years ago, and look forward to trying out more artistic video productions in the near future. Thanks to YouTube, anyone, anywhere can now launch home spun to high-tech quality videos with the potential of them going viral. This is a rare phenomenon of course, but hey people do win the lottery. It’s amazing really,   because before the advent of YouTube it used to be that only the label supported artists had access to professionally produced videos, but now thanks to iMovie and ingenuity, it is possible for anyone, including we independent musicians, to create a signature video. For instance, check out this great video filmed from my hometown Thunder Bay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAwmUBlqZmc&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

  The skies the limit now! I’m also really turned on by my online Berklee Music marketing class that I am enrolled in with our wonderful teacher  Jeff Straw of INgrooves. In last weeks lesson, for instance, Mike Dreese co-founder of the massively successful Newbury Comics introduced the concept of “time poverty”.  Mike elaborated on the idea that because we are all collectively “time compressed”, the ways that we communicate technologically need to be quick and to the point. Which supports the widespread burgeoning of YouTube ( Twitter, etc) becoming so popular as it is now the most rapid global means of communication available, not to mention downloading and streaming.

Another really inspiring experience was the opportunity to conference call with Dave Cool of Bandzoogle.  Our talented group from all across Canada, discussed highlights and challenges to date. Then relative to topics for writing a blog, Dave encouraged us to speak from our passions . He acknowledged how our journey may be overwhelming at times (uh huh) and emphasized anticipating the inevitable ups and downs that come with the territory. He also pointed out how blogs are not necessarily meant to win the Pulitzer prize with some weeks being better than others, as we each find our own unique voice. I sure found his comments helpful.

Then to blow the cap off the week, I participated in a powerful vocal workshop coördinated by Vancouver jazz singer and former teacher,  Kate Hammett- Vaughan. Along with 10 other  jazz singers we were privileged to be mentored by the illustrious 84-year-old  jazz master vocalist, Sheila Jordan from New York:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9ZpI4foexk&fb_source=message.  It was such an honor to spend time with Sheila and her bass player Cameron Brown which culminated in their marvelous performance last night at The Jazz Cellar. What an experience!

During our workshop I was inspired by Lara Crema’s beautiful jazz lullaby for her daughter Serafina and so in honor of our YouTube theme this week, I decided to share a video of my folk song I wrote for my daughter  “Ashley’s Lullaby” twelve years ago while driving up to a guitar workshop in Wells, BC.  My music has swung more into the jazz arena, but this folk gem has a very special place in my heart, and is a family favorite that still makes me cry! It was filmed at my daughters 8th birthday especially for my Mother. Ashley is now a lovely young woman but still lets me sing this to her from time to time. So for you soft-ees, you may want to get out your Kleenex. It was filmed and edited by my friend Miles McNamara. I never thought of uploading it till now, as I felt it was too personal and homespun, but this week I have also thankfully addressed my self-sabatoge- ing habit of perfectionism. So, here’s me throwing all caution to the wind with a walk down memory lane. I hope you enjoy it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CvB8lL_tHA.

I feel very fortunate for my rich experiences this past week and look forward to sharing more with you next week.

Happy Valentines Day!

Love,

Christie