Welcome To The Creative Act

A pro-musician making sense of the creative process within the context of his life experience.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Hoyewaye, I am sending my voice so the People May Live

Denise Giago, the maker of this film, is a gifted Lakota woman who I had the pleasure of working with many years ago when she was attending the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM. She impressed me with the depth of her heart and soul. She is a beautiful woman and a treasure. This is a beautiful film with poetry that speaks to the feelings of a young woman of mixed blood heritage longing for a deeper connection to all her relations. Her smile at the end is simply wonderful! RR

Monday, April 20, 2009

Susan Boyle sings "Cry Me a River" on a 1999 Charity CD

Susan Boyle is the singer discovered on 'Britain's Got Talent'. This is a recording she made for a community benefit CD. It is the most moving rendition of this classic that I have ever heard and this includes Streisand and Julie London. I wish she would have recorded more when she was younger. It would be great if more material from this time period surfaced! RR

Monday, April 13, 2009

Chief Dan George in The Outlaw Josey Wales

This scene from 'The Outlaw Josey Wales' is a classic and is one of my favorite scenes from one of my favorite movies. Chief Dan George was a treasure. He steals scene after scene with his dignified, yet good natured portrayal. By the end of the movie, his role had become an icon for the all but forgotten Indian. This role broke ground with his representation of a thinking, feeling man who happens to be an Indian with a compelling story. 'Endeavor to persevere!' RR

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Bach - Adagio, Oster-Oratorium BWV 249



This is the Adagio from the Easter Oratorio by Maestro J.S. Bach. The oboe performance by Marcel Ponseele is sublime! Happy Easter! RR

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Augustíne Carlevaro - Guitar - Verano porteño by Astor Piazzolla

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This is the performance of a transcription by A. Carlevaro of Astor Piazzolla's 'Verano porteno' that I am currently working on. I prefer this transcription as it is a solid, straightforward interpretation of the work. It's not overly flashy and relies on the interpretive skill of the guitarist to bring out its sensuality. I want to develop it as a regular performance piece. It's a fun and challenging tango that I know I will eventually play well! RR

Monday, April 6, 2009

CHRISTOPHER PARKENING PLAYS RODRIGO'S FANTASIA

Rodrigo, the composer of "Concierto de Aranjuez", was inspired to compose this Fantasia by the music of the Spanish Baroque composer, Gaspar Sanz. The guitar part is masterfully performed by Christopher Parkening. It is a beautiful escape into the world of Spanish heritage. I never tire of listening to this kind of music. I can imagine the castles, the garden walks and the street dances! RR