Michael Jackson ( Grammy 1988 )

This performance of Michael Jackson at the 1988 Grammys was when he was at the peak of his powers. The world will never again see such a force of nature as this. I can't help but feel the connectedness with all things that he must have felt while performing that evening. He probably felt most alive while doing what he loved. I know that is how I feel about performing. The dilemma is in finding peace between performances. The after performance letdown for Michael must have been very difficult and might explain many of his struggles. I have been saddened by his death for I can relate to many of his struggles with his life. There are lessons to be learned if a person will spend a little time contemplating Michael's life and tragic death. Performance artists especially should pay some attention to those lessons. Be at peace, Michael... RR

John Denver - "The Eagle and the Hawk"

The first time I ever heard this song was on my Dad's truck radio. I was only 12 years old. We were on our way to gather firewood and it was a cold, but beautiful, day. It had snowed the day before so everything was covered with white. Earlier, we had scared up a huge herd of mule deer...over 50 head. We could see a layer of steam above them as the breath from their nostrils warmed the air. The song started and we stopped to listen and watch. We just stayed for awhile, neither of us talking. I could tell that my Dad had to regain his composure. Later that morning, as we crested a hill, we scared an owl who dropped a fresh kill of cottontail rabbit at our feet. My eyes were as big as saucers! I still remember that day as though it were yesterday. This song brings it all back. Good songs do that kind of thing...

Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creativity

Elizabeth Gilbert has given a wonderful talk for TED concerning the role of genius in the creative life. Rather than artists possessing genius, she is of the opinion that a healthier approach might be that genius possesses artists. In this way, the pressure that artists feel to create is relieved by giving the responsibility to a muse much like the ancients used to do. I have used a similar approach which I explain here: http://ronaldroybal.blogspot.com/2008/02/visited-with-my-good-friend-sky-redhawk.html

This really is a very fascinating talk and should be very helpful for artists in their struggle to balance their creative life with their 'real' life. We need all the help we can get! RR

The Tao of Kung Fu

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=0A60D2D6C036E986

Here is a wonderful YouTube playlist that explores the Taoist philosophy of the TV series 'Kung Fu'. David Carradine passed away yesterday and the event got me to thinking of the 70's series. David Carradine's role in 'Kung Fu' made an enormous impact on me and many of my friends when growing up. I remember talking about the episodes with my companions as we walked home from school. I also remember how useful the teachings were when I would get bullied. These episodes helped me stay sane during a difficult adolescence. 'Kung Fu' helped me become aware of the strength that comes from developing an interior life. It was more than a typical TV show! Farewell, Grasshopper... RR

Native Instruments Maschine Demo Performance by NuVintage

I've been playing with my new Maschine. Native Instruments' installation and activation protocol leaves much to be desired but once I cleared that hurdle, Maschine worked flawlessly. Like any other musical instrument, it takes time to learn to play well. Like most musicians, I do like to practice so that's not a problem. I want to use Maschine to produce backing tracks for jazz guitar arrangements as well as ambient music production. It's fun, creative and cool! RR