I Just Felt Like Running

It seems surreal that only 24 hours ago, I was running through the streets of New York City. It exceeded every expectation I had of what it would be like to run the ING NYC Marathon.

My morning started off with a casual caravan of NYPD and FDNY runners being taken to Staten Island. That in itself was an honor. It was even more of an honor running with the Leary Firefighters Foundation.We all talked about how nervous we all were and how we were all convinced that we would forget how to run or our bodies would sabotage us somehow. Waiting - the worst part was the waiting. It was cold, windy and the longest two hours ever.

But, the waiting pays off. When you are called onto the Verrazano Bridge, it all hits you at once. This is the moment you've been training for. After the cannon blast, you hear the cymbal kicking off New York, New York and it is so hard to maintain composure. You laugh and cry at the same time and then you realize, you have to start running.

Crossing the Verrazano Bridge, which is the first two miles of the course, is spectacular. Seeing an NYPD helicopter at eye level, watching you safely cross the bridge in unforgettable. It's at this point that you realize that there will be so many more moments like this for you during the race. This is one of only a handful of times that there will be no spectators. First stop - Brooklyn.

 

Brooklyn is where the crowds begin. And to start off my Fourth Avenue Experience seeing my husband and friends was incredible!! Thank you so much!! And this is where the crowds and the music begin. Mile 3 is in Bay Ridge, my hood. And to see so many familiar faces is great! The bands along the route are also what keep you going. No iPod in this race for me. The Band's Ophelia kept me smiling at mile 4.

When I reached mile five, and passed the man running with a cross attached to his back, I started to have my Forrest Gump moment. In my head, Jackson Browne was singing, but the people of Fourth Avenue were cheering me on. So many bands along this part of the course. I heard everything from Billy Joel, the Rolling Stones and even Ozzy. And you cheerathoners, I have to say, when you see our names, you come up with some creative cheers for us - in all languages.

At Lafayette, you merge with your fellow runners into a narrow strip of energy! Not only seeing so many friends here, you see an entire congregation singing to you! Tons of energy through this part of the race. This might have been my favorite section of the run. Bedford Avenue through Hipsterville - was second. Incredible energy down these streets.

We were coming up to the 13 mile mark which meant we had conquered two boroughs. The jog up the Pulaski Bridge is rough, but you Queens residents made us feel very welcomed!  I was told it would be quiet, but I discovered the opposite. We had lots of support up Vernon Boulevard, onwards towards the Bridge. I was met with a surprise shout out from a friend right before the bridge - and it definitely boosted my spirits. Other than hearing Dead or Alive's You Spin Me Right Round, I heard some Tom Petty, Runnin' Down a Dream. Just like Mr. Sinatra's New York, New York, I will never hear this song the same way again.

I was warned about the next part of the race: The 59th Street Bridge. What makes this so difficult is the unseen incline that seems to go on forever. The silence on the bridge is almost un-nerving. But, after you hit the crest and the decline begins, you hear life again and see signs greeting you that Welcome you to Manhattan and to the last ten miles of the race.

First Avenue is made of rolling hills, but also thankfully, thousands have stayed to cheer you on. Bars upon bars of well wishers greet you along the way. Around 85th, I remember hearing I will Survive and had to start laughing because I all could conjure  up in my mind was the scene from The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Dessert. I must have looked like a mad woman laughing down the Avenue.

The Bronx meet you with bagpipers and the Willis Avenue Bridge. I am borrowing this picture from my friend Janice ... this is what the Bronx looks like to a body nearing "the wall". Thankfully, slowing down a bit until we reached the Madison Avenue Bridge helped. As Ryan Ruiz wrote in his Daily Run blog post on running the Bronx it's just  Left. Right. Left-right-left. And-a-left-and-a-right. Sounds easy but you know you're at the brink of mile 21 and back into Manhattan.

When I ran onto Fifth Avenue and was able to see the Empire State Building in the distance, I began to cry. It was the best sight I think I had ever seen. I was almost there. The run through Harlem was inspiring and the crowds were out, still cheering us on. Around Marcus Garvey Park, they were playing some Aretha, just enough to keep us on a good pace. for our final push to Central Park.

That final run up and then down Fifth Avenue is what you've trained for. You can taste the finish line at this point. The crowds were still so strong, and thank you to everyone single one of you, who called out my name and pushed me through to 90th Street.

We entered the park and now you can feel it. And my first comment was how absolutely gorgeous the fall leaves looked as our backdrop. I enjoyed running down Cat Hill but I knew that final hill was approaching at 72nd. And let me tell you something. I never realized how long Central Park South really is. I really thought at one point they had us on a treadmill that was going in the opposite direction.

But, finally, the towers of the Time Warner Building told me it was finally time as I made a right turn back into Central Park. We were met with the yellow line accompanying the blue line, to show support for Boston. Then you see the 26 miles sign, followed by signs to count down the final yards. And then you see the finish line. There are no trumpets and no bells, just the sound of all of those around you thankful to have finished. My dear friend was in the park and saw me finish. So happy to have her there taking the picture of me with my medal!!

What does it feel like - it feels like this:

 The day after, you feel like it was all a dream (well, depending on how well you worked on your recovery). The run down Fourth Avenue feels like you imagined it, and the Pulaski Bridge didn't feel too steep after all.

For the past 16 weeks, I joked that I was also married to the marathon. I have the most incredible, amazing support from my husband. He put up with me going to bed early, waking up even earlier, nerves, tears, and doubts. I could not have done this without his encouragement and support. Seeing him along the route was so special, since I knew he logistically had quite the feat ahead of him as well to catch up to me.

Friends and family, you too are such a support network for me. You listen to me go on and on about running. You give advice and also support when I need it most. It really does take a village to help a marathoner cross that finish line.

We Went Right On With The Show

Rockaway Beach Blvd - One month post Sandy.  PMCarlson2012

I don't even know where to begin. One year ago, we were faced with the unknown, only things we had practiced in drills and were taunted with Irene. One week I was training for the marathon and the next working marathon tours to help our devastated city. Time and again, our resilience was proven.

 

Personally, three things that got me through the most. First, the support of all of you and friends on social media. You checked in and  sent out updates.  You passed along the word of where and how to donate. You sent me music, jokes about hipsters and reminded me to sleep. More importantly, you asked "how can I help?"

 

From Australia, England, Scotland, TriBeCa, Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Philly, Seattle, Albany, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and from runners, music lovers, and givers - thank you!! Jill P, you sent me this and I can't thank you enough. This is THE song that makes me so thankful and know how blessed I am. It was such a special performance from The Avett Brothers. http://www.metatube.com/en/videos/158499/The-Avett-Brothers-with-the-Brooklyn-Philharmonic-Perform-I-and-Love-and-You-On-JK-Live-show/

Second, music. Music was that blanket at 3am when I slept feet away from those working with the hospitals, my therapy on the subway to clear my head, and a much needed night of enjoyment at the 12-12-12 concert. So many artists from NY and NJ were impacted by this storm that music was the only thing they could offer to help. It was also these same musicians that weren't afraid to get their hands dirty. So many helped to rebuild, feed and visit those affected.

 

Third, okay you know this answer. Without my loving husband, I would not have gotten through this. Granted, we saw each other maybe three or four times in one month since he too was helping in the affected areas. But your encouragement was felt and without that, I would not have made it through.

 

 

One year, so many memories and lessons learned. It made me a stronger person, a harder worker and apt to slow down and enjoy the moment a little more. The final chapter of Sandy for me is almost here, as next week, I join 40,000 others to run the NYC Marathon. Maybe I had to earn the marathon, to really appreciate it. Well, I think I have and I am ready. See you out there New York City.

I Want Your Sax -- Best Sax Solos of the 80's (According to Me)

Ever since I was a young yinzer growing up in Western PA, I wanted to move to NYC. Because of Cyndi Lauper, Reading Rainbow, Tina Turner -- I was moving to NYC and no one was going to stop me. If you ask me what I remember about moving to NYC, part of it was the romantic image in my head of the sax player in Central Park or the subway,the sound of it echoing into the dark, steamy night (steamy now I know courtesy of Con Ed). Tina Turner, Glen Fry, Bananarama all used NYC as the backdrop. It was the sax that capped it for me.

So without any order in mind, my favorite Sax Solos of the 1980's.

You Belong to the City by Glen Fry. You cannot get anymore NYC than this - the opening scene alone, a vantage point from Brooklyn, starting at the South Street Seaport then panning wide to reveal the World Trade Center. It's a classic night-life NYC. The lyrics alone paint the picture of anonymity in NYC, even more so at night. The interwoven scenes of Miami Vice also help the 80's feel. Love this song, it's NYC to me. 

Next up, Quarterflash with Harden My Heart. I actually had not seen the video until recently (nothing says 80's more than swinging light bulbs and a wood paneled trailer). The sax intro makes this song and helps to give it that sound that means the 80's to me ... almost as much as the next song.

Yes, George Michael, Wham! and Careless Whisper. From an early age, I have loved Georgios Kyriacos Panagiòtou, or as we all know him, George Michael. Faith, while I had no idea at the time (nor should any ten year old) what half of those songs were talking about, introduced me to sounds like I had never heard before and haunting videos life Father Figure. It would be one of his last Wham! songs though that would always remind me of those 80's.

Quintessential 80's sound with sultry sax and lots of hair: Hall and Oates Maneater. While not one of their best songs when it comes to complexity, it is a defining sound for Hall and Oates and hands down one of the most recognized songs from the 80's.

 

This next song not only has an incredible sax solo but has one of the best bass lines of an 80's song (fangirl moment for John Taylor). Duran Duran's Rio is arguably another one of those 80's best of hits ever with one of the top videos from the 80's as well. But here is some trivia for you all. Who played the sax solo for the song? Well, if you watch the video you would say "John Taylor or Nick Rhodes" but no - you have been duped. It was actually Andy Hamilton, a British saxophone player who has played with not only Duran, but with Wham (see above) Elton John, David Bowie, and more.

Ahh, the mates from Down Unda, Men at Work with Overkill. And, again, another haunting video full of sunsets and mystery ... and Colin Hay going through some type of paranoia. Ghosts appear and fade away ...

And who can forget Sade's Smooth Operator? The jazzy song begs for the saxophone. Without the woodwind, this song would be missing something. This song song about a jet-setting, womanizing business man was usually never heard in its full form and was nominated for a VMA for it's 4 minute version. Ladies and gents, here is the eight minute full version.

And how can you mention sax solos without mentioning INXS? Kirk Pengilly made the sax sexy in the 80's. While bands were jamming to guitar and synthesizer solos, Kirk made us weak in the knees with his famous sax solos in songs such as New Sensation, Johnson's Aeroplane, Kick, The One Thing, , Never Tear Us Apart and this one - Lately. This performance is not an airplay sax solo, so this is a cheat move. 

 So there is my list of some of the best sax solos of the 80's ... you think they will ever make a comeback?



It Will Take Care of You

Courtesy Lisa Seifert

Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to introduce to you the greatest guitar player in the world...

Eric Clapton introducing Stevie Ray Vaughan on August 26, 1990 Alpine Valley

Every August for me is a reminder of how brief and wonderful life really is. In a span of 7 days in August of 1990, I lost my father and the musician that helped me through his illness, Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Although I didn't know then, I know now why Stevie had such a lasting impact on me and why his music was like a security blanket in my twelve year old mind full of questions, angst and sadness. Stevie had been to hell and back and his takeaway was that Love was the answer. He'd seen greed and known addiction, but love seemed to be his saving grace. Love yourself and love one another was his constant message.

Tonight, I made the realization that not only is it 23 years since his passing, but I am the exact same age that he was when he boarded that helicopter in Alpine Valley. Knowing that he had almost seen death, overcome addiction, been divorced, played Carnegie Hall when he was 30, had Eric Clapton calling him the greatest guitar player, fell in love, and inspired so many that they could overcome anything by the age of 35 is simply incredible to me. To be that good, I understand how hard he had to work, how dedicated he was and how much he loved music.

To this day, I still chase the ghost of Stevie Ray. Every artist I see thinking, I don't want to miss the opportunity again. I was twelve, it wasn't like I was given much choice, but he is one of less than a handful of artists that I feel that way about. He inspired me and speaks to me that much.

Stevie also reminds me of those last months with a man I knew so little about. Sitting in my room, not far from my ill father, I would listen to Stevie sing and play from the heart. It's a connection that will be forever.

Not one video (that anyone knows of) exists of Stevie's last show. There are several taper recordings of those final songs this legend played. Rumor is he played the best he ever played that night - the sound coming out of his guitar larger than the valley itself.
The last song Stevie ever played, he played it with his heroes, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray and his brother Jimmy Vaughan.
It was fitting that Stevie would play Sweet Home Chicago with his heroes who in turn would look to him, as theirs.

Stevie Ray Vaughan, I cannot thank you enough for what you have given me as a gift. It isn't just your songs, its your lessons of love, hope and understanding. You also give me the soundtrack to the priceless memories of my father.

Stevie Ray Vaughan set list from Alpine Valley WI August 26, 1990

• Collins' Shuffle
• The House is Rockin'
• Tightrope
• The Things (That) I Used To Do
• Let Me Love You Baby
• Leave My Girl Alone
• Pride and Joy
• Wall of Denial
• Riviera Paradise
• Superstition
• Couldn't Stand the Weather
• Goin' Down
• Crossfire
• Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)
• Sweet Home Chicago (Clapton, Cray, Guy, Vaughan)

Gypsies, Golden Hair Rock Gods and the Belle of St. Marks

Robert Plant Prospect Park

 

I have to surmise that it seems that my music adventures come in tsunamis. No, I cannot simply go to see a show. My behavior is quite obsessive when it comes to music, I openly admit. I had a perfect close to July this year, seeing a legend. one of my favorite bands multiple times, and an 80's icon.

 

When you are a rock and roll fan, you would travel far and wide to see legend, Robert Plant. Although some are mad at him that he won't do a Zeppelin reunion - I get it. He's moved on and in true artist style, he isn't in that vibe anymore. He has embraced southern blues and he has done so with his entire being.

 

I've seen him in Tennessee and twice in New York, but when I heard he was playing in Brooklyn, it was an opportunity not to be missed.

 There was quite the mix of audience members from four year- olds to probable 1970's groupies. And we were all there for the same reason. I knew the show would be good, but when he opened with Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You, I just knew the night would be fantastic. He didn't disappoint. He continued with varied versions of In the Mood, Black Dog, Goin' to California, Four Sticks, Friends, a soulful cover of Fixin' to Die, What is and What Should Never Be, Rock and Roll and a few others. For someone not in the Zeppelin mood - he was that night. The songs would all start out mysterious, bluesy, tribal, and then WHAM, pure rock and roll Led Zeppelin. What everyone is Prospect Park received that night was a gift. Robert Plant is not only a legend but he is a talented musician who continues to learn about the job he loves so very much.

 

 

Moving right along. Back in 2008, I witnessed the beginning of my love affair with this Gypsy Punk band from New York City's Lower East Side: Gogol Bordello. Maybe it is my Slovak background and the numerous Sunday's spent listening to polkas, but I fell in love immediately. With the  release of their latest album Pura Vida Conspiracy, I had the opportunity to see them three obsessive times in one week. 

Pasha and Elizabeth

Every time I see Gogol Bordello, there seems to be more energy, more synergy and more mosh pits. Eugene exudes nothing but positive energy, Sergey is a Russian violin god and, I do miss Yuri, but he chose well with the new accordion player, Pasha. If you get the opportunity - do not miss them. Warning though, if you stand up front, be prepared to dance, fit pump, jump up and down and crowd surf.

  

 

 

Just when I thought my musical adventure had come to an end, a co-worker told me that none other than Sheila E was performing for free at BAM's Metrotech lunch series. You must check out their summer calendar folks. I saw Richie Havens a few years back - and it's free!

 

So I trekked down to Metrotech in the rain and made it just in time to hear the first cheers from the crowd. And there she was - the drummer for Prince,  Sheila E. Highlight of the lunch hour show? Hearing the classic Belle of St. Marks live

  

 

So there you have it, my end of July music extravaganza. I never, ever pass up the opportunity to see music if it is possible. If you love music as much as I do, surround yourself with musicians that do the same. You want to walk away from a show knowing they gave their all for you and enjoyed every minute of it!

 

Lucky

Dan Avery at the 5th Avenue Street Festival



My only true want in life was to always live somewhere where I could have access to music. Not just record stores but live music - large venues, small venues, backyards and barrooms.

I am blessed to live in the neighborhood of music: Bay Ridge Brooklyn. From Kitty Kiernan's to the Kettle Black all the way down to the Irish Haven, you can hear musicians singing their dreams into the streets at all hours of the day.

Below are some local artists to check out (and in truth many have become friends and I am blessed to know such talented folk). I have included their website / facebook info.

 

Let's start with John Rafferty, Brooklyn's story teller. His latest album, Lucky, is simply perfect. Done in mere days, this album captures a the ups and downs of life. And let me tell, you , he loves this album and he should be proud of it. Many artists strive to capture what came to him naturally.

You can find all of his dates on facebook... he seems to be fond of the rockaways in the summer;)
http://www.reverbnation.com/brooklynraff                            http://www.brooklynraff.com/index


Next up is Xavier Cadriche. A swimmer, Irish lover and singer rolled into one -- come on what is not to lose? Xavier plays all around the Ridge and has been doing some gigs at the LIC Bar as well. I have to say what impresses me the most about Xavier is that you can tell he loves music - he knows music! You wont be disappointed if you make the trek out to see him

http://xaviercardriche.com/
https://www.facebook.com/XavierCardriche


What can I say about Dan Avery? On a Sunday in Bay Ridge after lingering to the end of the 5th Avenue Street Festival, the about mentioned John Rafferty said "we gotta go see this kid." And John, you were so right!

He played acoustic from all generations and then his own material. The talent glowed around this this kid (kid I say). There is hope, America, these young ones remember the classics. When he played Simon and Garfunkel's The Boxer, I was completely sold. He was so good that, in fact, we told Mr. Rafferty himself this kid was going to put him out of business.
 
Dan, I know you're from Jersey, but you have been playing a lot here in the Ridge (Kelly's and the Monk)so consider yourself a Bay Ridge artist.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/freedanavery



Now, these aren't the only Bay Ridge artists, there are so many more. Some don't play as much as we'd like, but they are still Bay Ridge's best - folks like Andrew Gerardi or Pill Hill Radio. If you see them on a playbill outside your local haunt (which I believe Andrew is playing out in the Hamptons at the Boardy Barn September 9th)

Once I Was...

I will never forget the moment I first heard Jeff Buckley's sweet yet complex voice in Sydney. From that moment on, I searched for all of his music, eventually stumbling upon his father's. I am sure that statement would make him haunt my dreams again - but Jeff, it's true for so many.  And besides, your father's music played the role of being the soundtrack to the very first roadtrip I took with the man who is now my husband. You have played such an important part of my life.

When I heard that a "bio-pic" of Jeff and his father was being filmed, I was so skeptical. I am not usually a fan of bio pics. Also, what possible story could you tell about a man who didn't really know his famous father?

A little background for those who are not familiar. Tim Buckley was a musician who rose to fame in the 60s. You can try and classify him as folk, but his influences showed in his later works - funk, psychedelic and rock. He made nine studio albums and other live recordings -- all before he died at the age of 28. In 1966, at the age of 19 his son Jeff was born but he rarely saw him, as he and Jeff's mother divorced.

Fast forward to 1991. You're the son of famous singer and someone asks you to perform at a memorial concert in honor of a father you've met twice. You don't sing his songs but you bear an uncanny resemblance to him. Curiosity, doing the right thing, uncertainty - who knows what Jeff must have been thinking.

That is where the director Daniel Algrant gets involved. Because Jeff sadly passed in 1997, there was no recantation of the event or what feelings were behind the performance. So, how do you take the story  of a very famous son who is conflicted about his father's legacy and make it believable?

In the summer of 2012, signs for filming went up for Greetings From Tim Buckley  at St. Ann's Church. Wow, I thought, this must be about the Tim Buckley memorial as well. Ok, I was starting to give the movie a chance. I began to research Penn Badgley, the actor made famous from Gossip Girls, who was picked to play the role. I was a little dismayed - I just could not see it happening to appease so many loyal fans.

The chance to see the premiere of the film at the Tribeca Film Festival - would not be missed. I chatted with some people in the crowd. Some where Penn Badgley fans, others Jeff fans. I waited and wondered how I would walk out of their feeling since I walked in a skeptic.

St. Anns Church Today

 If you weren't a Tim Buckley fan before the film, chances are you will be when you leave the theatre. The story of Jeff and his father is told beautifully and cleverly through the Memorial Concert at St. Ann's Church in Brooklyn. The invitation to play of course stirs emotion in Jeff, but that emotion is played through flashbacks of his famous father's start in music.

Eveything but the concert itself is semi fiction, a genius way of telling what Jeff must have gone through preparing to play the concert. The story is woven between 1991 and 1966 without seeming too wrought with flashbacks. Most of the music is Tim Buckley, except for two scenes: One that  involves Tim watching Charles Mingus perform in the village following a night of his own performance at Cafe Wha? The second is the ending when Jeff (actually Penn) sings Lilac Wine ( a song Jeff used on his debut album, Grace).

As Jeff struggles with the memory of a father who was absent most of his life, Tim struggles with being s lost soul in a seemingly loveless marriage. The buildup to the concert is essentially taking the viewer to the point where Jeff Buckley became a blip on the radar. When people recognized that he wasn't Tim Buckley's son, but that he was Jeff Buckley happened that day in 1991 in that church. Jeff walked out of his father's shadow.

I said I was doubtful about anyone playing Jeff. Penn Badgley proved me wrong. He captured the essence of Jeff  between the quirkiness, the mannerisms that were uncanny and the way he was able to turn his voice into the instrument that Jeff had. I was able to ask Penn,Daniel, and Anthrax's Frank Bello  if they studied the photographs of Jeff that Merri Cyr had taken over the years that she worked with him. They both said they had seen some of her pictures but didn't focus on mimicing. It truly was as if they had taken her photographs and brought them to life.

The highlight for all was listening to an audience member state the following: I knew Jeff and I knew Tim and I was at the concert. He went onto say how he appreciated the liberties that they had taken with the film because it told the story beautifully.

 For me, as a fan who knows the Jeff and Tim story,and knows who all the characters were, it was a surprisingly great film. For those who don't know the ins and outs and back story, I would be curious as to what they thought. Is it necessary to know who Gary Lucas is and how important he would become in Jeff's life?

Jeff and his father deserved to have a film this beautiful, musical and honestly told. Walking out of the theatre, I  began to think that this was probably the longest that Jeff and Tim had ever spent together.

                                         Tim Buckley - Once I Was

                                   Jeff Buckley 1991- Tribute to Tim Buckley - Once I Was

We Are Family

Have you ever had the chance to celebrate your heroes? I was given the wonderful opportunity to celebrate the work of Sting and his wife Trudie at the We Are Family Foundation Honors Gala. The foundation is based on the premise that we are all in this together, as its mission statement reads: Its mission is dedicated to the vision of a global family by creating and supporting programs that inspire and educate people about mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation of cultural diversity – while striving to solve some of our biggest global problems at the same time.The foundation encourages and empowers those who want to, for lack of a better phrase, do good.

Sting and Trudie, for many reasons are a couple I look up to. Their love of each other and humanity is humbling. Trudie's work to save the rainforests, indigenous populations and her work with UNICEF is inspiring.
If it wasn't for Sting, I never would have been inspired to write my first play - and see it performed. His desire to educate through his music is what, for me, allows him to transcend the ranks of celebrity into humanitarian.

The night was a celebration of positive actions to help better this world. I was astounded by the gifted Slater Jewell Kemker , the mind and soul behind the film An Inconvenient Youth. Her passion about global climate change has lead her to become a vocal and passionate spokesperson - at only 20 years old. She too was inspired by the works of Sting and Trudie Styler.

Ndaba Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela, was also on hand to lend praise along with the President and CEO of UNICEF to a couple who do more than just preach - they act. Raising millions for relief, assistance and awareness of many organizations, this couple demonstrates that you can use celebrity to make change.

Immediately, when they walked into the room, the first thing you notice is that - this couple really, really, really loves one another. Their deep affection and respect for each other was even more appreciated when Sting stepped aside and Trudie read the speech for the night.

Then the party began. If it wasn't enough knowing I would have a very private Sting concert, the fact that Nile Rodger, Chic and Sam Moore were performing brought perfection to the night.
Hearing Sam Moore sing the song made famous by The Blues Brothers was just the beginning of some musical memories.

Sting - began the night with Englishman in New York, tweaking the first line  ever so slightly. Fields of Gold and Brand New Day took second and third songs. This man is in his 60s and sounds and looks incredible. And the whole time, his wife sat at the side of the stage, I swear, swooning over each word.

Sam Moore joined Sting for an incredible Every Breath You Take and a surprising version of Bill Withers, Just the Two of Us. The night ending with some 70's classics, and of course, with We Are Family.

The night was special to say the least. Yes, he's one of my favorite bassists and she is the reason why I began yoga, but try something for one second. Think of some celebrities - do they focus on making the world a better place for the future generations? Do they strive to empower those who have been given no chance to live? That is why I look to these two - this couple - as an inspiration. They inspire me to work that much harder to think about charity work and giving a voice to those who have none.

The clips I took are only about 30-60 seconds long...the music was just too good :)

Englishman In New York

 

 

 

 

Brand New Day

 

 

Just the Two of Us

 

 

 

 

Just Promise Me We'll Be Alright

Not my photo - they frown on stopping on the Gil Hodges Bridge

It's been almost four months since Sandy changed all of our lives. My responsibilities at work have given me the opportunity to be in Rockaway every week. I now see familiar faces, notice when a porch has been removed, windows replaced or even a pile of sand taken away from the street. My friends have torn down their homes and are planning new ones. The boardwalk remains missing in action. I have had the opportunity to meet incredible people who went above and beyond their normal call of duty to serve those in the impacted neighborhoods. Like anytime New York finds itself in turmoil, people stand up, dust themselves off and get to work.

 

Communities have grown even stronger and community pride is unbreakable. This is not just in The Rockaways. Red Hook, Staten Island and Coney Island are resilient and true testaments to the strong souls who have been beaten and battered, never to give up hope.

The first week I drove around Belle Harbor, I was with a fellow emergency manager from New Orleans. He evacuated during Katrina and understood all too well the future for all the residents in the sand strewn streets were drove through. Ironically, when we were driving on Beach Channel Drive around 116th, The Ramones classic Rockaway Beach came on the radio and I actually had to pull the car off to the side of the road. It was a mixture of tears and laughter and memories torn up and washed away.

So, last night as I drove past Jacob Riis Park and onto the Gil Hodges Bridge, this song came on as I laid eyes on possibly the most clear view I had ever seen of the Manhattan skyline from the Rockaways. I could see the Empire State Building all the way to the Trade Center. A slight hint of a pink sunset was fighting to be seen. This song and these words framed my picture.

 

Ghosts That We Knew - Mumford and Sons

You saw my pain washed out in the rain
Broken glass, saw the blood run from my veins
But you saw no fault, no cracks in my heart
And you knelt beside my hope torn apart

But the ghosts that we knew will flicker from view
We'll live a long life

So give me hope in the darkness that I will see the light
'Cause oh that gave me such a fright
But I will hold as long as you like
Just promise me we'll be alright

So lead me back, turn south from that place
And close my eyes to my recent disgrace
'Cause you know my call
And we'll share my all
And our children come and they will hear me roar

So give me hope in the darkness that I will see the light
'Cause oh that gave me such a fright
But I will hold as long as you like
Just promise me we'll be alright

But hold me still, bury my heart on the coals
And hold me still, bury my heart next to yours

So give me hope in the darkness that I will see the light
'Cause oh that gave me such a fright
But I will hold on with all of my

Just promise me we'll be alright
"But the ghosts that we knew made us black and all blue
But we'll live a long life
And the ghosts that we knew will flicker from view
And we'll live a long life

This community has been punched in the gut time and again. To many, storm damage was nothing. Having to tear down a home built by hands that died on 9/11 was the challenge. One remaining memory of their friends, colleagues, brothers, father - taken by the storm. But as a collective they move on. They survive. They are Rockaway.

A Misguided Hallelujah

                

It happened after 9/11. Jeff Buckley's haunting version of the Leonard Cohen standard began to fill the airwaves. Maybe it was the word Hallelujah that got people. It sounds religious.  It has been used countless times for tragedies and sad endings to TV shows. My problem is that, although beautiful, to me it is not a song for mourning lost lives, it is a sensual song about love and love lost and even a song about ones relationship with God. I have to agree with Jeff Buckley on this one. Although there are religious references, I have never been able to separate myself away from the overtones of this song. Hell, I love this song but I would not want it played at my funeral.

So let us dissect this song -- shall we?

Leonard Cohen wrote this in 1984  and uses Biblical references as studiously as Bono. Although it may never be known exactly how many verses he wrote, the usual suspects are typically sung - so I have chosen to reference those. It really was not until Jeff Buckley covered  Hallelujah that it was finally, truly discovered. Jeff's death, almost certainly, propelled it into the song it has become revered.

I've heard there was a secret chord

That David played, and it pleased the Lord

But you don't really care for music, do you?

It goes like this

The fourth, the fifth

The minor fall, the major lift

The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Could it be David the Psalm writer and King writing a love song for someone who does not love and appreciate music as he does? Is it the music that she doesn't care for, or him? Is he trying to write a song for his favorite wife, Bathsheba and she rebukes him? (Remember, David had eight wives). Or, is he playing to please the Lord because he upset him by his actions he takes to win her?

Your faith was strong but you needed proof

You saw her bathing on the roof

Her beauty in the moonlight overthrew you



Again, David falls madly in love with Bathsheba from this one sighting of her  from his palace roof. Bathsheba becomes pregnant but there is one problem - her husband has not been home from battle. Confused, in love, scared for her and wanting her all to himself, David sends her husband to death on the front lines. Finally, she is his and so is the child.

She tied you to a kitchen chair

She broke your throne, and she cut your hair

And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

You remember the story of Samson and the woman he loved, Delilah? Did she really love him or his power? She tied him again and again yet his strength was never ending. Finally, she found that if she has his hair cut, his strength would leave him. He trusted her, loved her. She betrayed him. The Hallelujah he draws seems one of disbelief and sadness.

Baby I have been here before

I know this room, I've walked this floor

I used to live alone before I knew you.

I've seen your flag on the marble arch

Love is not a victory march

It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Love - there it is again. This love has been abused and shattered.  Where he has learned from being scorned, she treats it as conquering and owning. 
 

And I quote my muse Jeff Buckley: Whoever listens carefully to 'Hallelujah' will discover that it is a song about sex, about love, about life on earth...It's an ode to life and love. Thoughts? He truly sang the words with longing, passion, want of physical closeness. Maybe that is what convinces me that this is not a death dirge.

There was a time when you let me know

What's really going on below

But now you never show it to me, do you?

And remember when I moved in you

The holy dove was moving too

And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

 

Sweet, desperate bid for what once was. Longing for the passion. Again, true for physical love and true for spiritual love.

Maybe there’s a God above

But all I’ve ever learned from love

Was how to shoot at someone who outdrew you

It’s not a cry you can hear at night

It’s not somebody who has seen the light

It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah

 

This guy is scorned. It is as if the hallelujah transforms throughout the relationship or even throughout life. At first sensual, then comfortable and finally, it is said almost in disdain and contempt and want of what once was. 

You say I took the name in vain

I don't even know the name

But if I did, well, really, what's it to you?

There's a blaze of light in every word

It doesn't matter which you hear The holy or the broken Hallelujah

The tipping point of the relationship possibly. Or if you twist it back to the Bible, did he take God's name in vain? His lover's name in vain? A fight and it doesn't matter between who,  but he's seemingly given up. 

 

 

I did my best, it wasn't much

I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch

I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you

And even though it all went wrong

I'll stand before the Lord of Song

With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

 

Acceptance of what the relationship has become. Acceptance of the relationship with God. I can still stand before you and say Praise God. I won't shame you. I won't hate you. I won't forsake you.

 

 

So,there you have it. My take on the song. So why has it become a song of mourning? I cannot answer that. I just know if anyone asked my opinion I couldn't justify using it after devastating events. But, this is my opinion. Maybe it is the way it is sung, the highs, lows, climax as if the singer is holding out for hope.

 

Also, I must warn you, I am the self professed queen of ruining songs for people. I study the lyrics, move into the words, dissecting them until I discovered every symbolic element. Yes, Ash I am still sorry if I ruined Love Is Blindness for You. It was about love, just not that kind of love.

 

I have asked people their opinions of the song - most of them were on the same vibe with the love and faith. Best reply was [It was my] wedding march - boom. Hands down winner.

 

 

Bon Jovi

 

Hallelujah Jeff Buckley