This article from CEREBRUM, a publication of the Dana Foundation, explores recent research into how the brain works creatively. It is fascinating. While the process retains mystery and many unknowns, there are a couple of take aways. In particular, priming our brains before we begin a creative task seems to make a difference, as such …
Mark Helpsmeet does a fantastic radio interview series called Song of the Soul. I was honored to be a guest on the program a few months ago. It’s worthwhile to checkout all the people he’s interviewed. An amazing cast of characters for those of who love acoustic music infused with soul, spirit, and social change. …
I wrote this song as part of last year’s crop of kindergarten songs. Tom changed a crucial line to make it work, and in this video he has also made it zipper song with movement. He’s such a master. Today he and I are going into the studio to record some of these songs that …
I love this article about kids and writing. https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2018/10/23/too-many-kids-cant-write-well-authors-dave-eggers-tim-whitaker-explain-how-fix-that/?utm_term=.f5c2ca738a2f
This year the Magic Penny Ceremony of the Children’s Music Network honored Kim and Reggie Harris. KIm and Reggie have been friends of mine for many years. I met them through my affiliation with the Kennedy Center teaching artist roster, and we’ve talked many times. I deeply admire their artistry; they are fantastic singers, activists, teachers, …
Here’s a video of the epic jam session that began the Tanzania project. When we first went to Tanzania in January 2015, I wrote two songs inspired by being there. La La Salama and Serengeti Plain. Both of those songs received some exposure through other people performing and recording them. When we returned in August …
Barbara Tilsen and I drove to the Children’s Music Network conference last weekend. We talked almost the whole way – 7 hours and 7 hours back. We’ve been friends for many years, something like 35 and have sung, shared and organized together. Barb is a wonderful singer, songwriter, community activist and spirit. And when these …
I feel new to writing. I’ve written all my life, but something has changed. So often I’ve written on the run, sitting in a restaurant whispering song ideas into a voice recorder or outlining a chapter for two hours on an unusually free morning. I’ve rarely been able to be deliberate in time to write. …
If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine…Paulo Coelho At Yale, the most popular class is on happiness. Read about it here. It’s taught by Laurie Santos, and, while the topic speaks to all of us, it’s interesting that at Yale, filled with elite students, happiness seems to be in short supply. The stresses of …
I wrote this song a few months ago. It’s another challenging guitar song. I am learning a lot about recording, but not enough. And mixing is its own quandary. My friend Laurie died 19 years ago yesterday. I lit a candle for her that night, as is, I heard, the Jewish custom. She understood the …