 It was a sunny and humid day in the historic district of Columbus, Georgia. I happened to be in the car with my dear friend Dragos on our way to the music school on that bricked and bumpy Broadway street. The car’s sound system was playing the 2nd movement of the gorgeous piano concerto #1 by Rachmaninov. The sun was hitting hard against the windshield, and my poor chevy’s AC was not enough to keep us cool on the short trip. We had arrived, and as soon as I turned off the car, this glorious climatic moment caught us by surprise. We could not get out of the car, despite the scorching heat that made the sweat drip off our foreheads as we contemplated with our eyes almost closing. The AC was off, the windows up, and we were stuck to our seats just appreciating the beauty of music. It was a well-worth it mini-torture, as this became one of my favorite musical memories next to one of the musicians I respect the most. Listen to that creamy ascending piano chromatic texture as the strings sequence an unforgettable melody. Carlos Bedoya 03/30/23
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 “Only One” by “Yes the Raven” (Alan Mearns) is one of those songs that finds its way into your brain and won’t leave until you listen to it for a thousand times on repeat. Alan masterfully evokes Bach and combines it with a soulful singing that leaves you wanting for more. I was driving from Florida to Bloomington one night, and I felt the need to listen to this song again, as I passed the dark shadows of trees by the side of my car. I increased the volume almost all the way to the top… the guitar flows like water. Alan’s technique is formidable and this simply perfect arpeggio pattern comforts the listener warmly like a chimney in a cabin in a rainy day. The soft voice is gently placed on top of this harmonic foundation and it just feels perfect. Every time I got around the 5th verse, the chord progression, the dissonance, the texture, and the intensity builds to a point that just takes me to bliss. I listened to this song on repeat, and I got Goosebumps time after time. Although I don’t understand the lyrics as well as I wish, the music itself is evocative and connects with you. I can’t help but make this song an important part of my music memory. I am quite sure that when I listen to this song in a distant future, there will be nostalgia and many other positive emotions. I am so glad I discovered this artist. “And when you take your bow Before that golden cow Lie like you've always done Say I'm the only one” Carlos Bedoya, 03/29/23 |
AuthorCarlos Bedoya is a classical guitarist from Colombia, living in the US. Archives
June 2024
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