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SETTING-THE-RECORD-STRAIGHT DEPT.
Hi, everyone! I hope your new year has been a harmonious one so far. I'm wondering how many of you have implemented some (or any) of my suggestions for power-assisting your affirmations and New Year's resolutions with sound.
I look forward to hearing of your experiences. Was it as easy as I predicted? As much fun? Isn't it wonderful that the modern bathroom can also function as a ceremonial sound chamber ... a contemporary manifestation of the ancient shamanic cave (like the ones discovered in Spain and France). The tiles reflect and amplify sound just like the rock walls of the caves.
If any of you want to send me a few moments of what you have recorded, I would welcome it. But even if you don't send in a copy, remember to listen while driving, while falling asleep, etc.
Setting-the-Record-Straight Dept.
I've received a number of inquiries lately that are an obvious result of people being confused, and concerned, about what they have seen on TV, heard on the radio or received as a broadcast email. When I began my public career, my last name was so uncommon that it often got misspelled. Sometimes it was botched by concert or workshop promoters, even though they swore they were looking right at my album cover as they spoke to me.
I always try to rectify these errors immediately, because they always seem to engender additional problems. Case in point: One of the fugitives from the Texas jail had a last name of Halprin. He is no relation to anyone on my family tree. More problematic is the spate of questions from folks ordering Green Tea concentrate from "my" website or 800 toll free number. No, that is not me! And yes, I heard the infomercial on a radio show last week. Imagine my surprise when the announcer declares, "We've been speaking with Steve Halpern." I met this fellow years ago, and unfortunately, he has chosen to purposefully play up the confusion. He spells his name: Stephen Halpern. That way, there is no confusion. Ha. So if you have problems with him or his company, please address your concerns to the proper company.
Operas for Relaxation?
Several years ago, I predicted that within the near future, some record company would probably release an album of opera and label it "for relaxing and meditation." I was only half kidding. Well, much to my surprise and chagrin, it happened! Sure enough, More Mozart for Mothers-to-Be is now available ... and the fat lady has sung! Not only that! The album actually begins with the very same composition that I predicted would be used, noting that it is one of the inappropriate choices. Well, folks -- welcome to The Marriage of Figaro. Old Wolfgang must be turning over in his grave. Roll over, Amadeus, and tell Tchaikovsky the news.
Yet another album is an early candidate for this year's Dubious Achievement Awards. It's called Relaxing with the Classics (one of many albums with that title, I have discovered). This one, however, features the finale of the l812 Overture (by our friend Tchaikovsky) and even more outrageously, the stirring Finale from the William Tell Overture by Rossini. Please don't get me wrong. These are wonderful pieces ... but not for relaxation! How could any company release such an album?
The best answer from my readers will receive his or her choice of my latest album, Deja-Blues. Speaking of which, I really appreciate the letters from those of you who have shared the past-life memory stimulation that has occurred. Know that continued listening will deepen the experience.
I'd also be very interested in comparing notes with any past-life therapists who read this column. In two weeks, I will be appearing with Dr. Brian Weiss in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Weiss, as you may know, is one of the leading past-life therapists. His best selling books, including Many Lives, Many Masters has opened up millions of readers to another dimension of life.
*****
P.S. If you're wondering how to begin to learn about jazz, improvisation and creativity, there is a whole slew of new books and interactive media available. Remember, Ken Burns himself didn't know much about jazz when he began.
Mozart was a Jazz Improviser
Indeed, it's true! Although this information has been quashed by "orthodox" musicologists (not unlike how "orthodox" religious scholars have omitted factual information from the time of Christ, which is only now being irrefutably added to our understanding), apparently many of our favorite composers, like Mozart, Bach and Liszt, would often engage in "improvisational challenges" in the royal courts and salons in which they performed.
It was great sport, we are told. If you remember the scene in the movie or play Amadeus, you will know what I mean. Back then, however, tape recorders did not exist, so they had to write things down.
As a result, that singular version became "the only way" -- which was actually only "one" way. When you listen to Charlie Parker, John Coltrane or many of the other greats, this may give you a whole new perspective and appreciation.
I should also mention that just because a recently released album by Kenny G may be filed under "jazz," it really is not. This has been a bone of contention for many years, especially at Grammy season.
This year, the Grammys finally created a new category for Pop Instrumental. Many of the artists who were thrown into New Age (because there wasn't anywhere else to put them) finally have a more appropriate category. Thank you, Grammys.
Until next time, stay tuned.
Joyce and Barry Vissell, a nurse and medical doctor couple since 1964, are also the authors of The Shared Heart, Models of Love, Risk To Be Healed, and The Heart's Wisdom. They are the founders and directors of the Shared Heart Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the connection between relationship and the spiritual path. Call TOLL-FREE 1-800-766-0629 (locally 831-684-2299) or write to the Shared Heart Foundation, P.O. Box 2140, Aptos, CA 95001, for free newsletter from Barry and Joyce, further information on their books, tapes and training programs, or their schedule of talks and workshops. Or check out their web site: www.sharedheart.org.
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