Steven Halpern

Isn't it amazing how much music has been in the news lately? Between the Napster controversy, Eminem and rap lyrics, and the Ken Burns Jazz blockbuster on PBS, the mainstream public awareness of the power of sound is certainly increasing.

One of the most fascinating manifestations was the recent editorial in The Wall Street Journal by famed hard rock guitarist, songwriter, crossbow hunter and red-meat eater Ted Nugent. Not only was this a first, I believe, for a rocker to grace the Opinion page of this esteemed publication, but what he wrote was so intelligent, articulate and right on, that his words deserve much wider distribution. Visit www.opinionjournal.com to read it for yourself.

Supporting the recent legal decisions, Nugent points out that "Common sense is alive and well in America...To think that anyone could argue that Napster has the right to give away an artist's product (without paying for it) is ridiculous."

And yet, so many ostensibly "more spiritual" individuals, who do not eat meat or hunt, rallied round the pro-Napster flag. Few New Age magazines even mentioned the issue, either in articles or editorials. This surprised me, since the stores and artists who advertise in their pages would surely be affected adversely.

They say politics makes strange bedfellows. But it can also bring about a meeting of the minds that is on a positive evolutionary tangent.

Creativity vs. "History"

I'd like to revisit my previous comments on Ken Burns' Jazz. I really enjoyed the first two installments, but then I noticed I was falling asleep, and couldn't get through the others.

I assumed that things would heat up when 'modern' jazz was featured, in the era in which I came up (1965-now). Much to my surprise (and the surprise of many others) this current perspective was granted very little coverage.

And then I heard radio host Jack Foley reading his commentary, which appears at www.alsopreview.com. A light went on in my head as he clarified my unfocussed feelings. Jack Foley quoted Ken Burns: "History is about stories that are over."

Ah-ha! That was why current "trends" were omitted ... they are still evolving. Okay, I could accept that.

However, it also clarified the more egregious omission -- that jazz, as an art form, is so wed to improvisation and experimentation, Ken Burns' series had so little coverage of that aspect. Instead, it was about history.

Foley explains that, on a very significant level, the series was less about jazz than "about an art form (Burns's) that is so wed to corporations and consumption, best selling CDs and books, and impressive TV ratings."

So if you, as a viewer, did not know much about the essence of jazz before watching this 19-hour series, you would still not know much about jazz -- in terms of the spark of inspiration, creativity and spirituality that makes the best of jazz so uplifting.

Becoming more conversant with creativity in your own music-making can also improve your mood, your meditations and your overall peak performance. New research is proving that all the time.

So what have you done for yourself lately, musically speaking? Have you tapped out some rhythms on a hand drum, or even a boxtop? Have you sung/chanted/toned vowel sounds?

Have you gotten together with friends and made your own music? (For extra credit, have you recorded it?)

We welcome your email about your experiences c/o this magazine.

Until next time, stay tuned.

Steven Halpern is an award-winning composer, recording artist and sound healer. For over 25 years, he has been a passionate advocate of the healing powers of music for health, healing and spiritual growth. His latest releases, Deja-Blues, and Chants to Awaken the Buddhist Heart may change forever the way people perceive his musical career as he branches out into new and exciting dynamic rhythmic and vocal dimensions.

To receive a free catalog, email us at innerpeacemusic@innerpeacemusic.com or call: 1-800-909-0707.

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