On this blog, I often spend weekends discussing themes (like comics or local events), but I thought this time I’d go video by sharing some pieces from my favorite musicians.

First up is the one who got me interested in piano music, Jim Brickman. This song is the first one of his I ever heard. It was playing regularly on a local radio station, but the announcers would never say what it was called or who was performing it. Finally, one Sunday morning as I was running errands, the DJ said it was “Angel Eyes” played by Jim Brickman. As soon as I heard that, I was off to the local music store, bought the CD, rushed home, listened to and fell in love with the beautiful music. (When I read the information that came with the CD, I discovered he had previously released another CD, which sent me running to downtown DC so I could buy that one, too! I was hooked!) This video reminds me of the time I saw him in concert a couple of years back–he performed this as an encore!

Another musician I love to listen to has been Enya. Her melodic, moving songs just draw me in. I know it is summer, but I wanted to share one of my very favorite works of hers called “Trains And Winter Rains:”

When I joined Facebook and started following musicians I liked, something unexpected happened. I started getting requests to be “Friends” with some musicians I had never heard of. My guess is that someone saw that I like certain kinds of music, and reached out to me. That was a good move on whoever’s part because I became a big fan of two pianists who “befriended” me. The first one I received contact from was Jim Chappell, who creates such luscious, moving music that it makes me swoon as I hear it. I just love that!  Here’s just one of the earnest songs he performs that gets to me:

Another “Friend” request came from Chris Geith from the New York City area. He has more of a smooth jazz feel, and I like listening to his up-tempo music at work because it keeps me energized and getting things done. You have likely heard his songs before because they often grace the local weather slots on The Weather Channel. But I really love his slower, most heartfelt songs. This is an acoustic version of one of my favorite pieces he’s made, “So Many Nights:”

I thought I’d end this first part with my all-time favorite group, The Carpenters. When other folks were playing head-banging music, I was memorizing these melodic masterpieces in high school. I bought every album or collection they’ve ever released, even after Karen’s untimely passing. But they still inspire music-lovers today. For instance, the aforementioned Jim Brickman recently did a CD covering their songs. What still makes me sad was that I had requested to join their fan club, and the day the application arrived was the same day I learned that Karen’s voice had been stilled forever. I still grieve when I hear a performer who sings in her range–I wonder what that song would have sounded like if Karen had just had a chance to sing it. “Happy” is a great, up-tempo song to end today’s musical moments!

Tomorrow–more musicians, more terrific music!

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