Local Music?
Music, “they say,” is a universal language. We may not understand or appreciate every style but we are all affected on some level by each of its forms. We live in Central New Jersey. It is profusely populated by musicians. All types, all levels of proficiency. On many nights of the week you can go to a nearby restaurant or club and hear someone singing or playing.
You should.
The intimacy of live music as opposed to a recording is the difference between a chain store burger and one you or your favorite griller makes. There is pride, practice and love inside. There is nuance. There is also risk. Most often, you will hear a very strong performance. Sometimes there are bumps in the road (the burger gets a bit charred). Sometimes, however, you have the opportunity to witness true inspiration. It can be as spectacular as the sky opening up and the cosmos, beginning with a look of concentration, breaks into the Mother of all smiles. It can be a lightning strike with THUNDER…it can be the whisper of your true love. It will change you. Your perception of music as something purely in the background will be set aside.
Does it happen at every show? No. It is a very special thing, and you will know when it does happen. But…
You can’t experience it unless you’re out listening. Give local music a chance.
I recall seeing George Burns on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Carson asked him where the toughest crowd he ever played for was. Without a pause, Burns said “Trenton, New Jersey.” Carson was surprised and asked him why. Burns’ response was (and I paraphrase) “They’re halfway between New York City and Philadelphia and they know what’s good. They will let you know which you are. The musicians live there because it’s near both big music cities.”
Check the public bulletin boards at your local branch for concerts and appearances. You can also find artist sites and local music venues listed online. Some local artists’ work is available through the Mercer County Library System. We have works by local musicians such as Richie Cole, Ween, Manish Anand, TJ Nix & Paul Plumeri and Blues Traveler. You will find these artists’ work represented not only in the library’s physical collection but also in our Virtual Branch offerings in hoopla and Freegal.
Again, make sure to give your local music a chance—I think you’ll like it.
You should.
The intimacy of live music as opposed to a recording is the difference between a chain store burger and one you or your favorite griller makes. There is pride, practice and love inside. There is nuance. There is also risk. Most often, you will hear a very strong performance. Sometimes there are bumps in the road (the burger gets a bit charred). Sometimes, however, you have the opportunity to witness true inspiration. It can be as spectacular as the sky opening up and the cosmos, beginning with a look of concentration, breaks into the Mother of all smiles. It can be a lightning strike with THUNDER…it can be the whisper of your true love. It will change you. Your perception of music as something purely in the background will be set aside.
Does it happen at every show? No. It is a very special thing, and you will know when it does happen. But…You can’t experience it unless you’re out listening. Give local music a chance.
I recall seeing George Burns on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Carson asked him where the toughest crowd he ever played for was. Without a pause, Burns said “Trenton, New Jersey.” Carson was surprised and asked him why. Burns’ response was (and I paraphrase) “They’re halfway between New York City and Philadelphia and they know what’s good. They will let you know which you are. The musicians live there because it’s near both big music cities.”
Check the public bulletin boards at your local branch for concerts and appearances. You can also find artist sites and local music venues listed online. Some local artists’ work is available through the Mercer County Library System. We have works by local musicians such as Richie Cole, Ween, Manish Anand, TJ Nix & Paul Plumeri and Blues Traveler. You will find these artists’ work represented not only in the library’s physical collection but also in our Virtual Branch offerings in hoopla and Freegal.
Again, make sure to give your local music a chance—I think you’ll like it.
- Jerry M, Lawrence Branch
Comments
Post a Comment