[Suki]

I want music to be something all can enjoy and develop a deep appreciation for. I love the book I bought that explains a lot of musical terms, it also includes a CD. It is by Wynton Marsalis. He did and excellent PBS series in which he was teaching children about how to recognize different musical styles, arrangement and instruments. What notes are and many other things.

My husband plays the piano. He took piano lessons for years in Puerto Rico with a relative of Lola Rodriguez de Tio. His piano teacher's name was Tio also. My husband said if he had practiced the piano a lot and did the piece he was supposed to do with a lot of effort and it sounded good, Don C would say, "No esta mal." He was a stickler for perfection. I remember him playing some Beethoven for me once---when we first met. I liked that very much!! My son is practicing on the piano and with a trumpet. But, I noticed he likes singing. He has such a nice voice. I have a feeling he will make a fine singer if he decides to develop that. He is lucky he has that. My husband sings terrible. Lol. But he is a good piano player.

I love Salsa. But it has to be the good kind. One of my favorite fusions are between Cuban percussion and rythm and American Jazz. Such as Chano Pozo's and Dizzy Gillespie's "Manteca". I had it on the other day, and my son stopped playing and listened to it carefully---he then said, "I like that a lot." Lol. I am glad I am exposing him to a lot of different music. I am terribly intolerant with rap music. I really think it is only good for doing some dancing only and then it has to be clean lyrics....none of that smut they try to sell as lyrics. My son now, doesn't listen to it anymore. I have over 1500 CDs all world music, classical, salsa, Jazz, pop, opera and everything in between. But all 'filtered' through my 'ears' and I know each CD I have has only the finest musicians and music and with great melodies and musicians. I have a lot of Beatles Anthologies. I have Joan Manuel Serrat Anthologies too. I have some old songs from Rocio Durcal too. And La Lupe, and Lucho Gatica, and Pata Negra, Kitane, Jarabe de Palo, Mana, and many many more. I have the newest Flamenco music infused with salsa, son from Cuba, and modern rock.


Here Jane see what you think of Gillespie's '1982' concert in Finland version:

YouTube - Dizzy Gillespie - Manteca (Finland, 1982)

I love many styles. I love Harry Connick Jr. I love Diana Krall, and Andrea Bocelli, and Dulce Ponte, and Albita Rodriguez. I like many many artists. They have to be talented and varied and dedicated musicians and singers. Not the crappy bubble gum types peddled to the kids nowadays. I am sorry but that Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears, and 50 cent whatever really really suck and lack talent. But some kids like it. I like Cristina Aguilera's vocal power, but her choice in songs and lyrics and music is poor and not intelligent. It is a shame. She has a lovely voice. Just bad musical choices. She might think she is original and poetic. I compare her lyrics to something by Violeta Parra or Mercedes Sosa and she falls way short. Too contrived.

See you later.....