This may sound contradictory, but sometimes you get so caught up in music – either writing it, producing it, troubleshooting it, tweaking it, etc. – that you lose sight of what makes it so… inspiring.

I just got back from teaching at a band camp this week and there was some serious hashing on parts going on, but then by the last day, it was sounding really good… like, really good.  The Senior Band at my school (Lord Selkirk Regional) is playing one of my pieces and when you invest SO heavily into a song and give it to performers, there is a trust in them, it’s like babysitting: I’m leaving my child with you, please be wonderful to him/her.

We played one section of it and, since I’m used to the metric bleepity-bloops from composing, hearing it live and played well was so beautiful.  Going back to the babysitting analogy: “they didn’t just look after my child, they took him/her to the park, then for ice cream, the rollerskating.”

In short: Goosebumps.

There are certain songs in life that ALWAYS give me goosebumps, every time.  Here are three examples:

1) Hamsafar – Christoper Tin – at 1:00 (when the choir comes in)

This album is a masterpiece.  Period.  Beautiful, thoughtful and elegant composing; glorious performance; incredibly clear production… everything is truly lovely.  The album itself (Calling All Dawns, which can be bought here) is a song cycle where every song leads into the next, telling the story of life, death and rebirth with every aspect flowing into the next.  Every movement is in a different language, simultaneously exhibiting the diversity of understanding, but the unity in these three ideas through all cultures.

When the choir comes in at 1:00, it’s just glorious, it’s epic, it’s groundbreaking to my heart.  Joy and exhilaration incarnate.

Here is a better quality recording: http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/s/Hamsafar+feat+Sussan+Deyhim+/2qWQ7E

2) Symphony Number 1, Movement 3 – Gustav Mahler – until 2:37

The opening funeral procession of Mahler 1 gets me shivering every time.  It’s been one of my favourites for many years, but I finally got to see it performed in September of this year by the WSO – wonderful.  It’s essentially “Freres Jacques” in minor and set to a fugue – which doesn’t sound that special – but when you put all of the pieces together along with a great performance… AHHHH!! Amazing!

3) “Said the Raindrop to the Seed” – Jess Chalker – whole song

I just discovered this the other day, while looking at the  John  Lennon Songwriting Contest results… so beautiful.  It’s pure, unintrusive, but a simple and elegant melody.  It’s about a raindrop and a seed who, while living in the microcosm of their existence, will not change the world, but are thankful for each other’s place in their lives.  Much love going on there

You and me
We have each other
And that’s all we need
The place I’ll call my home
Is anywhere that you will be
You and me
(should be) MAY never make a mark on the shape of history
But I’m glad you came to make your mark on me

(goosebumps and warmth)

The JLSC version can be heard here, which is the version that I fell in love with.

SO, here is the big question: What music gives you goosebumps? Place a song and a link in the comment space below and share your love of music with the readers

Much love,
Kenley