My Relationship With Music
Something got me thinking about my relationship with music this morning. This fleeting moment sparked something that made me realize that music has been a hugely important part of my life ever since I was around 10 years old. It was like the moment that a good fire is set and the kindling is lit. Once the fire starts nothing can or would want to put it out. This was the first time that I had thought about music like this. I suppose I just took it for granted although I inherently knew how much I need it in my life.
It has always been there for me as a constant companion to keep me company, fire up my emotions, inspire me, excite me, calm me down, help me run or dance, laugh or cry.
My first interactions must have been with the radio because I can still remember songs from the late 50s and early 60s well before I immersed myself in the music of my own choice. There may have been some shows on the television that I watched with my father. I particularly remember seeing a show with Bobby Rydell, Chubby Checker and some other American singers who came to Australia in January 1963 when I was still 10 . Let’s Twist Again. I looked at these guys and somehow felt inspired to be part off whatever it was that they had going. It seemed exotic and exciting, a bit left of centre, unordinary, something shone through that I wanted to immerse myself in.
My first big personal connection was akin to falling in love. Really, it was intense. I kept wanting to hear the opening bars so much that I would surf the radio dial from 3UZ to 3DB through KZ, AW, XY and onto AK at the end of the dial. Those stations were like the planets to me. I was the the sun and they revolved around me sending back energy and joy.
That first track I fell head over heels for was called Telstar, an anthemic instrumental written and produced by a strange but brilliant Englishman named Joe Meek. The main melody had something haunting about it and the glassy, sparkly guitar solo awakened some urge to play this instrument that compelled me toward finally learning how to play myself. I must have listened to Telstar thousands of times, sitting in front of my parents radio flicking backward and forward through the radio stations until I found some portion of it. I literally became addicted and even saved up two pounds twelve and sixpence to purchase the album on my 11th birthday in 1963. A huge amount of money back then.
Once the fire was lit it burned brightly from then on out.
What I look for in music is that same level of intensity that I felt back then. I want it to take me on a journey on which I might get lost. I want an adventure, full of surprises and hidden laneways, nooks and crannies. That is why I eventually arrived at Jazz in the very early 70s. I almost needed the music I listened to evoke a huge emotional response and finally I had found something that was full of “unexpected” moments.
My tastes have diversified greatly over the years. I haven’t followed any one path but have and still do constantly explore new forms of music.
Underlying this addiction is my love of communication. It is obvious when the musicians are in full flight, in such intense communication that might take them anywhere. Not some banal small talk that vaguely scratches the surface.
I never fully realized before how lucky I have been to have this relationship with music. It sort defines of aligns with the way I try to live my life, always searching for something new, something that fills me with joy and inspiration. Getting lost which opens the door to new experiences that may not have happened if I had stayed on the beaten track.
