Where Pianos Roam

One Year Later . . .

One year ago today, I was held at gunpoint in east Nashville.  Two young, teenage, African American males used a large revolver to rob me of my wallet.  I was on my way to a bar called The 5 Spot to watch a couple of bands I knew perform, and I never made it that night.  It all happened at the corner of 11th and Russell in east Nashville.  You can read my full written account of the events HERE.

When I walk alone to places at night, I still look over my shoulder.  Before I get out of my car, I still look around first.  I still remember what I felt that night a year ago, and even though it is now a far gone conclusion, I don't ever want to forget.  I've always believed that our memories can make us stronger.  If we choose to put them in perspective and be constructive, they can arm us for the battles ahead.  Even though I wish it never happened, it helped me become who I am today, and I can only be proud of who I am now.

I shudder to think about all that I would have missed in the year that passed since then  .  .  .

The birth of my niece Sophia

Thanksgiving and Christmas with my family

Celebrating my Mom's birthday on New Year's Eve

The feast my Mom made for me on my birthday

Watching my nephew Tyler play a perfect season with his football team to make it to the playoffs

Moving in to my adorable little aparment in downtown Nashville

Filming my coming out video to share with the world

Shooting a gun at a shooting range for the first time

Getting to spend a week in a beautiful beach house with great friends in October

Planning an adorable baby shower for a dear friend

Time spent with friends and family

The music I've written since then

Completing a full year of cello lessons

Performing for a wonderful audience at Salisbury Pride and at a few other great events and clubs

The much-needed break I gave myself from performing

Filming and creating my newest project, The Globe Sessions

The awesome books I've read

The love I've given and received

The friends I've made along the way 

 All in all, it's been a tremendous year full of precious and sweet moments.  I am ever so thankful that my life wasn't taken away from me that night.  Since then, I've returned to east Nashville on a few occassions to hang out with friends even though the place creeped me out for a while.  Courage trumped my fear in the end.  

I think about those two young men and where their lives might have taken them ever since their paths intersected with mine.  I hope that they have both taken a turn for the better--helping themselves and others instead of causing harm.  I honestly, truly hope so.

I thank God that I'm alive, and I am so grateful for the year that I've just had.

May there be many more to come.

-gordo 

 

 

A Thought (3)

Awareness is everything.

-gordo

A Thought (2)

Is it possible to say something without actually saying anything?  

Yes.  It happens all the time .  .  .  

-gordo



A Thought (1)

When you ask yourself, "What is your life?".  

Think of one thing that makes you smile and that requires the least amount of effort in return.

Think of one thing that gives you pure boundless joy.

If this thing is not your life, or at least a vital part of it, then maybe it damn well should be.

-gordo

 

Reading Will Save the World

I wanted to start a new instalment here on WPR about the books that I have been reading.  I've been an avid reader all of my life, and I just love it.  In my opinion, it offers far more to its audience than watching television does.  Don't get me wrong. I don't mind television at all, but it is incredibly passive.  Everything, including the plotline, the visuals, dialogue, and the performance is handed to you on commercialized and glossy plate.  There is often very little, if nothing at all, that is left to the imagination.  (Don't even get me started on all of the advertising. That's a whole other can of worms.)

To me, the beauty of reading is in its simplicity.  First, you can grab a book (or e-reader) and take it anywhere.  Whether it's in solitude, on the train heading to work, in the bathroom, or in bed before you go to sleep at night, you can read.  It's unbelievably convenient.  You can also go at your own pace or stop completely if you don't like the book you chose.

Reading a book also offers something incredibly vital.  It invites you to use your imagination.  I often create scenes in my head and imagine faces and foreign places when I read.  It also invites you to contemplate different meanings and ask questions.  Everything isn't offered right off the bat.  You, the reader become engaged and invested in the content.  It is among the most active things you can do without lifting a finger (outside of actually turning a page, that is).

So there.  Reading will save the world.  It is an age-old practice that has inspired great art and started revolutions.  Give it a try.  Find a book about something you like or are curious about at your local library.  Find a cozy spot, and read.

For my first instalment of "Reading Will Save the World", I have three books to recommend.  They're page turners for sure.

I spent most of last October being enamored of the late Stieg Larsson's best-selling "Girl" trilogy.  By "Girl", I mean "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo", "The Girl Who Played with Fire", and "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest".  These books have sold well over 65 MILLION copies around the world to date.  They have been incredibly popular and for good reason.  Even though I wouldn't call them classic literature, I'd say they offer a thrilling ride to very, very, VERY dark places. 

What I loved the most about this thrilogy is the characters.  The "Girl" these books refer to in their titles is a character named Lisbeth Salander.  She is, quite possibly, the best female heroine that exists in this current era of modern writing.  I wasn't expecting someone like her at all.  She's a complex, brilliant, and all-around bad-ass character unlike anyone else I've ever read.  I'm willing to bet she's the reason why 65 million people have read these books.

This story is a character-driven, manic, psycho-sexual foray into unfathomable darkness.   They are not for the lighthearted but well worth the journey.  I read all three books, with a combined total of just over 2,000 pages, in less than three weeks on top of my own hectic schedule.  I could not, for the life of me, stop reading.

If you are thinking about reading these books, I have a couple of things left to say. 

First of all, I strongly recommend reading them before seeing the recently released movie currently in theaters.  I think David Fincher, who directed the film, did a fine job honoring these characters and their story, but these books are the real deal. 

Lastly, don't be discouraged by the first 40 pages or so of the first book (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo).  You might, as I did, find them kind of boring.  Well, they are kind of boring, but they exist for good reason because they offer vital information that will fuel the rest of the story. 

Think of these first few pages as the calm before the storm.  Because truthfully, it's gonna be one hell of a storm.

-g

The Return of Where Pianos Roam and Being Happy

Finally, I am back.  For the first time since I started this blog, I decided to take a lengthy break.  My last post was published on September 11, 2011.  This would be an almost 4 month hiatus from my blogging universe.

I am gratefull for the rest.  I needed it.  Having just moved to a new area in downtown Nashville, I wanted time to get settled into my new digs and, more importantly, I wanted to have some time to myself.  This meant no blogging, no e-newsletters, no shows, no promos, and as much as possible, no facebook. 

I've been in the rat race of being an independent musician for almost 8 years, and I've never really given myself a break from music.  The current state of the music industry requires most indie musicians to perform and promote 24/7 in order to make even just a modicum of a livelihood.  I needed a rest.  So, I gave myself one. 

This rest gave me time to think about where I wanted my music to go.  Well, I can tell you all one thing for now.  I only want to engage in creative projects that will make me happy.

At the end of the day, I just want to be happy.  This means gaining a sense of deep fulfilment from my efforts regardless of the outcome.  This means doing work that I am genuinely inspired to do and excited about. 

This means creating art and music that I am obsessively passionate about.

For me, doing what I love to do is one of the greatest forms of happiness.

It's time for me to be happy.  From now on, this blog will be dedicated to all the things that make me sweet, effervescent joy!

(By the way, Oreo and Buttercup say "Hello!".  They're back too.)

I'll be catching you all up with what I've been up to and making some changes around here at WPR.

Thank you all for reading and sticking by me.

I'm very happy to be back.  More happiness to come, for sure.

-gordo

 

 

Early On a Sunday Morning: This Is Not Goodbye

 
I have decided to take an extended break from blogging for a while.  So, this will be my last post here on WPR until some time next year.  This decision has not come easily because I love my little blog.  Other things, however, are calling my attention and will need it undividedly. 

First off, I hope (and pray) that work on my next album of music will get started.  There's a lot involved, and I need to just make it happen. 

Secondly, there's some visual art work that I want to work on as I continue to develop my online art store Tropical Shade of Green.

Then, of course, I've launched a new season of The Adventures of Oreo and Buttercup.  There are ten new episodes up and coming. 

Lastly, I have some living to do.  Being a resident in downtown Nashville is not something that I will take for granted.  I want to take the time to enjoy these surroundings and connect with people.  I love where I live right now, and it's important for me to embrace it all. 

There's one other thing that I'm working on, but let's just keep that a secret for now. 

So there you have it.  I have a good bit to do in my absence from blogging.  I anticipate a return to WPR in the spring of 2012, but we'll see how that goes. 

I'll be posting a bunch of links to some of the more popular and some of my favorite blog posts over the last three years in a couple of days. 

I will still be very active on my main website (gordonroque.com) and on facebook and twitter so I won't be disappearing completely. 

This is not goodbye, just a "see you later!".

So, from the entire cast and crew here at WPR, including myself, La Gordita, Courage (The bike), Elliot (The Coffeemaker), Petrie (the Rhinocerous Pillow), The Fawn (my travelling bear companion), Balthazar (the car), Edith (the giraffe), Mirabelle (the narcoleptic piano), Oreo (tiny grand piano), and Buttercup (rowdy bench), we are signing out until next time .  .  .

See you later.  (-:

-Gordo

 

Early On a Sunday Morning: Should WPR Continue?

I have a question for anyone who cares to give an answer.  I've been thinking lately about this blog "Where Pianos Roam".  While I do enjoy the opportunity it gives me to write, I'm wondering if I should continue doing it.  It takes up a good bit of time that could be spent developing more visual art, making more Oreo and Buttercup episodes, and working on my next album.  Besides, I'm not sure that what I give in this place is something that you can't get from other sources. 

So there, do tell.  Does anyone out there enjoy reading this blog?  Should I keep it going or lay it to rest?

I welcome anyone's thoughts and feed back through comments left here or on my facebook page.

Thank you.

-gordo

Piano Friday: Philip Glass and The Hours

 

I am a film score enthusiast.  This should be a natural tendency since I am a musician.  The perfect score, when expertly blended into a film, can really add to the fullness of it.  Whether it infuses movement and rhythm to the plot or enhances the emotions being conveyed, it can be a powerful and evocative tool.

Today, I wanted to highlight one of my all-time favorite film scores.  It hails from a gorgeous film entitled "The Hours".  Not only are there fantastic performances by the actors in this movie, it also has a potent story line that travels through three different time periods and stories.  In addition to some fantastic editing, the score plays a pivotal roll in blending these disparate eras together. 

The piano's versatility, in terms of its rhythmic and melodic powers, is fully utilized in every movement.  Philip Glass composed music that flowed and cascaded through each scene creating a seemless and cohesive presentation throughout.  I really love this music, and I often listen to it on long road trips.

Here is one of the pieces from the score.  By the way, if you like what you hear, the entire soundtrack is a magical gem.  Philip Glass' distinct piano style is at the height of it's powers here.  It would be well worth the price of purchase to have it. 

 

I hope everyone has a sweet and lovable Friday!

TGIF

-gordo

Gay Day: Women In Drag

 

Hello Lovelies,

This is La Gordita, and it's another sunny Gay Day.  (Wednesday is Gay Day here at WPR) I've been thinking about women lately.  Specifically, women who dress like men and who convincingly do so.  In the last few years, this side of androgyny has felt like a long lost art form outside of being a state of mind for some folks.

Drag Queens, often referred to as female impersonators, usually get all of the attention.  With their high heels and sparkling sequins, its easy for them to do so.  Drag Kings, like men in plain clothes, look most convincing and handsome in more understated attire.  As a result, they may not turn as many heads.

To me, as long as there is quality in the performance, my head will turn.  For example, I often think of the Eurythmics.  Perhaps Annie Lennox did not intend to look so androgynous.  Arguably, the effect of her outward presentation (along with her own carisma, genuine talent, and fantastic music) back in the 80's was beautiful and striking. 

Here's my favorite Eurythmics song and Ms. Lennox in all her ambiguouos glory .  .  .

   

Then, of course, there is the incomparable KD Lang and her timeless classic Constant Craving.  She made female masculinity an artform .  .  .

K.D. Lang - Constant Craving [Video] on MUZU.TV 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Lady Gaga's appearance at the VMA's last Sunday night.  She appeared in full drag as her alter ego Jo Calderone.   She was theatrical and brilliant, if not a tad unglamorous and eccentric.  I'm glad she's carrying the torch and continuing this tradition in her own way.   We need more drag kings in the world--ones who exude confidence and bravado in the finest suits and slickest hair.  We need more drag kings who can ultimately perform well.  Then maybe, they will have their true night in the spotlight.

Bring on the Kings, I say.  Let them bedazzle the world in their masculine glory!!!

Happy Gay Day!!!  (No, I'm not being redundant.)

-LaLaLa Gordita.

PS--Today is the last day to donate to help Gordon record his next album.  To do so, click HERE.