Where Pianos Roam

Video of the Week: Speechless

Born out of the bustling, noisy streets of New York City, a new artist has recently taken hold of the pop music stratosphere and has boldly infused herself and her music into radio stations and television over the last year. Her name is Lady Gaga. She is all parts theatrical and pop dance with a smattering of David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, and Elton John.  As she shows off her avant garde flare and charisma, I see in her an unbridled and unstoppable ambition not unlike that of a young Madonna. To date, all four consecutive singles from her first album went to number 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles Chart.   She's gone from selling out small clubs to selling out whole arenas in a matter of months.  At the upcoming Grammy awards, she is nominated five times including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. I honestly have to admit that her songs are very catchy and the visual work to back up her music is often quite stunning.  More importantly, I happen to like her mainly because at her core, she is a piano player much like myself. This week's Video of the Week is live footage of her performing a song off of her latest EP release "The Fame Monster" for the Queen of England.  It's a song called "Speechless".  This is Lady Gaga without all of the choreography and over-the-top posturing of her other performances.  It's just a piano and a voice.  I, for one, am quite impressed .  .  . [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcXH3xPUQZE] The Lady has indeed arrived, and it looks like she's here to stay. -g

Early On a Sunday Morning

Life is slowly getting back to normal.  Christmas time has always felt like a different layer in the time-space continuum.  The world gets a little more sparkly and bedazzling.  People and children become sweeter.  Food abounds in heaping spoonfuls and rarely-used China.  I have to say that I love this time of year even though I have to also say that I am glad it's pretty much over. I have two basic reasons for this.  The first being that I am not particularly thrilled with the capitalism of it all.  I am all about generosity and giving, but here in America the holiday season means big money in the retail world.  Inescapable advertising constantly suggests a cool gift idea or a great sale to justify trading in your hard-earned green.  A holiday originally meant to celebrate life and birth has dwindled into a time to get knicknacks and gadgets galor.  I agree that opening presents under a Christmas tree is fun; however, there's more to life than an obese, hairy white guy climbing down chimneys to drop off presents.  C'mon!  Really? My second reason is that, personally, there are elements of Christmas that I try to sustain for myself throughout the year.  I've always loved the idea of giving, and I do give what I can in my own way all year long.  (Outside of a little respect and gratitude, I don't expect anything in return.)  Additionally, I give plenty to myself in the way of treats in the face of hardship or mean-spririted people.  (My good friend Tim taught me the value in doing this.  Thanks Tim!)  I also love the sense of tradition in the holidays and hold my own little traditions every month.  (I'll keep these traditions to myself.) So "back to normal" for me means that I maintain a little bit of Chrismas all year long.  Thankfully, it also means a return to a regular schedule and routine.  I love to party like a rock star once in a while for sure, but I also hugely value quiet moments in my every day.  Doing things I always do and enjoying each second of it. What praytell might such things be? Sipping my morning coffee from my favorite cup that I bought in Seattle Watching HGTV while on the ellyptical machine at my local gym/YMCA Sitting at the piano for hours as I build my own sparkling, bedazzling universe Listening to music while driving my cute Toyota Corolla Getting kisses from my niece and nephew Savoring every bite of my Mom and sister Leth's cooking Knitting a scarf or a hat Reading a fantastically good book Seeing what friends are up to on facebook Taking a warm shower Taking a nap Falling into bed after a long day Performing on stage and taking in the warmth from the crowd Taking my Mom shopping Eating my regular tuna lunch (yummy!) Eating chicken (yummy!) Hanging out with dear friends Sharing a little bit of my world through this blog Why should sweet things only be relegated to a week  in December?  Heck if I know! Until next Christmas, I'm just gonna have myself a VERY sweet time. -g

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas!! Happy Hanukka! Happy Kwanzaa! Mele Kalikimaka! Feliz Navidad! Maligayang Pasko!! Celebrate!!!  Laugh!!!  Eat well!!! Soak in every precious moment .  .  . [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPl2wMh396Q] It's been a sweet holiday for me!!  I wish the same for all of you!! -g

Early On a Sunday Morning

So, I've been thinking lately about douchebags.  Not in a literal sense mind you, as I do not have any use for such things (LOL).  The word "douchebag" has occurred to me a few times lately since I have come across certain people in my life who I might fall in a "douchebag" category. First off, it's fascinating how the use of this word for a feminine hygiene product has evolved.  A quick look into wikipedia brought forth this brief "slang" definition: Douchebag, or simply douche, is considered to be a pejorative term in North America and other English speaking countries. In some English speaking countries the term is not well known. The slang usage of the term dates back to the 1960s.^[6] The term refers to a person with a variety of negative qualities, specifically arrogance and engaging in obnoxious and/or irritating actions without malicious intent. I've come across many people who fit this description, and lately, I've had to interact with them more and more. The struggle I face is how to deal with a douchebag especially when one does not have the choice to stay away from them.  For example, there might be the douchebag relative, douchebag coworker, or the douchebag "friend".  Whatever the case may be, the douche (simple put, of course) may have to be in your life for the long haul or for an extended period of time.  It can be unbearable and aggravating. Another struggle I face is  the point at which said douchebag crosses the line and appears to have "malicious intent" in their irritating actions.  This becomes a whole new level of douchebaginess!!!  What should happen next?  (If anyone has an answer for this, I am all ears.) All I have now are just some open-ended questions.  Their answers need to be tailored around each specific douche and situation.  With this in mind, I keep trying to figure out a general rule on how to deal with douchebags and seem to come up empty-handed.  Ugh. The best I can come up with is just to stay true to your own integrity.  Be clear and aware of who your true friends are.  Build a safety net around you and protect yourself from harm and from doing something to the douche that you might regret.  (It must be noted that douchebaginess can be contagious.  Don't let it get you too.) Finally, if the douchebag crosses a line, make every effort to clean up that sloppy mess from your life completely and move on. Douchebags begone!  So to speak. -g

Video of the Week: Daniel

In the pantheon of Pop Piano Gods of the modern era, Elton John holds his own among such greats as  Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Billy Joel, Nina Simone,  Tori Amos, and a handful of others.  He boasts an enviable catalogue of hits reaching far back into the 1970's when he burst onto the music world with huge sunglasses and a flair all his own. He is another artist and fellow pianist whose work I have admired from a distance.  (I've actually covered only one of his songs, and I didn't even play it on the piano--a song called "American Triangle" that I sang a capella with African drums.)  His distinct sound and style is one I have no desire to copy.  Only Elton does Elton John well.  I am content to bow down at his alter and worship his songs just as millions around the world have. All things considered, I have one very favorite Elton John song, and it is a classic.  It's a sad farewell song called "Daniel", and I loved it from the very first time I heard it.  The lyrics are just so brutal and beautiful all at once.  It's a listing of truths that are heavy and heartbreaking to hold. This week, I wanted to feature an old live performance of this sweet sad song. Ladies and Gents, Daniel .  .  . [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ayolhaLMUI]

Daniel

Lyrics by Bernie Taupin

Music by Elton John

Daniel is travelling tonight on a plane I can see the red tail lights heading for Spain Oh and I can see Daniel waving goodbye God it looks like Daniel, must be the clouds in my eyes They say Spain is pretty though I've never been Well Daniel says it's the best place that he's ever seen Oh and he should know, he's been there enough Lord I miss Daniel, oh I miss him so much Daniel my brother you are older than me Do you still feel the pain of the scars that won't heal Your eyes have died but you see more than I Daniel you're a star in the face of the sky Daniel is travelling tonight on a plane I can see the red tail lights heading for Spain Oh and I can see Daniel waving goodbye God it looks like Daniel, must be the clouds in my eyes Oh God it looks like Daniel, must be the clouds in my eyes ________________________________________________________ Maybe I'll work out a cover of this someday.  Maybe. -g

Early On a Sunday Morning

Happiness lies in your own hand .  .  . [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v789062lhUw] There are days when I dream of self-fillment.  I am not talking in a materialistic sense.  If you would take away all of my physical possessions and leave me with nothing, I think I'd be fine.  (Though I'd probably be bummed about losing my piano) I dream of times when I can fully utilize my natural abilities in ways that are meaningful, helpful, and nourishing to both myself and those around me.    It would involve a skill that I have cultivated over time that flourishes exponentially to breathe life,  joy, and a sense of connectedness into all things--and maybe just a small smattering of happiness. I think I've come close.  I've had moments at my shows when the whole crowd would get completely quiet as I started a new song.  I'd put my all into singing the words and playing the music.  Honestly, it felt as if I'd swept up the whole crowd and taken them somewhere for just a little while.  I remember feeling the energy from the crowd--feeding me with their quiet attention as I gave back.   At the end, I'd sit there wondering what just happened as if I'd just gotten out of a trance.   These moments are worth more than their weight in gold. Whether you're a pharmacist, a librarian, writer, manager, filmmaker, accountant, podiatrist, lawyer, or chef, there has to be a moment when you are fully engrossed in your work and loving every minute of it.  There's this sense that you are doing what you were meant to be doing in your life.  The skills that you've worked so hard to develop are finely tuned and formidable.  Your resulting happiness is obvious, potent, and infectious to anyone within a mile's radius of you. I dream of these self-fulfilling things because, in addition to having love, what else is truly worth having in this world? As 2010 draws near, these are the thoughts in my head.  A new year always offers new beginnings and adventures.  I haven't done a show in a few months, but that will be changing in due time.   I can't wait. My hands will be full. Will yours? -g

The Story Behind " Mr. Stranger "

Back on Tuesday, I uploaded my song Mr. Stranger on my myspace page  in celebration of the one year anniversary of the release of my debut album Seahorses .  .  . It is probably the most theatrical track of all the songs on Seahorses.  There is no subtletly as the piano bangs heavily right from the beginning.  Strings and a vibraphone chime in for added drama as the drums pound away to infuse a heavy pulse into the dark storyline. When I wrote this song, I wanted to explore the darker side of vulnerability.  In the case of it's story, I wanted to tell the tale of a man in dire of some sort of affection, some need to feel loved intimately.  He goes out into the world to get what he needs but does so from a source that may not be ideal, to say the least.  The story in fact has two characters, and this carries with it a fun little twist.  I'll leave that to you to figure out. You can hear the song by going here:  http://www.myspace.com/gordonroque For your amusement, here are the lyrics to the song, though I do recommend that you give it a listen first.  The actual music and instrumentation provide the song with a sense of doom impending.  The last minute of the song portrays how this story eventually plays out. Happy listening .  .  .

Mr. Stranger

All Rights Reserved © 2008 Gordon Roque Music and Lyrics by Gordon Roque

A man gets in his car The night is late and cold Drives down the boulevard To get a fix on the road Away from the street lights He sees a shadow waiting And in this cold cold night He moves barely breathing Mr. Stranger You're in danger of a desperate heart Mr. Stranger You're in danger of falling apart Young man walks down the street A car pulls by his side And he stops his feet Gets in the car for a ride They go to a motel The clothes fall to the floor Their names they'll never tell They got less wanting more Mr. Stranger You're in danger of a desperate heart Mr. Stranger You're in danger of falling apart Could this stranger's kiss Be more than just a kiss Greater than a spark Something more Than before. Mr. Stranger You're in danger of a desperate heart Mr. Stranger You're in danger of falling apart More to come very soon! -gordon

Video of the Week: Kind and Generous

There's a low but resounding wurlitzer piano that hums along in the song that is featured in this week's Video of the Week.  It was an instrument chosen to add some weight and heft to what is otherwise a very light and happy vocal deliverance by the song's singer Natalie Merchant.  I can understand her decision to use this instrument and then to add on a pipe organ further into the song. In spite of the smiling joyfulness she conveys in her singing, she does, in fact, sing of hugely monumental things--things that carry their own weight, heft, and power.  She sings of being thankful to people who have been kind and generous to her.  Oh yes, these are monumental things.  Kindness and generosity form the foundation towards being a compassionate human being. Where would we be without compassion?  We'd be fighting endless wars and holding grudges indefinitely.  Drown ourselves in pettiness and negativity.  Mean-spirited-ness would inhabit our bodies.  We would scowl even when smiling. I would be at a loss without the tender mercies of compassion.  My own mistakes and selfishness would have devoured me long ago. Thankfully, there truly are kind and generous folks in the world.  I am proud to have quite a few of them in my own life.  I aim to be such a person in theirs. This song sings of heavy things but offers a smile with great joy and without a scowl in sight .  .  . I present to you Natalie Merchant's "Kind and Generous" .  .  . [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdG618TMc5E] Hugs and thanks to all of the kind and generous friends and family in my life. -gordon

Early On a Sunday Morning

Many of you may have noticed that it's been very quiet in the Wonderful World of Gordon.  Well, since the holidays are now officially upon us, it is time to end the silence. In the next week, there's a whole slew of new things happening.  First off, my first annual Holiday Greeting Card will reach h0mes all over the country.  Then, the holiday issue of the WWoG, my e-mail newsletter, will hit inboxes everywhere. This will all kick off new promotion for both my blog, my official website, and my music that will extend all through the winter and spring of 2010.  New shows for the new year will be announced later this month as well as a couple of little surprises here and there. All of my online sites will be refreshed with new content and new promo photos will be debuted in the new year. It's about time I started having a little more fun .  .  . More to come soon. -g

Miss Fashionista

It's been a little while since I posted photos of my niece Lai.  She loves posing for photographs and putting together outfits of her own. Here are a couple of recent photos .  .  . Oh those SHOES!!!!!!!! She strikes AGAIN!! More to come soon. -g