I bought something recently for my computer, and when the order was shipped, it came with all the paperwork typical of an online order. Most of the coupons and advertising wasn’t of interest to me, but one was. eMusic is an online service that has plans with three different monthly subscriptions. You can download music, keep it, and even burn it to a CD. This is a really great deal.

Going to eMusic, you will find a free trial of 14 days. In that 14 days, you can download 25 pieces of music. At that point, the monthly fee will begin and you will get your allotted number of downloads each month. They are yours to keep. You will also have the ability to participate in the eMusic forums, read recommendations, and do plenty of “Window” shopping.

To join eMusic, and receive a special at the time of joining, visit their sign-up page and give it a try. You will receive 50 free songs rather than the standard 25. If you decide it isn’t for you, which I can’t imagine, you may keep the 50 songs.

It’s a great deal! I just joined and I am extremely pleased. There is some great music at this site, and it is legal, convenient, and inexpensive.

eMusic - A Music Club for Computer Users

One of my favorite things about this blog is reviewing music. And when I find an artist, or a particular piece of music that touches me deeply, I feel so privileged to share it with you. I found that today in a piano player named Chuck Brown, and in particular a piece of music he calls, “Remind Me To Breathe.”

Most of Brown’s music is solo piano - in this particular piece a cello has hitched along for the ride. But I’ll get to that in a minute. This sounds like a long way to tell a story, but it’s a good story and I want to share it. It may seem unrelated but it isn’t.

Many years ago, before I married my husband, I asked him a “trick” question. He was a teacher, I was an author. So my work life was kind of… well, weird. I wanted to know if he understood. I mean, really understood. So I asked my question.

“Why do writers write?”
He said, “Because they have to.”

Right answer. And it seems it is true for musicians as well. They have to do what they do. Often that means being where they are needed at a time where their music will fill the human heart and its pain, on the journey to healing.

Chuck Brown has a Web site just for this purpose. It is called “Healing Piano,” and the purpose of the site is help people to cope and heal from painful situations in their lives.

The piano is among the world’s most powerful instruments. Its dynamic range can both shake the walls and stir the soul. Solo piano music is very popular among those who seek respite from confusion and grief. It strikes the perfect tone for reflection, whether playing quietly in the background or the main sound in the room. It can entertain all by itself, and it also perfectly accompanies deep thought.

Intended for those who are going through tough times due to illness, loss of loved ones, or any other type of personal pain, these solo piano songs can be listened to or downloaded for free*, and you have permission to burn them to a personal CD for yourself or as a gift for others. This allows those who may be in hospitals or convalescent care to enjoy this beautiful music despite the fact that they can’t get online. What you cannot do is to resell this music as your own or for a profit.
* with all the concerns about music theft today, you can rest assured that these downloads are truly free and legal.

“Remind Me To Breathe,” is the piece of music that caught me. Not grabbed me. That wouldn’t be a right turn of phrase. It caught me like a cradle of tree branches in a gentle breeze. The music told me everything was safe. The world was safe. His soul was safe. But I had to remember to breathe.

That took my breath away because I lost my husband four years ago and I remember, and still do, find myself holding my breath, both physically and emotionally, at the devastating pain of his death. This song spoke to me and told me that I could, and should, remember to breathe. Life is precious and eternal. And that all of life and the understanding of it, was so much bigger than any or all of us.

All of that from one piece of music.

Healing Piano

Chuck Brown’s Official Web Site

One of a growing breed of new acoustic musicians gaining a reputation for an eclectic approach to performance and composition, Peter Janson offers original fingerstyle guitar music with folk roots, mild rhythmic grooves, New Age aesthetics, Jazz aesthetics, Celtic elements, demanding part writing, and acoustic sonority. Solo and with his band this is world class acoustic music with artistry, detail of classical technique, and attention to melodic line. According to “Wind & Wire” magazine, “Peter Janson is one of the best acoustic guitarists recording today…a true artist’s soul.”

Acoustic guitar is proving to be a very popular form of new age or neoclassical music. I have been listening to his music tonight, and frankly, I am having problems picking the one I would call my favorite. Each piece is done with the gift of spirit and the skill of a well-trained musician. He allows the music say what he needs to say and leaves it at that.

Janson does have a page with music sample. I really appreciate artists doing this - it gives the listener a chance to hear different musicians and find the CD (or CDs) that are favorites. I know you will enjoy Peter Janson.

Peter Janson’s Official Web Site

Peter Janson’s Music Samples

New age music reviewer, R.J. Lannan has a great review on Grace Griffith’s new CD, “My Life.” It was released about two weeks ago. The CD is beautiful and I don’t think I have ever read a more well-phrased review.

Grace is fortunate. Her whole life has been filled with music of one type or another from her childhood to her present. Her parents sang as often as the sun rose and Grace made her own music with recorder and voice early in her life. Griffith is a physical therapist who is suffering the initial ravages of Parkinson’s disease of late. It has restricted her physical actions, but never her lustrous performances. Her voice carries strong and pure and as always, from the heart. Please keep singing Grace, and we will go on believing.
R.J. Lannan

Review by R. J. Lannan

Blix Street - Grace Griffith