When neoclassical music was gaining its fans and becoming more than an alternative genre, there was a popular musician who did the musical score for a film based on the book, Jonathan Livingston Seagull. It was quite a departure for Diamond, who was known for songs such as, “Hot August Night,” and “Forever in Blue Jeans.” But it was a beautiful album and it deserves a place within the ranks of neoclassical music.

The music of this album is free, flowing, and fully involves the listener. If you are familiar with the book, listen to it, and close your eyes; you will feel yourself fly just like Jonathan did, attempting to go higher and higher. It is some of the best contemporary instrumental music I have ever heard.

The lyrics to the few pieces of music that require vocals are quite reflective of the book as well. I believe that Jonathan brought about a change in the way many people approached philosophy; whether that is good or not is certainly up to the individual. But I love the lyrics and I think you will as well.

Jonathan and Neil Diamond were a bit ahead of their time. Perhaps that is the way of all true musicians and creators. It certainly seems to be true with neoclassical music!

Samples from Jonathan Livingston Seagull Soundtrack (Real Player or Windows Media)
Jonathan Livingston Seagull Lyrics

 

True music lovers are not satisfied (usually) with just listening. They develop a driving need to make music as well. But wanting to make your own music and being able to do it, may be two separate things. There is an answer for neoclassical music fans who want to create music with a very low learning curve.

The Dallas Morning News recently covered the story of Suzy Hogue, who was once told she didn’t have the ability to learn playing an instrument. But she didn’t accept that and when she discovered the Native American flute, she learned it. And she learned it well. She now plays at retreats and she also teaches others how to play!

Hogue says that learning this flute is easy and can be accomplished in just a few hours. “You don’t really need to be able to read music,” another flute player said. “I could teach you to play in three or four hours.”

With a six note range, this flute truly is the answer for the person needing to play music. “A lot of people that play the Native American flute aren’t your typical musicians,” Hogue said. “You learn a few notes. You do your own thing.”

New Age Sound, Old Origins - Suzy Hogue

Native American Flutes - This site has links to actual flute makers, as well as CDs, flute bags, books, and more information. It is a good starting place for the person interested in pursuing Native American flute playing.

Native American Flute Instruction

Neoclassical, or new age music, is usually associated with synthesizers, a solo piano, or guitar.  But any instrument can play neoclassical.  And some unlikely ones are being played by musicians that have found neoclassical to be the perfect outlet for their creativity.

Rhonda Lorence, viola soloist, says, “…I think some melodies just sound better on the viola. Its range is in the midrange to upper-midrange. It creates a much fuller sound than the violin, which I find perfect for melody lines.”  She describes her music as “neoclassical new age fusion.”

Voyages on Viola - From “The Mountain Times” in North Carolina

Neoclassical musicians, especially pianists, will often say they were inspired by George Winston.  That begs the question - who is George Winston?

George Winston is one of the best-known pianists in the neoclassical music genre.  He is recognized not by only those in the genre, but across the board in all genres, for his talent and innovative piano compositions.  It has been said he is the defining artist for the “Windham Hill” production label, founded by William Ackerman. 

George Winston was born in 1949 and grew up in Montana.  He did spend some of his years in the south as well, but his recent album “Montana,” shows his love of the state he called home.  Winston is a private man, preferring to reveal himself through his musical paintings, which have been called “emotional,” “seasonal,” and “innovative.” 

Winston’s first album, “Ballads & Blues,” was released in 1972.  He has released eight more since, preferring to spend time on the quality of each, rather than quickly producing compositions that he is not pleased with. 

pOn Winston’s reaching out to others in times of crisis, his Web site says,

“In September 2005 George started recording GULF COAST BLUES & IMPRESSIONS - A HURRICANE RELIEF BENEFIT, an album of piano solos to benefit hurricane relief efforts. Back in November 2001 George released REMEMBRANCE - A MEMORIAL BENEFIT, a 6-song CD of piano, guitar and harmonica solos, to benefit those affected by 9/11. He has also recently worked with George Levenson of Informed Democracy on three projects: a solo guitar soundtrack for SADAKO AND THE THOUSAND PAPER CRANES, and soundtracks of piano, guitar and, harmonica solos for PUMPKIN CIRCLE, and BREAD COMES TO LIFE.” 

Currently, George Winston is working on his tour dates, composing solo piano works, or working on solo guitar as he revives slack key guitar, a traditional Hawaiian guitar method exclusive to Hawaii.

George Winston Official Web Site

Dancing Cat - Slack key guitar from Hawaii by George Winston