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
