Choosing a Musical Masterpiece: Personal Favorites Across Instruments
Music is a universal language, and each of us has our own favorite songs that resonate with us. Whether you're a drummer, guitarist, or pianist, you have that one song that plays a special role in your repertoire. In this article, we explore the diverse world of musical inspiration and the favorite songs of seasoned musicians who have played through the gamut of styles and instruments.
Drummer’s Picks: Getting into the Groove
From the rhythm section to the melody, every beat holds a story. Drummer Michael, who has been making music for over five decades, shares his thoughts on one of his favorite songs:
Drummer here. For sure, 'Stratofarm' by Colour Haze starts with a delightful and rudimentary kind of shuffle. Adding a little kick and a syncopated hi-hat click, it just goes wild! The syncopated left foot was a true challenge when I was younger. This song is a fantastic showcase for jazzier bridges and a subsequent wild ride towards the latter part of the song. It's not just any song; it's the best album closer that I've ever heard, perhaps even a live favorite! Enjoy the journey of this piece, and don’t miss the chance to explore the full extent of the beat.
Blues Virtuoso: A Slow Blues No. 1
Classic blues have a timeless appeal. For many, blues music is a staple, bringing comfort and joy. John, a Blues virtuoso, reflects on his favorite slow blues:
A slow blues. Any of 'em. Challenges and pleasures come together in this genre, and for John, the song that stands out is a classic. He says:
In my 60 years as a working drummer, choosing one song over all the styles I've enjoyed is difficult. However, my gut tells me it's this one: 'How how how how!' While I usually only play my own compositions, I've discovered that playing Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells on a public piano goes down very well. It’s a memorable performance that earned me an enthusiastic round of applause, even autographs from the audience, which was quite a proud moment!
Acoustic Guitarist’s Odyssey: Ephemeral Beauty in Simplicity
The acoustic guitar realm offers a serene and reflective medium for musicians. For an acoustic guitarist who has been playing for thirty-plus years, the perfect song is one that resonates on multiple levels. Lisa shares her thoughts:
For me, the song that truly stands out is 'Dust in the Wind,' by Kansas. I don't know if it's my favorite song, but it's certainly one of my most beloved. I love the melody, and my fingers enjoy the fingerpicking. For me, the lyrics speak to the essence of life: the spiritual yearning of Ecclesiastes is put to music in a way that sucks us in, reminding us of the transient nature of our achievements. The poverty of materialism and the brevity of life are poignantly portrayed. It's a powerful reflection that puts things in perspective and makes me value my time here on the planet more.
When it comes to piano, the choice is clear – 'Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon' by Mikeрайнерт, ").replace("райнерт", "Oldfield").replace("Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon", "Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon").replace("Saturday in the Park", "with a Wurlitzer EP").replace("it’s sturdy", "brings immense joy").replace("It’s essentially the spiritual yearning of the Book of Ecclesiastes", "It's a powerful reflection on the ephemeral nature of life").replace("thrown away along with our own mortal remains", "snuffed out with life").replace("Death is the great equalizer", "Endless time erases all distinctions").replace("Don’t fritter away your life chasing after stuff", "Both the rich and the poor will end up in the same place").replace("the things that are truly important", "the essential aspects of life") "
But the second contender is 'Saturday in the Park' with a Wurlitzer EP. This song brings immense joy and a different kind of happiness – a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere that perfectly matches the instrument.
By delving into the world of musical preferences, we discover the power and depth that music holds in our lives. Whether it's a drumming masterpiece, a slow blues, an acoustic guitar's melody, or a piano's jazzy rhythm, music is a reflection of our emotions and experiences. So, what's your favorite song? Share your musical stories with us below!