i went down to the crossroads

I've been saying this for ages, but I really want an electric guitar (and maybe a lap steel guitar after today's discussion in World Music). Seeing Eric Clapton live has made me appreciate blues, rock n' roll, jazz and improvisation a lot more. I've also been inspired me to know my guitar inside out. I want to jam, rock and shred on the fretboard like this music legend who is real.

speak now

The whole idea around Taylor Swift's 'Speak Now' has become a part of my ideology as well. Lately, I've been sitting in rooms full of friends and strangers, all the while thinking I need to speak now. Speak now for yourself, for others and for the world. Because a reality and truth is, not everyone has this opportunity.

impulse

image via Bespoke

I do things on a whim. And lately, I've been on a music, live performance and concert whim. Last weekend, I flew to Hong Kong to see a friend and went to a Taylor Swift concert with her. Next weekend, I will be seeing the legendary Eric Clapton live at the MGM. In May, I'll be seeing Brooke Fraser in my hometown. I am so excited and can't wait! Music is the fire that awakes my heart, the reason I love and live.

Mat Kearney (Live in SLC at In the Venue)

(Mat Kearney, 10.28.09)

Mat Kearney live: one of the most enthusiastic and energetic musicians I have ever seen on stage in Salt Lake City. Even through the snow storms from Denver to Salt Lake City (I saw his twitpic after the show), anyone could tell he was so excited to be there. In "All I Have" and "City of Black and White," he replaced New York City with Salt Lake City. Loved it each time he did. His style of singing is versatile, he has a beautiful voice and can also rap while playing the guitar. That's some serious skill and talent. The stories behind his songs were fascinating. I love hearing stories behind the lyrics. I love his personality when he's talking, he's more like a friend. I don't think I've ever been to a concert where I've felt such a close connection to the singer. You could tell he wanted to be there and have the best night. And during the music, I lived in the moment of City of Black and White. He told jokes throughout the evening and in that room, there was an atmosphere and feeling you couldn't find anywhere else.

This concert made me realize that being a musician is much more than writing the music. It's about connecting to other people and finding the same or similar feelings that evoke that sense of emotion. It's a part of life and everything you go through. It's the places you see, the places you've been and where you are now in the present.