God Bless the World

Is it too late to react to the events of September 11, 2001?

 Never.

 As I was driving down the road one day near where I live, I saw a roadside business sign that read “God Bless the World” and I was quite struck by the contrast between that sentiment and the God Bless America that we hear so often.

The World Trade Center was not simply an American tragedy; it truly was a worldwide disaster.

Unfortunately, opinions have become so polarized that there seems to be no reasonable dialog, no true search for understanding, no seeking for peace; instead we look to place blame, and the result is hate in equally disastrous proportions to the event itself.

A few years ago, I finally put these thoughts together and created this song. It attempts to remind us all that there is something greater than our own reactions, some wider view that can be adopted. It is offered in the hopes that we will all come to our senses and seek peace. It can be a reality, not just a dream.

It is available as a download single at CDBaby, or Amazon, or iTunes.

The Significance of 10,000

In Chinese traditions, the number 10,000 stands for “all things in nature”. In internet traditions, the number 10,000 is fairly low, especially when considering hits for a web site or for a video.

Be that as it may, I am celebrating this week because I just passed the 10,000 view mark on Youtube. That means that over 10,000 times, someone somewhere in this wide world took the time to look at one of my videos. The ones that have received the most attention are the “Brahms Lullaby” and my arrangement of “Jupiter” by Gustav Holst.

Hey, I realize that these musical performances aren’t anywhere near as interesting or captivating as some young girl telling us what’s in her purse, but then I like to think that I appeal to a more sophisticated audience…you.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who watched even one of these vids, and to invite you to watch the rest; and to pass the link along to a friend…or 10,000 friends. It would be really remarkable to see the number go over 20,000 sometime this year; you can find my various videos here Tom on Youtube

Yet

Yet. This is one of the most important words in my guitar studio. I teach it to all my students. “Yet” is the explanation of a learning curve. It is a positive point of view. It works like this:


- I can’t play these chords…yet.

- I don’t know how to coordinate my right hand and left hand…yet.

You get the idea.

Of course, you can try this with non-musical problems. Anything that you are attempting to do or learn can be tempered by the addition of the word Yet. What it really means is that you eventually WILL be able to do, or know, whatever it is.

Side note: lose the word “but” from your vocabulary. Replace it with the words “and so” and you will be the road to a much more positive approach to…well, everything!

My "New" Guitar

There is a phenomenon among guitarists called G.A.S.-- “Gear Acquisition Syndrome” which includes instruments, amps, pedals, and of course, guitars.

Although I never have really experienced this malady, I did just purchase my 4th guitar this weekend--a no-name archtop steel-string guitar. According to the little information that came with it, this instrument was first purchased around 1950. It has some nice binding around the F-holes, and I am of the opinion that the scratch plate was added later…it rattles.

The real point is this: I have use for 4 different guitars. This new instrument will now serve alongside my main ax (the Yamaha classical cutaway), and my solid body electric, and my Martin D-20 12-string guitar. Each has a unique sound and a unique feel to it.

At this point, I can’t see myself ever getting another instrument, unless I swap one of these for something new. The last time I bought a new guitar, it replaced one that I had been playing for 29 years!

To hear what I do with all these guitars, you can check out my video selections Youtube or sample of my music at Cdbaby.

The Significance of 10,000.

In Chinese traditions, the number 10,000 stands for “all things in nature”. In internet traditions, the number 10,000 is fairly low, especially when considering hits for a web site or for a video.

Be that as it may, I am celebrating this week because I just passed the 10,000 view mark on Youtube. That means that over 10,000 times, someone somewhere in this wide world took the time to look at one of my videos. The ones that have received the most attention are the “Brahms Lullaby” and my arrangement of “Jupiter” by Gustav Holst.

Hey, I realize that these musical performances aren’t anywhere near as interesting or captivating as some young girl telling us what’s in her purse, but then I like to think that I appeal to a more sophisticated audience…you.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who watched even one of these vids, and to invite you to watch the rest; and to pass the link along to a friend…or 10,000 friends. It would be really remarkable to see the number go over 20,000 sometime this year.

"Journeys"

I’m in the process of writing a new set of songs for a CD that will be released this fall.

I say “songs” because the majority of them will have lyrics written by my very good friend Douglas V. Rose. Doug and I wrote the cantata “God’s Gift of Music” last year for the Norwich-based Monday Evening Musical Club.

The mood and feel of the music is best described as “new age”. Much new age music is expressive of the artist’s spirituality; our songs will do the same, but in our own unique way. I’m pretty excited about this project because it is yet another departure for me; another new avenue of musical expression.

It is also great fun to be writing with Douglas. Not only does he have the most uncanny way of molding words, but our friendship dates back to (dare I say it) 1963! Wow, that would make us…younger than we’ll be next year on this date.

We’ll post an announcement about the new CD “Journeys” as soon as it’s ready, hopefully around September.

2 new songs

Here are two chances to add to your evergrowing Tom Rasely music collection:

OVERNIGHT ON THE RADIO is a catchy, country tune about...listening to overnight radio! You can download it here:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/TomRasely1
and watch the video here:
http://youtube.com/tomrasely

And in honor of our 39 (!) anniversary, a bonus free download, NEW LOVE SONG:
http://youpublish.com/tomrasely

Enjoy!