Live Music

When life brings trouble
You can fight or run away
I have no struggle
Relax watch me float away
I'm coastin'
I'm coastin' on a dream
I'm coastin'
This one's for you and me

-Zion I

I feel as though live, raw music really defines musicians. Sure musicians and artists also have to be technically sound in the recording studio and understand audio engineering, but most amateur recording studios can produce sound that really sounds professional.

I always had a passion for live music for some reason. As much as I love recorded versions that the audio technicians put so much work into, I always look for the live version because it's so pure. There are virtually no edits. Bands or musicians that can pull off a good show or a good live recording somehow become my favorite bands. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Mayer, and JM3. I always trade between these awesome bands. I love their studio recordings, but what I love more is their passion for live sound. They always bring something different to the table.

The Chili Peppers had a great show in 2001 at Slane Castle. Occasionally, I will go on YouTube or on iTunes to listen to that album or watch them dance around stage like psychos. The filmography for that particular concert was beyond words. Everything, the music to the visuals to the lighting, fit together perfectly. The director of photography is a visionary genius in my book. But all in all, the Chili Peppers always stun me with their sound. I feel as though their best line up will always be with Anthony Kleidis , Flea, John Frusciante, and Chad Smith. Their sync with each other is uncanny. They could be the most passionate group ever conceived. I regret never going to one of their concerts before John left.

John Mayer and JM3. John Mayer in specific is a great live performer. He has a specific sound that cannot be reproduced. Sure people come close, but it's just not the same. He has this understanding of live music. His latest recorded concert "Where the Light is" directed by Danny Clinch (another awesome photographer) is one of the greatest ideas that I have seen. Going through all of his different reincarnations, he stunned the audience and myself with his versatility. All of the songs he played that night were amazing. Some of them hits, some of them weren't, but all of them were played with his "live" side. He put in a little extra. He added five more minutes to his solos. He felt every note. I haven't really understood blues until I listened to him. Now I'm listening to the greats like Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, SRV, Eric Clapton, etc. At first I didn't "feel" his trio. But after watching him perform, and opening myself up to something new, I found that I loved that sound more than anything. The blues sound. I can't get enough of it. I try to understand it but it's so complex. Maybe someday, I'll find out what it is.

I didn't get to take any pictures today because I was busy with schoolwork, but I'll probably be out a little tomorrow to snap some shots for the Earth Day competition. We'll see how that goes.

Here's to the Crazy Ones.