| "A potent mix of jazz and blues that always swings" - STEVEN ROSENBURG, Just Jazz Guitar | |
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"Myths are public dreams, dreams are private myths." - Joseph Campbell Myths and legends with their life lessons and metaphorical wisdom are an essential part of the human psyche. They were passed down through generations to guide us and teach us life's principles. Without them, the whole fabric of society would be torn apart at the seams…and that is what seems to be happening. The great teacher and mythology expert, Joseph Campbell, expressed this outlook on a PBS television special. In his interview with Bill Moyers, which was first aired over twenty years ago, he warned that we were heading down the wrong path and that we better recognize the value of myth before it's too late. |
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Campbell's writings and lectures center around how the great stories of all cultures, with their tragic heroes and
moral dilemmas, are so remarkably similar to each other. The characters' names are different but the message is
always the same. It was believed by the ancients that the heavenly bodies above moved together to create one single
harmonious sound…the "Music of the Spheres." It can be said that the people on earth are moving together in much the
same way, creating one common chord playing throughout the world. So, with that in mind, I composed the music for this CD, a vehicle through which Joseph Campbell's message can be heard. To shed some further light, I've compiled the following notes to explain the inspiration behind each tune. Each title includes my own musical analysis followed by a quote from Joseph Campbell. For a more in-depth view of his teachings, I highly recommend reading The Power of Myth. Follow Your Bliss is a melody composed over a standard chord progression. The twisting and turning line is a reminder of how difficult it can be to stay on track while pursuing your goals and dreams. “The way to find out about happiness is to keep your mind on those moments when you feel most happy…not excited, not just thrilled, but deeply happy…what is it that makes you happy? Stay with it, no matter what people tell you. This is what is called following your bliss." -Joseph Campbell The Hero's Journey is in the odd meter of 7/4. Descending pentatonic patterns represent the hero's struggle as he ventures into the unknown. The story inevitably includes the image of the unexpected, unlikely stranger (appearing in the bridge of the tune) whose help leads the hero to success. “We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” -J.C. Moon and Turtle (Tsuki to Suppon) in Japanese conveys the meaning of “no comparison” by using a metaphor of two things that couldn't be more different: the moon and a snapping turtle. The modulation in the bridge to the key of A contrasts sharply to the opening melody in F. Similar rhythmic motives, however, were used to tie the sections together. This symbolizes that despite the differences on the surface between East and West, there are basic fundamental principles that we all share. “Every religion is true one way or another. It is true when understood metaphorically. But when it gets stuck in its own metaphors, interpreting them as facts, then you are in trouble.” -J.C. Notion of Love is based on a 12 bar blues form. The major to minor changes in the line signify the Yin and Yang or the good and bad times in a relationship. As seen by the last chord, in working together for a common cause, the outcome is often unresolved. “Marriage is not a love affair…a marriage is a commitment to that which you are. That person is literally your other half. And you and the other are one. [A love affair] is a relationship of pleasure, and when it gets to be un-pleasurable, it's off. But a marriage is a life commitment…If marriage is not the prime concern, you are not married.” -J.C. Music of the Spheres is based on the chords of an old standard. Dissonant chord sequences are woven into the progression to represent other belief systems outside of one's acceptance. The harmonious end result shows that all of our “spheres” can learn to co-exist peacefully in the world. “The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature.” -J.C. |
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All songs composed by Mike
DiBari (BMI)
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