February 24th, 2010 by Jim Chappell | 1 Comment | Filed in Latest
I’m in the middle of creating a workshop on musical improvisation; will be sharing it soon:) It’s fun getting all of the info together based on my experiences; the challenge is to have it be practical, understandable, and easy to use..
February 23rd, 2010 by Jim Chappell | 1 Comment | Filed in Latest
Getting the itch to do more live shows this year; that should be fun:) Maybe not a lot at first, but I’m assuming that will build over time. (I took a break after having a baby- well sort of you could say:)
February 22nd, 2010 by Jim Chappell | 8 Comments | Filed in Latest
I was lucky enough as a kid to have some unspoiled nature around to explore. We lived right across the street from an undeveloped woodland area. I used to sneak off regularly so I could visit what was known as “the creek.”
The “creek” was actually more of an elaborate marshy pond of some sort that flowed via a small stream into the nearby lake. It was full of wildlife: mallard ducks, frogs, large fish, minnows, brilliant orange-colored dragonflies, crayfish, muskrats, tadpoles, little bugs that could run along on top of the water, and various colorful birds that loved frequenting the setting.
I spent many hours there at the water’s edge just taking it all in. It was fascinating and calming for me at the same time. The creek actually became my sanctuary over time. I went regularly to comfort myself, listen, and watch. It was like entering another world for me.
I remember going there one warm summer’s night during a full moon; it was a serene, beautiful, and far more mystical place than in the daytime. My favorite place had changed itself into something even more peaceful and intriguing. It was as if there was a completely different group of creatures playing in the silver hush. And those were the different array of water fairies called sprites, nymphs, selkies, sirens, alvins and whatever else they have been named over time!
Water Spirits will hopefully take you on a little moonlit journey to this very special world I was able to be a part of…
I’m wanting to get out and do more shows..that’s one of my New Year’s resolutions:) It’s more my nature to stay with the composing and recording and sort of insulate myself from the rest of it, but I do have a lot of fun once I’m out and about!
So check back as hopefully there will be some regular concert dates to be aware of if you’re interested..
I love teaching composing; you keep learning more when you share what you know:) I suppose there is always more insight that pertains to the topic, that’s why it’s fun to be a part of.
Spring is in the air starting to visit already around here..always a creative time in my world:) Maybe it’s because I was born in April or something, but I’ve always loved the sounds and feel of new life emerging again..
It’s good timing that I’m in the middle of working on a new album..
Loving immersing myself in the recording studio working on the new album; whatever side of the brain that is it’s definitely my favorite side to hang out in.
At least I come out from there and relate to the rest of the world now from time to time:) It didn’t always used to be that way!
My latest music project is humming along in ever so slow a way:) Hoping to have all of the tracks I’ve been auditioning chosen before long though.. Then the real work begins!
Music is a great tool for choosing your mood and these days there’s easy access to whatever emotional state you’re looking for!
It’s pretty amazing how you can find so much at your fingertips to help shift, or exaggerate, any feeling you want. Especially with the internet, Ipods, wireless etc. around and flourishing.
That’s what I do when reaching for the right music for the moment; I’m either wanting to enhance something I’m feeling to make it more intense, or wanting to change something I’m feeling and move myself into a better place:)
Music really is fantastic mood food; for the ears of course..