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:)
Will let you know if I’m in your area..
Tags: Beautiful Music, jim chappell, jim chappell blog, jim chappell piano, new age piano, relaxing music, relaxing piano music, solo piano, soothing piano music
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…
Tags: Beautiful Music, jim chappell, jim chappell blog, jim chappell piano, new age piano, relaxing music, relaxing piano music, soothing piano music
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..
Tags: jim chappell, jim chappell blog, jim chappell piano, new age piano, relaxing music, relaxing piano, relaxing piano music, solo piano, soothing piano music
Time to start final tracking another song for the new album today; looking forward to capturing the right feel..
It’s more involved than just playing well and getting the notes right. There has to be that hidden ingredient that touches something deeper.
It’s a vibe thing that either works or it doesn’t; so you have to keep on going until it does..
Tags: jim chappell, jim chappell blog, jim chappell piano, new age piano, relaxing music, relaxing piano music, soothing piano music
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.
Tags: jim chappell, jim chappell blog, jim chappell piano, new age piano, piano music, relaxing piano, relaxing piano music, songwriting, soothing piano music
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..
Tags: jim chappell, jim chappell blog, jim chappell piano, new age piano, relaxing music, relaxing piano music, solo piano, soothing piano music
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!
Tags: jim chappell piano, new age piano, relaxing music, relaxing piano music, soothing piano music
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..
Tags: jim chappell, jim chappell blog, jim chappell piano, new age piano, relaxing music, relaxing piano, relaxing piano music, soothing piano music
This story behind the song is about a painting that hung on the wall of our living room for most of my childhood. It was one that caught my father’s eye, from I’m not sure where, but before long he was happily whistling some tune (as he often used to do) and measuring the wall to put it up.
I remember sitting and staring fondly at that painting often as I grew up; there was something absolutely magical about it for me. It was peaceful and relaxing, but also exciting and full of life at the same time. Sometimes I used to get so caught up in the mesmerizing imagery I felt like I was actually in the painting myself! There was also a particular innocence to what the painter was trying to say that I must have adored.
I’m not sure who the artist was, but I’ll describe the setting portrayed as best I can: It was centered on a farm yard of some sort with a beautiful, lazy pond in the center of it. In the pond were a small family of ducks; a mother, father, and two babies swishing along close behind. A little boy and his sister were happily chasing each other several feet away; playing what appeared to be a game of “tag.” Next was a puppy attempting to wade into the pond without getting wet to retrieve a stick someone may have casually tossed there?
As a big part of the backdrop there was a brilliant, large recently washed down red barn off to the side. A soft green grassy knoll spread around the water with a butterfly dipping around the puppy’s head to celebrate something or other it was feeling I suppose. Off to the side of all of this was the father with a brown and black handsome smoking pipe resting out of the side of his mouth as he sawed on a piece of wood for some project he had going.
Last but not least were the two bluebirds in the full, bushy green tree on the far side of the yard apparently commenting on the goings on by serenading anyone who cared to listen…
All in all for me this work of art was a simple, fascinating, joyous little slice of life where everything was good, pure, and those involved were rich with what they had and full of contentment.
I’ve used Sweet Country to try and capture the essence of this painting for you.
Tags: Beautiful Music, jim chappell, jim chappell blog, jim chappell piano, new age piano, piano music, relaxing music, relaxing piano, relaxing piano music, soothing piano music
I love seeing what other musical sounds blend well with the piano; kind of like trying on clothes, only sonically. The idea is to add some color and diversity without taking away from the main event:)
Tags: jim chappell, jim chappell blog, jim chappell piano, piano music, relaxing music, relaxing piano, solo piano, soothing piano music
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