This blog post was occasioned by the following request from Joseph James Di Nardo, an alumnus of York Memorial Collegiate Institute and fellow fan of Music and associated arts:
uv you richard...I have some new tunes I posted,,I would love your feedback. On my homesite or jayjaydee, Feel free to critique them, like don;t like it diesn't matter I just want feed back. I have hundreds of songs that haven't been recorded. The music business is a tough one. You have been a good friend, so please feel free to give your opinion no matter what itr is. Or even just which songs you like better. I could never get a recording contract as a younger man because I wrote in too many styles. I was however hired to sing, and play in the studio. for artists with a publishing deal. Or to write for other artists, stage and screenplays or T.V. It would mean a lot to me. Thank you my friend.
Good stuff! I had the chance to relisten to your YouTube posted songs, and I really like them for their lyrics, video photography, animals, sense of humour, and poetry. The themes include love and romance, decision-making, war, environmental awareness, and the challenge of mental illness. The music of each video supports the lyrics to make a unified effect on the viewer. Here's a playlist of some of your videos from YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ1wf7Dc9KP_Qe27qIAjnxmY_Gm2uD1cE
I suggest that you check out my brother Rolly Brown's website and Facebook online concerts. Although his music is traditional folk, he is making a living by supplementing his music with his other interests.
http://www.rollybrown.com
https://www.facebook.com/Rolly-Brown-and-the-Guitar-341001547597
And from 1982 YMCI yearbook:
Also, a book I recently listened to on Audible.ca that I really like is: Music: A Subversive History byTed Goia.
You are a talented, accomplished musician and video producer, and I am impressed by your dedication to, and the quality of, your music and poetic, uplifting lyrics. I urge you to continue following your Muse; you are the artist who knows best how to go forward. Here is a playlist of some of my favourite songs, maybe including some thoughts to ponder about the artist's role as a performer as well as a sage:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ1wf7Dc9KP-LMCwaLed_dPkb5oZ9xPFk
Hope these remarks and tunes are helpful, and I wish you all the best as you continue to practice your developing and inspiring art.
Love and Peace,
Richard
05/05/2021
