"Two Worlds" (Vocal Demo)

I recenlty had a song demoed by a vocalist/pianist. It is an older one that I wrote called "Two Worlds". You can read the original post of the lyrics at this link:

http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=5752469450496648948&postID=9151063487594928994

And listen to the vocal here:

Ben Franklin's 13 Virtues and Me

In his 20's, Ben Franklin devised a list of virtues to live by and tracked his progress in being attentive to the virtues in a small book for many years. When I read them again recently, I realized that at one point, many years ago, these virtues came naturally to me. Those are innocent times! I'm sure that is the case with many people.

However, over the years I've grown a bit careless, unthoughtful, selfish, and reckless in my behavior and have only recently realized it. With that in mind, I'm making a pledge to get myself back on track and out of a rut. In doing so, I'm using Ben Franklin's 13 virtues and am keeping track of my progress. They seem to be a common sense approach to living a balanced life that puts others ahead of one's self- and I know from experience- that's what makes me the happiest. So...wish me luck; I'll keep you posted!

1. Temperance:
Eat not to dullness and drink not to elevation.
2. Silence:
Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation.
3. Order:
Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.
4. Resolution:
Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.
5. Frugality:
Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e. Waste nothing.
6. Industry:
Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.
7. Sincerity:
Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. Justice:
Wrong none, by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9. Moderation:
Avoid extremes. Forebear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness:
Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation.
11. Chastity:
Rarely use venery but for health; Never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
12. Tranquility:
Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
13. Humility:
Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

"Evening Star" by Poe

Here is another musical setting I've done for a Poe Poem...

"Evening Star"

by Edgar Allan Poe

'Twas noontide of summer,

And midtime of night,

And stars, in their orbits,

Shone pale, through the light

Of the brighter, cold moon.

'Mid planets her slaves,

Herself in the Heavens,

Her beam on the waves.

I gazed awhile

On her cold smile;

Too cold--too cold for me--

There passed, as a shroud,

A fleecy cloud,

And I turned away to thee,

Proud Evening Star,

In thy glory afar

And dearer thy beam shall be;

For joy to my heart Is the proud part

Thou bearest in Heaven at night,

And more I admire

Thy distant fire,

Than that colder, lowly light.

-1827.

"A Dream Within a Dream" by Poe (My Musical Setting)

Here is a rough draft of a musical setting I'm working on for Edgar Allan Poe's poem, "A Dream Within a Dream". I've always loved this poem and believe that there is so much truth in it.

The oboe plays the vocal line on this midi file and a harp plays the keyboard line...

"A Dream Within a Dream"

Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow:
You are not wrong who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.

I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand--
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep--while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?

Edgar Allan Poe
(published 1849)

*This poem was re-written many times throughout Poe's life. This version- the final version- was published the year of mysterious death.

Shakespeare's Sonnet 20 by Rufus Wainwright

I love Rufus. This setting and performance of Sonnet 20 (A Woman's Face) makes me love him more. I think he is the true musical genius and voice of our generation (not Kanye West). He composed melodies for the Sonnets for a theatrical production in Germany. You can find the staged versions on YouTube. They are fantastic.

His new album, "All Days are Nights- Songs for Lulu", has just come out. It's only piano and vocal- but it is the best thing I've heard in a long time. Give it a listen!

(You'll have to stop the opera music player that is about half way down on the side bar to listen to this video)

Old Songs from My First Try at a Musical- "Beyond Bethlehem"

Back in 2002, I spent a summer writing a musical for Christmas called "Beyond Bethlehem". It was a two-act show and had over twelve original songs. I have been lucky enough to see it performed (for the first time in 2004). I thought I'd post some videos from that first show.

There are four songs here. "Why Me?" is a song that the character of Mary sings. It deals with her coming to terms with her unexpected and unusual pregnancy. Then, the song "Just a Man" is one that the character Joseph sings. In it, he expresses the emotions that could have come to his mind when he learned of his future wife's situation. The song "Our Night" is actually a song I wrote with Andy Brown for another project when I was in college. I pulled it out, changed it a slight bit, and put it in this show- just so the musical would have a love theme. Lastly, the song "These Hands" is done by the Mary and Joseph characters at the manger.

The musical combined Easter and Christmas themes. It opened and closed at Golgatha just after the execution of Christ. The birth story was told in flashbacks and was staged in front of the Cross. It told the story of how faith can be a positive force and can change people for the better. I grown a lot since then, and might approach the story a bit differently now. However, I do believe that faith in something bigger than ourselves can be a powerful thing and is essential to being truly happy in this difficult world. But that's a subject for another blog.

I was only 22 at the time I started this project, and I was under the influence of the pop/rock Broadway shows I was listening to at the time. Since, my tastes have changed and there are many things I would now do differently. But it was a great learning experience. Steven Whiston, who played Joseph, was fantastic (and still is!). Mia Diamond as Mary did a wonderful job with my fledgling attempts at songwriting. The directing was done by Cara Ward. In any case, I thought I'd add some of these memories to my blog...

-if you want to listen to these videos, you'll need to pause the mp3 player that is providing the lovely opera music (Vide Cor Meum)- you can find it about halfway down the side-bar on your right :)

"Why Me?" from the Christmas Musical "Beyond Bethlehem"

"Just a Man" from the Christmas Musical "Beyond Bethlehem"

"Our Night" as used in the Christmas Musical "Beyond Bethlehem"

"These Hands" from the Christmas Musical "Beyond Bethlehem"

"Don't" by Spraggins and Brown

For the last two weeks, Andy Brown and I have been working on a song called "Don't". He sent me the lyrics by email, and I set it to music. After several emails back and forth, we made some changes to the lyric and the music and had a rough draft within a week. Here is what we have come up with so far. The midi file uses an electric piano and cello sound. I really love the sound of this one. We'll have a video of the vocal up soon.

“Don’t”

Verse 1
You make me question everything I am or thought to be.
And though I know that you are spoken for, taboo to me,
I relish every taste and touch, the very thought of you.
It doesn’t matter that it’s fantasy that I play with you.

What do you want from me?
Why do you encroach on me?
What is it I get from you
that makes me feel the way I do?

Chorus
Don’t linger too near to me.
Don’t disclose your heart to me.
Don’t you know I ache for you?
Don’t you know I dream of you?
Don’t stand close, your touch, it burns.
Don’t pretend that I don’t yearn.
Don’t hold back because of fear.
Don’t mistake. I want you, dear.
Every impulse in me screams…
Don’t.

Verse 2
I hold you at a distance, though I want you by my side,
and childishly degrade myself, when I should run and hide.
Could I be enough for you, solace when the day is through?
Could I be the oath you take and heart that you will never break?

What do you see in me?
Will you revive my heart for me?
When you are wide awake at night,
just know I long to hold you tight.

Bridge
Our lives are not the ones that have to be considered.
Who knows? Our souls might meet again in a life or two.
I’m sad and lonely, but that’s no excuse for sinning.
But say the word, and I will follow you.

(Repeat Chorus)

Lyrics: Andy Brown

Music: Jason Spraggins

*Andy Brown singing "Don't" along with the midi file.

My Original Music

Hear music I've written in midi form:



(links to song samples are also included with previous postings)

"Casting Pearls"

"CASTING PEARLS"

*click link to hear sheet music: http://tindeck.com/listen/pztj

Verse:
I climbed a mountain by the sea
while I was lost in Galilee.
I saw the sun and lost my sight.
I feared the King, so I took flight.

Verse:
 I’ve fed the dogs the holy bread 
and searched for love among the dead. 
I’ve shared my finest with the swine, 
to spare the heart of all mankind.

Chorus:
I’m casting pearls; I’m throwing dice- 
collecting dreams of men and mice. 
I’m just a Robin Hood of sorts; 
I ride upon a stolen horse.
I lost my place among the scribes. 
When I refused to take the bribe. 
And now the meek wait for the world, 
while I continue casting pearls.

Verse:
I still recite the Golden Rule, 
but you should fear the feckless fool. 
He knows the words but not the tune- 
is simply howling at the moon.

Verse:
As Jonathan and David knew, 
the pure in heart are blessed few. 
And there's a chance we can see God 
if we can deconstruct the fraud.

Bridge:
It seems my salted earth is gone. 
I sell myself in Babylon. 
But still the Kingdom chases me- 
this lost and wayward Pharisee.

(Repeat Chorus) 

"Alexandra Leaving" by Leonard Cohen

"Alexandra Leaving"
by Leonard Cohen

(based on The God Abandons Antony,

a poem by Constantine P. Cavafy)

Suddenly the night has grown colder.
The God of Love preparing to depart.
Alexandra hoisted on his shoulder,
they slip between the sentries of your heart.

Upheld by the simplicities of pleasure,
they gain the light, they formlessly entwine;
and radiant beyond your widest measure
they fall among the voices and the wine.

lt's not a trick, your senses all deceiving,
a fitful dream the morning will exhaust---
Say goodbye to Alexandra leaving,
Then say goodbye to Alexandra lost.

Even though she sleeps upon your satin.
Even though she wakes you with a kiss.
Do not say the moment was imagined,
Do not stoop to strategies like this.

As someone long prepared for this to happen,
Go firmly to the window. Drink it in.
Exquisite music, Alexandra laughing.
Your first commitments tangible again.

You who had the honor of her evening,
And by that honor had your own restored---
Say goodbye to Alexandra leaving.
Alexandra leaving with her lord.

As someone long prepared for the occasion;
In full command of every plan you wrecked---
Do not choose a coward's explanation
that hides behind the cause and the effect,

You who were bewildered by a meaning,
whose code was broken, crucifix uncrossed---
Say goodbye to Alexandra leaving.
Then say goodbye to Alexandra lost.


Hydra, Greece September 1999
(Recorded as a song on the 2001 album "Ten New Songs")

Sound Samples for Older Posts....

I have just added a new links to the following posts from the past:


"Brothers","Two Worlds", "Nicholas", "Rio","The Maze", ".Free", "The Masks We Wear", "Unspoken", and "Stigmata".

If you click the links you will be able to hear the sheet music (in midi form) to these songs, which I believe helps to establish the feeling. It will only sound as realistic as your computer's sound card, but it still gives a general idea of the melody, mood, and harmony. Give them a listen, and let me know your thoughts!

"Brothers"

*Click the link below to hear a midi sample of the sheet music to this song: 

http://www.tindeck.com/listen/jenn 

"Brothers"

Verse :

We loved the life when times were lean.
We clung to faith in things unseen.
We bared our souls and shared our wine.
You chased a love; I lost my mind.

We often froze and searched for heat
Inside our home and on the streets.
As time passed through the hour glass,
We lived for free, and we lived fast.

Chorus 1:

Though brothers then and brothers now,
We both have taken newer vows.
But still we see the eager flame
Drawn from the book that has no name. 

Verse 2:

In hallowed halls we gathered dust.
In basement depths we learned to trust.
In pubs by night, in books by day,
We heard the bells beyond the fray.

For gentile knights and fledgling men,
Your sister played the violin.
I hung a cross; you built a shrine.
We etched our bond in skin and time.

(Repeat Chorus 1)

 Verse 3:

Our swords were sharp; our hearts were brave.
We fought for dreams we could not save.
You turned your light upon the night
To help restore my failing sight.

One sacred tree gave us its leaves
And only asked that we believe.
We learned the lessons of the scribe
And searched for truth within the tribe. 

Chorus 2:

Though brothers then and brothers still,
At different altars we now kneel.
But accolades aren't far removed
From whatsoever things are true.

 J.S.-'04 (for S. Peek)

The West.

Here are pics from my journey out west. We went to Denver and then made a giant loop that took us into South Dakota and across WY to Yellowstone Park (then all the way back to Denver!).

"Nocturne" rough draft

Here's a simple little piano tune I was tinkering with. It is a very rough draft and will need more work. But it's an idea...

"Nocturne" rought draft #1

"Two Worlds"

“Two Worlds”

Verse:
We have seen the neon lights of Broadway
Distract us from a glowing, starlit sky.
We have heard the distant chimes at midnight
But missed the gentle songs from times gone by.

Verse:
We have touched the clouds upon the mountains.
We’ve left our footprints on the virgin snow.
Standing still, we’ve looked up to the heavens
But failed to see the beauty down below.

Chorus:
Is the future always out of focus
When life is seen through different colored eyes?
As we fill our sails with winds uncertain,
Two worlds collide beneath one endless sky.

When our worlds were spinning ever faster,
It seemed mine chased the moon and yours the sun.
Now we move through space and time together
And watch as these two worlds turn into one.

Verse:

You and I may walk this road together,
Though often we don’t share a point-of-view.
While we’ve moved together toward the rainbow,
Our eyes have seen the sights in different hues.

Verse:
You’re between the future and the present .
At times I feel I'm chained up in my past.
We’ve found Shangri-la within the twilight
Where night and day can find their peace at last.

(Repeat Chorus)

Verse:
As we look ahead from where we’re standing.
We see a road that forks through foreign fields.
We will move ahead without a pathway
And forge through lands our minds had once concealed.

J.A.S.- March 2009

"Keep Runnin', Coyboy"

“Keep Runnin’, Cowboy”

(The Ballad of Marshal Beau)

for Beau

Verse:
Well- way, way, back in the wild, old west
Rode a young man with a badge on his chest-
A gun slingin’ marshal- Beau Harris his name.
And only his horse, Jessie, matched him in fame.

Verse
One summer night when the sun went down,
Cowboy Red came shootin’ up the town.
Beau heard all the noise, and he grabbed up his guns.
In a minute, Cowboy Red was on the run.

Chorus
You can keep runnin’, cowboy, but you can’t hide.
Marshal Beau and Jessie have just started to ride.
They’re faster than a bullet, and they’re tougher than nails,
And Marshal Beau won’t rest ‘til he sees you in jail.

Verse
Well Cowboy Red’s poor old horse gave out.
So the cowboy had to look about
For a place in a tree where he could climb and hide
To get a shot at Beau as he rode by.

Verse
Beau and Jessie were close to the spot
Where Cowboy Red was waitin’ for the shot.
He was out on a limb, and the branch made a sound.
The old varmint fired and then he hit the ground.

Bridge
(spoken)....
Did the heroes take the bait?
Did Beau and Jessie meet their Fate?
Is this the day that villains rule the day?
Well, rest assured it’s not like that!
I swear on Marshall Beau’s straw hat.
Red’s bullet missed and ricocheted away!

Verse
You’ll probably have a laugh to know
That Marshall Beau roped Red with his lasso,
And then he strung Red up for all to see-
'Cause Beau’s the bravest Marshal in history!

Chorus
You can keep runnin’, cowboy, but you can’t hide.
Marshal Beau and Jessie have just started to ride.
They’re faster than a bullet, and they’re tougher than nails,
And Marshal Beau won’t rest ‘til he sees you in jail.

(Spraggins/Brown- March '09)

"Chasing Phantoms"

"Chasing Phantoms"

Refrain:
I’m
awake.
Alone
I ache.
Grope
in space
to find
my place.

Verse:
I forge ahead.
The dream of you
keeps me chasing phantoms
that I cannot get my hands on.
And just when
I lose my faith
thinking I’m not enough
to find
the path that leads to
grace and peace of mind. I never
deigned to hope that I’d be worthy.
That’s the night I stumbled into you.

You turned night into day.
And I did not know what to say.
Though I couldn’t let you walk away
without a single word to you,
I caved and watched you wander out of view.

Refrain:
I’m
awake.
Alone
I ache.
Grope
in space
to find
my place.
Chasing phantoms still.

Lyrics: Andy Brown
(inspired by music by Jason Spraggins)
3 March 2009