Mind The Music

Happy birthday, John Lennon!

Today one of my heroes would be turning 67, if some sad lunatic had not decided to kill the dream for so many people around the globe. Still… Lennon lives. We all remember his voice, his intelligence, his irreverence, his sense of humor, his genius. His work personifies him and stays with us, everyday. Happy birthday, Johnny!

This past weekend I was in Las Vegas and on Friday I had the opportunity to see the show “Love”, at Cirque du Soleil, based entirely on Beatles’ songs. One word: WOW!
What an amazing show! It was certainly an experience that I will not forget. It was moving, inspiring and - of course - very emotional for a fan like me. I almost felt like I was at a real Beatles concert, even though the show is not intended to look, sound or feel like a concert. I felt close to those four guys who changed the world with their music and their messages of peace and love. It was magical, really.

So, even though the birthday is his, I would like to wrap up this message with some of John’s gifts to us, his words:

“There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done, nothing you can sing that can’t be sung.”

“Imagine all the people living life in peace.”

“Everybody seems to think I’m lazy. I don’t mind, I think they are crazy. Running everywhere at such a speed… ’till they find that there’s no need. There’s no need.”

“Love is you, you and me. Love is knowing we can be.”

You will always be with us, John…

Marcelo.

It was a great surprise to see the small room at M&M Great Cakes filled with old and new friends. Thank you, again, for sharing a night of music with me. Without you, there, it would have been completely meaningless.

Music,
Marcelo.

The one thing I can’t complain about playing gigs at the Starry Nites is boredom. Every gig presents me with a new gamut of surprises and mini-events. In fact… I can’t complain about anything. I love playing there.
This past Saturday I had another gig there and - as it always happens - it was a blast! Familiar faces and new faces, all blended with the music and that beautiful evening. There was even a guy in the audience who wasted no time in pulling his harmonica out of his… pocket and playing along with me. Only problem was that what he was playing had nothing to do with what I was playing. Maybe because he was playing a bunch of random notes? Small detail, though. Maybe I am being picky…
Speaking of “maybe”, what about that fire truck that drove by right in the smack middle of “Maybe I’m Amazed”? What an addition to my arrangement! I think Paul would be proud to hear his song arranged for voice, acoustic guitar and sirens.
Thank you so much, all of you who were there. I mean it! I never get tired of playing those songs for you.
At the end of the evening, when I was finally able to put down the guitar, I sat down with some friends and enjoyed a fine slice of German Chocolate Cake. As a very good friend of mine says when she eats something that sweet and delicious, my “eyes watered with every bite”.
That’s my story… for now. That’s my point of view, my perception of how things went. Why don’t you tell me (us) about yours, now?

Take care!
Marcelo.

Last Saturday provided us with a perfect Summer evening for a gig right outside a nice little wine bar on University Avenue, Rochester, NY. From where I was sitting I could see all the tables occupied, which is always a good sight. As I was playing those songs, I remember thinking to myself (redundant, isn’t it?), at some point: “Man, I really love doing this.” I do. Playing music, sharing songs with an audience, is one of those things I can’t live without. Kind of like… chocolate. I also enjoy taking my breaks and talking to all of you, getting to know you a little better. That’s the perfect job… maybe except for the pay, but that’s a small detail.
So, I thank you who came by, who sang with me, who bought the CD, all of you who were there. I’ll see you back at SN on Saturday, 9/8! Have a great day!

Marcelo.

PS: If you happen to run into Paul McCartney or Sting, please tell them that I’ve been trying to get a hold of them.

Hello!

Since all we really do, as a society, these days, is to surf the Internet (boy, someone is pessimistic today!), I thought I would share with you some links related to Mind The Music. The first one is my MySpace profile:

1) myspace.com/marcelomindthemusic

I created that profile a few months ago, added a few friends to it and never did much more with it. I guess it is not so easy to find friends with MySpace profiles when you have gone beyond your 30th Summer. So, here is your chance to prove me wrong: if you have a MySpace profile, please feel free to “add” (connect with?) me.

The second link is my CDbaby page:

2) Marcelo’s CDbaby Page

CDbaby.com is a website created for artists to sell their CDs online. It is actually pretty cool. The really nice features are the song samples and the feedback left by the listeners. So, if you don’t have “Mind The Music” yet, that is one place where you can get it (they do an excellent job with shipping). If you already have it and you have something to say about it, please add your comments/feedback/super-nice-words to the list, there. It is really appreciated!

Finally, keep an eye on my website because pretty soon it will have new pictures, new videos and all of the gig dates that I have booked, so far, through the end of 2007.

Enjoy your Summer and don’t take your laptop to the beach!!! Try a Corona, instead.

Marcelo.

So I had another great gig at Starry Nites this past Saturday… great venue, great people. It was awesome to see the people enjoying the music and singing along with me. That is always the best reward and it makes me want to sing/play all night long… or at least until my vocal chords tell me: “Hey, buddy, how about a little break, huh?” There was a couple sitting close to me and I think I saw their picture when I looked up the word “love” in the dictionary, the other day. They were just enjoying the evening, the wine, the music and each other’s company. Very nice. The world needs more stuff like that, I think.
Thanks to everyone who was there and shared the evening with me. Also, thanks to that glass of Shiraz that made me very, very relaxed towards the end of the gig.
Let me also take this opportunity and hand the microphone over to you and your suggestions. Is there any song that you would like to hear me playing during the gigs? I can’t promise anything before I actually try to learn the song… but I will gladly give it a try (No, I don’t play any AC/DC. ).

Mind the Music, people!
Marcelo.

Hi!

For months, now, I have been telling myself that I need to dedicate some more time to this website and, well… make it happen! After playing an incredibly fun gig at Starry Nites this past Saturday, though, I think I found my motivation. Not only I was able to see some familiar, friendly faces, but I also had the chance to meet some cool people and that is always one of the best parts about playing those gigs.
I am very new to this whole blog thing, but I will learn as I go. So, please let me know what you think. Let’s talk about music in general, about my music, about anything you want, really. Well… almost anything.
Seriously, I want to hear from you. If you have suggestions for songs that you would like me to play, send them to me. If you have questions, comments, whatever… send them my way.
This space is yours. Thank you for using it!

Marcelo.

After countless hours of work in preparation for the site launch, we now have a place where we can get to know each other. I hope we do, I am looking forward to it! Please feel free to post commentary and remember to “Mind the Music” -marcelo