AUTUMN RECOLLECTIONS & ALONE

AUTUMN RECOLLECTIONS AND ALONE INSTRUMENTAL

Clicking on the blue link above, will play the audio for my song. I plan to do a new vocal soon.

When I began recording, I had to transpose all of my original songs. I didn’t even remember the fingerings to most of my songs. After all, it had been thirty years since I had played my guitar.

It turns out that the songs I’ve decided to record last are musically the most unusual and interesting. When I went into George’s studio, I decided to arrange two songs together: “Autumn Recollections” and “Alone.” Both songs are among my earliest compositions; I was seventeen years old when I wrote them. I made very few changes on my recording with George.

I decided to exercise creative freedom by connecting the songs; they are short and similar in style. Each has dissonant chords, as well as three stanzas without a chorus. Three strings of the last chord on ‘”Autumn Recollections” carries over into “Alone,” even though they are in different keys.

Because the finger picking on Autumn Recollections is very fast, I needed intense concentration to record it cleanly. I was aware that Autumn Recollections sounded like the Toto song, “Dust in the Wind.” The beginning chords were very similar.

George had a lot of comments about my chord structure and composition. I told him how I was influenced by the 70’s; John Denver and the Moody Blues had songs like this. He thought the song “Alone” especially reminded him of a Jefferson Airplane song, but I wasn’t that familiar with their music.

As George and I worked on Autumn Recollections, I was mesmerized by the melodies George chose for the strings; I loved their interplay. The flute added even more delicacy to my song.

George suggested some interesting effects for my voice and guitar on “Alone.” He wanted to emphasize the haunting quality.

I find it interesting that I do not feel very motivated to write much background about these songs. That might be one reason I did not record them earlier.

Autumn Recollections was my second “breakup” song; I felt deeply saddened after breaking up with my red-haired boyfriend. I actually went back to my diaries once again, to find some entries about that experience.

Alone was actually written without my having experienced anyone dying at all! However, it was certainly there for me later on.

A page from my diary in 1976 – I was seventeen-years-old. Such insight I have now! How could I think “he was my last hope?”

AUTUMN RECOLLECTIONS

Original Song by Judy Unger, Copyright 2010

 

September in a chilled, rustling field

A sweet, meadow scent in your hair

Drifting dreams in a cool, wispy sky

Resting in the warmth of your arms

A gentle breeze scattering thoughts

I wish I was unable to care

 

October on a hillside of oak

Wind whipped leaves swirl about

Their rusty color reminds me of you

And my eyes slowly cloud

A somber, gray sky darkens above

Casting a long and shivering shadow

 

November on a desolate beach

Alone with my guitar

Hollow chords echo through the mist

Lost in the thundering surf

Only the icy foam crawls forth to listen

Until it must return

 

ALONE

Original Song by Judy Unger, Copyright 2010

 

The wind is icy

Whipping through the dense, cold darkness

My eyes are misty

The stars are dim; I am alone

 

I’m standing numb and frozen

Wishing your arms could hold me now

But they can’t because you’ve gone

Out of my life; I am alone

 

I don’t understand what’s happened

A deep, dark emptiness is there

Why did you go?

What is left since you died

I don’t know

I am alone

This is an actual page of my lyrics in development from 35 years ago!

© Judy Unger and http://www.myjourneysinsight.com 2010. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Judy Unger with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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ALONE WITH MY GUITAR

Here I am performing Beside Me Always at Kulak's Woodshed on October 4th.

Here I am performing Beside Me Always on 10-4-10.

It is simply because of music that my life has been so magical. I didn’t even mind driving in traffic today, because as long as I listened to music I was uplifted!

I had a $700 car repair, and was totally inconvenienced – however, my heart was joyous anyway. I apologize to any readers if the focus of my blog has veered away from former topics. I am simply intoxicated by music.

Singing and expressing myself that way has become the spigot for my soul.

I had a wonderful voice lesson with Peaches today, which I love to share. So my “story is there,” as I share my magical, musical life with anyone that loves ‘70’s music.

My story is one of an ordinary 51-year-old woman, having the time of her life!

My improvement as a singer and performer has been startling for me. Of course, it seemed likely that I would improve due to all my practice; I perform at Border’s Bookstore twice a week, I record my songs, and I perform at a local open mic.

However, I started out my journey with the assumption that my voice was “what I was born with.” I thought a voice was as basic as a person’s appearance; it might be slightly improved, but certainly could not be altered. An appearance could be altered, but not a voice!

Recently, when I’ve performed – I’ve felt like I have a completely, new voice. I’ve been able to control it. I no longer feel the need to sing loudly anymore. Finally, I’ve begun to understand exactly how a microphone affects my tone. Now I listen carefully, and make any adjustment necessary to keep my pitch and tone where I want it. I’ve also found a “palette” of expression, which allows me to vary the delivery of meaningful lyrics in my songs.

The whole experience has been simply amazing, because for the very first time in my life – I like the way my voice sounds!

On top of gaining singing experience, I am now an independent performer! I no longer require my husband to be my “roadie.” I am so appreciative that he was patient with me. In the beginning, I was too nervous to pay much attention to setting up the equipment in preparation of my performances at Borders. I needed to learn where to place the speakers, cords, amplifier, and guitar hookup. Every cord had a hole and volume setting – I would panic just thinking about forgetting where things went!

My husband would show me something each week. Finally, after two months of playing twice a week, I was ready. I didn’t like seeing him look so tired, and I didn’t want to be so reliant on him also. Now I lug my gear-bag and guitar into Borders. I set up everything by myself. It has worked out just fine!

This past weekend, a woman approached me. She shared that she heard about my performance in a large newspaper’s entertainment section. During my show, I was thrilled to connect with an audience that to came just to see me.

Life has been getting more and more exciting by the moment!

LESSON WITH PEACHES-10/19 70’s Cover Songs

LESSON WITH PEACHES 10/19/10

© Judy Unger and http://www.myjourneysinsight.com 2010. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Judy Unger with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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DISCOVERING NEW THINGS TO DO

I let them dry and didn’t mess them up for once!

It seemed like the title above was a logical follow-up to “rediscovering what I love to do!”

I have been finishing up recording the last of the approximately, twenty songs I composed before I was twenty-one. Recently, I’ve started to rediscover a few other ones that I had assumed I’d forgotten. This actually involves composing music, which is very exciting.

I wasn’t sure the ten “lost” songs were that compelling. Some of my lyrics made me squirm! As a (now) 51-year-old woman, I felt wistful to sing the following lyric line last night:

“It might have been . . . the very first time we kissed. Lightly sprayed by an ocean mist, my mind was in blur. I remember just how shy you were.”

As I was singing that line, my husband angrily burst into the bathroom to announce, “Killer just chewed up the nice earbuds I bought you. You shouldn’t have left them on the floor next to your bed!”

That sure killed the romantic moment for me!

My husband is not sentimental, and I always appreciate him remembering my birthday. He should know – a new car does sound good!

I found this old 4th grade photo. Wow – the material makes me look like I’m Irish! How did that string stay in my hair?

After that meeting, I planned to meet my friend, Marge, for lunch to celebrate my birthday. (Post #148, You’ll Have Never Gone Away). Since my meeting was cancellled, we had more options.

Marge asked me what I would like to do for my birthday. She was willing to drive out to my house from Culver City. Well, one of my ideas was for us to have a manicure/pedicure together. That has definitely been something new for me!

Other than two, special occasions (my own wedding included), I never had a manicure for fifty years. My nails were “deformed,” because I bit them so low they would bleed. Since I stopped biting them in July of this year, I have gotten considerable pleasure admiring my “new hands!”

Having nails has also been a TREMENDOUS asset for guitar playing!

Marge and I had a wonderful time catching up. Marge’s last manicure was at her own wedding sixteen years earlier. She still had beautiful nails, but with the manicure they looked exquisite!

Marge and I showing off our nails. 

As for me, I was feeling very emotional all day. I’ve written about the hypnotherapy term called “up and out.” Releasing sadness was part of what changed my life.

I think happiness was “up and out” for me today. My joy was definitely radiating through me and could not be contained.

I believe I was emotional because I suffered so long trying to contain my unhappiness.

Marge and I babbled, while occasionally the two manicurists chimed into our conversation. They must have overheard a lot!

With my pedicure, I looked forward to having a tiny, flower painted onto my toenail. However, I asked the manicurist if she could do a butterfly instead. She was very excited to show me what she could do. As an artist, I totally admired her effort.

I was so impressed with my “toenail butterfly,” I decided to take some pictures! The manicurist obliged, and in a halting voice she said something that did not escape me. I had to question her further, because I found it so interesting.

She said, “I want everyone to see this butterfly, and I hope you will come back to us when you are famous.”

I asked her why she thought I would become famous. She told me that my confidence and aura gave her the impression that I would be famous some day.

I’m aware that my journey feels very clear, and my children hate my confidence about being successful. Today, I told Marge that it wouldn’t matter where my journey went.

I love what I am doing. I plan on continuing, and making whatever sacrifices are necessary to do so! It is my time now, after taking care of so many others for so many years.

At lunchtime, Marge went to use the restroom. I sat alone for a moment and checked my cellphone for messages. I saw that my oldest son had left me a message on Facebook.

Happy Birthday, Mom. LOVE YOU!!!

(His “gravatar” is our conure, Tiki)

My oldest son was such a gentle and sensitive man. I felt like crying because I was so blessed!

I received such an outpouring of love and birthday greetings today. To all those dear friends of mine that contributed to that, thank you!

My mother who always made a big fuss about my birthday, lost track of it this year. I made sure to call her and let her know how happy I was. I’ve saved so many of her cards, and have shared many of them on my blog. However, I found that sharing an old one today wasn’t helpful for me, since it made me sad thinking of it.

I was cracking up when I came home and heard a message from my childhood friend, Joni. Her message rambled and basically said she was wondering if I had a birthday in October – she thought perhaps it was in November. She wanted me to call her to make sure she wouldn’t miss it.

I called her, and right away she said, “It’s November, isn’t it?”

I told her that she nailed it right on the day. She was incredulous. I decided it was time to ask her.

In February when this blog began, I met with a well-known music producer, Jud Friedman. I wrote about the experience on Post #6, Rediscovering What I Love to Do – Part 1.

For two weeks prior to that meeting, I practiced my guitar diligently in order to show him what I could do. My fingers were sore and practically bloody since I had no calluses due to not playing for thirty years.

Joni thought it was a great idea. She gave me his phone number.

I’ve decided it is time to contact Jud again and share my progress.

© Judy Unger and http://www.myjourneysinsight.com 2010. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Judy Unger with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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REDISCOVERING WHAT I LOVE TO DO – PART 2

Maybe someday I’ll rediscover something else I used to love to do – Israeli Folk-dancing!

Peaches Lesson A – 10/12/10

Peaches Lesson B – 10/12/10

Today is my 51st birthday (October 14). I am crying as I write this; it is because I am SO HAPPY!

I started this blog back in February. I named one of my first posts “Rediscovering What I Love to Do.” Well, rather than name this post with a lyric line, I am going to just keep it simple with a “Part 2!”

I am living my life doing what I love.

I am very happy. A few hours before writing this, I recorded a new vocal for one of my favorite songs, You Are My Wings. I am so amazed at my improvement. In February, I never dreamed for a moment that I would be where I am today!

Below I am sharing a letter that was tucked into a card from my friend, Susan. Her words remind me of why I am so fulfilled.

At the end of this post is a card from my mother given to me on the saddest birthday of my life. There were no “happy birthdays” for me for a very long time after 1992, since my son, Jason, died a week before my birthday.

October 14, 2010

Dear Judy,

This card really expressed my sentiments to you so well – especially the line about the difference you make in the lives of those around you. Most people who have endured personal tragedy get depressed and become bitter (and who can blame them?) You, on the other hand, became passionate about bringing joy, empathy and hope those listening to your songs or reading your blog. You have especially helped those suffering in the Compassionate Friends Group.

None of us know what the future will bring you. Perhaps you will be discovered and become a musical sensation. Currently, you are a success because you have impacted so many people in the most emotional way. Your songs are so beautiful, haunting, yet uplifting and filled with the purest, emotional quality. So many people can identify with the themes too, because everyone inevitably loses someone they love or cherish which is heart wrenching. Most adults in our age group are dealing with elderly parents who are memory impaired like your mom. To capture that feeling in a song with lyrics and melody is truly an amazing gift. All of the accolades on your blog from friends are a further testimony to your talent. I hope you have a wonderful birthday filled with the gift of music.

Love, Susan

At this moment, I am dreaming of “Crystal Oceans!”

“I can’t wait to grow up and blog!”

“Ha ha! I just got my brother in trouble!”

Please – don’t tell me I’ll grow up and get chin hairs!

A very sad birthday, indeed.

© Judy Unger and http://www.myjourneysinsight.com 2010. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Judy Unger with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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