Mother Earth on Mother's Day 2008 (Dedicada a Aurora!)
Universal: Dancing and Listening to Music on You Tube? Three Videos Below
It was Einstein, I think, that once spoke about nationalities needing their own affirmation, and one's respect for that sentiment. Searching for universality and recognition that although we come from different lands and speak different languages, know and accept different gods, we are the only human family on this planet. My youth once asked, "When do we get there, when will there be peace and harmony?". When I gather in rallies, march for civil rights, or play music with others from very different backgrounds, the question is partially answered. But on a concrete and intellectual level, the motivation of the human family's inability to make more progress, is disappointing. The process of development for each nationality to gather, know itself, and prepare to interact with other nationalities is, in my opinion, the contemporary challenge. There's blood, bone, and hunger that press against the soul, demanding justice for ancient wrongs, pleading for apology from being thrown to the end of a line, or being the first to be sacrificed by guile or non-consent. Today's youth assumes the torch and I'm heartened. With the speed of sound, music, and electronic signal, the process noted above appears to be accelerating.

Could there be spiritual connections evolving that are allowing individual cultures or nations to glimpse the universality of each and accept? And tolerate? And respect?

Lately, I've been sitting and listening. Being part of the audience. Let's just say that I've been on the proactive and "doer" journey for a few years, doing the music, putting on the program, organizing the content and presentation, and contracting the speakers or artists. So, its a treat to be on the other side, receiving. I hear comments from film viewers, dancing couples, and even take time to read blog or website feedback commentary. Hmmm... aside from the fact that we all could use a refresher course in spelling (definitely in regards to English and Spanish) when expressing an opinion or review, (ha ha ha), I understand the posted or published comments; and that is what is important. The Internet is a global village that (almost) connects every nation. Some of the artistic and musical productions that are favored by a significant portion of a country's people are interesting to review on You Tube, for example. Newspapers, radio, films, and television have saturated societies perhaps a couple of hundred years, but only to a point. Common, worldwide communication has been available to "the masses" only recently. It is the Internet through the personal computer or cell phone that allows the feedback, the response, from the other half of the artistic and entertainment equation.

So, recently, I've been scouring my memory to identify songs that had a pronounced impact on me when I first heard them. I'm making a list, slowly, but I came up with two tunes -- one that was released in 1972 and another that made its debut some time in the late 1990s or shortly thereafter. I wondered what type of response these songs elicited by ordinary folk. I was quite surprised to learn how other people from all over the world, have an opinion about these songs. Solely from personal observation, I note that any video available on You Tube that generates more than 50,000 views or hits is popular. These two songs and videos of the songs are among my favorites. From a musician's standpoint, I'm trying to understand whats happening, what elements of the two artistic pieces go to heart, regardless of the language in which they were written or sung. Regardless of age, regardless of gender, of nation. They cross boundaries, peacefully, and respectfully. What Einstein referred to, perhaps. Hope you enjoy too.

"Alone Again (Naturally)", by Gilbert O'Sullivan (Irishman from Great Britain)

"Everybody Has to Learn Someday", by The Korgis (the original performers & writers)

"Everybody Has to Learn Someday": I just had to include this extra version covered (recorded and sung) by Zuccahero.