the legs. the voice. the moves. the strength. the tenacity.
the vivacity called tina turner.
inspiring me for decades (two to be exact), this woman is the essence of effeminate in its entirety. she turns 72 on saturday, exhibiting the ever-evolving beauty and grace obtained with age.
a long-time fan of leonard cohen, i was beyond moved to find that his son is releasing an album of brilliant honesty and tenderness in october. if what other guy is representative of the entire cd, i’m going to fall madly in love with this man and his music.
xoxo
i know that if we give this a little time,
it’ll only bring us closer to the love we want to find.
it’s never felt so real, it’s never felt so right.
this may be the most beautiful song ever made.
is it the face of a child
is it the thrill of danger
is it the kindness we see in the eyes of a stranger?
is it more than faith, is it more than hope
is it waiting for us at the end of our rope?
is it the one you call home
is it the holy land
is it standing right here holding your hand?
is it just like the movies
is it rice and white lace
is it the feeling i get when i wake to your face?
is it the first summer storm
is it the colors of fall
is it having so little, and yet having it all?
is it one in a million
is it a chance to belong
is it standing right here singing this song?
i say it’s love.
this song gives me chills every time.
one of the sweetest songs i’ve heard lately.
there is something so sweet about watching someone effortlessly open up and share with others their gifts and extraordinary talent. in a style i can easily call devout and unpretentious, amitabhan, performed a concert for myself and the beautiful yogis at my yoga retreat last weekend, with music he has written straight from the heart. his message, so simple and true, comes through in every melody he conceives. i asked him for a personal interview, with hopes of possibly conveying bits of his loveliness.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Sure. I play the guitar and write songs. I love singing bhajans. I spend a lot of time driving from place to place.
When were you first interested in making music and why?
There was a lot of music in my house growing up. I do remember holding a guitar in my lap for long periods when I was probably 10. It only had two strings. I would just sit there with the guitar in my lap for a half hour at a time, pretending I could play it. I really wanted to play the guitar. Much later, I started writing songs.
As an artist, what do you find most challenging about what you do? What do you love most about what you do?
Most challenging… paying the rent! Lol. Just kidding. Things are going pretty well. I spend a lot of time on the computer, booking shows, setting things up, publicity, marketing, updating websites and such. That takes up a lot of time, and can be a challenge.
The best part for me is probably when the songs are coming through. I write some songs. Other songs come through. The best songs are the ones that get delivered. Sometimes they need some shaping, editing, or finishing touches, but they are much more a download than a creation. When that happens, it’s a pretty blissful process.
Where do you gather inspiration for your art? What is the creative process like for you?
Sometimes inspiration is just there. It comes a lot more when I don’t have 27 things to do and my life is more stress-free. I was on a silent retreat for a week recently. There was a lot of inspiration!
What is your favorite song that you have written?
I like “take me”.
What projects are you working on at the moment?
Right now there is a lot of energy going into some upcoming tours, generating the promotional materials, contacting people. But I will be getting back in the studio in the next month or two to record a few new songs.
What other musicians/artists influence you?
Kirtana is my favorite songwriter. I love the bhakti in Krishna Das’s music. I’ve been really touched by Snatam Kaur and Kathy Zavada also. There is so much grace waiting to pour down on us. Some music reminds me to slow down and rest in that presence.
I love all types of music though. Some people have a personal integrity or genius that comes through – and it can be in any genre of music. John Prine and Townes Van Zandt have some incredible songs. I love Bob Marley. I’ve played with some unbelievable gospel artists.
I heard a lot of James Taylor growing up, and other songwriters –my parents listened to a lot of music. There were other influences at different times. Its often songs or collections of songs, more than a particular artist that inspires me.
Outside of music, what other interests/pastimes do you have?
Resting in the presence.
Yoga, meditation.
What are 5 things currently making you happy?
Amy Jo’s yoga classes.
Watching the sunset, especially from the top of a hill or mountainside.
Barefoot walks on the earth.
Giving up fear.
I think the best happiness is the one we experience for no reason. Its what we are at the core, when we stop identifying with thoughts.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Nothing is worth hardening for.
Truth is worth softening for.
Upcoming Amitabhan shows in Southern California:
Friday, July 1 – Santa Barbara
Saturday, July 2 – Pasadena
Sunday, July 3 – Ojai
More info at:
one of my favorite female voices.
every word filled with pure emotion and unyielding passion.
there are not many musicians i admire more than this man. every song smeared with his voice becomes profound. this is one of my all-time favorites by him.
truly, madly, deeply in love with her voice.
her new album comes out on tuesday…
and i’m just a little bit excited!
xoxo
