One of the things I like to talk about is music. And I like to talk about music a lot. That’s not to say I’m a musician in any way, as I can’t play any instrument, and what comes out of my mouth when I “make a joyful noise” on Sunday morning would probably not be classified as singing on any planet in this solar system. I’m not ruling out the entire universe, mind you, as hope does spring eternal.
Back to the subject. When I talk about music, the number one thing I like to talk about is the Quebe Sisters. If you don’t know who they are, I’ll explain. They are a group of three sisters who play the fiddle and sing three-part harmony. Now, when I say they can play the fiddle, I mean it. The three of them have won numerous local, regional, and national fiddle contests and, if I remember correctly, were among the first women ever to win the national award. If I didn’t remember correctly, it doesn’t matter — their talent surpasses just about anything you will ever see.
As much as you might enjoy their fiddle-playing, they are just as good when they sing. Whether it’s Western swing music, modern jazz, classic country, or bluegrass, these young ladies deliver. They are among an elite group of artists who sound better when you here them live than on their recordings. And that’s not to criticize the quality of their recordings in any way, but to give you an idea of how good these ladies sound live and in person. I’ve driven many hours to hear them play and sing, and have never been disappointed. As a matter of fact, they treat you like kin if you ever get the opportunity to meet them.
I’ve also had the pleasure over the past year of meeting an artist from Texas named Mike Blakely. He’s an award-winning writer (two national western book awards), musician, songwriter, singer and entertainer. He is known for his western music, and though he wrote this song recently, it was so good that it was included in the list of the Top 100 Western songs of all time. It’s called “Last Commanche Moon,” and you won’t regret getting on YouTube and giving it a listen. He has several others that are great as well if you happen to like that style of music. I know I do.
Another music-related topic has also been on my mind lately. I’ve been listening to the CD that LeAnn Rimes recorded as a tribute to Patsy Cline. It’s strange how a sad song can sometimes improve your mood. Is it that these songs make you realize someone actually has it worse off than you? Maybe. Or it could be that you realize how good Patsy Cline really was? Then you discover it’s LeAnn Rimes doing the singing. This girl, I mean woman, can sing. It’s hard for me to get past that little girl who sang “Blue” in her debut. What a song. The writer of that piece had intended it for Patsy Cline, but her premature death prevented her from recording it. So he waited many years for the right person to come along, and that person was LeAnn Rimes. I just wish she had stayed true to country music. Or vice versa. I don’t know.
I also listen to a variety of other music, including Celtic, traditional country, old time rock and roll, show tunes, and even some contemporary music. The Celtic song “Harry’s Game” is the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard where I didn’t understand one word. That’s the “music is the international language thing,” I think. That reminds me of orchestral music, which is for the most part instrumental, but beautiful and moving at the same time. I love it all, and I didn’t even mention hymns, which have a special place in my heart.
So, all you musicians and singers out there, I just want to say a big thank you. You’ve made the world a better and happier place. That’s quite a contribution, so take a well-deserved bow. You’ve certainly earned it.