Beautiful Music and a Block!

Yesterday evening, I had the privilege of experiencing the most lovely music performance! The piece, entitled, "Songs in the Rear View Mirror," was written by composer Ken Frazelle in response to a collection of photographs taken by photographer William Christenberry. All of the photos are of buildings and locations found in Hale County, Alabama. Performed by Mr. Frazelle, himself on the piano, in collaboration with Lauralyn Dosset, a vocalist, the piece emerged ultimately out of a road trip the two musicians took to view the locations seen in Christenberry's photographs.

The music heard in the performance was a wash of beautiful melodic layers and percussive sensibility. I can't say enough about Mr. Frazelle's playing, which was luscious, dynamic, tactile, and at times, absolutely haunting. Mrs. Dossett's singing was a wonderful addition to the piano. At times, the quality of her voice made you feel as if these songs could be sang to you by your own mother. At other times, her voice was strong, clear, and commanded the space in the theater. The words written by Mr. Frazelle were works of art in their own right, each a poetic work that would be just as enjoyable to hear as spoken word.

The photo exhibition is currently hanging at the Reynolda House Museum here in Winston Salem, and I must make time to view it this coming week! The musicians showed a slide show of their own trip, and some of the places that appeared in the photographs, and I can see why the music has so many layers and nuances. Each location was hauntingly beautiful.

After all of that lovely creativity last evening, I am frustrated to say that I am officially having a dancer's block. :-( For all that I thought I was finding my way with this new little piece, I am absolutely stuck! I realize that these past few months have yielded an incredible amount of new work, and I think my psyche just can't fathom making another piece at the moment...but I have no choice! So what to do now? Sit on the project until I'm ready to go with it? When I have an idea, generally I can work pretty fast. But there is something about getting something done before I absolutely have to that is kind of appealing. Should I venture out during the next week or two and find some inspiration? I haven't a clue where to start, and shoving inspiration into my brain against its will does not always work. shall I begin with some other form of art, and see what happens? I've been writing a lot...maybe I could base some dance off of some stories, or poetry. Should I just bring a whole bunch of stuff to the studio tomorrow? Costumes, props, new music, etc, and see what comes out? *sigh* I'll let you know when I figure it out...

Here's hoping,

~Cara