Interview:

“MUSIC PULLS US THROUGH”

We have been Rock music devotees since the late 1960’s when bands were exploring what it meant to break in and to break out, to let go and kick out the jams, to live in the present moment, and to make connections. Rock and Pop music has offered us many opportunities to measure our experience, take stock of our feelings, and trace the shape of our values.

Over the years we have revered Bruce Springsteen and his inspirational anthem “Badlands”, where he speaks to the rebel inside us who knows “that it ain’t no sin to be glad you’re alive”. We have been swept away by the Folk music of Harry Chapin whose story songs touch the heart and encourage us to empathize with other people. Bruce, Harry, and many others have shown us what singer-songwriter Carole King says on her album “Simple Things”, that: “love is the spiritual energy that can bring out the best in us”.

Music is often a healing balm for those in pain, lacking in love or forgiveness, and desperate for a deeper connection with other people and Spirit. In his passionate song “Music”, John Miles sings: “To live without my music, would be impossible to do, In this world of troubles, my music pulls me through”. Our survival music includes Celtic melodies performed by Anuna which open the soul to the natural world, the Kirtan devotional music of Krishna Das, the spiritual songs of Karen Drucker which call us to personal renewal, the melodic ballads of Sandi Kimmel with their gentle reassurances, and the soul-nourishing chant arrangements by Robert Gass.

Love and forgiveness build bridges and want no part in constructing walls. Music – of all types and styles and backgrounds – is a kiss across the abyss. It is the unity that brings us all together as members of one human family.

Two recent deaths reminded us of this truth. One was the death of Phil Everly. When we think of the Everly Brothers, the first thing that comes to mind is their mastery of the art of harmony with neither voice battling with the other, but instead two voices fusing together beautifully. Centuries ago, another musical master, Johann Sebastian Bach, noted: “Music is an agreeable harmony for the honor of God and the permissible delights of the soul”.

Then there was Pete Seeger, the Folk singer-songwriter who used music to affirm his hopes for peace, social justice, the environment, and the lifting up of those mired in poverty and powerlessness. Seeger once said in an interview: “In each of my concerts there are some old songs which you and I have sung together many times before, but which can always stand another singing. Like another sunrise, or another kiss, this also is an act of reaffirmation”.

“Music is often a healing balm for those in pain, lacking in love or forgiveness, and desperate for a deeper connection with other people and Spirit.”
– Frederic & Mary Ann Brussat, Directors & Founders of Spirituality & Practice