The Tipping Point

When our oldest son was born I had this realization.  I admit it might sound strange.

But I was thinking a lot about legacy, thinking a lot about what to teach him about.  This led to a lot of contemplation about numerous topics.  In the end I arrived at the understanding that it was the classic and timeless essentials that I must be sure I don't overlook.

One example of that was music.

After he was born I realized that he stood to inherit a very surface layer at best appreciation for the fine art of music.  This settled in on my shoulders like a load of doom.

I knew in those moments that Garth Brooks and Motley Crue do not a life's soundtrack make.  I very quickly started absorbing the music that for a long time I had admonished:
- The Beatles (as one example)


This classic music led me slightly closer, but I began to realize that there was much more.  I realized that I need to get to the heart of the matter.  True substance, timeless classics.
I began to focus on John Coltrane and Miles Davis.

For a long time I thought it was enough to make sure that I had Jazz piping through the house to make sure our children understand the genius of true artistry and craftsmanship.

About this same time I also began to explore the Blues.  I took a heavy dose of BB King and Stevie Ray Vaughan.  The Thrill is Gone is amazing and it blows me away, but I was having troubles connecting to the Blues in a way that would cause me to reach for it more often than sometimes.

Then I heard this, and well.  Let's just say I had a moment of clarity.

The journey continues, the path leads me to growth.



By the way, a tip of my hat to House of Cards.  If it weren't for a mention of this song I wouldn't have looked into it further.  Thank you Francis Underwood.