Larry Whitler - 12 String Poet: Blog

We are so surrounded by music all the time and that is a good thing.  I think music has a way of moving us in a way that we want to be moved.  So if we're feeling one way and we want to amplify that feeling we choose to listen to music that supports that feeling.  Or we might be feeling sad and want to turn that around and, so, we'll listen to music that pumps us up again and unravels those unwanted feelings.

At Christmas time the recorded music is usually welcomed and usually pretty predictable.  Our reactions to those old familiar Christmas tunes varies, just as it varies with all music.

Playing Christmas music live has its own interesting set of reactions.

Recently Robin and I have been visiting local retirement homes and singing Christmas songs for the residents.  No sound system.  Just the acoustic guitar, our voices, and the occasional jingle bells and tambourine.  Plus, for ambience, we don Santa hats and Robin decorates our music stand.  (This year we're even rolling in a Radio Flyer wagon decked out with a complete Christmas scene of a tree, snow, gifts, and decorations that Robin designed)

We visit the homes each year.  It is as rewarding for us as we hope it is enjoyable for the residents.

Anyway, what I mostly wanted to comment on was the reactions. 

When we walk into the building there is always Christmas music playing somewhere.  Usually it is over the sound system of the facility.  So at first the thought is, "Oh, these people are probably sick of hearing these songs by now."  But they're not!

These old Christmas songs, being performed live, are like receiving a visit from an old friend!  That is the best way I can think of to describe the reaction.  You can usually see that some folks prefer the soft religious Christmas songs (You should've heard them sing along with "Silent Night" last night.  It was like Robin and I had angels providing backing vocals.)  Others prefer the standards like "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" and "Jingle Bell Rock."  ("Feliz Navidad," by the way, suddenly makes EVERYONE bi-lingual!)

What I'm trying to say is that live music holds a special place for all of us and especially during the holidays.  We take music for granted sometimes because it is so readily available and portable.

As musicians I think we have a responsibility to play live as often as we can.  I'm not a doctor so I'll never save a life that way.  I'm not a great political thinker so I'll never offer doctrine that will save the world.  I'm not a lawyer who can right a wrong.  I'm not even a cook who can create a meal (although I'm pretty good at toast and eggs).

But I am a musician.  If you are also a musician then know that your gift is a blessing to those around you.  Don't "hide your flame under a bushel" (I think that's from the Bible, right?)  Play!  Play live!  Play often!  Play originals and covers!  Play solo and as duos and as groups! 

Just play!

Don't ever let the abundance of recorded music ever cause you to feel that your talent is not necessary any more.  NOBODY SOUNDS LIKE YOU BUT YOU!  

Merry Christmas!

Larry