Protest songs are statements for social change—whether they are for civil rights, anti-war efforts, or political reform. Music can be a tool for activism and for collective lament. Many powerful songs highlight a specific instance where injustice is happening or has occurred in the past.
Stephen Colbert, on The Late Show, has a segment called the Colbert Questionnaire. One of the questions is, “If you only had one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what would it be?” I find that an intriguing thought. What song would I never tire of hearing? Could I limit it to one?
It can be argued that melody is the most memorable aspect of a song. And, I would agree. However, often simply hearing a certain combination of words brings to mind a familiar song. Song couplets help make songs memorable and frequently highlight the pinnacle of a story, provide a thought-provoking turn of phrase, or even take a sharp turn as a surprise. Well-written couplets which flow organically from the lyrics delight the listener and the lyricist.
The other day I pulled out a couple of CDs that I had not listened to in a long time—Lo Gai Saber: Troubadours et Jongleurs 1100-1300 and Forgotten Provence: Music-making in the South of France, 1150-1550. The CDs contain songs...
Let me state from the beginning that any list of The Top 20 Greatest Singer-Songwriters is subjective. This is only my opinion, reflects my own musical preferences, and includes those whose music I know and listen to. And, on any given day I might argue that the order and/or content should be changed. This is how it seems to me today at this moment.
Along with the song camps that I attended during 2007 and 2008, I took part in songwriting workshops sponsored by my local and other NSAI chapters. Our Birmingham chapter held monthly meetings with opportunities to play our songs and have song critiques. They sponsored several concerts at local music venues where we could showcase our songs as singer-songwriters. Sometimes there were special events where professional songwriters from Nashville presented workshops.
In 2007 I went to three NSAI Song Camps in Nashville. They offered one more song camp which would take place July 20-22, 2008. For NSAI Song Camp 102, Jason Blume would be the main teacher. I had read several of his books as well as some of his articles on the BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) website. I looked forward to this opportunity of learning from him in person.
NSAI Song Camp 301 was held October 21-23, 2007. This song camp was the last in the series and I was very excited about going. I also ordered tickets to the Bluebird Café for the late show on Tuesday night.
From the moment in November 2006 when I decided to become a songwriter my life had a purpose and a goal. Although I could dimly see my destination, I was on a day-to-day journey not knowing exactly what was next. Going to Blue Ridge Song Camp was a huge step on that journey.
After my trip to Nashville, for the Song Camp 201 in May 2007, I began voice lessons with Ron Browning. He is a vocal coach who was, at the time, also a teacher at the Nashville Jazz Workshop. In June, he was going to be on the faculty at the Blue Ridge Song Camp. Although I had only had four lessons with Ron, I already deeply respected his opinions and advice. He urged me to attend.
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