Posted by Joe Baker on December 17, 1998 at 13:39:15:
In Reply to: deep survey posted by gary on December 15, 1998 at 16:51:42:
I think each of us has certain God-given inclinations (and a few that are HARDLY God-given). Some people are drawn irresistably to write, some to dance, some to paint, and some to create music. We are also given by God certain natural abilities to accomplish those desires. Some have more natural ability, some must work harder to accomplish their goals. It is part of the uniqueness of man as a creature made in God's image that we are as driven to create as we are to eat or to reproduce -- sometimes moreso! I once debated with an English teacher of mine who believed that the arts could only be indulged in once the 'belly was full and the lion chased away'. I argued that the blues and Negro spirituals decried such an argument. It is man's nature and his fate to create, and for some of us it our nature to create sounds.
In short, I make music because I was created, in part, to do so.
To my Christian brothers and sisters I wish you a joyful Christmas, to my Jewish friends a happy Hanukkah, and to all I wish peace and goodwill.
Joe