tag:gwensampe.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news
Creating
2023-05-23T17:20:09+02:00
Copyright 2020 Gwen Sampè
Simply my thoughts, my wandering and ponderings about this artistic life, as a singer, musician, performer, poet, and all those things in between, the ones that don’t quite fit. I offer insights and strategies for singers, advice on improvising, encouraging you to dare. Join me on this journey!
Jazz Singer’s Journey - Daring
Gwen Sampé
false
Gwen Sampé
gwen@gwensampe.com
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/7214016
2023-05-23T17:20:09+02:00
2023-10-16T16:50:38+02:00
Shared Road
<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="embed-soundcloud"><iframe title="Shared Road by Gwen Sampé" width="500" height="400" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1186594774&show_artwork=true&maxheight=750&maxwidth=500"></iframe></div>
</div></figure>
<pre class="wp-block-verse has-text-align-center">This aching heart of mine requires not a soothing hand,
That calms so many souls battered by time and distance
That I might rest in sleep as if the world had too,
This tired soul yearns not for the ecstasy of nirvana
That realises the perfection of self, at a distance
That floats above, far from a madding crowd
This broken body cries not because of past hurts
That gnaw and grind below a surface
That denies, “Oh the pain!”
Such miseries as I have,
Such anguish that invades my soul
Such anger disturbing thoughts that pick flesh,
Such and such a malady that courses through my veins
Will find relief if only we can walk together.
A heaven alone is no heaven at all.
</pre>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/7196205
2023-04-24T23:59:45+02:00
2023-05-19T14:56:39+02:00
Still?
<p>There comes a time with intrusions that haunt are allowed to sleep, to quieten, so that I might breath.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="embed-soundcloud"><iframe title="Still? by Gwen Sampé" width="500" height="400" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1169138050&show_artwork=true&maxheight=750&maxwidth=500"></iframe></div>
</div></figure>
<pre class="wp-block-verse">When all is said
And all is done
When lights no longer sting
These impatient eyes
When darkness finds its own emptiness
At the dawn of dusk
Unfettered by the concerns of
Fouled flesh
Or shadowy voices bathed in
Past offences,
And unreasonable joy
Let me sleep in Peace
</pre>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/7192021
2023-04-17T18:33:18+02:00
2023-04-17T23:15:06+02:00
Churches
<p>Oddly enough I am optimistic and I think of myself as being connected, connected to humanity and our glory, connected to nature, our mother. Let me love and offer my hand as best I can, that is the sound, the music I follow.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="embed-soundcloud"><iframe title="Churches by Gwen Sampé" width="500" height="400" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1157334946&show_artwork=true&maxheight=750&maxwidth=500"></iframe></div>
</div></figure>
<pre class="wp-block-verse has-text-align-center">A long way from home
The bells ring.
Far from grinding fear,
The bells ring.
In the dark of night as cats search for prey,
The bells ring.
When forgetting feeds itself on myths,
The bells ring
Attracting the foolish
Welcoming the tainted
The bells ring!
Faded glories, false stories
Comforting illusions
There is no need to question, to doubt, to wonder,
Just listen to the bells
As they ring, and ring
A drowning cacophony.
</pre>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/7178772
2023-03-26T20:01:03+02:00
2023-03-29T20:02:55+02:00
Light Dance
<p><em>Light is a wonderful thing. Like sound it sometimes plays tricks on us. What we think we see, what we are sure is before our eyes, turns out to be something else. Be sure to gently focus because you just might be pleasantly surprised by the vision before you. But be careful not to force, your pre-judgement could just get in the way!</em></p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="embed-soundcloud"><iframe title="Light Dance by Gwen Sampé" width="500" height="400" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1176749146&show_artwork=true&maxheight=750&maxwidth=500"></iframe></div>
</div></figure>
<pre class="wp-block-verse has-text-align-center">It seemed
That I
Had been this way before.
The road
I walked
Was oh so familiar.
Each rock, crevice, the growths between
Bushes so green, dangers unseen
Snake in that grass, ever changing
Chameleon, bugs that bothered darkness
That smothered the light wanting to brighten
My way,
An uncanny likeness to somewhere
I’d been before.
It seemed
The way
Held old familiar signs,
Signals
Of time
A memory ago.
The colours of leaves, the branches
Willow bent, overgrown grass, sounds
In the night, a day without end
Meeting darkness again, yellows
Tarnished Greens, faded blues, fuchsias and browns,
Jaded earth hues, oh, oh, oh, could it be I’d
Been here before?
But No! I see it’s Just
The trembling light
Reminding me of where
I used to be,
Lest I forget to rejoice,
Lest I fail to give voice
To the Angel in me
And the Beauty of you.
</pre>
<p></p>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/7178773
2023-03-13T07:47:08+01:00
2023-03-26T20:49:10+02:00
A Poetic Journey
<p>For some time I have been, quietly, under the cover of silence, writing poems, from time to time when images flashed across my view. I have now decided to allow those words to live in public. So from today, every so often, I will post a poem and a link to an audio version. I love reciting poems almost more than writing them. </p>
<p>I hope you like it.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-soundcloud wp-block-embed-soundcloud"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="embed-soundcloud"><iframe title="Shared Road by Gwen Sampé" width="500" height="400" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1186594774&show_artwork=true&maxheight=750&maxwidth=500"></iframe></div>
</div></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Shared Road</h2>
<pre class="wp-block-verse has-text-align-center">This aching heart of mine requires not a soothing hand,
That calms so many souls battered by time and distance
That I might rest in sleep as if the world had too,</pre>
<pre class="wp-block-verse has-text-align-center">This tired soul yearns not for the ecstasy of nirvana
That realises the perfection of self, at a distance
That floats above, far from a madding crowd</pre>
<pre class="wp-block-verse has-text-align-center">This broken body cries not because of past hurts
That gnaw and grind below a surface
That denies, “Oh the pain!”</pre>
<pre class="wp-block-verse has-text-align-center">Such miseries as I have,
Such anguish that invades my soul
Such anger disturbing thoughts that pick flesh,
Such and such a malady that courses through my veins
Will find relief if only we can walk together..</pre>
<p class="has-text-align-center">A heaven alone is no heaven at all.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p class="has-text-align-center"></p>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/5452910
2018-10-03T04:01:59+02:00
2018-10-03T04:01:59+02:00
South Korean Residency
<p>I have been in South Korea for the past 2 weeks, an artistic rescidency with choreographer Mehdi Farajpour. When not rehearsing the performance I have spent my time walking, watching and writing new songs. I have also taken lots of pictures, some of which I hope to present in an exposition. We will be here for another week, the performance is this weekend. </p>
<p>This has been such a wonderful experience, time spent creating and being with creators, eating, laughing, walking and even sailing together. Just the thing to get the creative juices moving. Another album in the making perhaps, yes.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/220872/0ac037b210625adbf9b129f77032e36068917376/original/img-2212.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
4:02
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/4940358
2017-11-20T11:07:41+01:00
2023-12-10T19:38:07+01:00
What’s In A Standard?
<p>Well a lot in fact. Standards are songs that have proven to be ever malleable, soft yet durable, and pleasing as well. Last Saturday I played the Bab-Ilo in Paris (one of my favourite jazz clubs), with a programme of “ standards.” I decided to emphasise that fact in my publicity simply because recently one of my students asked me “do you ever do just songs? I would love to hear you sing songs.” By “just songs” she really meant, straight, unbent, as written. I tried, as I always have, to explain to her that I am a jazz musician, and that she is indeed a student of a Jazz musician! Hum?</p>
<p>She of course came to the concert, and enjoyed the deconstructed and reconstructed standards on offer, and little by little she begins to not only understand, but also to appreciate the beauty of improvised music, and even eventually to enjoy doing it herself. </p>
<p>The wonder of creating is for everyone.</p>
6:55
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/7178774
2017-05-23T08:49:52+02:00
2023-03-26T20:49:10+02:00
An Incredible Vision
<p>It is so easy to slip into despair if you forget. It is easy to huddle in your sacred corner if you turn away. It is easy to ignore the other, cloaked in cords of fear. But if you just turn and remember the laughter and hugs, that beauty within, those times when a smile from a stranger lit your heart, an incredible vision will appear. Today is not the day to say no, but to affirm a yes. By embracing the light we thus disperse the dark. It is there, waiting only for your encouragement.</p>
<p>Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.brainpickings.org/2016/11/15/toni-morrison-art-despair/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Toni Morrison on Art and Despair, via BrainPickings</a></p>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/5452965
2017-05-23T08:49:52+02:00
2022-05-22T19:16:14+02:00
An Incredible Vision
<p>It is so easy to slip into despair if you forget. It is easy to huddle in your sacred corner if you turn away. It is easy to ignore the other, cloaked in cords of fear. But if you just turn and remember the laughter and hugs, that beauty within, those times when a smile from a stranger lit your heart, an incredible vision will appear. Today is not the day to say no, but to affirm a yes. By embracing the light we thus disperse the dark. It is there, waiting only for your encouragement.</p>
<p>Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.brainpickings.org/2016/11/15/toni-morrison-art-despair/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Toni Morrison on Art and Despair, via BrainPickings</a></p>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/4341755
2016-08-25T20:30:34+02:00
2022-02-03T14:49:08+01:00
After Switzerland
<span class="font_regular">Had a great time with the African Jazz Quartet in Hermance, Switzerland for Festival <a contents="Jazz Sur La Plage" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.jazzsurlaplage.ch/?page_id=110" target="_blank">Jazz Sur La Plage</a>. There was a wonderful welcoming crowd, and I must admit we were flipping' brilliant. And yes I am modest. Now I am<br>on the hunt for more festivals, more singing, more of life's magnificence. Hope to see you all sometime soon at an event to be announced.<br>Gwen<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/220872/60ff4e7be56600cc5437ba2fca2038a31530c7e1/medium/jazz-sur-la-plage-2016726013421638-n.jpg?1472149679" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/7178775
2016-01-02T19:52:15+01:00
2023-03-26T20:49:10+02:00
Ice Skating
<p>Have you ever gone ice skating? Do you remember that first time? Did you fall flat, splat, on the ground? Did you arms reach out helplessly trying to find something, anything, to hang on to, only to find that thin air is rather poor support except for lungs.</p>
<p>I once went ice skating. Years ago. Hmm. Haven’t been since. Oh but I do love the feel of cold air on my lips, and the magnificent icy vapours transformed from the hot breath of my body. Hmm.</p>
<p>Maybe I should try skating again. Who knows.</p>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/5452966
2016-01-02T19:52:15+01:00
2022-05-27T13:58:25+02:00
Ice Skating
<p>Have you ever gone ice skating? Do you remember that first time? Did you fall flat, splat, on the ground? Did you arms reach out helplessly trying to find something, anything, to hang on to, only to find that thin air is rather poor support except for lungs.</p>
<p>I once went ice skating. Years ago. Hmm. Haven’t been since. Oh but I do love the feel of cold air on my lips, and the magnificent icy vapours transformed from the hot breath of my body. Hmm.</p>
<p>Maybe I should try skating again. Who knows.</p>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/7178776
2015-07-13T00:52:31+02:00
2023-03-26T20:49:10+02:00
Pula, Croatia, the Voice/Dance Experience
<p>Summer in Europe, as elsewhere, is a time of sun, relaxation and festivals. Smiles and laughter, too often trapped behind impossible deadlines, financial woes, unrewarding work, city stress and insecurity, have a way of finding space during those fleeting months.</p>
<p>I began my summer, my time of rest, doing what I love most – performing. This time not in a jazz festival, but a in a festival of theatre in Pula, Croatia. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FestivalPUF" target="_blank">PUF</a>, the International Theatre Festival of Pula, is in it’s 21st year and welcomes performers from around the world. I was invited by choreograph <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mehdi.farajpour.1?fref=ts" target="_blank">Mehdi Farajpour</a> to perform next to him in his new production “Yet Untitled.” It was a joyous experience which i hope to repeat.</p>
<p><figure data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_2173" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2173" style="width: 468px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/pula-solo-face.jpg"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/pula-solo-face.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Pula solo face" height="624" width="468" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2173" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="http://kulturistra.hr/lang/it/2015/07/5-dan-puf-a-o-stvaranju-i-bajkama/">http://kulturistra.hr/lang/it/2015/07/5-dan-puf-a-o-stvaranju-i-bajkama/</a> <br>Photo :Dejan Štifanić</figcaption></figure></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Using my voice as pure instrument, free of words, but not sense, free of style but not emotion.</span></em></p>
<p>Sounds that float, soar and pierce the air, sometimes urgent, sometimes melancholic or vulnerable, soft and hard, sure and insecure. My life work in music has been the exploration of the voice. Always and forever fascinated by its possibilities, I have taken enormous chances in search of the limits of this instrument with which I am blessed. Through the freedom and rule-breaking world that is jazz, I have been able to nurture a way of singing and a knowledge of music that serves me well in the contemporary dance theatre world I am now exploring.</p>
<p><figure data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_2177" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2177" style="width: 620px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/pula-2015-mehdi-branches.jpg"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/pula-2015-mehdi-branches.jpg?w=660" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Pula 2015 Mehdi branches" height="413" width="620" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2177" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mehdi.farajpour.1?fref=ts" target="_blank">Mehdi Farajpour</a> – PUF Festival 2015 <br>Photo : Dejan Štifanić</figcaption></figure></p>
<p>I met Mehdi Farajpour at one of my concerts at Bab-Ilo. He approached me after the concert and asked if I would consider working with him, a dancer. Of course I said yes. I love dance, I love the theatre and I love collaborating within different disciplines. The encounter has proven to be fortuitous. In that space of creation we have found a rapport that hangs delicately from the branches of trust and chance, listening, observing and feeling. Our first performance was in Cologne, Germany in November of 2014, and the second, but surely not the last, was in Pula, Croatial for the Festival on June 5th. “Yet Untitled,” conceived and choreographed by Mehdi, was awarded the best performance of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FestivalPUF" target="_blank">PUF 2015</a>.</p>
<p><figure data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_2176" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2176" style="width: 532px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/pula-2015-two-shadow.jpg"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/pula-2015-two-shadow.jpg?w=660" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Pula 2015 two shadow" height="419" width="532" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2176" class="wp-caption-text">Photo : Dejan Štifanić</figcaption></figure></p>
<p><figure data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_2175" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2175" style="width: 534px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/pula-2015-mehdi.jpg?w=300" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Pula 2015 Mehdi" height="400" width="534" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2175" class="wp-caption-text">Photo : Dejan Štifanić</figcaption></figure></p>
<p><figure data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_2174" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2174" style="width: 536px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/pula-2015-face.jpg"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/pula-2015-face.jpg?w=300" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Pula 2015 face" height="357" width="536" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2174" class="wp-caption-text">Photo : Dejan Štifanić</figcaption></figure></p>
<p>This is what makes my spirit happy. Being on stage is the highest of pleasures, being before people, communicating in music, song, dance, poetry, stories. I LOVE IT.</p>
<p>Have a great summer.</p>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/5452967
2015-07-13T00:52:31+02:00
2023-12-10T18:23:03+01:00
Pula, Croatia, the Voice/Dance Experience
<p>Summer in Europe, as elsewhere, is a time of sun, relaxation and festivals. Smiles and laughter, too often trapped behind impossible deadlines, financial woes, unrewarding work, city stress and insecurity, have a way of finding space during those fleeting months.</p>
<p>I began my summer, my time of rest, doing what I love most – performing. This time not in a jazz festival, but a in a festival of theatre in Pula, Croatia. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FestivalPUF" target="_blank">PUF</a>, the International Theatre Festival of Pula, is in it’s 21st year and welcomes performers from around the world. I was invited by choreograph <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mehdi.farajpour.1?fref=ts" target="_blank">Mehdi Farajpour</a> to perform next to him in his new production “Yet Untitled.” It was a joyous experience which i hope to repeat.</p>
<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_2173" style="width: 468px"><a href="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/pula-solo-face.jpg"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/pula-solo-face.jpg?w=468&h=624" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Pula solo face" height="624" width="468" /></a>
<figcaption class="wp-caption-text"><a href="http://kulturistra.hr/lang/it/2015/07/5-dan-puf-a-o-stvaranju-i-bajkama/">http://kulturistra.hr/lang/it/2015/07/5-dan-puf-a-o-stvaranju-i-bajkama/</a><br>Photo :Dejan Štifanić</figcaption></figure>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Using my voice as pure instrument, free of words, but not sense, free of style but not emotion.</span></em></p>
<p>Sounds that float, soar and pierce the air, sometimes urgent, sometimes melancholic or vulnerable, soft and hard, sure and insecure. My life work in music has been the exploration of the voice. Always and forever fascinated by its possibilities, I have taken enormous chances in search of the limits of this instrument with which I am blessed. Through the freedom and rule-breaking world that is jazz, I have been able to nurture a way of singing and a knowledge of music that serves me well in the contemporary dance theatre world I am now exploring.</p>
<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_2177" style="width: 620px"><a href="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/pula-2015-mehdi-branches.jpg"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/pula-2015-mehdi-branches.jpg?w=620&h=413" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Pula 2015 Mehdi branches" height="413" width="620" /></a>
<figcaption class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mehdi.farajpour.1?fref=ts" target="_blank">Mehdi Farajpour</a> – PUF Festival 2015<br>Photo : Dejan Štifanić</figcaption></figure>
<p>I met Mehdi Farajpour at one of my concerts at Bab-Ilo. He approached me after the concert and asked if I would consider working with him, a dancer. Of course I said yes. I love dance, I love the theatre and I love collaborating within different disciplines. The encounter has proven to be fortuitous. In that space of creation we have found a rapport that hangs delicately from the branches of trust and chance, listening, observing and feeling. Our first performance was in Cologne, Germany in November of 2014, and the second, but surely not the last, was in Pula, Croatial for the Festival on June 5th. “Yet Untitled,” conceived and choreographed by Mehdi, was awarded the best performance of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FestivalPUF" target="_blank">PUF 2015</a>.</p>
<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_2176" style="width: 532px"><a href="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/pula-2015-two-shadow.jpg"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/pula-2015-two-shadow.jpg?w=532&h=419" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Pula 2015 two shadow" height="419" width="532" /></a>
<figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Photo : Dejan Štifanić</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_2175" style="width: 534px"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/pula-2015-mehdi.jpg?w=534&h=400" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Pula 2015 Mehdi" height="400" width="534" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Photo : Dejan Štifanić</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" data-shortcode="caption" id="attachment_2174" style="width: 536px"><a href="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/pula-2015-face.jpg"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/pula-2015-face.jpg?w=536&h=357" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Pula 2015 face" height="357" width="536" /></a>
<figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Photo : Dejan Štifanić</figcaption></figure>
<p>This is what makes my spirit happy. Being on stage is the highest of pleasures, being before people, communicating in music, song, dance, poetry, stories. I LOVE IT.</p>
<p>Have a great summer.</p>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/7178777
2014-07-20T19:08:52+02:00
2023-03-26T20:49:10+02:00
Celebrating Self
<p>Last night I had a concert to announce the launch of my new album “Conversions,” that I recorded with the pianist Jobic Le Masson. Being a modern, independent musician, I had to do everything myself, all the work that traditionally would have been performed by a producer or graphic designer or photographer. It was not easy but it was, and continues to be interesting. But one Surprising outcome of this journey has been that I have learned to love my music. Seems crazy but it is true. Why? It must be that old devil called self-doubt, the ridiculous barrier we put between ourselves and our dreams. And last night’s concert reaffirmed this new-found love.<br>
Music is my life, my love, my friend and confidante. Yet I have too often doubted my ability to do justice to her. What a mistake that was. My music is fresh, lively and provocative, yes, but beautiful. My voice is unique and my story speaks. I am one of a kind, I am unique, as are you and you and you and you too. The rich and vibrant tapestry we create, we should learn to love. I’m so glad to be here with you.<br>
And this afternoon I am going to Parc Floral Paris. The annual Summer Jazz Festival is happening. On the stage today are the Malian singer Fatoumia Diawara and Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca, together sharing their musical heritages to present to us. They too are unique, they too have their own stories to tell. Magnificent too.<iframe class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FTgc6ppDzdw?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation"></iframe></p>
<p>An audio sample from the soon to be relaxed album “Conversions” by Gwen Sampé and Jobic Le Masson.</p>
<p>“Your Love Came silently in the night,<br>
Your kisses warmed summer’s flight,<br>
You gave to me that old forgotten feeling,<br>
A tranquil trust that this was really meant to be.<br>
Your Love came in soft slippers on polished wood,<br>
Your kisses helped me know that I could,<br>
Lose myself in this mystery,<br>
That fathomless, bottomless passion in making love.<br>
© Gwen Sampé – words and music</p>
<p> </p>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/5452968
2014-07-20T19:08:52+02:00
2018-10-03T04:22:00+02:00
Celebrating Self
<p>Last night I had a concert to announce the launch of my new album “Conversions,” that I recorded with the pianist Jobic Le Masson. Being a modern, independent musician, I had to do everything myself, all the work that traditionally would have been performed by a producer or graphic designer or photographer. It was not easy but it was, and continues to be interesting. But one Surprising outcome of this journey has been that I have learned to love my music. Seems crazy but it is true. Why? It must be that old devil called self-doubt, the ridiculous barrier we put between ourselves and our dreams. And last night’s concert reaffirmed this new-found love.<br>
Music is my life, my love, my friend and confidante. Yet I have too often doubted my ability to do justice to her. What a mistake that was. My music is fresh, lively and provocative, yes, but beautiful. My voice is unique and my story speaks. I am one of a kind, I am unique, as are you and you and you and you too. The rich and vibrant tapestry we create, we should learn to love. I’m so glad to be here with you.<br>
And this afternoon I am going to Parc Floral Paris. The annual Summer Jazz Festival is happening. On the stage today are the Malian singer Fatoumia Diawara and Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca, together sharing their musical heritages to present to us. They too are unique, they too have their own stories to tell. Magnificent too.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="880" height="495" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FTgc6ppDzdw?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&autohide=2&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;"></iframe></div>
<p>An audio sample from the soon to be relaxed album “Conversions” by Gwen Sampé and Jobic Le Masson.</p>
<p>“Your Love Came silently in the night,<br>
Your kisses warmed summer’s flight,<br>
You gave to me that old forgotten feeling,<br>
A tranquil trust that this was really meant to be.<br>
Your Love came in soft slippers on polished wood,<br>
Your kisses helped me know that I could,<br>
Lose myself in this mystery,<br>
That fathomless, bottomless passion in making love.<br>
© Gwen Sampé – words and music</p>
<p> </p>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/7178778
2014-07-16T11:37:32+02:00
2023-03-26T20:49:10+02:00
The Shame of the USA, Not Just Champagne
<p>Last year China finally recognised Champagne’s intellectual property status. Hooray! The USA, along with Russia, Argentina and Brazil still refuse to recognise the protected status, the intellectual property of the wine growers from the <a title="Champagne" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champagne_(wine_region)" target="_blank">Champagne</a> region of France. A reflection for me of much that I find problematic in the US. An attitude that says “as an American I can do what the hell want! Just because I am American.” All Americans? No, of course notI One only has to notice the battles and fracturing that is happening in the US now between, broadly, those who see the social changes as not only inevitable but also good, and those who seek to entrench themselves in the past, mythical or otherwise.</p>
<p>I have been watching with incredulity the anti-children protests happening on the southern border of the USA. I am also proud of the counter protests, protests welcoming these exhausted, frightened human beings, these children, fleeing violence and disorder in their own countries. But unfortunately there are enough ugly, ignorant protests happening that I feel the need to say something.<br>
The US is sometimes known for not respecting international laws and regulations, and not just about champagne. Torture comes to mind of course. But the current situation with children and mothers arriving at the border and the response of some Americans and their politicians again brings into focus American’s belief in their special status. There are refugees and asylum seekers all over the world, and many countries, less able than the US accept many more than the US and its citizens are willing to accept. Yet this refusal is against not only International law but even under American Law these refugees have a strong case for asylum. Yet what is happening is a push to deny such status to these kids and to accelerate the deportation, contrary to international law. I feel ashamed. If this were happening somewhere else americans would be encouraging the receiving countries to accept the migrants, they would be talking about moral obligation, etc;, etc. But on their own border, a different case!</p>
<p>Just a reminder :</p>
<p><em>“The 1951 Refugee Convention spells out that a refugee is someone who “owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country.”</em></p>
<p> </p>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/5452969
2014-07-16T11:37:32+02:00
2023-12-10T19:04:50+01:00
The Shame of the USA, Not Just Champagne
<p>Last year China finally recognised Champagne’s intellectual property status. Hooray! The USA, along with Russia, Argentina and Brazil still refuse to recognise the protected status, the intellectual property of the wine growers from the <a title="Champagne" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champagne_(wine_region)" target="_blank">Champagne</a> region of France. A reflection for me of much that I find problematic in the US. An attitude that says “as an American I can do what the hell want! Just because I am American.” All Americans? No, of course notI One only has to notice the battles and fracturing that is happening in the US now between, broadly, those who see the social changes as not only inevitable but also good, and those who seek to entrench themselves in the past, mythical or otherwise.</p>
<p>I have been watching with incredulity the anti-children protests happening on the southern border of the USA. I am also proud of the counter protests, protests welcoming these exhausted, frightened human beings, these children, fleeing violence and disorder in their own countries. But unfortunately there are enough ugly, ignorant protests happening that I feel the need to say something.<br>
The US is sometimes known for not respecting international laws and regulations, and not just about champagne. Torture comes to mind of course. But the current situation with children and mothers arriving at the border and the response of some Americans and their politicians again brings into focus American’s belief in their special status. There are refugees and asylum seekers all over the world, and many countries, less able than the US accept many more than the US and its citizens are willing to accept. Yet this refusal is against not only International law but even under American Law these refugees have a strong case for asylum. Yet what is happening is a push to deny such status to these kids and to accelerate the deportation, contrary to international law. I feel ashamed. If this were happening somewhere else americans would be encouraging the receiving countries to accept the migrants, they would be talking about moral obligation, etc;, etc. But on their own border, a different case!</p>
<p>Just a reminder :</p>
<p><em>“The 1951 Refugee Convention spells out that a refugee is someone who “owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country.”</em></p>
<p> </p>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/7178779
2014-07-11T07:45:28+02:00
2023-03-26T20:49:10+02:00
Searching For The Sun
<p>Summer is here, and though the volatility of the weather may cast doubt on the season’s true nature, summer is indeed upon us. Renouncing the austerity of winter, now lush, spring-sprouted leaves hang from trees, dancing on a gentle wind. Color is oozing from everywhere, from flowering bushes, blossoming trees, succulent inviting, deep, dark and bright vegetables and happy smiling adults sporting exuberant colours. What a joy to watch. Sunny summers bring a smile to the hearts of even the most ardent pessimists. In France it is the abundant festivals taking place that announce the arrival of summer. It is a season of bounty for music, art, theatre and dance lovers. From the Paris Jazz Festival, to the rightly prestigious Avignon Festival, Nice Jazz Festival, a festival in Aix-en-Provence and many, many more France explodes with the sound and motion of revellers. And food and wine lovers are not left out either, with the Bordeaux wine festival and the bizarre pig festival in Trie Sur Baise to keep them occupied. Last weekend I performed in my first festival of the season, the International festival of contemporary art in Les Baux-De-Provence, a little town tucked away in the Alpilles mountains. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the view from the town is spectacular. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, for the last 5 years it has hosted an international art festival that has attracted artists from all over the world. The theme this year was “Dialogues with Goya – The Disasters of War.” I was invited, along with pianist Frédéric Maintenant, to perform for the opening ceremony. That was the 4th of July. after we spent 4 wonderful days just being, being surrounded by beauty. What a joy, work combined with a little holiday. I am blessed.<a href="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/img_0381.jpg"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/img_0381.jpg?w=300" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_0381" height="186" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/img_0384.jpg"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/img_0384.jpg?w=300" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_0384" height="223" width="300" /></a><a href="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/img_0397.jpg"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/img_0397.jpg?w=225" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_0397" height="300" width="225" /></a><a href="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/img_0398.jpg"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/img_0398.jpg?w=300" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_0398" height="224" width="300" /></a> I wonder what the rest of the summer holds for me.</p>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/5452970
2014-07-11T07:45:28+02:00
2022-03-14T12:30:57+01:00
Searching For The Sun
<p>Summer is here, and though the volatility of the weather may cast doubt on the season’s true nature, summer is indeed upon us. Renouncing the austerity of winter, now lush, spring-sprouted leaves hang from trees, dancing on a gentle wind. Color is oozing from everywhere, from flowering bushes, blossoming trees, succulent inviting, deep, dark and bright vegetables and happy smiling adults sporting exuberant colours. What a joy to watch. Sunny summers bring a smile to the hearts of even the most ardent pessimists. In France it is the abundant festivals taking place that announce the arrival of summer. It is a season of bounty for music, art, theatre and dance lovers. From the Paris Jazz Festival, to the rightly prestigious Avignon Festival, Nice Jazz Festival, a festival in Aix-en-Provence and many, many more France explodes with the sound and motion of revellers. And food and wine lovers are not left out either, with the Bordeaux wine festival and the bizarre pig festival in Trie Sur Baise to keep them occupied. Last weekend I performed in my first festival of the season, the International festival of contemporary art in Les Baux-De-Provence, a little town tucked away in the Alpilles mountains. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the view from the town is spectacular. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, for the last 5 years it has hosted an international art festival that has attracted artists from all over the world. The theme this year was “Dialogues with Goya – The Disasters of War.” I was invited, along with pianist Frédéric Maintenant, to perform for the opening ceremony. That was the 4th of July. after we spent 4 wonderful days just being, being surrounded by beauty. What a joy, work combined with a little holiday. I am blessed.<a href="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/img_0381.jpg"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/img_0381.jpg?w=300&h=186" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_0381" height="186" width="300" /></a> <a href="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/img_0384.jpg"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/img_0384.jpg?w=300&h=223" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_0384" height="223" width="300" /></a><a href="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/img_0397.jpg"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/img_0397.jpg?w=225&h=300" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_0397" height="300" width="225" /></a><a href="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/img_0398.jpg"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/img_0398.jpg?w=300&h=224" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="IMG_0398" height="224" width="300" /></a> I wonder what the rest of the summer holds for me.</p>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/7178780
2014-04-14T00:11:14+02:00
2023-03-26T20:49:10+02:00
The First Time I Saw Mars
<p>I have recently discovered the wonders of the night sky. Of course I always knew it was there, that unimaginably vast expanse that is the gateway to the universe, but I never really thought much about it, except fot thr ritual full moon conversations. But lately I have been drawn to watching and contemplating. So I purchased a wonderful little app called NightSky2 to help me navigate and learn about that which I knew virtually nothing.<br>
I know the tales of the great astronomers of the past, the Egyptians and Mayans, the Druids and the Dogon, and I have always been astounded by what they knew and how they could know. Incredible knowledge woven from years of observation, careful analysis and precision calculation. I feel a great urge to explore that universe that they knew so well. So with my shiny new app I have been examining the sky. And tonight i saw Mars. When I realized what I was looking at, I felt so moved, even a bit weak. With mouth open and heart beating fast I stood there transfixed, and you know what else, I felt a song well up inside of me as I gazed upon that speck, seemingly so small there next to the moon. After getting over the shock of actually seeing, I felt music. Of course there are those who say they universe is just one big symphony, and I must admit, I do agree. I heard a symphony tonight.</p>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/5452971
2014-04-14T00:11:14+02:00
2020-09-05T09:55:41+02:00
The First Time I Saw Mars
<p>I have recently discovered the wonders of the night sky. Of course I always knew it was there, that unimaginably vast expanse that is the gateway to the universe, but I never really thought much about it, except fot thr ritual full moon conversations. But lately I have been drawn to watching and contemplating. So I purchased a wonderful little app called NightSky2 to help me navigate and learn about that which I knew virtually nothing.<br>
I know the tales of the great astronomers of the past, the Egyptians and Mayans, the Druids and the Dogon, and I have always been astounded by what they knew and how they could know. Incredible knowledge woven from years of observation, careful analysis and precision calculation. I feel a great urge to explore that universe that they knew so well. So with my shiny new app I have been examining the sky. And tonight i saw Mars. When I realized what I was looking at, I felt so moved, even a bit weak. With mouth open and heart beating fast I stood there transfixed, and you know what else, I felt a song well up inside of me as I gazed upon that speck, seemingly so small there next to the moon. After getting over the shock of actually seeing, I felt music. Of course there are those who say they universe is just one big symphony, and I must admit, I do agree. I heard a symphony tonight.</p>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/7178781
2014-01-27T20:17:53+01:00
2023-03-26T20:49:10+02:00
Chips and Foie Gras
<p>Late nights, long, slow trips home and after midnight eateries.</p>
<p>As a jazz musician I have experienced my share of just-missed night buses, long waits in the cold and rain and long, tiring journeys home. I have even managed to miss my home stop, having fallen asleep on the bus. These are the times when all that Zen practice comes in handy. Because, since night buses run only every hour, the wait for the return bus could easily be a long one. But, by whatever means, eventually you do get home after that exhilarating gig, tired and often hungry. And so often the music that you left behind in the club 3 hours earlier you realise is still playing in your head when you arrive home. Music has a habit of taking up residence in your brain. Airs, riffs, motifs, and bass lines implant themselves in the recesses of that part of your brain susceptible to automatic pilot and promptly turn on “repeat.” Depending on the phrases repeated, you can either find yourself drifting of to sleep and consequently missing your long-awaited bus stop, or you can be lifted to such energy heights that sleep, no matter what the hour, is like that fish darting around your hook, always there but seemingly unattainable.</p>
<p>If your hunger had not been abated earlier by either the club owner’s kitchen or a trip to a late stand or kebab shop (thank the gods for late night stands and kebab shops), then your first task on arriving home is eating, filling the void that is your stomach. And this is possible only if there is food in the fridge or cupboard. Only if there is! A few days ago I arrived home a 3:30 am, hungry tired and wet. First stop refrigerator, empty. Then cupboards, empty except for lentils and black, neither which I was going to cook at that hour in the morning. And there were some potatoes. Back to the refrigerator, I wanted to assure myself there was really nothing there. Then I remembered, in the back, just there, a plastic container with foie gras left from the holidays. But there was nothing else except potatoes, no bread, no rice cakes nor saltines nor the little dried toasts they sell in the bakery, no carrots to act as sticks nor celery batons but only potatoes. I spotted a few sprigs of wilted parsley hiding in a corner. And that was it. But suddenly, as revelations always arrive, the words chips and foie gras passed through my hunger-clouded mind. Was it possible? Dare I? Was it sacrilege?</p>
<p>I peeled and then cut my potatoes into straws, I oiled, ever so slightly, my skillet, waited until it was hot and then dropped in the potato straws. I washed and finely chopped the parsley (one has to have some decor). I tossed and tossed the potatoes until they were cooked crispy. A few days earlier I had dried some mandarin peel, so I thought they would add a touch of class to my plate. I placed the chips on my plate and the foie gras on top of the chips, the parsley was sprinkled atop and around, as was the dried mandarin zest. A few turns of freshly ground black pepper and voilà a late night masterpiece. What was missing but a glass of wine and a song. So I poured a glass of red wine of some sort and put on Louis Armstrong. I was happy. I had snatched foie gras from its exalted heights in order to create, dare I say to improvise, a beautiful ending to a wonderful evening.</p>
<p><a href="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/img_0113.jpg"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/img_0113.jpg?w=300" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Chips and Foie Gras" height="225" width="300" /></a></p>
<p><iframe class="youtube-player" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/66mawPFdFm8?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align:left;">This song has nothing at all to do with meat and potatoes, but I was comforted by its magnificence.indeed</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><strong>And sleep came, like a waterfall.</strong></em></p>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/5452972
2014-01-27T20:17:53+01:00
2020-10-05T08:35:47+02:00
Chips and Foie Gras
<p>Late nights, long, slow trips home and after midnight eateries.</p>
<p>As a jazz musician I have experienced my share of just-missed night buses, long waits in the cold and rain and long, tiring journeys home. I have even managed to miss my home stop, having fallen asleep on the bus. These are the times when all that Zen practice comes in handy. Because, since night buses run only every hour, the wait for the return bus could easily be a long one. But, by whatever means, eventually you do get home after that exhilarating gig, tired and often hungry. And so often the music that you left behind in the club 3 hours earlier you realise is still playing in your head when you arrive home. Music has a habit of taking up residence in your brain. Airs, riffs, motifs, and bass lines implant themselves in the recesses of that part of your brain susceptible to automatic pilot and promptly turn on “repeat.” Depending on the phrases repeated, you can either find yourself drifting of to sleep and consequently missing your long-awaited bus stop, or you can be lifted to such energy heights that sleep, no matter what the hour, is like that fish darting around your hook, always there but seemingly unattainable.</p>
<p>If your hunger had not been abated earlier by either the club owner’s kitchen or a trip to a late stand or kebab shop (thank the gods for late night stands and kebab shops), then your first task on arriving home is eating, filling the void that is your stomach. And this is possible only if there is food in the fridge or cupboard. Only if there is! A few days ago I arrived home a 3:30 am, hungry tired and wet. First stop refrigerator, empty. Then cupboards, empty except for lentils and black, neither which I was going to cook at that hour in the morning. And there were some potatoes. Back to the refrigerator, I wanted to assure myself there was really nothing there. Then I remembered, in the back, just there, a plastic container with foie gras left from the holidays. But there was nothing else except potatoes, no bread, no rice cakes nor saltines nor the little dried toasts they sell in the bakery, no carrots to act as sticks nor celery batons but only potatoes. I spotted a few sprigs of wilted parsley hiding in a corner. And that was it. But suddenly, as revelations always arrive, the words chips and foie gras passed through my hunger-clouded mind. Was it possible? Dare I? Was it sacrilege?</p>
<p>I peeled and then cut my potatoes into straws, I oiled, ever so slightly, my skillet, waited until it was hot and then dropped in the potato straws. I washed and finely chopped the parsley (one has to have some decor). I tossed and tossed the potatoes until they were cooked crispy. A few days earlier I had dried some mandarin peel, so I thought they would add a touch of class to my plate. I placed the chips on my plate and the foie gras on top of the chips, the parsley was sprinkled atop and around, as was the dried mandarin zest. A few turns of freshly ground black pepper and voilà a late night masterpiece. What was missing but a glass of wine and a song. So I poured a glass of red wine of some sort and put on Louis Armstrong. I was happy. I had snatched foie gras from its exalted heights in order to create, dare I say to improvise, a beautiful ending to a wonderful evening.</p>
<p><a href="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/img_0113.jpg"><img src="https://gwensampe.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/img_0113.jpg?w=300&h=225" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Chips and Foie Gras" height="225" width="300" /></a></p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="880" height="495" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/66mawPFdFm8?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&autohide=2&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;"></iframe></div>
<p style="text-align:left;">This song has nothing at all to do with meat and potatoes, but I was comforted by its magnificence.indeed</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><strong>And sleep came, like a waterfall.</strong></em></p>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/5452973
2013-12-26T09:07:35+01:00
2021-06-16T16:31:14+02:00
Not Just Holiday Happiness
<p>Bells are ringing the joys of the holiday season. Lights, garlands, giant stars and glittery trees are popping up almost everywhere. Even grumpy old men can be seen daring a sparkle in their eyes and a smile on their lips. Everyone, or nearly everyone it seems, is taking the opportunity to wash themselves in the cleansing power of happiness.</p>
<p>You see, every human really only wants to be happy. Happiness is a force that drives all that we do. And even though holidays, births and declarations of love are excellent reasons to smile and feel happy, we should not wait for a special occasion. Put a smile on your face and laughter in your voice every possible moment. Stay open and ready, for life holds many beautiful surprises. Happy holidays, yes, but more importantly happy All Days.</p>
<p>Yet it is also at times like these that often our minds turn to those less fortunate than us, when we remember the homeless, the lonely, the imprisoned, war-ravaged souls, hungry children and parents unable to provide. It is all too obvious that we share a world that can be cruel and unforgiving. But you CAN make a difference. You can be that person who leaves a better world behind. Find that place of deep happiness in yourself and give it to others. It is not necessary to try to repair the whole world, but just one person at a time is enough, one by one by one. We can spread the word. Live, love and laugh. Happiness is infectious, laughter is like a virus that releases anger, fear and stress, it binds us together and reduces conflict between us. Have you ever been in a room with several people, and one someone starts to laugh, a big raucous laugh. Little by little the others look and slowly you see a smile cross their face and then laughter, often without knowing why, but simply because it makes us feel good.</p>
<p>So take a chance, be happy, laugh a lot and spread joy. It’s free and easy to do and others will love you for it.</p>
<p>And here is a special treat for the holidays, the pianist Shirley Horn’s beautiful joyful voice in winter wonderland. Enjoy it and smile.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="880" height="495" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wGDKO59R80I?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&autohide=2&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;"></iframe></div>
Gwen Sampé
tag:gwensampe.com,2005:Post/5452974
2013-12-19T16:03:48+01:00
2022-05-24T04:06:59+02:00
Improvising
<p>I have long considered my strongest point to be my improvising capabilities. Making up things on the spot is what I love doing. It is something that runs deep inside me. For years I worked as a chef in London, mostly for my very dear friend, sometimes boss and fellow gourmand <em><span style="color:#0000ff;"><a title="Phil Owens" href="http://bespokemenudesign.com/food/tasting-notes/"><span style="color:#0000ff;">Phil Owens</span></a></span></em> in his various restaurant projects. What was I known for? The ability to create something, something magnificent as well, from either a minimum of ingredients or on the fly without a recipe, in the scorching heat of very busy kitchens. What do you do when you run out of your main course, or when the butcher or fishmonger delivers the wrong order, or when the vegetable truck arrives at noon? You improvise. I acquired the same reputation working here in Paris with another good friend, chef <em><span style="color:#0000ff;"><a title="Jacques Brosse and Dean Chiu" href="http://www.petitfute.com/adresse/etablissement/id/718475/l-affaire-de-gouts-restaurants-specialites-restaurant-insolite-annecy"><span style="color:#0000ff;">Jacques Brosse</span></a></span></em>, who is now based in Annecy.</p>
<p>Improvising is taking fundamental knowledge and applying it to varying situations, twisting, manipulating and creating, not from nothing but from an enormous tool box of acquired knowledge and experience. I like to think of it as the ultimate test of what one knows. It is indeed challenging but oh so satisfying. Like having clay between my hands, as I sing I mould sounds and rhythms, histories, emotions, beauty, pain and joy. It is liberating, exhilarating. Yet it requires a deep understanding of the musical language, so that you can go far and wide, reaching down into your box of goodies and experimenting, rejecting some using others, rejecting others, using some. Only the moment decides, and the audience, because music for is about sharing, and the emotion they bring to the concert feeds you as well. I get such a thrill standing “naked” before a public ready to listen, to participate. What a thrill this journey we share.</p>
<p>The video below is from a concert with <span style="color:#0000ff;"><em><a title="Aldridge Hansberry" href="http://ahansberry.ensemble.free.fr/home.htm"><span style="color:#0000ff;">Aldridge Hansberry</span></a></em></span> on drums and flute and <span style="color:#0000ff;"><em><a title="Lobic Le Masson" href="http://jobic.lemasson.free.fr"><span style="color:#0000ff;">Jobic Le Masson</span></a></em></span> on piano. Totally improvised. Totally in the moment. Totally fun. Enjoy. I did.</p>
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<p><em>Thanks to Corinne Conesa for the video. Bravo.</em></p>
Gwen Sampé