Wednesday, April 28, 2010

generation gaps

Tonight I had the pleasure of heading to the Naples Philharmonic for a performance of Maureen  McGovern.  The orchestra was great, Maureen's performance was wonderful, but it was a strange experience on another level.

First, me, being the youngest of the 1500 there in attendance, I really didn't know many of the songs.  Well I knew a Beatles tune.  But it seemed to me that some of the songs she was singing spent a lot of time pondering but never heading anywhere.  Don't get me wrong, it was a concert that was enjoyable.  At what level, at what age, do we move from a different generation?  To me, I just don't connect on any level but musical arrangement, with most of them.

So I digress... I hope that as a songwriter my songs go somewhere.  They take you around a story, a feeling, or an idea, that does something not only in your mind but in your body too.  It moves you to ponder what life is about... and how to go about being a part of that world you want to be.  I guess I just didn't get that tonight.

Maureen McGovern... you can sing.  Just pick a few more songs to bring me along.

Monday, April 19, 2010

news news news

You know sometimes there are just days that do seem to come together.  I had a great day in the office today working on future music for our services at First Christian, the programs happening this Wednesday, and cool youth ministry stuff...

And, time with two of my besties Drew and Michael, and then, time in the studio.  How does it get any better.  Well, there is news to come... awesome things with the start of getting the word out for my tunes... check out my facebook page tomorrow... www.facebook.com/nathanbrooksmusic and you will find out!

It was just a great day.  Happy Monday.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

surprises are fun

Last night I set up a surprise party for a friend and wonderful singer Caroline. Yes, it happened to be my birthday too... but it was a blast to set up this party with friends from the choir and band from the church. You may know, I am all about the food! So Michael J. (friend and piano player from church) and I worked in the kitchen with all the goodies: kabobs with chicken, shrimp, onion, green pepper, and squash; avocado, cheese, garlic stuffed mushrooms; bacon wrapped shrimp; avocado and campari tomato with balsamic and olive oil; and JB (friend and piano player) brought the home made pound cake and amazing topping, meatballs, and wow... there was a lot of great food.

We got together about 6:30 p.m. and everyone was prompt and also helped out a great deal to get ready. Of course my wonderful wife, Stacy, had gotten the place in perfect shape.

Caroline arrived just past 7 p.m. and walked into the house... and Surprise! It was great... she didn't have a clue, and we had a wonderful evening being together.

Several people said it was the "best choir rehearsal ever." Seriously! :)

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Birthday

You know... Facebook is really a cool thing. For sending love to a friend a long distance away, or when someone needs support and you can communicate right then with them... Or even when a long time friend has a birthday and it reminds you. There are so many wonderful things that facebook and other sites online do to bring us together. I hope that you will take the time to tell someone today how much they mean to you. Thanks for celebrating my birthday with me too.

Monday, April 12, 2010

29 big years

Funny how the years can fly by so quickly. Thanks for all the friendship, laughter, trouble, and fun I have found and experienced with all of you over these past 29 years.

Friday, April 9, 2010

A Little Humble Pie


Playing out is something I love, almost more than anything in the world... (yes, my beautiful wife Stacy... you would still be before that.)  But last night, as usual with me... I was invited up to play at the singer songwriter showcase at Bayshore Landing, and of course... my brain froze!  I mean, words gone, brain dead, life... stopped.  Writing songs is such a huge part of who I am, and it is so frustrating to then forget the words I have gone over time and time and time again.


So, for anyone out there who can just memorize... (yes Paul... my college roommate who could memorize an entire aria in 30 minutes... JERK :) that is such a blessing.  For those of you who fall in my category... well, here is to more practice.


Most of all, this is a great reminder I am still one person... a simple, human being... not better, wiser, or greater than any human being. As I prepare the Steven Curtis Chapman tune The Change for Sunday,  I am reminded... 


What about the change
What about the difference
What about the grace
What about forgiveness
What about a life that's showing
I'm undergoing the change, yeah
I'm undergoing the change



What about being reminded that everything in life is worth a little more effort.  Back to rehearsal... for this guy.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Music Mania

You know, it has been an AWESOME day.  Beautiful weather.  Music and hang with my friend Michael.  Lunch with my publicist Teresa.  And I have to tell you... there are really crazy things happening.  Can you believe I will be in LOS ANGELES in just 5 weeks now.  This last week alone we have had hundreds of plays, 15 or so "widgets" (little players and email base things).  I can't tell you have wonderful it is to have friends who are supportive, loving, and take the time to share about what is happening.

There is really big news, still unofficial, but within a couple days... it will be up.  Check back soon...

Have a wonderful Thursday :)

nb

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Easter is to celebrate

This morning I had the pleasure of working with all of my wonderful friends and musicians at First Christian Church of Naples.  We have two services every Sunday, a first service that is traditional, and second with a great band and a little higher energy.

Today was a special day.

The choir sang two pieces this morning, one called One Lonely Night, and then Haydn's Gloria.  They were amazing... inspired performances and it is incredible for me to think how far they have come since we began just a few years ago.

Celebrating this Easter Sunday, today was about friendships.  It was about love.  And the celebration of the "resurrection people" that brought us from just being people, musicians, and friends, to creating a worship experience for others as well as for ourselves, that was simply greater than the sum of its parts.

The band was on with the second service, and again, just incredible, inspired, and worshipful experience.  

I am so thankful for all the wonderful singers and musicians I get to work with... you were amazing today.

Happy Easter.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

bloggerific

Well, here we are.. Saturday afternoon, Naples, FL.  I can't tell you the excitement I have after sharing a wonderful vacation with my wife Stacy, in Paris.  We had a great time traveling around the city and checking out all it had to offer.  And now, with returning home, I am looking forward to sharing with you where my music is headed, and what news is coming about with my new record project and all the tidbits that go along.


Here is a picture from Paris... Stacy and I in front of the Eiffel Tower... see you again soon.