Now and then our path in life seems to makes perfect sense. . . for particular reasons.
The people we meet, the music we listen to, the food we eat, the books we read; occasionally it all seems to fit into the grand scheme of things.
I have always been a firm believer in destiny.
If you’ve been here before, you probably already know that.
I met someone when I started working in Boston that has singlehandedly changed my life in numerous and wonderful ways.
He’s renewed my interest in music and taught me about what it means to really have heart, an essential and sadly missing emotional component in society today.
There are days when all the world seems so superficial and out of whack.
It makes me sad.
I discovered that it sometimes takes only one special person to change that seemingly distorted viewpoint.
In the past year or two, I’ve been introduced to music that has made my heart sing; NCQ (New Cuban Quartet), Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Michel Camilo, Paquito Rivera, Bebo and Chucho Valdes, the Gonzalez brothers and on and on.
My listening has increased to a point where there just isn’t enough time in a day to listen to all I want to listen to. And it’s a beautiful thing knowing I almost lost my ability and desire to ‘listen’.
I just wanted to take time to thank this wonderful and compassionate soul for entering my life. He makes me think there’s real hope for the world.
I love him like a brother and I know he doesn’t think he’s even worthy of a post such as this.
Eliud, you are. . .
The video below is there after a brilliant suggestion from Lolly.
It’s Michel Camilo’s performance “From Within” from Calle 54.
Camilo is absolutely stunning as is Anthony Jackson on bass.
Try to keep your eyes on Camilo’s hands. Amazing.
Enjoy…
~m
Smoke & Mirrors 
That’s a very nice tribute.
Music! It calms the savage beast? It’s definitely mood-altering. I’ve never heard of any of the artists you mentioned above. Why don’t you start putting links to songs on your blog. Broaden our horizons!
There ya go, Lolly. Great suggestion…
~m
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That was fantastic! Pure Magic! Makes me want to wear my headphones all day.
It goes to prove, you never know what you will say or do that will touch another’s soul.
When you mentionned Michael McDonald,,,,I realized that I had kept music for the treadmill only, and since then I listen to music at every opportunity. I can now see what I was missing in my life. Now I have to go to Limewire and check out the names you mentioned! Thanks for that!
Just passing along some worthy information.
Glad you’re enjoying the music.
~m
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I’m so blessed to have been given the opportunity to have you in my life. You have blessed me in so many wonderful ways. I thank the Lord for you and your beautiful heart for family, friends, music, and life.
Tu hermano…..
Thanks, dude for making my Ipod explode (that’s a very good thing;))
We’re very fortunate to have hooked up.
~m
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Wow!
WC
Camilo is one phenomenal player.
He doesn’t so much play the piano, he IS the piano…
~m
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I’ll have to view the video when I’m back at work!
But thanks. Can’t wait!
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Great post Michael..it’s funny how people effect us and they never realise just how much is it?
Kelly
Never ceases to amaze me, for sure.
Thanks, Kell…
~m
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Wow, that was fantastic!
I knew you’d like it.
Pick up ‘Calle 54’ on DVD. The entire disc is filled with performances much like Camilo’s.
~m
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You’re right! He’s a very nice man. It would be a better world if there were more like him.
“In the past year or two, I’ve been introduced to music that has made my heart sing; NCQ (New Cuban Quartet), Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Michel Camilo, [etc.]”
Now if I could only get you to appreciate Brahms, Mozart, and Thomas (M’F’) Tallis! 8)
You’ll die trying.
I’ve been ‘hardcore’ for far too long now…
~m
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But it’s a cause worth dying for! 🙂
[rolling my eyes and…]
~m
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