4 Comments

1. Damon Ferrara on January 14, 2021 at 9:36 pm

   Moby’s 1999 album Play was one of the defining albums of my early 20s. It was the soundtrack to many good times. Moby is a musical genius and finds ways to blend electronica, blues, gospel, rock, downtempo into his albums. With that said, I don’t know the last time I listened to Moby before I thought about preparing for the ‘songs by solo artists’ session. But once he popped into my mind, I immediately went to the song ‘Everloving’. Aside from the humming, the song is entirely instrumental…it is downtempo and ethereal…but carries a rising energy…this song sound like i imagine heaven feels. it is gorgeous.

   Reply
2. Damon Ferrara on January 14, 2021 at 11:11 pm

   Peter Gabriel popped into my mind as I started to think about what songs I wanted to share in this session. But prior to that, I hadn’t thought about him or “Don’t Give Up” in years. This song kept me company through some challenging times in my life and it has been a very powerful experience to rediscover it in the midst of this pandemic. It is a moving song and a beautiful testament to the power of love and friendship.

   ‘Rest your head, you worry too much. It’s going to be alright. When times get rough, you can feel back on us. Don’t Give up, please don’t give up.’

   Reply
3. Peter on January 30, 2021 at 10:54 am

   This was an interesting session because while it offered a theme which tends to limit or direct your choices, it was essentially wide open. One of the most enjoyable aspects of a session is the exploration before hand, considering what to offer. In this case my first song, River by Leon Bridges, fit my mood in the days leading to the session. I was craving something spiritual or religious even, looking for a connection to the whole. River is grounded in those themes and as a song it stands out for its beauty. Notably, my second choice was a game time decision. Someone else had played Josh Ritter and the others in the session did not know him. So, I thought it would be a good chance to give them another example of his work. I chose a live version of a song that touches on break up and if not redemption then at least hope – though the character in the song is notably clinging to the hope his ex has in him and leaves open the question whether or not he shares her optimism.

   Reply
4. Gabrielle Ferrara on February 1, 2021 at 9:14 am

   “Keep Breathing” is one of those songs that always has the power to bring me back down to earth when I feel like my mind is going in a thousand different directions. “All we can do is keep breathing.” That’s the key, right there.

   “Same Mistake” by James Blunt really tackles the notion of being “your own worst enemy”. Left to his own devices, the singer will continue to make the same mistake again and again. However, looking at this idea from a different angle – we are also our own best advocates and cheerleaders.

   Reply