tag:michelneraymusic.com,2005:/blogs/the-toronto-blues-society-talent-search-winnersViews from the Stage2024-02-29T10:01:15-05:00Michel Neray All rights reserved.We don't just love live music, we LIVE live music.Michel NerayfalseMichel NerayjacquesRussellTrio@gmail.comtag:michelneraymusic.com,2005:Post/73593542024-02-29T10:01:15-05:002024-03-01T00:48:51-05:002 Interviews on 2 Topics - 1 Underlying Principle (for 'everything')<p><meta charset="utf-8"></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/307701/0b158c0e2364d7bd43f82a1655cd9b420bc33c3f/original/2024-2-interviews-blog-banner.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_orig justify_center border_" height="680" /><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">Two weeks ago, I was interviewed by two very different people on two very different topics, and somehow, we dug down to the same place. Both were fascinating conversations, and both interviewers got me talking about things I was not expecting to talk about. (That’s the hallmark of a great interviewer!)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:#000000;">So what’s the common element between storytelling and songwriting? </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://neray.com/20240228-2-interviews-blog/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"><u>Click here for more…</u></span></a></p>Michel Neraytag:michelneraymusic.com,2005:Post/72666872023-09-01T06:02:02-04:002023-10-16T10:52:44-04:00The Story of Andrew Wyeth and Helga Testdorf<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/307701/048bf1bc955154489b9ab48e81d3c70182067b2b/original/story-of-andrew-wyeth-and-helga-testdorf.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /><p>One the best-known painters in America in the mid-1900's was Andrew Wyeth. He painted the people and landscapes around him, mostly near his home in rural Pennsylvania and his summer home in Maine. In 1986, a series of over 247 paintings and illustrations were 'discovered' -- all of them of his neighbour, Helga Testorf, and all without, (so the story goes), the knowledge of either his wife or Helga's husband.</p><p>It caused such a commotion in the art world and beyond, Helga appeared on both the covers of Time Magazine and Newsweek.</p><p>Although some argued that it was all a marketing ploy, no one doubted the sales value of a good story. Almost immediately, the entire collection of The Helga Pictures was snapped up by a private art collector for a sum in the multi-millions of dollars.</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/307701/cf3d609186026fda37193b9799ba0f10a045b7fc/original/time-magazine-helga-cover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /><p><br>Even today, there's a lot of speculation as to the extent of their relationship. But, what is clear is that they shared a deep bond of friendship, respect, and yes, love. And as Helga herself said, there are many ways to express love.</p><p>I was so moved by her story that I wrote a song about it, and included it on my latest album <a class="no-pjax" href="/stream-social" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Stream & Social">'Kiss the Rock.'</a> You can listen to it on the streaming platform of your choice, at <a class="no-pjax" href="/stream-social" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Stream & Social">https://michelneraymusic.com/stream-social</a></p>Michel Neraytag:michelneraymusic.com,2005:Post/72305652023-06-22T11:09:06-04:002023-06-22T11:10:33-04:00Kiss the Rock!<p>‘Kiss the Rock’ is an expression that comes from canoeing/kayaking. It refers to paddling a whitewater river and hitting a rock broadside. Most people’s instinct would be to lean away from the rock, but the correct thing to do is to lean over toward the rock and allow the current to lift the boat toward one side or the other. </p><p>In life, we can try to resist the obstacles and challenges in our way, or we can <a class="no-pjax" href="https://michelneraymusic.com/stream-social" target="_blank"><u>Kiss the Rock</u></a> to embrace our challenges, and let them push us forward.</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/307701/000750b54a32fbde8509e7800afaa6b1dd7c7e26/original/2023-album-cover-kiss-the-rock-1000px.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p><strong>KISS THE ROCK, NOW!!!</strong></p><p>Today is the release of my full-length album called, 'Kiss the Rock'. It's really good, (and that's not just me saying that). It's been described as musical journeys that dig deep into the human experience, with ear worm worthy melodies and quirky, intelligent lyrics -- combining the lyrical sensibilities of Leonard Cohen, the musical styling of Jason Isbell, and the vocal versatility of Billy Joel.</p><ul>
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<strong>Don't Look Behind</strong>: This was the first single from the album... an upbeat tune all about taking things as they come, (whether you like it or not!)</li>
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<strong>Let the Wild Orchids Grow</strong>: The second single released from the album. Imagine a cross between The Gambler, Mr. Bojangles, and Piano Man. Ok then... 'Gotta live the life you choose, and choose the life you live.' </li>
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<strong>The Road: Yes, it's</strong> about the road... But like many of my songs, it's also not about the road.</li>
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<strong>Butterflies are Like that</strong>: Fun song with a deeper meaning about the stuff we make up in our heads about what's real and what’s made up. (Hint, it’s <u>all</u> made up!)</li>
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<strong>Helga’s Song:</strong> One of the best-known painters in America in the mid-1900's was Andrew Wyeth. In 1986, a series of over 247 paintings and illustrations were 'discovered' -- all of them of his neighbour, and all without the knowledge of either his wife or her husband.</li>
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<strong>One More Thing to Prove</strong>: Maybe you know someone like this?</li>
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<strong>West Gwillimbury</strong>: Where do you go, if you don't know where you're going? Where do you live? If you don't know how you're living?</li>
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<strong>Bitter End</strong>: When you were a kid, and you looked at your parents, and you thought surely when I get that age, I'll have my life together. But you don't, and that's the irony, because <i>that</i> would be the bitter end.</li>
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<strong>Is this Love?</strong> Medieval battles were horrific and brutal. And maybe, a little like... love? Epic.</li>
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<strong>This One's Mine</strong>: I created momondays in 2012. momondays is an event that celebrates our personal stories of challenge and triumph. This song is totally inspired from what I heard and saw over the past 11 years... and the incredible power that the stories of our lives have. The power to keep us stuck, the power to free us, and the power to heal others. Shout it out!</li>
</ul><p>Find your favourite streaming platform here: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://michelneraymusic.com/stream-social" data-link-type="url">https://michelneraymusic.com/stream-social</a></p><p> </p>Michel Neraytag:michelneraymusic.com,2005:Post/72147282023-05-24T13:39:31-04:002023-05-24T18:35:03-04:00This One's Mine... and yours!<p><a class="no-pjax" href="/stream-social" target="_blank" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Stream & Social"><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/307701/e5fbf932bba6c9081ff160443bfbe3e5bd800ddd/original/this-ones-mine-album-cover-1000px.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_right border_" /></span></a><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">I have been running momondays – an event focused on personal storytelling – since 2012. Pre-pandemic, we were in 16 cities across North America. During that time, I personally saw the transformative power of personal storytelling.</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">That’s what inspired this song, ‘This One’s Mine’.</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">This is the third single from my new album ‘Kiss The Rock’ coming out on June 23rd.</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">‘This One’s Mine’ is a high energy celebration of finding yourself and loudly, proudly owning your voice. We are all walking stories, and every step we take is like turning another page. Here are a few lines from the chorus...</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">Everybody's got a story</span><br><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">Everybody makes a choice</span><br><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">I'm done with being sorry</span><br><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">Everybody's got a voice</span><br><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">This one's mine</span><br><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">This one's mine</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">Have a listen to it here: </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michelneraymusic.com/stream-social?fbclid=IwAR3rgpf33yTCCn9fnym4z4G-x4yjyYBR0vya7TNdxD2Nh-Dt8pUTAj8_pTs" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer" role="link" tabindex="0"><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">https://michelneraymusic.com/stream-social</span></a><br><br><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">Caution, you might just catch yourself singing along with it!</span></p>Michel Neraytag:michelneraymusic.com,2005:Post/71930782023-04-19T12:23:54-04:002023-05-24T13:36:58-04:00Let the Wild Orchids Grow!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/307701/5babd0f570d5f6f28e3d3882304ff9c094d19944/original/let-the-wild-orchids-grow-art-1000px.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_right border_" />Imagine bashing together The Gambler, Mr. Bojangles, and Born to be Wild. Hear it unfold in my latest single, “Let the Wild Orchids Grow.”</p><p>Every year, I go on a week-long motorcycle ride with a bunch of guys. We’ve traveled the north shore of Lake Superior all the way down to the Dragon’s Tail in Deal’s Gap, North Carolina. When friends hear about the adventure, they inevitably say, “hey, I’d love to go with you,” to which we respond with, “well, you can.” But after a litany of excuses, they don’t end up joining us.</p><p>A few years ago, a friend had to be emergency airlifted to hospital. We weren’t sure he’d make it. Thankfully, he pulled through, and when we finally connected on the phone, he said to me, ‘Life’s not a promise, let the wild orchids grow.’</p><p>We spend far too much time worrying about what people think, or what the norms of society say we ‘should’ do. There’s no day of the week called ‘Someday’. Gotta live the life you choose, and choose the life you live!</p><p>Link to the streaming platform of your choice here: https://michelneraymusic.com/stream-social</p><p>#americana #singersongwriter #originalmusic #newmusic </p>Michel Neraytag:michelneraymusic.com,2005:Post/71622622023-02-28T12:44:32-05:002023-03-08T11:17:02-05:00Don't Look Behind!<p><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/307701/8f2bbbafd4ce72d8dd5874a8984d7ea96dad9a72/original/album-cover-dont-look-behind-release-date-march-8.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" />“When you have the time you don’t have the money, and when you have the money, you don’t have the time.”</span> <br><br><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">That phrase popped into my head and I blurted it out to the three dogs I was walking along a busy street, as I was trying to figure out how the hell I was going to get everything done that had just been piled onto my to-do list.</span> <br><br><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">The pandemic, you see, had just hit… and my business tanked. I offered to help my wife out, who is a dog walker. But no sooner had she assigned me several dogs to walk, I landed one of the biggest consulting contracts of my life.</span> <br><br><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">Oh, the irony....</span> <br><br><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">That phrase became the opening line of the first verse, and the premise for my new single, “Don’t Look Behind,” out now. It’s an upbeat, Stomp and Holler number with music that could easily be characterized as ‘Americana-ish’, and lyrics that reflect life’s little (and big) contradictions.</span> <br><br><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">Listen, or follow on your favourite streaming platform. -- </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michelneraymusic.com/stream-social?fbclid=IwAR3BXQRBkMU39KT5fXItvZ8WYp4xUF77F5hcqTprS8lu-PwfC8PTbxnkJXk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" tabindex="0"><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">https://michelneraymusic.com/stream-social</span></a></p><p><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">And if you want to help me spread the word?</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">There’s actually very, very little you need to do to be a BIG, BIG help. It just comes down to letting the streaming platform algorithms know that people (you) like the song.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">Just 3 little things:</span></p><ol>
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<span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">LISTEN to the song all the way through on either </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://music.apple.com/ca/album/dont-look-behind-single/1669649621" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">Apple</span></a><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);"> or </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1TwMsEKNciipgkipPFGAgO?si=iT4tOZ8VQ4mzyhh7aoB3VA" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">Spotify</span></a><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">.</span>
</li>
<li><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">LIKE the song and FOLLOW me.</span></li>
<li><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">Post a COMMENT about the song on your Facebook or Instagram (or both!) and tag @michelneraymusic.</span></li>
</ol><p><span style="color:rgb(228,230,235);">Thank you!</span></p>Michel Neraytag:michelneraymusic.com,2005:Post/71502002023-02-07T17:48:10-05:002023-02-09T09:33:21-05:00A lesson in creativity and gender-based identity<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/47vU0rZ6nlAn73p7Ev8JQl?si=wPAke4C6TAaRlD_HqtvxDw" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/0774985507107bbc087e906109cb0421ec60dbf8/original/babyrainecover.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="Baby Raine, by Michel Neray, is available on all streaming platforms for your listening pleasure." /></a></p>
<p><strong>I was NOT intending to write this song</strong>. I really wasn't. But when your baby has a baby, and your baby says, 'I'm expecting you to write a song about my baby', well, there's only one answer you can give...</p>
<p>But how do you write a song about a baby that doesn't sound like every other song written about a baby?</p>
<p>The answer to this question might just be the lesson I needed in creativity and gender-based identity -- yes, at the same time.</p>
<p><a contents="Read the complete blog at&nbsp;https://neray.com/a-lesson-in-creativity-and-gender-based-identity/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://neray.com/a-lesson-in-creativity-and-gender-based-identity/" target="_blank"><em>Read the complete blog at https://neray.com/a-lesson-in-creativity-and-gender-based-identity/</em></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="352" loading="lazy" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/47vU0rZ6nlAn73p7Ev8JQl?utm_source=generator" style="border-radius:12px" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p><a contents="Click on the image to go straight to the song on Spotify" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/47vU0rZ6nlAn73p7Ev8JQl?si=m4b78a1jS3aimcywWa7lIw" target="_blank">Click on the image to go straight to the song on Spotify</a>. (<a contents="Other streaming options available here" data-link-label="Stream & Social" data-link-type="page" href="/stream-social">Other streaming options available here</a>.)</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Michel Neraytag:michelneraymusic.com,2005:Post/69797072022-05-25T16:21:55-04:002023-02-07T17:37:33-05:00This One's Mine!! Proof that you really can change limiting beliefs... <p>When I was in grade 6, I had a very bad relationship with a guitar. </p>
<p>I wanted to learn to play, so my parents borrowed a really nice guitar for me to practice with, and arranged for lessons. On talent day at school, I was excited and nervous to perform an original composition... But when my performance was done, I was convinced that all my classmates hated it, (and me), and they made fun of me behind my back. A few weeks later, the guitar fell off a chair and broke. </p>
<p>Funny how things happen. </p>
<p>Today, I get gigs at house concerts, private parties, bars around town, retirement homes.... and people really seem to like what I bring to the stage – how I blend music and storytelling. </p>
<p>What difference a change in limiting beliefs can make, right? </p>
<p>And this summer, I’ll be going into the studio to record 10 recent songs I’ve written. <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/this-one-s-mine#/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/d21839a8328c05ecc98cf023df0c768eff6e0fae/original/indiegogo-campaign-v2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Read about my journey… and my Indiegogo campaign at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/this-one-s-mine#/</p>Michel Neraytag:michelneraymusic.com,2005:Post/68152582021-11-19T09:53:50-05:002021-11-19T10:02:40-05:00Is the shy, insecure child inside you holding you back from asking for feedback?<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/e957c8d4477f2f668c4e2f648904c056e3c33db6/original/michelshyboyonkent.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" />Yes, that's me. I was always a shy, insecure kid. (Can you tell?) <br> <br>Well, it's precisely because I didn't want to continue being a shy, insecure grown-up that i pushed myself to live full out, doing extreme sports, becoming a professional speaker, and performing on stage as a musician. <br> <br>But you know how you never really outgrow the child inside ... that child is always a part of who you are, right? <br> <br>A few months ago, I was engaged to present a virtual keynote to financial advisors across the country for a national insurance company. In one of the meetings with the client leading up to the event, they noticed the guitars on the wall behind me, and asked if i planned to sing an original song as part of my keynote. <br> <br>I said, 'Well, uhmm, errrr, yes, for sure!' <br> <br>Truth is, I've been wanting to do that for years, but was just waiting for the right opportunity. <br> <br>This was it. <br> <br>Of course, I kept the bulk of my keynote in the realm of 'tried and true' -- rule number one in professional speaking -- but I changed my opening and my close to incorporate the musical element seamlessly. <br> <br>Not only did it require blending two related but different skillsets, it also demanded a more sophisticated technology set-up to accommodate higher quality audio. <br> <br>(Did I tell you that virtual keynotes can be more stressful than real, live ones? They are, but I'll save that for another newsletter.) <br> <br>I wanted it to be better than 'good' and i wanted it to work flawlessly, so I asked the client for an extra sound check and tech run-through. <br> <br>The shy, insecure child was afraid they'd think I was high-maintenance or a 'diva'. The shy, insecure grown-up reasoned that no matter what they thought, an extra sound check was probably a good idea. <br> <br>After the keynote, I did a debrief with the client. The shy, insecure child was afraid to mention the extra sound check. The shy, insecure grown-up reasoned that no matter what they thought, asking how they felt about it was probably a good idea. <br> <br>There's always something to learn, right? But I didn't expect this... </p>
<blockquote>
<br> "It’s always a challenge to keep people engaged in virtual presentations, but your name consistently came up as one of the favourite speakers of the conference — people were truly engaged by your stories and delivery. As an event planner, I’d also say that you were easy to work with. Plus, you went over and above in your preparedness, especially with the technology, which gave us confidence leading up to the conference." <p> </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Don't let the shy, insecure child inside stop you from playing full out... or asking for feedback. It just may turn into great feedback!</p>Michel Neraytag:michelneraymusic.com,2005:Post/67630892021-10-01T10:01:32-04:002021-10-01T10:01:32-04:00The Canadian Deadlift: What putting a canoe on my head taught me about the 'heavy lifting' in anything.<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/1a0ba0bc8ec9a7221ff39c5693318a6e70128f35/original/canadiandeadliftimagetreated.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Every year for the past 25 years, I go on a whitewater canoe trip in the Canadian near north. We drive north for 5 hours, then bump along a logging road for another three and half hours, and get dropped off by the side of a river. </p>
<p>For six days, there's no cell reception, no Starbucks, no Facebook, and certainly no porters to carry your bags. </p>
<p> Yes, its pretty awesome. </p>
<p>At around the half-way point, we have to portage around a spectacular set of falls called Grandes Chutes. The portage trail, while maintained, is better suited to a mountain goat than a person carrying a canoe. </p>
<p>But I love this trip so much, I want to keep doing it for the next 25 years. And that means I had better stay in canoe-carrying condition for a long, long time. </p>
<p>When I got home, I looked at the equipment in my home gym. Then I looked out my back window, and realized that the perfect weight-training regimen was right there in my backyard. </p>
<p>And I got far more out of the exercise than just the strength I need to confidently carry the canoe. I learned that no matter what you do -- whether it's putting a canoe on your head, or anything that demands 'heavy lifting', like professional speaking, workshop facilitation, category design, storytelling ... or guitar or songwriting or setlist creation ... always put technique before muscle. </p>
<p>Watch me doing it by clicking on the links below! </p>
<p>-- Michel, Creator of Inside-Out Storytelling </p>
<p><a contents="Watch Part 1 (4:12 minutes)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/fVq84fKDxFc" target="_blank">Watch Part 1 (4:12 minutes)</a>: https://youtu.be/fVq84fKDxFc </p>
<p><a contents="Watch part 2 (2:30 minutes)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/bcyPDCqfiYc" target="_blank">Watch part 2 (2:30 minutes)</a>: https://youtu.be/bcyPDCqfiYc</p>Michel Neraytag:michelneraymusic.com,2005:Post/67207552021-08-18T19:51:04-04:002021-08-18T20:49:02-04:00Improv in Practice<p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/7e6368805425db68ac7a192c27ff3714cea399ac/original/jrt-fprivate-party-1-retouched.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />How a 'yes, and...' mindset made us the heroes at a private concert. </strong></p>
<p>My band was hired to provide the entertainment at a birthday party. Yes, we were all double vaxxed and yes, it was outside, and yes, we maintained social distancing... but those aren't the 'yesses' that made us heroes. </p>
<p>We kicked off the evening with a solid first set -- all songs we know that people love even if they hadn't heard them before, (including a few of my originals). </p>
<p>The second set was planned out too, and I have to confess, I was really looking forward to it. You see, the lockdown of the past year and a half had turned into one of the most creatively inspired periods of my life. I used the time to write a number of songs, (good ones!), and I improved my guitar playing a lot! </p>
<p>Just as we were getting ready to start it up again, one of the guests came up to us with his own guitar and asked to sit in. Not wanting to be rude, we said, of course.' I figured it wouldn't be too difficult to shuffle the setlist around a bit, and I'd get to the songs I wanted to showcase later. </p>
<p>The guest was actually very good and the other guests really seemed to enjoy it, so when were done that song and he asked to stay for another song, we said, 'sure.' </p>
<p>In my mind, I was frantically reshuffling the setlist so we could get to the songs I really, really wanted to sing. But, the next song with the guest turned into another, and another, and another... for the rest of the evening. </p>
<p>At the end of the evening, the comments and the smiles on everyone's faces told me that the party was a big sucess, at least in part because of us. A teenager even walked up to me and said, 'you play and sing really great!' (Imagine that, a teenager thinks I'm cool?!) </p>
<p>I could have been rigid and tried to impose my own agenda, you see, but instead, I went with the flow; happily accepted what was being offered, focused on making everyone else look good, and never forgot that the number one objective was to give the audience a good time! (Duh, it's not about me!) </p>
<p>This was Improv 101 in practice and in action. </p>
<p>And perhaps the best part of it was I had a great story to tell in the 'Improv for Speakers' workshop that I was facilitating on the following Monday. </p>
<p>Perfect. </p>
<p><br>-- Michel (aka Jacques Russell Trio)</p>Michel Neraytag:michelneraymusic.com,2005:Post/64068422020-08-10T21:58:27-04:002020-08-10T23:42:14-04:00That Person in the Front Row!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/5e8c34196642d49e2feaad321055bf974ad9a20e/original/person-in-the-front-row-distracted.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />You know that person. You’re performing your heart out and all you can see is that one person, usually head down, likely looking at their phone, apparently lost in their own world, not paying attention to you. </p>
<p>Distracted. Disinterested. Disengaged. </p>
<p>And then that little voice in the back of your head speaks up. </p>
<p>“You’re not reaching people.” </p>
<p>“You should have <insert any="" reproach.="" semi-justifiable="">” </insert></p>
<p>“You’re not as good as you think you are.” </p>
<p>As a normal human being, I’ve learned that no one doesn’t suffer from bouts of insecurity. (Yes, that’s an intentional triple negative.) But the last thing anyone needs on stage is a gremlin on your shoulder competing for attention. </p>
<p>That’s why, as a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, and musician, I’ve learned to talk back to that little voice. And that’s why I take every opportunity to make a big deal about unequivocally proving the gremlin wrong. </p>
<p>Last night was one of those opportunities. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/d40e452bd09aa0e411fdea926e3d3a9643a9c8e1/original/img-1612.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />My trio was performing a live streamed concert off the my back deck, in front of a few live socially distanced people in the backyard. (Hey, we’re grateful for any audience at all during the pandemic!) </p>
<p>But there was this one guy… </p>
<p>Right. In. The. Front. Row. </p>
<p>Everyone else was tapping their toes to the music at the very least. </p>
<p>But not this guy. </p>
<p>The only tapping he was doing was on his phone. He almost never looked up. He never smiled. </p>
<p>I tried not to focus on him. I really did. And for the most part, I was doing a good job of it. But still, out of the corner of my eye, I could see him tapping away at his phone. </p>
<p>At the end of the concert, he came over to me, all smiles. </p>
<p>“That was really great. Really great. Loved it. Your band is great. Your songs are great. Every time you started playing a song, I was looking it up on Spotify. But that ‘California-Ioanna’ song you played wasn't coming up at all. I couldn’t figure it out. I tried other sites. Really great song. And then my friend told me that the song is an original. You wrote it? Really? It should be on Spotify! It’s great! I loved it.” <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/f735980e268b0f6bd08cb0d0bbcfd1f393c30812/original/mg-0191.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
<p>I looked at him and said, ‘Thank you, that means a lot to me.” </p>
<p>If only he knew…</p>
<p>I wrote this blog post to remind myself how often the gremlin gets it wrong. But if it works as a reminder for you too, please go ahead and use it. </p>
<p>Michel </p>
<p>P.S. When I figure out how to embed the ISRC code, I’ll upload it to Spotify. In the meantime, you can hear it here, or on Soundcloud. https://soundcloud.com/jacquesrusselltrio/ioanna</p>5:13Michel Neraytag:michelneraymusic.com,2005:Post/60845962020-01-10T22:46:01-05:002020-01-10T22:46:01-05:00Finding the Carbon Fibre in my Life On A Canoe Trip With A Guitar<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/fc81d88ed359a3d5299c2240c0561c64e3cbb68a/original/michel-the-pirate-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><strong>THIS AIN’T CAR CAMPING… </strong></p>
<p>When most people think of camping, they imagine loading up the car with as much stuff they can stuff, and heading to a state or provincial park complete with comfort stations and convenience stores within driving distance. For other people, camping means trailers and blow-up mattresses. Either way, it’s easy to haul all the conveniences of home to enjoy the outdoors in comfort. Canoe-camping on the Dumoine River is a different experience. The Dumoine in the province of Quebec is an old fur-trading and logging river used by both aboriginals and Europeans. As one of the last remaining undammed rivers in North America, it’s about as wild as it gets. </p>
<p>You can only get to the put-in by float plane or on rough logging roads. Barely 15 minutes into the bush, you’re hit with the realization that there’s no cell reception, no Starbucks, and certainly no Facebook. (Thankfully.) </p>
<p>After being dropped off and unloading the canoes, the driver (or pilot) waves good-bye… and then you’re on your own. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/32d1d7a983e2b6ae45c7b9dc6fd22694975099b0/original/image9.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />You have to pack carefully for a trip like this. Not enough can be dangerous. Too much is, well, too much -- especially on the portage trails, one of which is 1.6 km around Grands Chutes. (That’s French for ‘Big Falls’.) For most people, taking a guitar may seem ridiculous. It’s big, bulky, hard to carry and can easily get wrecked on a canoe trip. </p>
<p>For a musician, taking a guitar is more likely the first decision we make. Personally, I simply could not see myself spending 6 days away from playing guitar -- or ukulele. Yes, I packed them both. </p>
<p>But this was exactly the trip I got the KLŌS carbon fiber travel guitar for. It withstands extreme weather, bumps and scrapes don’t bother it much, and most importantly, it can take the occasional dunking. If ever there was a trip to put the KLŌS to the test, this was it... The truck ride on bumpy logging roads would have shaken the truss rod out of ‘ordinary’ guitars, but the real test would come on day 2, a long day of one set of rapids after another. </p>
<p>Water levels were low. Now, you might think low water would make life easier because the river has less power, but it actually means that the rapids are more ‘technical’. That’s because in high water, many rocks are too far below the surface to worry about. But in low water, they can hide just below the surface. Waiting. </p>
<p><strong>FLIP. FLOP. AND SWIM. </strong></p>
<p>Since I had paddled this river almost 18 times in the past 20 years, every bend in the river was instantly familiar like deeply worn neural paths in my brain. But it was the first time my wife was paddling with me, and it was her first time doing serious whitewater. </p>
<p>Things were going well. Then came Snake Rapids. Just as we thought we were in the clear, we misjudged our line and hadn’t given a slanted rock quite enough clearance. There was no slow-motion feel to this... one instant we were paddling; the next -- in the water. </p>
<p>Just like that. </p>
<p><strong>THE KLŌS GUITAR AS A METAPHOR FOR LIFE? </strong></p>
<p>It was then I remembered that my cell phone was still in my pocket, albeit in a ziplock bag, presumably waterproof. (I was using it for taking pictures, not for calling anyone!) My travel guitar was in the overturned canoe, inside an extra gig bag that I had purchased, also presumably waterproof. </p>
<p>We worked our way to shore where we gathered up most of our gear. One T-shirt that I had tied to the front of the canoe was missing. A map floated downstream. The ziplock bag that held my phone was full of water as was the extra gig bag, soaking the guitar. </p>
<p>But truth be told, I couldn’t have asked for a better time to dump my wife, so to speak, along my canoe with everything in it. It was a beautifully warm, sunny day. No one had panicked. All safe. Smiles all around. </p>
<p>When we got to our next campsite, I put my cell phone in the sun to dry out. I took out the guitar, drained the water out the sound hole, and gave it a strum... All good. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/96c124f097690ee3a5671d1db7d74544a1241725/original/image2.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />The KLŌS travel guitar has all the good qualities you want everyone to have on a canoe trip: </p>
<p>It’s obviously resilient -- able to take the bumps and scrapes that are all part of the experience. It’s flexible -- hey, I figured that worst case scenario it could double as a paddle. It definitely goes with the flow, and doesn’t get rattled no matter what happens. And, it’s always happy -- because a positive outlook is always a good thing! </p>
<p>Come to think of it, those aren’t just qualities you want to have on the river; those are the qualities I want to have in life! </p>
<p>I played my KLŌS guitar that evening around the campfire… and took pictures on my phone the next day. </p>
<p>Yes, life is good.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>------------------------------------------------------------------</p>
<p>P.S. If you’d like a virtually indestructible guitar or ukulele for your travels and adventures, I really do recommend the KLŌS! Enter ‘michelrocks50’ (without the quotes) at check-out to get $50 off, courtesy of my friends at KLŌS, just because I asked them. Happy Holidays!</p>Michel Neraytag:michelneraymusic.com,2005:Post/54513012018-10-01T20:07:04-04:002018-10-02T18:39:23-04:00Why I Busk...<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/28ed17654e4782e2ec7b723bb2deae1ae75fd5e6/original/trio-dsc-9650-001.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />The first year I got a busker’s license, I never used it. “<em>What if I meet someone who knows me?” “What would people think?” “Isn’t it like begging?” “What if no one stops to listen?” “How much money could I make at this anyway?” “Aren’t I too old for busking?” </em></p>
<p>Those were the thoughts trampling around my brain, stopping me from going out there… </p>
<p>And then Abbey joined the trio. </p>
<p>Abbey is one of those musicians who doesn’t like to rehearse. (I’m sure you know a couple like him.) Having played in every conceivable band for the past 50 years, having a schedule that has him subbing in 15 different bands, and with prestigious music awards to his credit, he may just have a semi-legitimate case for not wanting to rehearse. </p>
<p>And besides, said Abbey, “playing without an audience is just plain boring.” </p>
<p>I explained to Abbey that I enjoy experimenting and working things out with my bandmates. I’m happy to play the same phrase 50 times until it’s tight. And that’s when he said, ‘well, let’s go busking!” </p>
<p>So we did. And now we busk together every chance we get. Here’s why: </p>
<ol> <li>Busking is rehearsal on steroids. With a new audience every 5-20 minutes, you can rehearse a song over and over again and try something new each time. </li> <li>Busking helps you increase your stage presence. On the street, it’s all about engaging people who had no previous intention to come see you. You have to work harder to catch their attention. The street is a great place to get better as a performer. </li> <li>Busking gives you immediate feedback about what works. You don’t need expert opinions or focus groups to know that when people turn around, tap their feet or break out in a mini-dance as they walk by, you’ve got something good. </li> <li>Busking helps you become a master of your patter, tempo and lyrics. It's like mental gymnastics. Try changing the lyrics on the fly to reference the specific street corner you’re on. Insert a ‘thank you’ when someone puts a bill in your hat — in the middle of a phrase, without breaking rhythm. Respond to someone who is speaking to you, (or wants to shake your hand)… while you’re playing! Or, call out to the person with the super cool shoes, in the middle of a song. That’s mastery. </li>
</ol>
<p><strong>The Symbiotic (and Beautiful) Dance Between Buskers and Passersby </strong></p>
<p>These are all ways that busking helps performers master their craft — but only if you choose to continually stretch your comfort zone and throw yourself into it. Now, what about passersby? Is there any value for them? </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/864d3f83784671dbc12a321045d54cfc9afcaba0/original/img-20180806-222810.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />When i was touring Old Quebec City, I passed a sign near the central square. “Share in our whimsical world and help keep street theatre alive.” </p>
<p>The truth is that we need an audience as much as the people on the street need us. We add to the positive vibe of the city. Maybe it's our way of contributing to world peace...</p>
<p>As Louis Armstrong sang, “The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky, are also on the faces of the people going by.” And sometimes, those people pause for few minutes in their busy lives, and they put money in your hat.</p>Michel Neraytag:michelneraymusic.com,2005:Post/53661122018-07-29T00:39:35-04:002018-08-01T14:37:57-04:00Telling our story...<p>A few years back, I was fortunate enough to see B.B. King at his blues club in Orlando. I was doubly fortunate enough to be sitting in the front row -- not that much farther away than the screen you are reading this on is from you. It was a powerful experience, not only because we were truly up close and personal, but because in addition to his great mastery of music, he was also a great storyteller.</p>
<p>He told stories of growing up in Mississippi; he told stories of his family; he told stories of playing alongside other great musicians. In fact, he probably spoke more than he actually played -- which was fine for the audience because, well, those stories weren't on any of his records! His storytelling gave us a view of the man in a way that went much deeper than his recordings ever could.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/a52f7a59c35889a3d845e0376dd29e71f156a497/original/mn-at-mowinnipeg.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_" /></p>
<p>When I think back to all the concerts I've gone to, some of the most memorable ones were when the songwriter shared more about themselves than they could on their records.</p>
<p>Sadly, very few live performances give musicians the opportunity to share their story. In a noisy bar, you're lucky of you can get anything more than a few words out about the next song. As a result, many musicians never get the chance to develop their craft of spoken storytelling. They get so rehearsed at performing their songs over and over again that coming out from behind their guitar or keyboard and truly opening up in front of the audience just feels too awkward.</p>
<p>I saw that over and over again as the producer of a storytelling show called <a contents="momondays" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://momondays.com" target="_blank">momondays</a>. It's an entertaining evening based around personal storytelling, but we always include a musician in the line-up -- and we encourage them to use this stage to stretch their comfort zone around storytelling. (You'll never find a warmer, more supportive audience, that's for sure!)</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/deae05ea0141bea845ce9c5dc26e211c8e9d2424/original/momondayss-logo-on-white.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_right border_" />A few months ago, I took my own advice... I spoke at momondays Winnipeg and I did <em>not</em> share one of my professional speaker stories. Instead, I shared the story of my musical journey, mixing story and song, (and a few jokes), in a way I never had done before. (Yes, I was nervous.) Through my story, I shared the insights that I had gained along the way; insights that everyone could relate to (hopefully) whether they were musicians or not</p>
<p>It was pretty powerful experience for me, and based on the feedback, for the audience as well. If you're anywhere near a momondays, I encourage you to share your story too! <a contents="http://momondays.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://momondays.com" target="_blank">http://momondays.com</a></p>Michel Neraytag:michelneraymusic.com,2005:Post/53295712018-07-03T13:11:50-04:002018-07-04T19:32:28-04:00Crepe Suzette, Rhubarbara Pie and Cheese Blintzes!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/44c44d9d45c2bad0092927505d7b0ea89a34bd96/original/20180423-jrt-at-free-times-cafe-cropped.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_left border_" />A few months ago, Jacques Russell Trio performed in the back room of Free Times Cafe, after which proprietor Judy Perly said, "You're really good... and I don't say that too often!!! You should come back!"<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/42f466d6cc2f671fa1e59c982042f7f8324a3447/original/freetimesoutdoor.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
<p>Judy's opinion counts. Thirty-six years ago, Judy established Free Times Cafe as a Toronto cultural and food institution, with a fully licensed restaurant and nightly original music. Looking at the walls filled with posters, it's fun to recognize the performers that have passed through this place. I don't think there's any musician who doesn't owe a huge amount of gratitude to Judy and her amazing place. </p>
<p>So coming back we are... and you're invited to join us every Wednesday, 3ish to 6ish! You'll have fun!!! What can be better than an afternoon of Crepe Suzette, Rhubarbara Pie, and Cheese Blintzes!?</p>
<p>I mean, like seriously... and my recommendation? Try the blintzes and stay for dinner!</p>
<p>Feel free to RSVP on Facebook, (or not): <a contents="https://www.facebook.com/pg/JacquesRussellTrio/events/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/JacquesRussellTrio/events/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups/JacquesRussellTrio/events/</a></p>
<p> </p>Michel Neraytag:michelneraymusic.com,2005:Post/53273472018-07-01T20:28:33-04:002018-07-01T20:56:47-04:00It's not all about us!<p>Did you know that musicians are among the biggest consumers of live music? Well, when you think of it, that stands to reason. Barbara and I have tons of musician friends. Not only do we go out simply to support them, we go out because we love live music and we love <em>their</em> music!!! We also learn from each other, influence each other, and yes, socialize together!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/5703e60b6fd85b23ad077c9a279f32d11436ebd0/original/img-20180701-152553.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />That's one of the reasons why we regularly host house concerts for our friends -- some of the best lesser known musicians in the country. And that's why we often go out 4 or 5 nights a week because, well, we can! That's one of the benefits of being empty nesters and also one of the benefits of living in a city that's teeming with phenomenally talented musicians. (Seriously people, we are blessed to live in this city!) </p>
<p>Last Sunday we headed to the Toronto Jazz festival as the Toronto Blues Society was hosting their annual talent search. On the bill was The Bywater Blues Band, built around great blues vocals of Meghan Parnell and searing slide guitar of Dave Barnes. We've been following them around for several months, but man oh man, they were on fire last Sunday afternoon -- not just because the thermometer soared to a sweltering 32 degrees. (That's centigrade!)</p>
<p>It was an all original set of great tunes, including their opening tune they wrote just a week ago. And the band was tight, happy and full of energy, (as well as hot!) The crowd responded. Check them out here: <a contents="http://www.bywaterblues.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.bywaterblues.com/" target="_blank">http://www.bywaterblues.com/</a></p>
<p>And incidentally, Bywater Blues won the talent search. I could have said, "I told you so..."</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/521585943fb660636acd969b8c64e5331b8d52eb/original/img-20180701-152613.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/e7fe7d75f563612e54dd89cc5161255535515d95/original/img-20180701-152335.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/307701/a00fc8e1c5fe6f9a30f5a9490f9db52d3d9bcaaa/original/img-20180701-153147.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_" /></p>Michel Neray