Symphony III: Musical Moments

A college buddy of mine, Mike Van Hoozer, loves to explore the significance of “the moment.” 

Pivot points – moments of clarity – times that serve to determine, enlighten, or enhance one’s life.  Moments, both good and bad, that should be embraced as opportunities to fully engage.  That way, (he writes in his blog in "The Year of Moments"), when they come “crashing through the door, [one can] welcome it with a sense that you made memories, not regrets.”

My little "oops" in the midst of our performance with the Nashville Symphony?  It hurt a little; that’s a moment I could have done without – but I got over it and moved on.  Got back in the game.  It sure made the rest of the first show seem easier.

The second show, for me, was sweeter.  In truth, the first night’s faux pas really shone a light on how different, how cool, how exceptional this particular gig really was.  Performing with a symphony led by an outstanding conductor, leaving my fingerprints on songs shared with my band brothers that may well continue to resonate in the years to come. 

Yeah…this was pretty cool.

David Campbell, an impressive conductor and orchestrator, graciously lent his funky style and creative spark to our stage.  McGraw made a point to note that David also bears the moniker of “father” to rock and roll avant-garde artiste Beck; David is clearly the tree to Beck’s fruit.

He’s done it all.  Beyond his contributions to Tim McGraw (“My Little Girl,” “Live Like You Were Dying”) and Faith Hill (“Cry,” “There You’ll Be”), he has worked with Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Shakira, Duran Duran, Beyoncé, Diana Ross, and tons of other artists that I’ve never heard of.  You should really check out his website; it’s worth it if just to see him leading the orchestra at a KISS concert…in full KISS makeup! 

Faith was terrific.  Carefully crafted renditions of “Lost” and “Paris” sent shivers through the crowd.  In her journal on her website, Faith commented on how songs she has performed countless times have been given renewed life with these fresh approaches and elaborate arrangements.  And her Aretha Franklin medley?  Forget it; that sucker sailed with groovy, swingin’ brass and strings. Aretha would have been proud, I’m sure.

McGraw kicked off our set with “Suspicions.”  “When Stars Go Blue” went great this time, which was especially noteworthy for me.  (Remember the first night?) “Tiny Dancer” and “Live Like You Were Dying” were high points as anticipated in “A Night at the Symphony;” “If You’re Reading This” and “It’s Your Love” with Faith both took on entirely new qualities and spirit; there went those shivers again.

Our experience with the Nashville Symphony was really special – one of those moments we will relive again and again, one of those “remember when we did that” occasions.  I hope that at least some of you got to catch the show and share it with us.

And if you didn’t, well…maybe I’ll tell you about it sometime.