It is official, Music for the Soul tour has begun and the kick off concert at the home of the Talebreza's in Santa Fe was amazing.
It was Thursday May 29 2008, it had been a bright day all along, sunny and no clouds, just the big blue sky. In the evening, the sun was still blessing us with a beautiful New Mexico day, when friends started to show up at the Talebreza's. By 7:40pm over 5o people had gathered, each taking a seat, some standing in the back because all the seats had been filled. The seats arranged in a semi-circle, the audience sat facing the fireplace decorated with flower arrangements and works of Art. With an adjacent window providing a fantastic view of the city's hills, they could get inspired by our music and the enchanting view outside- What a blessing.
The djembe call was sounded and the chattering crowd became silent. It was announced that officially, Music for the Soul has begun and how happy and overjoyed we the musicians were by such show of support and encouragement. We introduced ourselves beginning with Ali, then Amelia and myself. After explaining why we have the tour as Music for the Soul and why most of our songs are quotes from Sacred Writings and inspirations thereof, the show began with the first song 'The Subject'--A mix of Hafiz's poetry and the sayings of Abdu'l-Baha on Love.
Seven songs later, we were ready for an intermission. The whole group singing Family Member in acapella in the likes of an African chorale. The song talks about being part of a family where only Love, Unity and Harmony exists.
During intermission, I got the chance to make new friends, chat with some old friends and bask in encouraging words and compliments.
Ten minutes later, we were back on the show. Ali started with a Spanish song 'Todos Juntos', which describes the beauty in the diversity of the world, and how we're all in this together. To close the show we ended with a prayer "O God refresh and gladden my spirit..." and the audience participated in singing a translation of the verse Purify my heart in Barombi- Tamba Mwem Meng. Barombi is one of my tribal languages.
We did our best to make the show inspirational, meditative and light with punctuations of humor, introduction of the songs and their sources of inspiration as well as recitation of a few Sacred verses.
All in all I will say that it was a great show. Taking into account that it was the first time Ali, Amelia and I were giving a concert together.
The atmosphere was that of Love and Encouragement. So many people came to us and offered compliments, best wishes and words of encouragement. We were showered with smiles. I felt this air of upliftment during and after the show. It was like sitting on Aladin's mat eating the sweetest apple and taking in the glories of the heavens.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Santa Fe Here we are
Arrived in Santa Fe the afternoon of May 22nd 2008. I knew from the start it was going to be fun. Don't ask me why, I just knew, maybe it's that sixth sense of a musician thing.
Ali and the sister Amelia picked me up at the bus station after I had put my French language skills into use by translating for a sweet French lady who is traveling the U.S.A. Without waste of time as soon as we got home, I took a long shower, my body felt refreshed and we went to work immediately, rehearsing songs for a Holy Day
celebration and a friend's wedding.
Celebration of the Declaration of the Bab:
Held at the home of the Talebreza's, we had the bounty of starting the devotional program. Ali, Amelia and I sang two songs. The first one was a Hidden Word of Baha'u'llah (...Take Thou one pace and with the next advance into the immortal realm...) the second song was about the glory of this Revelation (...A new day is dawn, the hour is come, mankind can behold His face...)
After readings and excerpts of stories relating to the Declaration of the Bab, we sang a prayer "O God refresh and gladden my spirit..."
Then there was meal time and socializing. The food was delicious, the view from the house located on a hill was fantastic.
Martha's Wedding Reception
Martha and Wakeel
Ali, Amelia and I on our way to the Reception
Sunday May 25th 2008, around 3pm we pulled in into a dirt road that goes along the banks of a river and parked the car close to an entrance of a bed and breakfast known as Cincerro. The surrounding valley green and verdant, tall trees waving to the will of the wind,the river full in flow. A great contrast to the background mountains of New Mexico that evokes the enchantments of desert life, very earthy and welcoming. Above us was the panorama of the big sky.
Well decorated tables of white cloth, blue napkins, glasses and eating utensils, plus an attractive arrangement of flowers in a small transparent vase set at the center of each table. A white tent pitched at a corner to provide shade for those who wanted to redeem themselves from too much sunshine.
In the midst of about 120 people of smiling faces, well dressed and pleasant demeanors, we (Ali, Amelia and I) sang two songs to begin the reception. The first song was about nourishing the tree of their union, the next song was Rumi's poem on marriage (May this marriage be blessed... may this marriage be sweet milk, full of laughter, a seal of happiness).
It was a beautiful day, the reception was amazing. I had a good time.
Ali and the sister Amelia picked me up at the bus station after I had put my French language skills into use by translating for a sweet French lady who is traveling the U.S.A. Without waste of time as soon as we got home, I took a long shower, my body felt refreshed and we went to work immediately, rehearsing songs for a Holy Day
celebration and a friend's wedding.
Celebration of the Declaration of the Bab:
Held at the home of the Talebreza's, we had the bounty of starting the devotional program. Ali, Amelia and I sang two songs. The first one was a Hidden Word of Baha'u'llah (...Take Thou one pace and with the next advance into the immortal realm...) the second song was about the glory of this Revelation (...A new day is dawn, the hour is come, mankind can behold His face...)
After readings and excerpts of stories relating to the Declaration of the Bab, we sang a prayer "O God refresh and gladden my spirit..."
Then there was meal time and socializing. The food was delicious, the view from the house located on a hill was fantastic.
Martha's Wedding Reception
Martha and Wakeel
Ali, Amelia and I on our way to the Reception
Sunday May 25th 2008, around 3pm we pulled in into a dirt road that goes along the banks of a river and parked the car close to an entrance of a bed and breakfast known as Cincerro. The surrounding valley green and verdant, tall trees waving to the will of the wind,the river full in flow. A great contrast to the background mountains of New Mexico that evokes the enchantments of desert life, very earthy and welcoming. Above us was the panorama of the big sky.
Well decorated tables of white cloth, blue napkins, glasses and eating utensils, plus an attractive arrangement of flowers in a small transparent vase set at the center of each table. A white tent pitched at a corner to provide shade for those who wanted to redeem themselves from too much sunshine.
In the midst of about 120 people of smiling faces, well dressed and pleasant demeanors, we (Ali, Amelia and I) sang two songs to begin the reception. The first song was about nourishing the tree of their union, the next song was Rumi's poem on marriage (May this marriage be blessed... may this marriage be sweet milk, full of laughter, a seal of happiness).
It was a beautiful day, the reception was amazing. I had a good time.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Music for the Soul
Its a joy to announce that as from May 23rd when rehearsal for Music for the Soul begins, this blog will be dedicated to giving you updates on the tour.
From June 1- 28 2008, Ali Youssefi and I are going on a one month musical journey through the following cities: Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Scottsdale, Tucson, Los Angeles, Fresno, San Francisco, Visalia, Sacramento, Salem, Hood River, Portland, and Seattle.
Please have us in your prayers as well as make yourself one of our dedicated fans.
We Love you.
Enjoy the music:
http://www.myspace.com/ayoussefi (Ali)
http://www.myspace.com/besungu (Gustaff)
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Potter's Cup
Oh brother I feel your pain
I know your struggles
I hear your cry
This world seem cruel sometimes
But remember, waves come and go
Seasons change, flowers bloom and wither
It's all part of the evolution of growth
You grow in pain and become stronger
A mother cries at labor, smiles when the child is born
She knows the reward of her pain
Who I my to lecture you about Life?
Life is you and you are life
You know your soul best
And you'll find what makes you grow
I once met a potter who made only cups
I asked, "Why make only cups?"
She smiled and said,
"A cup holds only to give."
You are a cup, always ready to give
Give yourself to the universe
And trust, it will burn your veils
And let you see the light that you truly are
Worries are like sand in a runners shoes,
Dust them away, put them to the side
And focus on your journey.
I know your struggles
I hear your cry
This world seem cruel sometimes
But remember, waves come and go
Seasons change, flowers bloom and wither
It's all part of the evolution of growth
You grow in pain and become stronger
A mother cries at labor, smiles when the child is born
She knows the reward of her pain
Who I my to lecture you about Life?
Life is you and you are life
You know your soul best
And you'll find what makes you grow
I once met a potter who made only cups
I asked, "Why make only cups?"
She smiled and said,
"A cup holds only to give."
You are a cup, always ready to give
Give yourself to the universe
And trust, it will burn your veils
And let you see the light that you truly are
Worries are like sand in a runners shoes,
Dust them away, put them to the side
And focus on your journey.
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