I had hernia surgery when I was 25 years old. I couldn’t play the saxophone for about three weeks. But I would play the penny whistle every day instead. It is a free blowing instrument, so there is no pressure from the diaphragm. So that is my pennywhistle healing story.
I wonder how that compares with the respiratory hygiene Inspirometers we had people use post surgery during my nursing career? It would be much more fun.
Singing & whistling are also controllable & stimulate the thymus gland and immune system...very good for healing.
I've always thought that playing a compilation of Ben Webster ballads over a loudspeaker might be a way to calm down demonstrators involved a civil disturbance.
I started listening to meditation type music at night when I sleep. After 2 weeks I realized I had stopped biting my nails. I made no effort to stop, just quit. I’d bitten them all my life
When referring to your excellent writing to friends and acquaintances I would like to be assured that I am pronouncing your last name correctly....help please?
"If I only get to bring one recording to a desert island, the lyrics better be about how to make a boat." Lovely bit of sleight of hand in that sentence that seems to sum up your approach to music, writing, and life, Ted. As serious as your life :)
Mr. G. So often you leave me dumbfounded. I mean this is the best sense of the word. Insights that strip away psychic blinders (psychological), foolish prejudicial worldviews. Shaking me awake. Continue, please.
There’s no question that music is therapeutic. It is used quite often in other therapies such as with autistic people or traumatized children. Bless you as always for your amazing insights.
what a joy Ted! thank you so much for your insights and your stories. Every day a song magically appears and fills me with rhythm so I pick up the guitar and follow the calling, what a blessing!
Ted, do you know that Doris Duke had a magnificent house in Honolulu, just the other side of Diamond Head from Waikiki? Another possible connection with the Brubeck story. Btw, the house is an amazing collection of Islamic art, managed by the Honolulu Art Museum, and if you plan way ahead you can get tickets to tour.
Wonderful column as always. Quick question: Shortly before Dave Brubeck died, there were stories about him writing his autobiography. Do you know the status of this project? Did it die with him, like Stanley Crouch's second Bird volume?
Just found I have four new subscribers to my Substack, which got me thinking about the alignment of the stars or something... Then Ted I saw that you'd referenced me in this post. Very thoughtful of you, I wasn't expecting it!
I had hernia surgery when I was 25 years old. I couldn’t play the saxophone for about three weeks. But I would play the penny whistle every day instead. It is a free blowing instrument, so there is no pressure from the diaphragm. So that is my pennywhistle healing story.
I wonder how that compares with the respiratory hygiene Inspirometers we had people use post surgery during my nursing career? It would be much more fun.
Singing & whistling are also controllable & stimulate the thymus gland and immune system...very good for healing.
Brilliant, as always Mr Gioia! I so enjoy your perspective. Thank you!
“A song is like the fish and loaves in the miracle story—everyone who hears it can keep it, and it’s still there for the next person.” 🐟🍞
I've always thought that playing a compilation of Ben Webster ballads over a loudspeaker might be a way to calm down demonstrators involved a civil disturbance.
I started listening to meditation type music at night when I sleep. After 2 weeks I realized I had stopped biting my nails. I made no effort to stop, just quit. I’d bitten them all my life
When referring to your excellent writing to friends and acquaintances I would like to be assured that I am pronouncing your last name correctly....help please?
Thanks for asking. Gioia is pronounced JOY-uh. It rhymes with paranoia.
"If I only get to bring one recording to a desert island, the lyrics better be about how to make a boat." Lovely bit of sleight of hand in that sentence that seems to sum up your approach to music, writing, and life, Ted. As serious as your life :)
Mr. G. So often you leave me dumbfounded. I mean this is the best sense of the word. Insights that strip away psychic blinders (psychological), foolish prejudicial worldviews. Shaking me awake. Continue, please.
There’s no question that music is therapeutic. It is used quite often in other therapies such as with autistic people or traumatized children. Bless you as always for your amazing insights.
what a joy Ted! thank you so much for your insights and your stories. Every day a song magically appears and fills me with rhythm so I pick up the guitar and follow the calling, what a blessing!
Ted, do you know that Doris Duke had a magnificent house in Honolulu, just the other side of Diamond Head from Waikiki? Another possible connection with the Brubeck story. Btw, the house is an amazing collection of Islamic art, managed by the Honolulu Art Museum, and if you plan way ahead you can get tickets to tour.
Wonderful column as always. Quick question: Shortly before Dave Brubeck died, there were stories about him writing his autobiography. Do you know the status of this project? Did it die with him, like Stanley Crouch's second Bird volume?
Just found I have four new subscribers to my Substack, which got me thinking about the alignment of the stars or something... Then Ted I saw that you'd referenced me in this post. Very thoughtful of you, I wasn't expecting it!
wow!
Outstanding!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Healing_Force#/media/File:Healing_Force.jpg
Peace.