Goin’ Home — A New Music Project!
Goin’ Home is a brand new music project that has been two years in the making. The project’s creator, Peter Link, is the record producer, composer, arranger and orchestrator of this work. There is a cast of wonderful 15 singers on the forthcoming CD and concert tour. This project is a beautiful, joyful, deep, amazing and diverse work dealing with a theme relevant to anyone and everyone.
Julia Wade Interview on the Bill Russo Show
I had a great New York evening last Monday night, September 12th. I was interviewed on The Bill Russo Show.
Bill Russo hosts his own blog radio show right in the heart of New York City every Monday night from 7 pm to 8 pm. The radio show is part of the Centanni Broadcasting Network that reaches live audiences in New York, Los Angeles and all the way to Italy.
Bill’s show is described as “An internet radio program with fabulous introductions of interesting and entertaining people and music with great resources for networking.”
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9/11: Sunday in New York City
Early Morning in New York City
I was grateful to be home in NYC for the anniversary of September 11th. I didn’t plan it that way. Most Sundays find me singing in Boston. On this particular Sunday, however, I was home for a few weeks of working on my new CD project.
Seth Godin
Sunday, September 11th was a beautiful day of reflection, remembrance and connection. The day began with early morning readings on 9/11. I read a beautiful blog post by Seth Godin. Be sure to check out this insightful article: “It’s Different Here.”
Peter Link
Then I read Peter Link’s profoundly moving blog post on 9/11. Enjoy his inspiring and healing view point in “Remembering”
Next, my eyes landed on a piece of sheet music on my desk. The song was Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday.” The lyrics were a PERFECT prayer to set out on this day of remembrance. And there was no choice but to listen to the great Mahalia Jackson sing this song on the Duke Ellington Black Brown and Beige album. It is transcendent. Listen here. View the lyrics here.
Finally, as a contribution to this 10th anniversary of 9/11, I posted to Facebook and Twitter a free download of my recording of Peter Link’s “In Silence” from watchfiremusic.com. It is a tribute and comforting song to anyone who has felt the loss of a loved one and who mourns. Please get your free download of “In Silence” here.
Then the day really got rolling! (more…)
On Memorization – Part 1
Part 1: “How Do You Do That?”
For the past six years, I have performed as soloist at the international headquarters of a church whose services are broadcast around the world. During this time, I have sung a different solo each week matched to the sermon to follow – and I have performed most of the songs from memory.
Performing from memory is a must-have skill for any performer, and yet it can be a rather illusive process. It was, at least, for me.
This is the first of a series of posts on memorization. Through the series, I hope to share some of the wisdom and insights I have learned through exploration, study, and sheer experience.
To begin, I have been asked the following questions often and with a certain kind of urgency: “How do you do that?” “How do you memorize your songs week after week?”
These are good questions. How do I memorize a piece of music — the words, music, melody, timing, etc. and stand up and perform this way week after week? It’s not easy. I don’t recommend it for everyone. But it’s so very worth it if you can take the leap! It is an on-going spiritual, mental and physical process.
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My Last 3 Months… A “Bleet”
Wow! I can’t believe it’s been 3 months since I have posted on my blog. I have sincerely missed writing and posting. Where does the time go? In an effort to catch up fast and move forward, I offer you… a bleet!!
What, you ask, is a bleet??? A bleet is a cross between a short blog post and a tweet. See, with a bleet, you can be short, but you don’t have to keep it to 140 characters, which, of course, is an absolute impossibility with me. (And in case you’re wondering, I just made all that up!)
So, here’s my bleet about the last 3 months:
Julia with Bryan Ashley
At The Mother Church: March, April and May took me weekly up to Boston where I continue to sing as Soloist at The Mother Church. I sang some gorgeous, inspired music ranging from the wonderful contemporary songs of Mindy Jostyn, (“I And My Father Are One” and “Prodigal Child”) to a perennial favorite, “On Eagle’s Wings,” to several deeply loved traditional treasures: “Arise, Shine” by James MacDermid (with acoustic grand piano) and the healing words and music of “Reality” by Dorothy Currey Chancellor.
At The Watchfire Music Listening Room: From March through May, I performed at The WFM Listening Room in New York City. As a partner in Watchfire Music, I have been helping to develop this wonderful performance venue with Peter Link and have also co-produced concerts when not performing:
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Check this out: “A prayer tsunami”
As we have all been trying to get our minds around the devastation of earthquake and tsunami in Japan — and as we’ve all been embracing our fellow brothers and sisters in Japan in our hearts and prayers, it is still overwhelming to me to”grok” what has happened there.
In working to get past feeling helpless and overwhelmed, I have found many articles and blog posts to be very inspiring. They are chronicling the prayers as well as the humanitarian work going on all over the world for Japan.
Here is a blog post called “A prayer tsunami” posted on christianscience.com. Check it out!
It starts off with the guest blogger, Steve Salt giving his perspective from the West Coast of the United States:
“As word spread today about the devastating earthquake that hit Japan, a wave of fear began to spread around the globe. It is palpable. Video of the destruction viewed by billions is intensifying that anxiety.
As of this writing, the west coast of the United States is under a tsunami warning and residents are bracing for possible destruction along the western shores caused by the volume and speed of ocean waters. Just as tangible are the tidal waves of apprehension.
The ripple effect of this news is a heightened sense of insecurity. It is a challenge to the human psyche when the very ground we stand on is deemed unstable. It can shake our very core.
My prayer this morning continues to rest on the unshaken realm of God’s creation. I can find security there. Life is neither fragile nor trapped on the surface of a tiny ball of dirt in the vast vacuum of space. As I study my Bible I realize that life is formidable.”
Read The Whole Blog Post
The rest of the article and the comments posted by people all over the world have been very inspiring to me. In response, I wish to share inspiration that I have discovered this week:
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What’s Love Got To Do With It? Part 1
“What’s love got to do with it”? What do you mean? What’s love got to do with what? It’s got to do with your life’s work. That’s what. So, I’m not talking about Tina Turner’s legendary view of romantic love. I’m talking about that deep spiritual, elemental kind of love that commits us to our work.
I had a great opportunity to learn more about that deep elemental love in action.
Years ago when I was a young singer at the beginning of my career, I attended a recital given by Frederica von Stade, the American opera singer and recitalist.
She was, and remains to this day, one of my favorite opera singers of all time. For me, she represents the consummate artist while possessing a largess of heart and spirit. Throughout her 40-year career, her instrument was rich, agile and glorious, and she was a wonderful actress on stage. But mostly, I always felt her joy and love — not only for her craft, but for her audience as well.
So, imagine my excitement to get to experience Frederica von Stade live in recital!
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The Road To Inspiration — Peter Link and Julia Wade
This article has been reprinted from an article first appearing in the Principia Purpose, Peter’s High School and College Alumni Magazine in December of 2010.
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A Christmas Eve Invitation
Dear Friends!
Wishing you a joyful Christmas and Holiday Season
and a most wonderful, prosperous New Year!
You are invited to spend an inspiring Christmas Eve
at Third Church of Christ, Scientist in NYC
at 63rd & Park Avenue.
With warm Christmas love to each of you!
Julia
You’re Invited…
… to the CD Release Party and Performance of my new CD Every Day with Special Guest Artist Jimmy Roberts!
Where I’ve Been… Every Day
Dear Friends!
It’s November 7th and its been 2 months and a few hours since I last posted! I’ve missed writing, but the last couple of months have been filled to the brim with finishing my brand new CD, Every Day, which will be released next week!
It’s been an extraordinary journey getting this baby into the world. I am so excited to present Every Day and look forward to sharing it with you. The CD is being finished at the masterer’s as I write.
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WFM Listening Room Opens in NYC
WFM Listening Room Opens in NYC
post by Guest Blogger
Peter Link
Wondering what the WFM Listening Room series is all about? Read on as guest blogger Peter Link regales you — as only he can do – on the launching of the very first WFM Listening Room House Concert.
And…. I hope this will also serve as a reminder that the second house concert fast approaches! On Thursday, September 16th we present the second WFM Listening Room experience.
Singer/songwriter Megan Neale will open with her own original songs, accompanied by a wonderful young guitarist, Joe Birkmann. I will perform brand new songs from my new CD “Every Day” including the title song from this forthcoming album.
Read up here about what we are doing, and if you are in NYC on Thursday night, September 16th, please join us! You’re invited!!
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WFM Listening Room Opens in NYC
A Howling Success!
by Peter Link
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhh!
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Julia Wade at the WFM Listening Room
You’re invited…
to share an evening of great music with Julia Wade at the Watchfire Music Listening Room Concert Series on Thursday, September 16th, 7:30 pm on the Upper West Side of Manhattan!
Julia Wade is proud to announce her second show at the Watchfire Listening Room House Concert Series where she will perform new songs from her forthcoming CD, “Every Day”. To read about the CD, click here.
New singer/songwriter Megan Neale will open the evening performing her own original songs.
This concert will take place on Thursday, September 16, 2010 from 7:30 pm to 9:30pm.
So come along and join us at Jenkins House Concerts just off of Central Park on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Reservations are required due to limited seating so please
RSVP by phone: (212) 244-0426
or email: listening.room@watchfiremusic.com.
We will confirm your reservation and email you the address and directions to Jenkins House Concert Space.
Cover is $15.00 — cash at the door. Light refreshments provided!
We hope to share a wonderful evening
…with YOU!
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Check out Julia’s other CDs at Watchfire Music
Every Day
On my Facebook page, a new friend asked about my forthcoming CD project – what will be the theme of it?
That’s a wonderful question whose answer has surely been on a low fire, slowly cooking and stewing and is just now coming to a full boil.
So, what’s the short answer to this burning question? Ah – you know I’m long-winded! But wait! This time I can do it! I can give you the short answer!
The new CD is about every day…
“Hmmmmm,” you inquire… “What does that mean?”
OK… here’s the long answer:
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Interview with Composer Robert Collister – Part 2
Soli Deo Gloria:
An Interview with Composer Robert Collister
Part 2
In Part 1, Watchfire Music Composer Robert Collister shared with us his early influences that led him to writing for the musical theatre. He has to date written 4 musicals and continues to be prolific in several genres of music. On writing music, Robert says, “I don’t like to take credit for what I write since I feel that I am just a vehicle from which music passes through. Bach would write on many of his compositions, ‘Soli Deo Gloria,’ — ‘To God Alone the Glory.’ I take the same position.”
Read Part 1 of the Collister Interview
In Part 2, Robert shares more about his process, inspiration and talks about his sacred and inspirational compositions. Let’s continue the conversation:
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