Posts filed under ‘inspirational Music’
A Gift of Music for The New Year
Happy New Year, Everyone!
My immediate family lives a big city block away from Times Square. We live in apartments nearby with the ability to see little slivers of Times Square from our windows or balconies. But, it’s not what we can see. Rather, it’s what we can hear: the roar of the crowd. Because we can hear it, I can attest to the fact that the ball DID drop, and here we are in 2013!
As we move out into this beautiful New Year, I offer you a gift from LAST year. And it really is fitting for THIS year:
It’s the gift of music. I understand music to be immortal, transcendent, healing, ageless and timeless. It’s power, though felt in the moment, carries on way past the actual performance, especially when captured, as it was on Christmas Eve, in a podcast.
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Christmas Peace To You
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful …” Isaiah 9:6
For The Children and Staff of Sandy Hook:
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“Mother’s Evening Prayer” Music by Peter Link, Poem by Mary Baker Eddy
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Silk Road – Part 7: It’s Here!
Yes, it’s here! I’m excited! Today marks the first full day out in the world for
SILK ROAD – Inspirational Journeys Across Planet Earth.
Having officially released this new CD just last night, I’m feeling grateful and, I admit, anxious over my newborn. I’m celebrating, and fluttering nervously over my babe! It’s been quite a journey getting this child out into broad daylight. I want her to feel GOOD in the sun!
Well, like any parent, made new again by this new arrival, the new adventure begins! This new CD gets to live and breathe in the world. My hope and intention is that it will open some hearts and provoke some thoughtful responses at the very least. (To read the first 6 parts of this blog series, click here.)
The creation process of this CD has certainly changed me. It brought me further along in my own personal and artistic evolution. I think that’s the most important part for me: Evolution. I don’t EVER want to stop learning, exploring and discovering …
This project, SILK ROAD, symbolizes my quest to keep doing just those things.
Before I go any further, though, it seems like I ought to talk a little about the title song, Silk Road. It’s the third track on the CD. That’s an important spot on any album.
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Silk Road — Part 5: When He Walks With Me
An Iranian Sunni Kurdish Shepherd and Friend
This is Part 5 of a series of blog articles on my new forthcoming CD, “SILK ROAD – Inspirational Journeys Across Planet Earth.”
Click to read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.
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Songwriter Julie Gold is a modern day visionary. She might not put it that way, but she does receive regular gifts from God in the form of songs.
I am fortunate to have just recorded my third Julie Gold song, this one for the forth-coming CD, SILK ROAD. The song is called “When He Walks With Me.” It opens the CD in a most transcendent way. That’s because I am fortunate to work regularly and closely with another visionary named Peter Link.
I don’t use the term “visionary” lightly, and it truly does apply to both of these musician/thinkers. Together, through song, lyric, orchestral coloring and arrangement, “When He Walks With Me” becomes a kaleidoscope of prayer, anthem, protest and celebration.
“When He Walks With Me” is an inspirational song, which is right up my alley. What makes this one different, though, is that it’s also an issue song. It’s right there in the trenches grappling with the big world problems of today. The song has its feet planted on terra firma in its expression of hope and healing.
It’s also a love song – between me, and He who walks with me.
I believe it’s the perfect song to open a new album whose themes are sacred and Inspirational, dealing with the issues of our world today and also the personal relationships with those closest to us.
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Silk Road – Part 3: What Peace Looks Like (cont.)
Scene from “Take The Lead” with Antonio Banderas
This is a continuation of the inspiration for the song “What Peace Looks Like” on my new forthcoming CD, SILK ROAD – Inspirational Journeys Across Planet Earth. If you missed Part 1 or Part 2, please go back and get caught up!
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I wrote about the awakening of my social conscience in Silk Road – Part 2: What Peace Looks Like. I was teaching in three schools in the inner city zone of South Central Los Angeles when the Rodney King Riots broke out in 1992. Fast-forward now to the last eight years:
Hundreds of hours of travel and as many hours of pre-performance quiet added up to my reading some truly inspiring books, many non-fiction, and watching incredible call-to-action documentaries and films based on true stories. (Take The Lead starring Antonio Banderas, based on the life of well-known ballroom dancer and instructor, Pierre Dulaine, for example.) My inner experience of these stories, along with my earlier teaching sent me on the road to “What Peace Looks Like,” one of the issue songs on my new about-to-be-released CD, SILK ROAD.
In 2007, I was on tour with my inspirational concert “A Canvas Of Colors.” Very early one morning in the airport bookstore, I was browsing through the new non-fiction books, and Three Cups of Tea laser-beamed out at me. I had never heard of it until that moment. While on that tour, my life changed again: I couldn’t stop reading about how one man, Greg Mortenson, changed thousands of lives by committing to a singular goal: providing 
education for thousands of girls in countries where their schooling has traditionally been ignored.
Later, I dove deep into Greg Mortenson’s follow up book, Stones into Schools. It’s the continuing story of Greg’s incredible life work that goes forward today.
In 2009, I discovered another truly life-changing book, again, at the airport: What Is The What by Dave Eggers and Valentino Achak Deng. This is a book that I believe should be required high school reading the world over.
Silk Road – Part 2: What Peace Looks Like
This is Part 2 of a series of blog posts on my new forthcoming CD, SILK ROAD – Inspirational Journeys Across Planet Earth. If you missed the previous post, please click here to read Part 1.
A quick summary my new CD: SILK ROAD is a project that weaves together music and ideas that are shared by individuals in our own experiences the world over. The Silk Road CD has evolved into a collection of journey songs. Some are solitary journeys of the spirit within. Some are love songs — journeys of the heart. And others issue songs — outward journeys, looking at the world as it is and as it could be.
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I was going to start this second post by talking about the title song “Silk Road.” That’s where the CD’s concept really began for Peter Link, my producer and main songwriter on the CD. This song really defined the album for him.
But for me, the genesis of another song on the CD, “What Peace Looks Like,” was what gave me initial direction to the SILK ROAD experience.
“What Peace Looks Like” is one of the issue songs, or outward journeys on the CD. It’s a joyful, uptempo piece, with Afro-Caribbean music. It has a serious message set to infectious rhythms that give the song both a depth and a certain childlike quality.
Silk Road — Part 1
The Silk Road. Ever heard of it? Do you know what it is? Did you know that it really existed in history? Did you know that it began in ancient times?
You’re going to be hearing a lot about the Silk Road from me for a while. That’s because, in addition to being a historical fact in time, it’s also the title of my new CD to be released in early December: SILK ROAD – Inspirational Journeys Across Planet Earth.
SILK ROAD has been two years in the making, with, at the time of this writing, seven songs recorded, and two to go!
So, I ask again: do you know what the Silk Road is? Did you ever read about it in your history classes? I was made to be aware of it, however dimly, back in my World History class in high school. But, it did not come to Technicolor life until several years ago, when I read a wonderful book, Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World. I know, it sounds like a dry old history book focused on a ferociously inhumane dude from the 12th century …
Me and Bobby McFerrin
I walked out of church yesterday feeling really good. Feeling grateful. Just loving this September day in New York City, and feeling glad to be embarking on my Sunday walk home.
It’s been more than 7 years since I’ve gone on these Sunday walks. I was busy up in Boston. But this summer, I resumed them. It’s been natural and easy, and the tradition has quickly kicked back in. It’s about a 2-mile walk, starting on the Upper East Side with a meandering trek through Central Park, over to the West Side and another couple dozen blocks or so south to my own Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood.
I love this walk. Anything or nothing can happen on it. Often I crave the nothingness that happens – just walking in the city and seeing the people outside in all seasons and all weather.
An Interview by Alysia Stern for Spot On Long Island
Hello my dear blogger world! Here’s what seems to be my 2nd quarter blog post. Eeek! Sorry to be so long silent. To get back to blogging, let me share with you an article in which Alysia Stern interviewed me, which is featured this month in an online magazine, Spot On Long Island. I really enjoyed talking with Alysia and thinking through some of the early foundations and supporters of my music career. I hope you enjoy, and I am looking forward to talking with you more. Blessings and Light to all of you!
Here’s the Interview:
Classical Crossover Singer Julia Wade
re-posted from http://spotonli.com/2012/06/classical-crossover-singer-julia-wade/
Classical Crossover Singer Julia Wade
by Alysia Stern
Julia Wade is an innovational Classical Crossover singer who sings alluring music of inspiration within an eclectic range of genres. She has harmoniously performed across the United States and has also has an incredible international career. Her talented endeavors incorporate performances involving theater, opera and cabarets, including live stage appearances at The Rome Opera, Carnegie Hall, & Teatro Massimo di Palermo.
Julia has released several CDs including one in fluent Spanish. She acquired her radiant reputation with a large fan base in an international congregation. On top of being the Soloist at the international headquarters of the Christian Science Church on Boston, she has also created an entire character motif using her harmonious voice to illuminate the adorable story of Custard the Dragon, a CD and book set for children. Her newest CD, entitled Silk Road, is due to be released shortly.
When did you find your voice?
It took me years to realize that I’ve been singing all my life. Even from the age of 3! I remember climbing into the lowest branch of the willow tree in our back yard as a tiny little girl. I would sit in my perch and sing! I would make up songs about nature.
I really found my voice, though, after years of playing the flute in band and finally joining the Sophomore Girls’ Choir in high school. I didn’t even have to audition for it, but the minute I walked in, it was like the world changed and I felt like I had come home. That was it. After that, it really was all about singing.
I received conservatory-style training in college and earned a Bachelor of Music degree at San Jose State University with an emphasis in vocal performance.
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Old Quarter, New Quarter, Next Quarter – Another “Bleet!”
Hello Friends!
It’s 2012 and it’s been that way for 2 whole months! Whew! So Happy New Year, Happy Valentine’s Day, and Happy President’s Day are greetings already of the past. AND… I know it’s been too long since I last blogged – October, in the final quarter of 2011, to be exact…
OK, so here’s a quick run down of last quarter 2011, along with this new quarter in 2012 and thoughts on the next quarter coming up. Ah, yes, it’s another “Bleet” — that series of really short items (mini-blog posts), but longer than tweets — to catch you up!
I left off in October 2011 telling you all about a Kickstarter Campaign to raise funds for Peter Link’s brand new CD Goin’ Home…
November 2, 2011: Hooray!!! Peter Link met his Kickstarter goal of raising $9500 (he raised even more!) to finish the recording, packaging and releasing of Goin’ Home. The best way to check out exactly HOW he did that is to visit the Peter Link Goin’ Home Kickstarter Campaign.
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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…)
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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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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