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Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Music soothes the soul

I had much to say about my trip from Alberta to The Wet Coast this past weekend, so I did a great deal of writing yesterday, preparatory to Our World Tuesday, but I wasn't really satisfied with the my results.
Yes, while I was in BC, I visited family and friends.
It was wonderful to see my family: my young brother, my sister-in-law, my nieces, grandniece, cousins and, in particular, my aunt.
I have described my aunt elsewhere as 'indomitable' and she undoubtedly is.

Now, however, for Our World Tuesday, I think I'd like to share something else from that visit to British Columbia...music as sung by a barbershop chorus.

Wikipedia photo, men's barbershop chorus
At a gathering in memory of my friend Jim, whom I had known from the time he was a toddler and I was his babysitter, I enjoyed hearing some beautiful, beautiful music.
Jim was a dedicated member of a men's barbershop chorus, singing a capella music in the barbershop style.
Several of his friends from the chorus joined his family and many friends at his house to help celebrate his amazing life.
Some of you might never have heard of a barbershop chorus, but most of my generation will remember men's pre-rock'n'roll barbershop quartets such as the Ames Brothers (1948-1963), and women's quartets such as the Chordettes, also 1948-1963.


The Ames Brothers, left...                 The Chordettes, right



Sharing this week with another indomitable woman, Lady Fi, and her memorable meme




13 comments:

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Oh yes, barbershop quartets are still quite popular here in the UK. Wonderful close harmonies! what a wonderful way to celebrate a life. Glad you were able to be there Kay. YAM xx

Lady Fi said...

My husband sings in a barbershop choir!

Jenn Jilks said...

I'm quite familiar with them! A friend of mine was in one.

My condolences on your loss.

Powell River Books said...

And you came when it really was the "wet coast." Glad we could oblige. I just watched an old PBS documentary on Janis Joplin. I loved her music but didn't know much about her life. - Margy

Jeanna said...

It's not often you get to hear that kind of music and it sounds like a hoot and a half. Also a lovely tribute to your dear friend.

Birgitta said...

Interesting post!

jabblog said...

I love listening to barbershop - wish I could have sung in some.

Al said...

I too love music, mostly rock, jazz, and classical.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Oh I love that music!! A perfect tribute for your dear friend.

Minoru Saito said...

Hi! It looks very fun for all of them. Thanks for sharing.

Phil Slade said...

Hi Kay. Good to see you're getting around as much as ever, even mastering your new technology. An interesting post and I was about to say that barbershop quartes are pretty much unknown in modern day UK until I read that first comment. Shows how much I know about stuff other than birds.

Take care in that cold weather. Still no snow here in the sunnny west.

Ela said...

I love music and choral singing !
Interesting post!
Happy new week !

Stewart M said...

The number of times we have - shall we say - 'active discussions' about each others music in this family is reasonable high! Not sure anybody has mentioned Barbershop (yet!)

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne