In Pursuit of the Muse

There is an incredible song on Dead Can Dance's seminal record "Within The Realm of A Dying Sun" entitled "Summoning of the Muse".

Isn't that the lifelong quest of anyone looking to create something distinctive, extraordinary, even magical - To summon the muse?

As not only a musician, but as a student and outright fan of music, "the muse" is always on my mind. Always. When I am composing or performing, I look to, well, summon it! When I am listening, I look to recognize it. For me, I recognize when the muse has been summoned by an artist by the way an artistic work makes me feel. Have you ever had a "goosebump moment" when experiencing a work of art in any form? Sure you have. We all have. That, to me, is an artist who has successfully summoned, and communicated, the muse. I try to cling to those moments, hoping to glean an understanding of the essence of that moment. What in that artistic offering is moving me so deeply? How might I summon the muse in my own work?

As we have all come to know, those moments when we successfully "summon the muse" are fleeting, few and far between. However, the deep, deep recognition of something quite special in those moments keeps us in pursuit of the next "muse moment". Once we experience the muse in our own efforts, it gives us a profound demonstration of, and glimpse into what is possible, thus spurring us on to experience it again.

It is, in effect, why we make the journey.

Listed below are several "muse moments" that I have found along the journey, and that have inspired me to pursue my own muse:

- Pink Floyd, "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" (Pts. 1-5)

- Pat Metheny Group, "Letter From Home"

- Daniel Lanois, "Harry"

- Bill Frisell, "Nature's Symphony"

- The Zombies, "Brief Candles"

- John Scofield, "I'll Fly Away"

- Shawn Lane, "Epilogue For Lisa"

- Bob Dylan, "Most Of TheTime"

- Mark Knopfler, "Dream Of The Drowned Submariner"

Enjoy the journey...

DR