Richard Fidler and Liz Gilbert on facing fear and finding creativity

by: Jennifer Richardson on

This is a little rave about a recorded conversation from 2015 with Richard Fidler from the ABC's Conversation series and Liz Gilbert. 

Conversations with Richard Fidler are lengthy enough to draw you deep into the lives of extraordinary people. And this episode not only drew me deeper into part of what makes Liz Gilbert tick but it could be a game changer for me. She articulated exactly what I feel so passionate about and the very essence of the thinking behind The Create Escape.

Listen to the recording here>>

I hope you enjoy it and get as much out of it as I have.

Qawwali: Mystical Sufi Gospel

by: Jennifer Richardson on

Here's a little gem of an article and clip of the great Qawwali singer Abida that I found on KCRW RHTHM PLANET.  Plus a little video of the great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Live: Allah Hoo

Abida Parveen is the most famous female qawwali vocalist, adored by fans all over the world. I heard her once in Orange County years ago. She has a big voice, perfect pitch, and a powerful, ecstatic delivery.  She will occasionally visit the U.S., but you will likely not know about it unless you read the local Pakistani newspapers.

In a 2013 article in the UK paper The Guardian, Parveen said, “My culture–our culture–is rich in spirituality and love. Sufism is not a switch, the music isn’t a show–it’s of life, it is religion. If I want to recognized for anything, if we should be recognized for anything, it’s the journey of the voice. And that voice is God’s.” Qawwali, like gospel music in the U.S., is a communal experience, a joy meant to be shared.

I did not include another famous qawwali group, the Sabri Brothers, because their tracks are super long. Sadly, I recently wrote a post about one of their founding members who was murdered by an Islamic extremist. Sufi gospel is a way of getting closer to the divine, both for listeners and performers.  Dictatorships and Islamist hardliners don’t like music, don’t trust it either. We’ve seen that in the Soviet Union, Chile, Argentina, Iran, and other places.

For those who don’t know about this powerful and ecstatic music, let it be a reminder that its message of peace and harmony is an antidote to the turmoil in Pakistan that we hear in the news.

Credit to @TomSchnabel

Food, wine on the Dalmation Coast

by: Jennifer Richardson on

I traveled 30 hours - Sydney - Singapore - London - Zagreb - Split and possied up in a sweet room with a view.  I'm one happy camper!

I'm here for a week long recce to further explore the food, wine, singing and culture of the Dalmation Coast and of this little town before our Sailing and Culture trip departs to other islands on Saturday. I have to say that I am not disappointed.

Recce trips can be fun and it has been easy slipping into a routine here. The day begins with a walk through the old town to the cafe so I get my caffeine hit and take in the atmosphere, I then head off to the markets to buy my food for lunch. Walking through the vibrant market and stopping to buy delicious fresh produce is my kind'a heaven.

 

My favorite little piazza for morning coffee.

Trogir Markets.

 Winding my way back through these gorgeous little alleys is such a delight.

 And again the food... think fresh, think Mediterranean.. Adriatic to be more precise.

 This little town really does it for me with all it's light and shade

Plans for another cooking and culture retreat are nicely brewing.

Contact us know if you wish to know more >>

Singing and Sailing along the Dalmation Coast

by: Jennifer Richardson on

The intrepid traveler goes in search of new adventures to offer my fellow singers as well as cooks.. and I was pleasantly surprised to find some gorgeous a cappella music here.

Check out these local a cappella groups from the Dalmation Coast.

 

I think there will be a Singing and Sailing trip coming up soon with one of our hero choir directors and some local celebrity involvement .. you can tell me what you think of this idea too >>

One Human Family - Eric Dozier

by: Jennifer Richardson on

Ok try not to tap your feet and listen to this at the same time.

I'm looking forward to singing some gospel with my hero Eric Dozier.