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#623389 06/06/08 01:55 PM
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I am interested in hearing about what it is that makes you special. What is the talent, related to music and songwriting, that you have come to recognize as a "gift" or talent you possess-or it may possess you, and that's OK too. For instance: perhaps you have perfect pitch; maybe you can "hear" a whole arrangement in your head before it ever becomes tangable; maybe ideas and word play come easy to you; maybe you are great at discovering the perfect "hook"; maybe you are tireless in the persuit of perfection in the final product (a particular weakness of mine) or maybe you have a talent for "sizing up" a song and know how to fix it. Whatever it is, I would like to hear what you think about your own gift.

I am not trying to give you a platform to boast- be honest- I am interested in that gift you have that you are grateful for.


"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein
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I have the desire to live the most creative life possible. I follow my inspiration. I try to keep my feet on the path in the face of the odds. I am grateful for all I have and for surviving thus far. I am a dreamer. "The Artist's Way", "You'll See It When You Believe It", "The New Earth", "On Songwriting", "Creative Visualization" are just some of the many books that inspire me.


Vikki Flawith: Songwriter/Composer, Singer/Voice Teacher

12Feb10- *NEW BLOG: "BE YOUR OWN GURU ;)"

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Joe
As much as I hate to approach this subject I will.
My Talent? Hmmmmm..
I don't yet know if I have any real talent....I mean that kind of talent that separates us from the rest of the world.
Strictly musically speaking I don't know.
I was a very talented carpenter, still am. Not much I can't build or create in that respect.

If I have any significant musical talent I have not found it yet.
I'm not saying it isn't there...I just have not found it. I can play a little guitar but I will never be good at it.
I believe it will be in the creative area. The lyrics. I might be able to develop some new sound once I have learned a bit more about music but I kind of doubt it will change the music world.

I like to think I could write a song, and music to it, that would set the music world on its ear. But no one has done that since the Beatles and I truly doubt I have that much talent.


Bill
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To paraphrase the movie, "I see dead animals."

Joe

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LOL


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Bill, we talked about the definition of talent some time ago and my conclusion was that most of the time it is acquired by practice and discipline. You can practice the guitar every day and think that you are on a plateau and not getting any better. The truth is that you are getting better but just you can't tell. Others can.
I read once that you were learning "Travis" style picking. That is a very impressive way to play the guitar and the only way to master it is to practice. I hope you are still working on it. You have to be persistent even when you think you're in a rut, because the truth is you can only get better. Ben

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Writing.


"No man but a blockhead ever wrote except for money." Johnson.
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For me, everything in the "musical world" is a struggle. I don't have a good ear, can't sing that well, don't practice as much as I could ... and I don't really have that drive for "musical perfection" that others may have.

Nonetheless, I enjoy the stuff I do and I can listen to my own stuff -- in fact, I have no problem saying that I like my own songs. I probably won't ever have any commercial success, but I always think "maybe this one will be a winner". Maybe I'm just a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.

Kevin

Kevin


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To offer insight with humor.

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Joe,

Good question. I am willing to bet that others percieve our talents much differently than we do. I don't mean just the degree of talent; but alsothe areas of strengths and weaknesses.

Above all else, my ability to play guitar is my greatest talent in the field of music. Not only is it a talent at which ihave become proficient; but also one that I enjoy immensly. I am 61 years old, have been playing professionally (making money at it) since 1962. I still practice 2 - 3 hours daily, unless Helen's medical requirements do not allow it, or other unexpected situations arise. And, almost everyday, I learn a new lick or a new chord progression.

My second decent talent is composing and arranging. I think I do a pretty decent job in those areas as well. I have been doing a lot of it lately...some for myself, but mostly for other folks.

Beyond guitar playing and composing/arranging, my musical talents diminish very quickly. Although I wish I were a decent singer, better lyricist and a better pianist, I am not unhappy. I enjoy the talernts that I do have and admire and respect the talents that other folks have that I do not.

Now, if Sub answers this, it's gonna take a while!

Alan

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Joe... and the rest of JPF:

Your question... What is your talent? Wow. A difficult one to answer. It requires some soul searching and objectivity.

If I were forced to pick only one... it would be a vivid imagination. That cannot be practiced unless it is initially possessed. (e.g.: You were born with it.) Certainly, it can be nurtured and encouraged. It can even be suppressed. But, in my opinion, it cannot be created if you do not already have it embedded in your genes.

As songwriters, we often feel (probably as David felt when he faced Goliath) alone, exposed, afraid and quite vulnerable. Most of us fear ridicule or harsh criticism. We care too deeply about what others think. We want our work to be enjoyed, accepted and constantly on the voices of the general public... as well as those of the movers and shakers in the music industry.

If I possess talent... it is only because I have a vivid imagination... and a fierce work ethic.

How's that for a long-winded answer?

Dave

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I can whistle and hum the "Looney Tunes" theme at the same time.


You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. -Johnny Cash

It's only music.
-niteshift

Mike Dunbar Music

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Mike, can you do that on one foot?

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Heck, I can do it in two yards.


You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. -Johnny Cash

It's only music.
-niteshift

Mike Dunbar Music

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I can make a fart noise with my armpit.

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All right! I see the makings of a band here...

Joe

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Sorry Joe, We TD's can't help it.

For me, it's getting inside of different styles or genres. I guess it's because I like everything. Last night, I played rock and blues at B.B.King's in downtown Nashville. Today I worked on some original new age midi stuff. Tomorrow afternoon, I'll play rock and old country at a county fair and tomorrow night it will be a mix of R&B, jazz, rock and country with Razzy Bailey at a club in Franklin. Next weekend I'm off to Virginia to play at a bluegrass festival. In a few weeks, it will be Irish pub music at another fair with Bernadette, and late in the month I'm playing a jazz gig.

To me, it's really all the same stuff, basically, just a few different grooves, a few different rules. If I don't break too many rules, it sounds authentic. A lot of players who "change up" don't sound authentic. I think the reason I pull it off is because I love it all...love it all madly. It's amazing to hear a blazing rocker or a mind blowing jazzer who puts down country or bluegrass...but they can't play it...they sound awful. Then there are cats like Mark O'Connor or Victor Wooten, Bela Fleck or Edgar Meyers. I'm not in the league with those guys, can't even carry their cases, but I think they love it all too ...love it madly.


You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. -Johnny Cash

It's only music.
-niteshift

Mike Dunbar Music

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Originally Posted by Mark Kaufman
I can make a fart noise with my armpit.


Do you like to sniff your hand afterwards?

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Mike...
What's Mark O'Connor up to these days? I have heard neither hide nor hair of him in quite a while. What a craftsman on the fiddle!

You can PM, if you don't mind, so we don't pull this thread off course. Just wonderin' about him. Thanks in advance.

Alan


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Originally Posted by Samuel (joe) Harris
I am interested in that gift you have that you are grateful for.


I am grateful for the passed down ability to play by ear,
and for the physical ability to use independence early on, (from my sports abilities).

The thing I am pleased with most though, is the passion/love I have for music, (playing or listening): The way it encourages me to feel strongly in one mood or another. Without that, I might not be using any gifts to this date! So,,,,the gift of "love"

My family tree provided the genes for music and sports. God knows where the love comes from!

John


Actually a Member Since 1996 or 97 (Number One Hundred Something).
https://www.soundclick.com/bands3/default.cfm?bandID=1409522





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Originally Posted by Mark Kaufman
I can make a fart noise with my armpit.


That is nothing...... I can do the real thing. and make a tune. The other day I managed the first six notes of Big Spender. I admit it was a bit off tune. But hey practice makes perfect.

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The tireless pursuit to make tangible what I hear in my head, to the highest level of excellence I can acheive. Creating melodies and going with my gut feelings.

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I guess iam just lucky to be born with an appreciation and love for music...if i didn't have that,then i reckon it would be a pretty boring life.The rest just falls into line...but i definately take my love for music off my mothers side...My old man didn't know a crotchet from a hatchet...his ears were painted on...and by the way he was a past master at making rude noises as well....but it wasn't with his armpits..lol...Terry..

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I think the kind of talent you are talking about is already there when you are born..the good ear, the flair for rhyme and word play, prosody etc.. Of course these talents can be tweaked and improved upon..but I don't think they can be learned. A good example are these child prodigys who at age 6 or 8 can play Chopin or other masters without benefit of training but only hearing it. Or Math prodigys who can understand complex equations at an early age. These are God-given gifts no matter what religion you believe in.

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Originally Posted by Mike Dunbar
Next weekend I'm off to Virginia to play at a bluegrass festival.

Where, when and who???? If it is not too far maybe I will try and make it. Haven't been to a bluegrass festival since Merlefest quite a few years back.

Kevin


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i sneeze in A minor, burp in E flat, and fart in G7, all while peein' in a five gallon bucket, yep i'm a one man band...haven't tried that Big Spender yet though Jim...sorry Joe, i couldn't resist playin' with the class clowns...mj

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blush


My Music at Soundclick
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_music.cfm?bandID=788266

~call it a blessing or call it a curse, but I see all of life in verse~

Always open to collaborations smile

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Good question.

I can read a story or watch a movie, pick it apart and put it back together again much better than it started out. I'm gifted at grammar and spelling and can proofread anything. Don't know why... was sort of born that way.

Musically, I was blessed with a nice set of vocal cords, but I have yet to learn how to produce proper & true notes with them. smile

My real gift though, is that I can get back up every time I get knocked down, and learn from whatever it was that hit me. smile

Linda

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Going by my poor showing on OurStage, it appears I have no talent. LOL


The more you taste the bitterness of defeat, the sweeter final victory will be

May the flowers of love forever bloom in your garden of life

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Hey! Everett, not a fair judgment call. smile

Linda

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Ev, I would agree with Linda. Sometimes all it means is the people listening are lacking in taste.

Joe

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Hey Everett
We need a channel for us.


Bill
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Skype; bill.robinson12

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." --Thomas Jefferson didn't say it

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I cause disruptiion mayhem and danger where ever I go...




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When I worked in radio, I was able to pick the songs that were going to the top from the rest of the filler the labels put out... that was a useful little talent.


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I think probably my talent is being able to imagine every part of a song, all the sounds at once, and to clearly visualize the structure of the piece. It's really loud up there in my head, but it helps me focus quickly when it comes time to actually play.

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I Like Mattbanx reply because I feel that in his songs, Bowie was another who could visualise all the parts and sounds before he went into the studio.

Sadly the most brilliant guitarists, do not make the best composers Allen. But you have one great talent playing the guitar.

The Beatles were not brilliant guitarists, but their uses of chord changes via modulations and lyric prosody put them well ahead of every pop composer of that period.

My own greatest talent is vocals, I can change my voice to suit most styles, this is an asset when making demos.

As Ben says Bill you can become a better guitarist by practice but you do need Talent, and Talent can not be learned.

Everett, get out of your box change your life style a little, get with it, you come over as a nice guy but a bit of a square. and maybe read that book Vicki reads Creative Visualisation.

Skills can be learned But Talent is something you are born with.


Have been working at E.M.I. Hayes U.K. in many departments starting as Tea Boy and worked through to A and R, New Artist Management,
Co Writing , with Boy Bands, and some solo acts
I have always played in bands,

SPLIT LEVEL
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Linda

Great reply that is how you will get there despite being knocked off the ladder a few times.

Sorry Mark I got the name wrong but it was meant for you and Mattbanx.

Noel , Well done I like an honest man, who can admit his faults.

I manage to upset a few here, because I am too honest, with critiques. No pats on the back unless deserved.

Why should we patronise, each other? No one gets anywhere, when average to poor songs get rave reviews from fellow amateurs.

But I'm not out to make cheap friends, be realistic guys and you will get somewhere, providing you work hard and listen to those a bit further up the ladder than you.

Anyone who has had success has also had their share of being told they are crap. That's a fact of life.


Have been working at E.M.I. Hayes U.K. in many departments starting as Tea Boy and worked through to A and R, New Artist Management,
Co Writing , with Boy Bands, and some solo acts
I have always played in bands,

SPLIT LEVEL
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Hey Split show us your talent.

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Hey Split Level, when you call me square, is it me personally that's square or my songs? LOL. I'm too old and set in my ways to change now. I'll just have to look for some square holes to plug. LOL

Jim, thanks for straightening me out on the number of plays thing.


The more you taste the bitterness of defeat, the sweeter final victory will be

May the flowers of love forever bloom in your garden of life

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On a more serious note...i am not there yet, but i can feel the development of a writing style that matches lyrical content to music that really brings it to life, they match and intertwine with a groove built in that helps the message be delivered. i'm specifically speaking of writing Country,Americana, and Folk music here...the rock is less lyrically oriented so music and rythym are more of the driving forces when i compose in that genre... a skill i am continuing to develop is the ability to step in and improve or complete, or rewrite a song from wherever it is in its development, lyric, chord, rythym, or melody...moker

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I just think funny....can't help it...try to have my sweet, sensitive side emerge sometime....but, the funny takes it by the throat and chokes it occasionally.

Naw....its not all that bad, but I do think that I look at things a little differently than at least SOME, but in a GOOD way.
I don't take myself too seriously and try to stay open to my own weird interpretation of the world around me....

Yours truly....Jan

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Hi Joe,

I have always felt like I have the "gift" of playing by ear. I know how to read music somewhat and have taught guitar lessons (mostly beginners), but I can (usually) walk onstage and just start playing along with someone even on a song I have never heard. I said (most) of the time.. there's always those few times when I don't have a clue. HA. I do feel this is a gift though because I know plenty of folks who can't do this and can only play if sheet music is in front of them. The one genre I would probably have the most problem with though is Jazz. I also feel like I have a talent for communicating with other people. I think I can "teach" something well. A lot of people who are masters with their calling can't teach it to someone else. This is one reason I have become involved with my state's music organization, the Georgia Music Industry Association. I feel like I can give to the music community here and maybe help some folks out.. and last but not least, I am happy to be able to put together melodies pretty quickly... now lyrics, that's a whole other story for me. Thanks for listening and asking.

~~shelia

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Tough question to answer because I don't think I have a strong talent in any area of music. But if I had to pick one it would probably be harmonies. I just seem to hear them really easily. On top of that, I have a bland voice which is fairly well suited to them - as it supports but does not distract from the main vocalist.

Scott

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Originally Posted by Scott Campbell
Tough question to answer because I don't think I have a strong talent in any area of music. Scott


You have talent in communicating a song, and through pictures!

Seems to have been there as long as I have been hearing your songs, so I consider that to be your talent, rather than just hard work.

John


Actually a Member Since 1996 or 97 (Number One Hundred Something).
https://www.soundclick.com/bands3/default.cfm?bandID=1409522





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He's also one of the best lyricists in town...lyrics that haunt you and reveal further meanings after you think on them awhile.


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Thanks everyone for responding. Scott's post about harmony made me think of my sister Judi who could pull out the harmony parts of Simon and Garfunkel and the Everly Brothers songs when, to my ear, they were so tight I couldn't unravel them. The ability to pull up the perfect harmony part is to me a gift I wish I had.
The most fun I have on stage these days is singing with someone who can add the perfect harmony to my lead vocal.

I think my musical gift may be rhythm. When I was in the second grade, I was pulled out of class to audition as a drummer in the Barcenona Elementary school band in Albuquerque New Mexico. Out of the scores of students who auditioned, I was picked even though I had never even held a drum stick before. I played through high school and then was a drummer in a rock and roll band in Eugene, Oregon for 2 years. I was drafted into the service and learned guitar at 20 and never played drums again in a band. That was 40 years ago and last Friday night I was asked to play drums with a professional band in front of about 200 people. The regular drummer broke his ribs and could not last 3 sets. When I got on stage, it felt like I had never left the traps. At first I was nervous because of how much time had passed yet I played for two hours and never felt like I was over my head- from Johnny B Goode, Summer Time, Ghost Riders in the Sky; and covering the Eagles, Lynard Skynard, Hank Williams or Chuck Berry. Once I looked at the base player and he gesutured that he wanted to synopate a break in the middle of a blues song (I had never heard the song before) and we pulled it off perfectly without him saying a word. In the last set, I did play guitar and I sung Margaritaville, Peaceful Easy feeling and Tequila Sunrise. The drummer (with the broken ribs) did play the last set. My songs went over very well but I knew right then that while I was only a fair guitar player, I was a very good drummer. I think we all are more blind to what comes easy to us- and that is my definition of "talent"- it is what comes easy. When we are young, we tend to think that if we can do "it", anyone can- and it may take years to recognize our talent for what it is.

I posted this question of "what is your talent" before my experience playing drums in band I mentioned above. I was not even thinking about the gift I have for drumming when I posted it. Playing with the band was a fluke. I was invited out of the blue because the base player had heard me sing and had originally invited me to a jam session to sing and play guitar. It was later that he found out that I once played drums. Had he known it was 40 years ago, I doubt he would have even considered me. Yesterday he called me up and asked me back to play drums at the next event.

If I have a talent in the "writing" department, it is probably the same talent I had in high school and college in writing essays- (which today I apply to lyrics). For some reason, I excelled in "contrast and comparison". When I write, I have the ability to see hundreds of similarities and differences in a subject. It is like there is a "stream" flowing in my mind and I can pull down an idea out of this flow, fit it to another idea and then return it to the stream- it is kind of like a savant skill- something like the guy who can quote 50,000 places of the number pi (3.1416...) For him it is easy because all those numbers are like walking through a landscape- as real as if he were walking though his own house- the chair is next to the table by the lamp etc. To him, the 3 is always sitting next to the 1 and the 4 etc. For me, ideas have a "landscape" and they are very easy to navigate because I don't feel they are "mine". I am just visiting them. I don't "possess" them and they don't possess me.

My son Jose has a talent for running. Without training, this year he set his Middle School record for the mile run and won district in the 800 meters and the mile run. In his mind, he is a soccer player not a runner, but now he has a big head and thinks he is God's gift to running. I told him that talent is worth nothing if you don't develop it. There is no way in the world that anyone can be world class without dedicated effort. Jose would have to train tirelessly to be world class even with his "head start". That is probably true of anything. Somebody with little "talent" but with a willingness to work stands a better chance to succeed than a talented person who is unwilling to work. In fact a talented person who is unwilling to work is guaranteed to fail.


"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein
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Look at my posts.....tell me what my talent is.....
All I am gonna tell you is writing poetry, lyrics, commentaries, editorials, and essays.

Perhaps hearing my own contributions reflected from your eyes may help to easily define it?


Co-Write Friendly.....Look at my blog on My Space.

http://www.cherokee46x@yahoo.com
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http://www.facebook.com/sambwilson

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When I met Al David last summer at Pinevest and heard him play guitar in his hotel room, I was impressed, and surprised, with his playing. I encouraged him to do a song at the showcase at Lyrix that he played in the hotel room. It was a particularly clever song very heavy on guitar riffs. He did play it and it was appreciated enthusiastically by the audience. Until I heard him play that night in the hotel I didn't realize how good he was. I suspect, as I suggested earlier, that sometimes the talent we have is not as valued by us because it comes easy and we don't necessarily value what comes easy. We tend to value and admire what is hard for us. It is not that Al doesn't work hard at guitar because I am sure he does. I think it is more that when he is "working", his effort is not tedious or drudgery but light and satisfying. You have to do what you enjoy. Maybe we are too hard on ourselves when it comes to what we can't do and too dismissive of what we can do.


"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein
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Originally Posted by Samuel (joe) Harris
I suspect, as I suggested earlier, that sometimes the talent we have is not as valued by us because it comes easy and we don't necessarily value what comes easy. We tend to value and admire what is hard for us.


Great point, Joe....

I was going to answer with something related to writing. Then I thought about it smile

Harmonies come pretty easy to me - when Louis or Ben ships me a song, I'm usually able to sing a harmony part while I'm listening to it for the first time. So I feel that is something I was maybe born with.....

Thanks for the props on the writing, Mark and John. I don't see that as a talent though because it takes me so long. If I can write one song a month, I think I'm on a roll! I'll spend days on a single line. So less a talent and more a monkey with a million typewriters and a million years kinda thing. smile

Which is why I admire it so much in others. When I see someone announce a challenge on the forums and people supplying lyrics, and sometimes even songs (Mark) within hours, my head spins at how they can pull that off. grin

So I didn't value my harmonies - never even thought about them really - because they came too easy. It was only after I thought, "Well, what is it that comes easy to me?" that I went with that answer. smile

Thanks for that, Joe......


Scott


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I second that, Scott - your harmonies, AND your songwriting in general, are real talents. smile I can hear harmonies in my head easily... getting them to come out on pitch is, hm, not my talent. Ha! (I'll add "yet" to that - I have hope I'll get there)

Thanks, Split - sometimes I wonder *why* I keep getting back up, but I can't help myself. LOL.

I also have a disarming smile. Gets me out of trouble a lot. grin

Linda


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