Frank Sinatra

Intro

Aside from instrumental music, vocal songs are the heart and soul of todays and tomorrows popular music. These singers often have other worldly voices that leave us awestruck. Many of us, besides singing in the shower, are often terrible when it comes to singing. However, an individual such as Sinatra, brings a certain color to the canvas.

Early Life

Frank Sinatra was born on the 12th of December 1915. From the very beginning he has been involved in singing. In the late 30's, he had begun his long musical career as a boy singer in swing music. However he first hit it big in the 1940's, when he signed a contract with "Columbia Records", as a solo singer. Throughout the 1950's he worked as an actor, and received an Academy Award, in his first film "From here to Eternity". Rarely writing, Sinatra was purely a singer, in fact only "helping" with writing two songs in his entire career. It wasn't until the 1960's when singer/songwriters could seriously stand toe to toe with Sinatra.

Music

Throughout Frank Sinatra's musical career he was thoroughly successful, making the top charts of popular magazines for decades. He is referred to as one of the greatest singers of all time, having a gifted voice.

However, because he rarely wrote anything, he can not be said as to "revolutionize" music in the ways of such bands like the Beatles, and Elvis. If anything can be said of Sinatra, it is that he spoke his songs with passion, and an interpretation that could make meek songs, standout as some of the best. Here is a link to just some of his music.

 http://www.allmusic.com/album/sinatra-sings-great-songs-from-great-britain-mw0000095905

Violin

Introduction

My Artwork

First and foremost, although this particular blog deals with violins, and its fairly rich impact on music, all musical instruments are vital to "good music". It may be bluntly obvious to you that the instruments of music are needed for song. However, we often take these tools for granted, and its role should not be ignored.

Many instruments are rather wonderful by themselves.First and foremost, although this particular blog deals with violins, and its fairly rich impact on music, all musical instruments are vital to "good music". It may be bluntly obvious to you that the instruments of music are needed for song. However, we often take these tools for granted, and its role should not be ignored. Many instruments are rather wonderful by themselves.

Origin

The history of the violin is quite interesting. Emerging in the 11th and 12th centuries, it became a new and exotic tool in late Persia, and improved in the great Empire of the Byzantines. Having a small stature, it was easy to carry, and consequently, its popularity spread like wildfire among travelers. Eventually it made its way to Italian operas of the 15th century.

Materials

As a member of the string family, it has four unique strings that run down its spine, held together by tuning pegs. The body of the violin is made of spruce, but its fingerboard is made out of ebony. The characteristic bow, which is traditionally made out of horse hair, must be routinely rubbed with rosin to keep its grip. Depending on its length and tension, the violins sound is fairly sharp.

Interpretation

As well as part of many classical music pieces, and characteristic songs, the violin is very important, how again? The violin is a string instrument, that much is clear, but how, and why it has become so imperative and unique to music is the big question. In laymans terms, music is a way of expression, much like painting, or sculpting. So when the violin contributes its eerie high pitched, and oddly relaxing tune, it is essential to know how it plays it part.

How you interpret music, it completely up to you. Music is emotion, it is thought. The violin is roughly over 10 centuries old, and has a long story to tell. Whatever instrument you play, whether its the violin, or another instrument, or nothing at all, just sit back and enjoy the "music to your ears".

Point of Reference

Garry Giddin, a fellow bloger, who also has an interest for that old sound from the record, has posted a most original article. The article, "Brand New Old Music" is a interesting perspective on the old time music. Many would have you believe that old music is dead, but in fact is very much alive. However, first, I will give you some background on this music called Jazz. Jazz first arose in the early 20th century in the deep south, around African communities, most notably, New Orleans, in Louisiana. Difficult to define, it takes many forms, and is famous for its

impovision when played. From blues, to Ragtime,  it has evolved considerably since 1910, such as serving as a basis for "big band" songs. Jazz is actually in many forms of popular modern music, but is so diverse and improvised that it has just gotten off the beaten path, and is still evolving. Garrys blog, "JazzTimes" gives a descriptive mix of a narrative and analysis of the sudden new music, and bangs that he has found to play "Old Time Music". This new old music, comes from hard working Jazz musicians from all over the United States, aspiring to the legends who had made such great pieces in the past. Garry makes a comparison of "traveling back in time with H.G wells", as it brings him back to the days of Jazz.

Link: http://jazztimes.com/articles/16280-brand-new-old-music