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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Opus 2015-31: Got the Blues?

Blues is an example of human creativity and ingenuity.

Blues as a music form came out of the black American experience.  Slaves heard music and saw instruments but were not able to get formal training or buy, so they made do.  I remember reading how some musician when he was a kid could not afford guitar strings so he would make them from whatever wire he could come across.  He mentioned using the wire from old window screens, for example.

The first experiments under these handicaps were probably considered horrible to listen to but as the untrained and under-funded kept at it someone probably said one day, “That sounded pretty good.  How did you do that?”  A new form of music was being developed. 

Many of the standard elements of blues are the kinds of mistakes that people make when learning to play guitar.  Sliding between frets.  Moving your finger on a string that has been played.  Putting you finger on the wrong string when trying to form a chord.  Putting your fingers down firmly but late.  When done by a novice they set your teeth on edge.  Ask any parent listening to their child practice.  When developed and applied by talent they become an exciting form of expression and listening enjoyment.

What accidents are waiting to become cultural icons?

Will rap music ever grow up?

homo unius libri

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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.