I MUST learn the guitar

I play the piano. And I sing. But I don't play the guitar. It's been one of those "some day I'm gonna..." things on my list for a long time. You can't exactly pull out the piano while sitting on the living room sofa and do a few songs, or bring your piano over to a friend's house to sing a few after supper.

In high school I was in the jazz band and played the electric bass. (in my defense, I also played volleyball and basketball and the jazz band was really cool. right? right?). But the bass is a whole different instrument to the guitar--one note at a time, big thick strings that don't leave long, thin, tender creases in your fingertips.

And when I find new music like this, or see a video like the one below, it becomes almost painful to me that I don't know how to play. Dan even owns a guitar. One Christmas I convinced his family to all pitch in and buy him one, hoping he'd have the time to learn and fill my guitar-less void. But still the guiltar (I'm keeping that spelling mistake, kind of ironic, don't you think?) sits untouched in the corner.

So enough about me....are you getting the Junior Society Reports from Robert Mahar in your inbox? If not, you're missing some good stuff. This morning's email was the 15 best kids music albums of 2007. And somehow from there I landed on the hip young parent blog, which finally led me to one of the CDs on the list. And Kris, if you're reading this. You're going to want this CD.

Renee and Jeremy were on the list of 15 best albums. So far everything I've listened to on their CD, I love. Really love. I'm now going to have to buy it. It's one of those "I have to have it" kinds of CDs.  If you don't believe me, check out this animated version of their "It's A Big World" song....

And if you still have doubts, here they are sitting on the sofa (which led to the emotional outburst above about playing guitar) singing "Night Mantra". They're good, people. And if that's not enough, they even have one of the best looking websites I've seen in awhile.

happy listening!

Comments

[Deb]

That song made me want to put the kids in our big king bed and snuggle--in the middle of the day. No, make that bring them downstairs in front of the fire, cuddle under a blanket and read lots of Golden Book stories. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Bluebirdbaby]

Jazz band was definitely "cool." :)

I've always wanted to learn the guitar too. I have one and got a self-learn type of book, but never did it. I think maybe the trumpet and piano may be enough for this mama anyway...

You should totally do it though! Perhaps you and your oldest could take lessons together?

[amy]

I have no doubt that you will learn gal
you can do anything
I wanna play the banjo
how cool would that be?
great music
xo

[Angela]

Oh these are great! Thanks Molly. Why do they make me so teary? I'm a mush. :P

[Meredith]

Weird... I just went on a kids music kick about two days ago and discovered Renee and Jeremy on Amazon. I absolutely LOVE their music. More than listenable for adults, it's actually really enjoyable. Thanks for sharing those other blogs by the way... I hadn't found those yet. So much for my afternoon!

[jesica]

I love a good post full of amazing links that lead me to so much goodness. I am downloading this album asap. A current favorite of mine is Elizabeth Mitchell. I can't listen to her enough and it is a kid cd. Also your box is enroute and should arrive tomorrow or the next day. I loved getting to be your swap buddy. I too got my husband a guitar and even got him lessons in hopes that he would play for our kids. Currently the kids play the guitar and play for us!

[Kristen]

What a good thought! I just started learning to play guitar this year, for many of the same reasons. My brother had a an extra one he loaned me, and my husband plays, so I'm learning from him. Good luck...!

[Abb]

Me too!!!! I want to learn to play the guitar this year..... I have a very out of tune guitar and a how to book..... fingers crossed...
luv Abby

[Mama Urchin]

Hee, hee. I'm laughing about the electric bass. Not because I was cool, I was so totally uncool, but because I just can't imagine it.

[jen]

oooh, they are good...and they cover my favorite bob marley tune. I'll get a copy for Ben's music teacher too- right up her alley.
THanks for the heads up!
Jen

[Grace]

The jazz band IS really cool! I'm married to a professional jazz musician, afterall. ;)

[jennifer]

do it do it do it! i was a piano and wind instrument girl my entire life and FINALLY started guitar when i was 24 with the dream of playing on the charles bridge in prague. which i did :-) rocked a few nightclubs as well. and met my husband that way, too. enough of a push? DO IT! rock it, molly! :-)

[Robert Mahar]

Molly, thanks so much for the kind mention of Junior Society. I'm thrilled you're enjoying the emails and discovering amazing finds like Renee & Jeremy!

[melissa]

thank you for the recomendation- i can't wait to check out renee and jeremy. we are huge dan zanes fans around here, but i've been looking out for some new music for the little ones (and me) to enjoy.
re. the guitar... i say, go for it!

[likely]

oh wow. LOVED that. LOVE them. I need something new, as much as I love my Innocence Mission every morning.

Confession: I have a guitar playing husband who bought me a guitar years ago for Christmas and I am a slacker. I have a teacher living at my house and I can't play!

If you are serious about learning, I will be too. Maybe we can set something up. Like you guys come up for dinner or something and afterward my husband gives you and I a lesson. We can practice on our own and do it again in couple weeks or so. free of charge. Or you can put the kids to bed, I'll put mine to bed and we can have a late night sneaky lesson. Fun?

[molly]

So the really sad thing is that I love children's music and my children really don't. Sigh. I loved the videos - what a cute duo - but my children rolled their eyes. I tried to explain to my daughter why I love singer-songwriters so much, but she won't be swayed from her pop phase right now. Maybe some day. I remember loving Madonna when I was around her age after all. Glad I got over that phase (though I sometimes pop in The Immaculate Collection when I'm feeling nostalgic). Thanks for sharing Molly!

[Kathy]

I had no idea about this!! Thanks for the music links.

[Ellen]

Neat! It feels scary and exciting to try something new. I'm sure you'll do fine. I've tried something new too - come see my Free Cat!

[tamara]

I'd say go for it, you are never too old to learn something new and the guitar is a fabulous instrument!

[melmo]

How funny is that? These songs made us pull out our guitar too. I had had it in the cupboard for AGES, but then after my sons (ages 2 & 3) saw the utube songs, I pulled out the guitar for a jam session. Ahhh, it was wonderful to strum that baby, and watch my little ones reactions. The two year old kept asking me to turn it down, and the three year old was jammin'. Oh and I have a one year old too, and she was bouncing to the beat on her bum. Music really does move you on the inside doesn't it?

[ellen]

lovely. i'd never heard of them. thanks for passing this along.