Last night the Music took over….
I woke up this morning a little hungover, not from wine but from the lingering spell of last night’s listening session. Nicki Parrott’s voice was still in my head, smoky and rich, wrapped in the warmth of Black Coffee album on vinyl.
You may or may not be a fan of hers, and that’s okay because this post isn’t just about singing praises for her impeccable storytelling. It’s about those moments we all chase… the ones when your system disappears, and the music breathes with such life and intimacy, it feels like the artist is right there with you.
Last night, my system was at its absolute peak. Everything clicked. The performance was spellbinding, her tone so warm, her phrasing so present, it made me pause and ask myself:
Have I finally reached the point where I can stop tweaking… and just enjoy the music?
So I’m curious…have you had one of those nights where the gear disappears, and the music just becomes the room?
What was playing?
I’d love to hear about those moments that made you forget the tweaks, the specs, and the chase… and just feel!
Beautifully said! Those unscripted moments are the real payoff when the music pulls you in so completely, everything else just fades. Glad you caught one of those rare morning gems. You’re right, moments like these also remind me, this really is a journey. Not just about gear or sound, but about chasing those rare, soul-stirring experiences that can’t be forced, only found. |
I read something recently that went (I paraphrase) "Your system is the best system you’ve ever heard until you hear something better". The thought is dispiriting and comforting at the same time, but it is so true that it shifted my perspective; and freed me to enjoy those moments of unalloyed listening bliss that occur from time to time, without thinking "I wonder how this would sound if I had... [insert some other component(s) here]" |
Those beautiful, wonderful times of deep listening pleasure are often, but not often enough. Everything comes together on those wonderful occasions, the electricity, the choice of music, the quality of the recording, and maybe most importantly, the mood. It's not only the system, but also all of the above. These are experiences that are cherished. I look forward to many more of them. |
“Your system is the best system you’ve ever heard until you hear something better". No argument there but having heard so many different system and seeing how my own system has evolved over the years I would say this; my current system is the best I’ve ever heard. Are there better systems out there, absolutely but does that make system any less magical in the moment? It’s amazing how a single shift in perspective can release us from the endless loop of “what if” and open the door to just being present with the music. Believe me, when I say this, contentment and curiosity not only can coexist, it can wonderfully liberating. Those fleeting moments of pure, unfiltered connection with the music… they’re why we started this journey in the first place. And when they come, it’s a gift, not something to second-guess or measure against different gear. |
That happened to me the other day with an unexpected album: Tea fro the Tillerman, Cat Stevens; BluRay edition on a recently re-tubed (broken in) integrated amp. A friend dropped by the other afternoon for a music session and we (uncharacteristically) chose that album. We'd both heard it hundreds of times, but in this case the new remastered version was mesmerizing....instruments I'd never noticed before floated out of the speakers and the music shone like diamonds. I'd never been a major fan of "Longer Boats" but in this case we had to go back and listen a second time. This conversation topic comes up occasionally, in various configurations, and I realize today how many things have to align for a "perfect" musical interlude...and I'm definitely including live performances. Not only does a system have to be well balanced, but me as a listener has to be rested and receptive to the experience (not distracted by life, etc.). The barriers to full enjoyment at a live performance get even more complicated because of the numerous factors that can go wrong: the artist not inspired, bad seats, bad sound, disagreeable audience members, etc. When all is perfectly aligned we should revel in the experience and be grateful! After all, we "might die tonight!" |
