Inspiration

Have you ever reflected back to what and who made you…YOU? Of course, your parents and their influence, however, what are the moments that you’ll never forget that helped sculpt your soul, your purpose? Your gift from God that you must share with everyone? Yes, they are all locked up in the fabric of your being.  

For me it was music ever since I can remember. And I was blessed that my mom’s side were musicians and my dad (a sports buff) still supported the effort. I remember mom standing up for us when the police came by because the music at rehearsal was too loud. Or my dad who said after coming to a concert with my band Spartacus; ‘if he had to do his life over again he’d be a musician’ (I thought wow) then he said ‘because of all the girls’. Or my wife Bebe a pro singer herself heard my Piano Concerto ‘The Battle of Armageddon’ and said that’s amazing (I thought wow) and then she said who would listen to that. So even though these were back handed compliments, they elevated me but kept my feet on the ground as well. It meant a lot because I knew I had their support.

I have to thank my piano teachers over the years. They were all different but all amazing. Andy Wietz, a Julliard School of Music graduate taught me how to really use my left hand and speed. Julliard also had a recommended teacher's list and I found John Corrigan, a personal friend of Aaron Copeland who taught me a wide range of classical composers and music. Then Don Felice Alfino who attended Milan School of Music in Italy He taught me everything else. He was such a dedicated teacher that he had a full library of music and psychology books so he could pick and choose what combination of books were right for the student. He could tell if I was not myself the minute I walked in the door and would take time to have a discussion about it. He would come to every lesson in a suit and tie out of respect to the art and the student (I thought wow).

Then I learned how to utilize my parent mind (sub-conscious) for my piano playing. That came somewhat from 3 sources but especially from the one on one teaching of the late Richie Barathy from American Combat Academy, a martial arts master. He was so accomplished that he was on the Johnny Carson and Mike Douglas TV shows. Yes, a martial artist master teaching me how to improve my piano playing (I thought wow). Developing the parent mind helped me with increased speed and accuracy. So happy I took Richie up on his offer to teach me these techniques.  

Teachers, not just talent, but talent in teaching can help someone skyrocket. Teachers eliminate you learning bad technique; they bring out your strengths while using them to help your weaknesses. They make you feel like part of the process and their encouragement in priceless. So, find that good teacher or mentor. Needless to say, without their musical upbringing and the DNA from my mom’s side of the family…grandfather, godfather and cousins I could have never made The Tribulation Rock "Operalet"

Who are some of your great teachers and inspiration in your field? What and when were your WOW moments? And please, please, don’t forget God’s hand in this. That spirit makes it magic regardless of the field you’re in or the talent you have. 

Desi
www.desbeemusic.com 

The Tribulation Rock "Operalet" CD Review

Here is the CD review of The Tribulation Rock “Operalet” by Desi from Progression Magazine, an International Publication www.progressionmagazine.com written by Nick Tate in issue #66 printed version:

This ambitious effort’s liner notes pretty much say it all in describing The Tribulation as a progressive rock “operalet”. Imagine Andrew Lloyd Weber collaborating with Keith Emerson or Annie Haslam indulging a serious Broadway jones and you’re in the ballpark.

                By turns majestic and rockin’, The Tribulation is a weirdly satisfying genre-bending fairytale that sounds like an off-Broadway – perhaps way off-Broadway – work-in-progress. The debut release from (one-named) Brooklyn-raised singer-composer Desi, it masterly merges prog-rock, classical music and show tunes. Inspiration seems to draw equally from classic Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Verde, and that groovy Broadway musical Godspell.

                Lyrically, this concept album has a subtle spiritual message in parts sung by Desi and his wife Bebe. But the real key is the music, Desi demonstrating inventive compositional, piano and keyboard skills with Bebe matching her husband’s power and grace via her clear, pure vocals.

                Highlights include gorgeous classical rock-piece “The Battle of Armageddon” (a/k/a Piano Concerto No. 1, 3^rd Movement) and “With You,” a pretty ballad framing Bebe’s lovely voice with lush acoustic guitars, piano fills and soaring electric guitar leads.

Des note: FYI...I didn’t sing lead vocals on any songs, just harmonies.

I hope you will listen to the songs and see updates on this project at my artist page www.facebook.com/desbeemusic and I hope you will LIKE the page. Thanks!

Desi 

www.desbeemusic.com

  

Nudging the World

Nudging the World

It’s been said that words written in the right order can nudge the world. I believe that. Sorry I don’t know who the author is but the words ring home for me. The endeavor I’m working on with many talented souls is the Tribulation Rock “Operalet”. It’s my way of trying to nudge the world to do good in any way possible, regardless of heritage, religion, culture or country. It’s a simple principle but hard to adhere to on a daily basis. I believe music is a universal language and so is doing good.

This blog post is not just to talk about my endeavor; it’s to encourage you to create your own way to nudge the world. We all have special talents and a purpose for our life. My path is music and composition. Do you know yours? The world is in upheaval and needs every positive and enlightened soul to pitch in. So, I hope you think about your purpose.   

Think of the great heroes of the world, the innovators and the good people. Inspirational! I’m watching the Bruce Lee story as I write this and he came from humble beginnings and changed the martial arts world and so much more. He paved the way and didn’t let any traditional thinking shut him down or limit his creativity. He found a new way. He had many traditional thinkers trying to have him conform to what is. Don’t conform, blaze a new trail. Nothing is created new by copying what has already been. Some thinker said that before.

Who’s your hero? Who’s your inspiration? Deception in the world is huge now but true principles don’t change and the truth is strength. So, find your Rock Operalet and go for it (I think that’s from one of the Rocky films).  And Believe. That was the inspiration and title/chorus of Track #2 on the Tribulation CD.  The message is:

“Believe and it shall be, Believe you can change this place, oh Believe in what can be and everything will turn out right!”  

Now go do something good!

Inspiration in Creating a Rock “Operalet”

Let me start by explaining what a Rock “Operalet” is. It’s a phrase, to the best of my knowledge; I coined to describe a Rock Opera and Ballet. However, it’s more of a modern description of a Rock Opera/Rock concert and interpretive dance/video (You Tube) style dance and performance.  Something between a Rock Concert and Broadway play. Picture Emerson, Lake & Palmer or a ProgRock band with the staging and dance of a Tina Turner or Michael Jackson performance.

But, there is more to it than that. What inspired my ‘Tribulation’ Rock Operalet? Well it starts as a kid, like most innovations, with something that is a passion. In my case, its music and spirituality which you will find in my music and is the premise of these blog posts. So, this was my inspiration but the purpose of this post is to possibly spark your passion and purpose as well.

Everything that touches you has an impact on your fiber, creative capacity and where you are going. So, I came from a musical family and had a strong connection to spirituality. As they say, practice, practice, and practice. I never needed my parents to tell me to practice the piano, I could play for hours. I still practice my finger exercises for years.     

Then I met Hilda Charlton (an enlightened person) and my upbringing solidified the spiritual component. Then it was piecing it together. It wasn’t forced it was a natural fit and was what I thought I should do. I had a purpose. In fact, doing other musical projects never was as fulfilling. And due to a great upbringing and encouragement, I wasn’t afraid to just go for it. That is a message everyone needs to hear and I hope you take away from this post.  So, when I was doing ‘The Battle of Armageddon’ in my Rock “Operalet”, which is like a complex piano concerto…. I just did it. I didn’t study orchestration. But you just do it.

I remember going to a seminar and hearing that the universe feeds back. All my life the universe was telling me to do this project, The Tribulation Rock Operalet. You can hear the full length of the nine songs at www.facebook.com/desbeemusic  and I hope you will share it with your friends. So, what’s your passion? What’s your purpose? Who is holding you back?  And, what are you doing about it? You can do it. Best of luck!   

Stories of Playing Music on the Road

Well with so much negativity on the planet, bombings, threats, etc. I want to take some time to recall some fine memories playing music on the road. Everyone has great memories in their life that they cherish but mine were a little distorted being it was ROCKIN’ on the road. Most people who I tell these stories to say I should write a book…I’d rather be playing piano. But here are some glimpses for now and if I ever write a book with the details, I’ll let you know. Tell me what you think.

It started back in NY, Long Island to be exact and the Tri-State area. The band was Spartacus back then and playing was great. We ended up playing the same circuit with Cyndi Lauper, Twisted Sister, Zebra and other upcoming bands. Tiny, our bass player (who was one of the major vocalists) died in a car crash coming home from a gig, so we fell apart but there are still some very fond memories and some funny stories.

For example; we had a food fight with Cyndi Lauper in the dressing room. What you see on stage about her is what you get off the stage. With her reality show now, you can see that. Back then, she was with Blue Angel (if I recall correctly) and we did a New Year’s Eve gig together and her bass player was drinking booze out of an enema bag. That’s bold and creative!!!! Back then nothing was sacred or off limits. We also stayed in the same hotels as Twisted Sister and some other rockers back then and they usually looked crazier than us but I think we were a bit more nuts after the gig. We were banned from staying at every hotel in the Hamptons. I’m not proud of that now but I must admit I was back then. Stuff was always hitting the fan. If it wasn’t the hotels it was club owners. Once we had a conflict with Twisted Sister over the stages but we both agreed it was a dishonorable club owner. So, we parted friends. Dee is a great front man and JJ French a true gentleman.

Back then, Eddie was the bass player with Foreigner and used to come see us.  Even some of the people constructing Beatle Mania (The Broadway Show) came to see us to see what Beatle songs local bands could pull off live. Sounds impressive but to us, we were playing, partying and having fun. NOW, they are great memories, but back then it was just part of it all. We played some of the same clubs that the Police, Pretenders, and others were playing as they were coming thru. We’d play one week they would come in another. Great Times…Great music!

Then, to focus on originals, the band lived in the Birds Eye estate out in Orient point (the other leg on Long Island from the Hamptons). We kept it secret at first from our fans because we would have never got anything done. However, when we were moving out, we had a week long party. Nothing else needs to be said.

Then Joe Greco & I hit the road to keep playing and ran into ‘U2’. They are truly great guys and real gentleman. We were doing the song “We are the World” on stage and Bono came up to sing it with us. If you recall, he did a similar song in England “Do they know it’s Christmas” and so he related and was inspired. It was a great, great moment. I got to hang with Bono and his wife on the beach which was great. There is a certain kindred spirit and connection amongst musicians. That was great! We also ran into Richie Blackmore from ‘Deep Purple’, when he broke up with his girlfriend and so we shared some heavy thoughts and a drink. We also met Matt Frenette, the drummer from ‘Loverboy’, a real party animal! Fun, fun, fun!!!!

Well there is a small glimpse of Rockin’ on the road. I met some great people on the road including my wife Bebe, who is a professional singer and is the featured voice as the Nereida character in ‘The Tribulation’ Rock “Operalet”. I must admit, I’m always way more comfortable around musicians and “”bar people” then Corporate America…go figure. These are truly great memories. So, please comment on this and tell me some of you fond memories…. but keep it clean!

Boston Marathon????

 We are all in horror and praying for the victims and families of the Marathon bombing. No words are sufficient. It touches everyone, which is what the terrorist were hoping for. Yes, I said terrorist. Bringing terror to humankind or any living & breathing entity, is in my book…terrorism. So why does the main stream or LS media and politicians have such a problem with that? Are they really looking out for us?

We all know the obvious story but there are many other underlying lessons to be learned. The thing that hit me in the face and of course many commentators commented on, was why we were focused on skin color? Why was the mainstream media rooting for a white person to have committed the crime? Has the media lost its soul? I believe it has. I’ve been involved with media and it’s not what it used to be. Can anyone trust the media? What about their inaccurate info, agenda driven stories just about fringing on propaganda? It’s sad to watch this unraveling of what the US Constitution felt necessary to protect…THE PRESS!

It’s insane that anyone is rooting for a group, skin color or culture to have planted the bombs so that it advances an agenda. Think about that, it’s sad. Is that where society is at this point? We are better than this. So let’s focus on the heroes that comforted the victims, the professionals who are working on a resolution. But we know government cannot protect us completely all the time and everywhere. The proof is that the FBI is asking for help from the public. That’s how it should be. Freedom and strength from the INDIVIDUAL!

One of my favorite keyboard heroes (Keith Emerson from ELP) tweeted some kind words about the Boston Marathon bombing and sent his wishes. He is a marathon runner and could obviously relate to the situation. But, I venture to say he could relate regardless because he is a class act and could feel the pain. He’s in the UK and felt compelled to reach out. I responded to him and he was kind enough to re-tweet my message which was nice. If he’s willing to reach out in support, how in the hell can we be focused on skin color of the perpetrators and/or an agenda? America, we are losing our soul…don’t let it happen. The planet needs us.

If you found your way to this website and blog you know my music adventure is focused on spreading the word about helping humankind in any way you can. This is a powerful start. Pray for the victims, protect yourself and neighbors, wish they capture the evil doers and don’t ever, ever wish for someone or group to have done evil to promote your agenda. That is definitely not helping the planet. There is no way you can feel good about doing evil unless you are dead inside. There are still more good people then bad which some people have pointed out. As I always say in my music…go do something good!        

 

Was I on to something with ‘The Tribulation’

If you look around with the tension in Korea, the possible nukes in Iran (and other countries), the financial problems worldwide, the riots, the religious conflicts…..was I on to something with ‘The Tribulation’ Rock “Operalet” and my vision of where we’re possibly headed? I think more people than are willing to admit are becoming afraid. Where do you put your money? Will I have the chance to go to a good school? Will my children have a better life than me? What agendas am I unknowingly being fed via media, education, etc.? What am I doing about it? What are you doing about it?

As you may know from my website and/or other channels, I was inspired to write a story and music for the possible vision of the future of humankind. It came to me in many ways over the years and haunted me till it was completed (well at least the music part) with the release of the music CD at the end of last year. As grim as the title sounds, it ends well in my story but it’s a bumpy road. It is not much different than writings and/or predictions from many other writers, cultures, religions, etc. However, I felt my purpose was to help encourage better behavior and helping the planet in any way we can, regardless of where you live, what you believe or whatever. Of course, for me, it was best delivered through music.

So, where did it start for me and I’m sure for many of you. I was introduced as a child to the teachings of the Bible.  Of course, there were good and bad times in man’s journey and I enjoyed the Parables. The recent Bible TV movie was a great compact rendition. Obviously, the Tribulation is in the Bible.

I then went to philosophy classes with Hilda Charlton who touched on the Bible as well as many other topics. She would bring in different speakers from all walks of life to talk about pursuing heaven and happiness. There is much out there that talks about getting prepared and/or visions of the future.  There are the books by Hilda Charlton, Maurice Cooke’s Hilarion Series, Edgar Cayce, Nostradamus…..I’m sure you have heard of many others. Today there are even people like Glenn Beck and countless commercials for gold, food and so on. So, was I on to something with ‘The Tribulation’ Rock “Operalet”

So, it’s not far-fetched that I would be inspired to write about this subject. I always felt a strong connection to spirituality and music. To me they go hand and hand. I believe the creative process is giving you a taste of heaven on earth.  

So, I’m interested in your comments of what you believe is happening on the planet. Who are some of your guides? What are you doing to make it better? There are so many people in the world and we each have unique skills and abilities. I’m curious what people are doing at the grass roots. Now go do something good!