i must say, after having reviewed much of the material online this weekend, that i am experiencing a level of ecstasy. i have been a musician for 45 years, and took up audio engineering in '79. i have studied alan's work extensively and i'm just beside myself to have this opportunity.
i was injured badly in 1989 while working as a stage manager. i have spent the past 21 years in a 'suffering loop' that i could not begin to describe to you. i was addicted to all of the major pain killers including high doses of morphine, and pretty much lost all of my training, talent, chops, whatever you call it. had a 'mild' stroke in january and did not expect to live out this year...born in '56.
10 weeks ago, after having suffered at the hands of the insurance and medical industries for 21 years, i broke free. it was music that freed me. and, now that my body, mind and soul are detoxified, i get a reward like 'art & science of sound recording'.
i'm a very happy man. i am playing keys again and singing like i'm 25. thanks alan, for inspiring me more than you'll ever know. your music was INSTRUMENTAL in getting me through painful surgeries over the past 20+ years. i never stopped listening. people like yourself, and myself...people who remember that it's so important to 'give something back'...well alan, we really rock the world, don't we?
everyone: don't ever give up on your music. music has the power to save lives. believe it.
rex downham
We'll make sure Alan sees your post, Rex. He does monitor the forums closely and he'll be, as are we, delighted to hear of any contribution made in these quarters to the challenges you describe. You are absolutely right. Music does have the power to heal - if indeed that's not its precise purpose! Glad you're on the mend and hope that you'll continue to enjoy the series.
i actually hadn't even watched a video in 2 months because i'm so much back into my music. when i saw the ad, i just went nuts. i actually spent half of my food budget to buy the online version. SSDI isn't great $$, what can i say. but, i will not require the additional food this month!! i'm eating assr for breakfast. a funny thing, to me, is that after the first few sections, i felt so entirely vindicated, and i realized that my training had been quite good. i had a great teacher. and, then alan said 'i rather like the AT4033' and i just laughed. i've been using it as my only decent mic since '95 or so, even though it's been in it's case during the past 10 years! oh well, i WOULD be there to see you guys launch at the theater, but with 200 seats, i can only imagine the lines for miles...keep it up guys. you absolutely rock. a long and healthy life to ALL of you.
rex downham
a student of alan parson's for 25 years (redid the math!)