Chet Nichols

2 days ago to John Walradt

Hey John, THANKS for the wonderful review of my song, "Bernadelle". You got it! It is a story-telling song, which may not be in vogue, but I like to write songs that paint pictures. Edgar Allan Poe once mused, "The highest art form is the combination of music and words". I wrote the song to honor and celebrate, my first music teacher, Sister Bernadelle, whom I met in grade school, when I was 6 years old and who an incredible musician and artist and a Catholic nun. She was an amazing human being. She recognized my talents and nurtured them and taught me cello, piano and singing. Because of her skills as a teacher, people considered me a child prodigy on cello and piano, and I competed in many competitions bi-monthly from the time I was 8 till 14, when I went off to highs school. I never lost a competition. In the 7th and 8th grade, I became the first-chair Concert Master for the Chicago Archdiocese Orchestra as a cellist which was quite and honor because "first chair" always was award to the top violinist. I transitioned my love for cello to 6 string guitars. In my first group sing class, in first grade, was where she actually "discovered" me as my voice was so loud and high, it cut through the voices gathered students. As a child, I had learned to sing from my father, who was a popular opera and radio singer in Chicago in the 1930's AND my mother, who had a sweet, perfect voice that would serenade me to sleep after my father crossed-over-to-glory when I was 7. But Sister Bernadelle actually recorded me singing for the very first time when I was 6 on a shiny Wollensack reel-to-reel machine in her music room at school. I sang a song about bouncing a red rubber ball. I have never forgotten Sister Bernadelle. I wrote this song for her after wondering, "If she had not been a nun, where would she have lived, what would her life be like and what would she have done". As you listen to the song and read the lyrics...they will take you on that journey.

Best. Chester

1 Replies

 

John Walradt

2 days ago

I listened again to "Bernadelle," read the lyrics over. That's a wonderful story you put together in a very poetic way. Very good fortune for her to have been such a mentor for you! Interesting and colorful past you've had doing music from the time you were very young. Have you found your songs read like a diary? My songs most definitely are. Best to you, too! John

Ravensong

4 weeks ago to John Walradt

Hey John thanks so much for the great review of "Circles" my friend. Reviews like yours are hard to come by and always refreshing to read. I'm considering a vocalist for this one but the cost is a problem however we shall see. haha

1 Replies

 

John Walradt

4 weeks ago

The cost is always the problem. But now scamming is a big problem. Robert Quigley and I look for good reputable vocalists who are cheap. If I come across one who really does the job, I'll let you know right away. You're much welcome for the review. I do everything to call it out like it is. The one thing really missing from reviewers I've read is that they can't get past production to really hear the base words and music. I'd rather write great songs than to be any good at being a producer!

Doreen & William

4 weeks ago to John Walradt

Thanks so much for your excellent review of It Feels So Wrong.
Doreen & William