The Philosophy of Music

Music is music. But what is music beyond that? Music itself is natural sounds of beauty through arrangements of harmonies and melodies in certain frequency ranges and timings. Music is used to express what so often, words can not express. But many songs have words that go to them. This is because songs lyrics are essentiall poetry, most times, and poetry is a way of deeply expressing words- perhaps the most powerful way to express words. The words and the music go together to tell a story, support a philosophy, and tell of the deep emotions of life.

And largely, the music can be played to where one can identify with the emotion or philosophy presented. Some of this may be absolute and some may be relatively based on culture. Rap and heavy metal may get someone pumped up and wanting to fight, while classical music may help someone relax and concentrate. There are times we need to fight, and there are times we need to relax. There are times we want spiritual war, times we want physical war, and times we want no war at all. There is a large sense of propriety we are missing in society today. It is not good to so much be against any sort of music, but we should know how to put them in their proper place- and all music, at least as far as Christians go- should be consistent within a Christian worldview.

And most people's music will be consistent within their worldview, and if not, then they contradict themselves, and destroys what is considered to be the dignity of music. When people sing songs or write songs that are against their pressuppositions, or that are not relative to their life, the dignity of music is destroyed. Each person has a pressupposition and philosophy behind their music.

And Reckless Abandon identifies itself with those of the same general philosophy behind the music- both musically and, especiall, lyrically. It is hard to directly quote from our overall pressupposition to this universe in every song- though we can get to the general core of it through songs directly about the pressupposition itself- that is, Christianity. But the general and imidiate philosophy behind the music of Reckless Abandon is that the songs played is songs that fit into the overall worldview of Christianity in songs about our own lives. It is songs about good people who are misrepresented. Songs about the deep emotions that many people feel, but have not heard it due to the disgrace-of-dignity in modern music. We play songs that identify to the line in Lynyrd Skynyrd's song, "Freebird" that says, "If I leave here tommorow, would you still remember me?" It is songs that tell us the haunting fact that "All I can do is think about them times, and ponder on what might have been" (The Absolute of Love- Ryan Hampton). It is about constantly and consistently writing songs, even against the tide.

For this reason, Reckless Abandon considers Ronnie Van Zant, the founder, and once lead-singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd, to be one of its musical, particularly lyrical, icon and inspiration. He wrote of the "concrede slowly creeping," and asked the Lord to "Take me and mine before that comes." Ironically, not long after the song was written, about half of the band, including Van Zant, was killed in a plane crash.

All of this is to say, that behind every song you will hear from Reckless Abandon, has a meaning and philosophy behind it. It may be a simple song, but even yet, it shows support to that life in some form or fashion. Also take heed to remember that the band is filled of sinful people. Writing songs about sin does not mean that the band supports sin- it may show the regret to it, and a plea for grace.

So remember that any song written is written from our philosophy and our view of the dignity of music. "You may not like my music or the words that go to it, but I think you can relate if you start with me" (Calling in Life- Ryan Hampton). The past is important- "For at last I have found the past and thus eternity" (Calling in Life- Ryan Hampton. You will be finding out soon, as our demo CD comes up- hopefully finished before Christmas. For now, I will leave you with this moving song:



"A brief candle- both ends burning, and endless mile, a bus wheel turning. A friend to share a lonesome time, a handshake, and a sip of wine. Say it loud, and let it ring, that we're all apart of everything. The future, the present, and the past- fly on proud bird...You're free at last." -Charlie Daniels

Back to Practicing and Soon to Record

Reckless Abandon took last week off from practicing. After their latest gig while celebrating Reformation Day, it started becoming obvious a break would be nice. "We have no upcoming gigs" said Ryan Hampton. "I am off a couple of my classes this week. It would be nice just to have a nice break from blogging, what I can of school, and even some of our music."

But don't think for a minute that the band was completely out of practicing. Ryan and Jef contacted a small amount via e-mail and phone, regarding the music, and how it can improve. Of course phone conversations were also limited, but were straight to the point when made. On Sunday, Jef Park said that he "Was ready to get back into the groove." After all, the band is preparing to go record sometime soon as CGStudio Inc.

But the band was not completely "back in the groove." There were a few flaws that Ryan attributed to not practicing. "We needed the week off to focus on family, and school, even though even school was light this week as well," said Ryan, "But you could just tell we were missing a beat in our first practice."

But not for long. On Wednesday, the seventh, the band arranged for another practice. "This time, you could tell we were in the groove as good as before our week off." Jef Park says, "It is good to be back in the groove, you know, where we're not missing a beat- because we will need to be perfect come recording time in a couple of weeks." Toward the end of practice, good friend A.K. (to protect his identity, his last name will not be given), listened in, and even began clapping for the band. "It was great!" said A.K.

But the possible bass guitarist Jim Warlick will not be available. "I talked with my mother, and she really encourages me to work more on school than the band" said Warlick. Timothy Winstead, the violinist also has been out. "Me and Ryan both have three school papers to write, and I have been playing a lot of weddings, so it will be hard for me to practice as of now, but I should get back in soon." "Besides," says Timothy, "I can pretty much improvise when needed." Ryan says that he "Can only imagine what the band would have sounded like if Timothy was there today."

The band did talk with friend and collegue Clifton (to protect his identity, his last name will not be given) today. Clifton is the owner of CGStudios Inc, where the band looks to soon record. "I'm as exited as you are...I love doing this stuff" said Clifton. The band is thankful for his cooperation and is ready to begin recording soon. "We hope to have a full (of five songs) demo cd out sometime before real long- possibly by Christmas" says Jef Park. "We will just have to see...Clifton seems like a good all-round Christian guy."

Please let us know if you are interested in a demo cd. "This will be better than some of my cassette tapes," says Ryan. If you have heard any of Ryan's cassette tapes you will know what is meant. "Now, we have a better singer, and better equipment, a full drum-set, not just a tamberine." Please continue to encourage Reckless Abandon, as we all watch it grow in maturity, musicianship, and above all, as a glory to Jesus Christ.

Songs for the first demo cd are:

Do You Remember?
Understanding
Forever And A Day
If Only They Knew
Will You Be There

All of these songs are written and arranged by Ryan Hampton and/or Jef Park, and all violin harmonies are provided by Timothy Winstead.

Pictures of Reckless Abandon's Second Performance

Reckless Abandon has now had two performances. Below is some pictures from the second performance, and I hope to add more pictures later - of either performance. Sunday, to celebrate Reformation Day, both Reckless Abandon and Fair Harbor played. Lead singer for Fair Harbor, Ben Smolin, introduced and opened up for Reckless Abandon as the next "great band." Still, Ryan says that "We have some work to do." The second song did not reach it's full potential due to technical acoustic mal-function. "The distortion did not work properly, and the sound took the guitar way out of tune" says Jef Park. Timothy Winstead was supposed to have a violin solo on this song, but opted to stay out because of the tuning issue. "I heard how the tuning was off, and said to myself, 'This song does not need a violin'" says violinist Timothy Winstead. "This violin solo would have been the kind that would have let people know that Reckless Abandon was for real. Sadly it didn't work," says drummer Ryan Hampton. But perhaps the biggest cheer came when the band began with "Sweet Home Alabama." "You could hear that cheer, and feel like we are on the right track," said lead singer for Reckless Abandon, Jef Park. The band now looks to feature a concert for either Veterens Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. The band also looks to soon record a demo CD. We will keep you updated as the time goes. {To enlarge the pictures, simply right double click on them}.


The set-up

A look at the audience

Ryan Hampton upclose after switching from drums to guitar

Getting set up for the next song


Ryan and Timothy after playing.

Thanks to all who attended. We appreciated your support a lot. God bless, and happy Reformation Day!

Ryan

The First Gig of Reckless Abandon

Reckless Abandon had its debut on Friday (pictures to come soon), October 20, 2007. On the thirtieth anniversary of the Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash, the band did the songs "Sweet Home Alabama," "Freebird," and "Simpleman." But the focus of the songs were on the originals of the group. "Do You Remember" which was co-written by Ryan Hampton and Jef Park, was the first and the last songs played. "Do You Remember" was written in tribute to the horrible attacks of September 11, 2001, asking American's the haunting question "Do You Remember" the day, when "Satan seemed so close" but yet the President would talk about God and "Many people accross the nation would applaud."

The band also did songs "Understanding," "If Only They Knew," and "Forever And A Day." Some say that the gig went sour when lead drummer, Ryan, got up to sing and play guitar for "Will You Be There." But nonetheless, says Ryan, "It was a good start."

Brian McLain says that the band showed great potential, being that they were out the violinist and the bass. McLain has been in several local bands over the years, before becoming a supervisor in a lumberyard. After giving the band some constructive criticism, McLain said that the drummer Ryan would stay on beat, and that singer Jef shows great potential. "It's all a matter of finding your voice, and finding your 'thing'" says McLain. Jef is well on his way to finding that voice, and the band is well on their way to finding their 'thing.'

The band also has a gig this coming Sunday as Trinity Presbyterian Church (see links), celebrates Reformation Day. "We are looking foward to coming in behind When We Were New (Another local band), and putting on a good and improved show." This showing may be more simple, but according to Jerry Hampton, sometimes "Less is more."

If you are interested in making this gig, as well as celebrating God's work in His church over history, please let me know in a comment or the like. You do not have to be a member to leave a comment on this blog. Thank you all,

Reckless Abandon

A Tribute To Lynyrd Skynyrd

Yesterday marked the 30th anniversary since the plain crash killing several of the members of Lynyrd Skynyrd. In this crash, lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, his sister and backup singer Cassie Gaines, another backup singer with the group, and a tour manager, were all killed in this plane crash. In my opinion, Lynyrd Skynyrd, as a music group, is one of the greatest of all time in Rock-N-Roll history. Lynyrd Skynyrd mixed rock, country, and blues together to make a real but semi-twangy southern rock. Their song Freebird has rivaled Led Zeplin's song "Stairway to Heaven" as the most requested songs on FM radio. If you are pickin' away at the guitar at a local party, you should never be surprised someone in the audience to yell "Freebird!!" or another of their great songs. In fact, just yesterday at Reckless Abandon's first gig, there were three of their songs played, of course, Freebird being "requested."

But their fame was well deserved. Their fame proved not to be a fad. They played music relative to the working American - which is who they were. I personally consider the great late Ronnie Van Zant (original singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd), as one of my lyrical inspirations. The songs were relative to true stories. "Gimmie Three Steps" was inspired from a true story. "The Ballad of Curtis Leow" was actually inspired from a group of great blues singer. "Freebird" was used as a metaphor for the groups outlook to much of life. Only Ronnie Van Zant wrote of the haunting question, "If I leave here tomorow, would you still remember me?" Lynyrd Skynyrd is perhaps the only rock band in history who through the lyrics of Ronnie Van Zant, would write a song as a tribute to their mother. They did this through their song "Simpleman" which shows a dialogue between Van Zant's mother and Van Zant, with his mother doing all the talking through her precious wisdom. Only Ronnie Van Zant showed through poetic romantic literature his utopian view, but realism of the "concrede slowly creeping" into his Southern and traditional home. In this song, "All I Can Do (is write about it)," Van Zant says he can't make changes, but can only write his experiences is a song. This has got to only show Van Zant's pride in the band and its music.

But it was also the sound of the band that drew long-term attention as well. The band mixed Southern country with blues and a driving rock. The guitar solo's for "Freebird" and Simpleman" were almost as good as the powerful lyrics for the songs. The powerful duo of Allan Collins and Gary Rossington was simply amazing. Lynyrd Skynyrd is the holder of what is perhaps the greatest Southern Rock song of all time, "Sweet Home Alabama."

Perhaps many musicians of today can learn from the great Lynyrd Skynyrd. Not many musicians or bands have the same powerful lyrics and powerful music as was found in Lynyrd Skynyrd. Since the plane crash they have just not been the same. But the apparent answer to the haunting question "If I leave here tomorow, would you still remember me," appears to be an obvious yes.

Rest in peace.

Changes and Gigs

The former Forever And A Day is now Reckless Abandon. After doing some research, it has been concluded that the name Forever And A Day has already been taken. To avoid breaking any possible copyright violations, the band made a safe move to the name Reckless Abandon, which was come up by lead vocalist Jef Park's mother.

Also, the band is welcoming possible newcomer, Jim Warlick, who plays bass guitar. "Jim, much like Timothy (violinist), brings an interesting setting to the band" says Ryan Hampton, co-founder of Reckless Abandon. Jim still has a little time to catch up with the band learning their songs and the such, but as Jef Park says, "Jim cathces on quickly."

There are some more possible band members who are currently either unasked, or incapable to play with the band. If any of these people come, or if any of the current members leave, it will be announced (unless requested not to by joining or resigning member).

Currently, the band has two upcoming gigs. One of them is this weekend (10/20) at a local birthday party for a good friend. "With plenty of people unfamiliar to the band watching and listening, this should be a good time to show who we are" says Jef Park, also understanding that this is a birthday party more than a concert.

The next gig is the following Sunday (10/28), at Trinity Presbyterian Church's Reformation Day parade. Drummer Ryan says, "We are here first to celebrate God's providence in history through the Protestant Reformation, but are very happy to be able to perform glorifying music to that same God for all of those who attend this Reformation Day celebration."

Some of the early reviews for this band are well pleasing. A good friend of vocalist Jef Park, a mansimply known as "Mr. Kent" said he was very impressed with the groups music. After performing "Do You Remember," a song co-written by Ryan and Jef, Mr. Kent said, "So who originally did that song" assuming that it "Had to be done by somebody else." Still, Ryan and Jef stay firm that they will remain humble in their music, and play songs about life, and all for the glory of God.

We hope you enjoy any of the music you hear from Reckless Abandon!

Ryan Hampton, Drummer/rythym guitar/backup vocals

Forever And A Day set to perform!

Forever And A Day is set to perform on October 28, 2007, as Trinity Presbyterian Church celebrates Reformation Day- the day that celebrates the work of God through brave men such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, Martin Brucer, etc. You do not have to be a member of any particular denomination to come (although you may feal out of place if you are not Roman Catholic). I will not put the address of this place over this website for the sake of the owner of the property in which the concert will be played at (not that there are really millions of people reading this, but still). But if you are interested in coming, please leave a comment and I will get back. You do not have to be a member of blogspot to do so- simply leave your name and check as not a member. Thanks, and be blessed!

Ryan