Jeffrey C. Long

I am wanting to begin sharing some of the art that inspires me. I’m still trying to figure out how to do it… I asked someone yesterday how you describe instrumental music in a blog entry. She didn’t have a clue. I think I’m going to try making a “mix tape” of links to the free online samples of music that inspires me. And the advantage of art is that there are online images available.

The meta-art that is the most meaningful to me though is impressionism. Because I’ve spent 33 years of my life as a piano player who can play both notation and by ear, classical, pop and jazz, much pop music doesn’t excite me because I can hear and understand everything that they are doing. This is why I found Frank Zappa’s classical works so enjoyable. Everything was a surprise. But in between pop/jazz and abstract is impressionism. Bartleby’s encyclopedia says that “Reflecting the impressionist schools of French painting and letters, Debussy developed a style in which atmosphere and mood take the place of strong emotion or of the story in program music.” Debussy [iTunes] [Amazon] is said to be the originator of impressionism in music. But the influence went on in different directions. Bill Evans [iTunes] [Amazon], jazz musician was heavily influenced by Debussy, and in turn, Lyle Mays [iTunes] [Amazon]was heavily influenced by Bill Evans. Music such as these artists is evocative of mood and color and takes me to other worlds in my listening. Take the time to listen to the samples at the sites I’ve given. I think you will enjoy it.