Today as I was driving to work I heard on the radio that my musical mentor turned 65 years old today. I can remember exactly where I was when I heard my first song by Genesis. I was in the shower and could not believe what I was hearing on the radio. It was unlike anything that I was familiar with and I had been a musical sponge for years! New sounds, a driving intricate beat, lyrics that never once mentioned boy meets girl, boy loves girls, girl leaves boy or other popular themes. I was stunned and delighted. I got out of the shower and listened to the rest of the song. Immediately I called my best friend and he had been listening as well. We were both truly jazzed. Over the years I have studied and enjoyed not just the music but the recordings and the style. I have followed Peter Gabriel ever since. A great musician, talented performer and powerful voice and above all that, he is what I affectionately call a decent human being.
If you are not familiar with his work, I encourage you to take some time out of your busy day and on his birthday, celebrate his accomplishments. I can offer suggestions in a future post and review, but I guarantee it will be time well spent.
MidiMike 