The Beginning Notes - Featuring John Till

Hey friends,

I just wanted to start out this category with a little Tribute to John Till.

I admit that when I came up with this idea, I was listening to a playlist I created for my online course, The Rooted Alignment Method. The list has songs to bring about a sense of self-connection, at least for me. I found myself reflecting on my past, where I was about three years ago. I was in awe at not only how far I have come but how a song or part of lyrics could make me recall so vividly a time where I was in struggle but was slowly working my way out of it. I remembered singing this song in my head while doing the dishes in the back during long shifts at Starbucks. A time where I had just turned 40 years old and finally felt like I was that actual age. Up until that point, I was still in my 20's. So, this idea for the blog came to me yesterday as I was driving to work and reflecting.

Last night, I was even more inspired by the idea. Another light-bulb moment happened. It was an idea that I have had multiple time and a very common understanding so, the fact that it felt light-bulby was odd, to say the least. But, let me say, I have always separated my thoughts about musicians and last night they came together.

In the past it's been one of these three that I think:
1) Wow, they are a really good storyteller
2) Wow, this music is awesome and makes me feel...*insert emotion or motion*
3) Wow, I love the lyrics of this song

Last night, as I was watching John Till up on the stage at The Venue in Aurora, IL, I was listening to his stories about his songs, realizing that I had some of the lyrics misunderstood (in my personal perspective). I realized that he was a storyteller, not just a song writer/singer. I put all three of my thoughts about music/musicians together. If you are still following me thinking, that's pretty anti-climactic, you're probably right. And, maybe it's even more about something I heard on a podcast that morning. Someone was saying that they put themselves in the room with people to observe how they do things. Like, if you want to learn how privileged white men do business, get close, watch them and you'll learn.

But, I digress. Back to John. He is very talented. As he mentioned, usually he's hearing conversations going on while staring at a bar room floor while he's playing so he doesn't talk much. Last night, in a quiet room, with him being the only focal point, he was able to explain his art and his life. Isn't that what we are all trying to do?

How amazing that I got to witness that.

And how cool that we can look at musicians as storytellers, creators of beats and flow, and influencers on our emotions and motions. How cool.

We, here in the U.S. at least, are truly blessed to be able to see live music almost any time, to be a witness to their life stories, and to be influenced (hopefully positively) by their tunes. How cool.

Here's a short video I took of him last night.

Enjoy.

Find out more about him here: https://www.johntillmusic.com/

Or follow him here: https://www.facebook.com/johntillmusicpage/