The World According to Renshi

My Journey as a Lover of Music…

Music is simply one of the greatest gifts God has given us.  In fact, I believe the ability to appreciate beauty in music and art is God’s gift to humanity.  Other species look or listen for the sole purpose of finding food or shelter.  We humans have the unique ability appreciate beauty.

My musical journey began as a young kid in the 60’s.  My first groups that I liked were TV shows – The Monkeys and The Partridge Family – which also led to my first crush – Laura Partridge!

When I was around 12 years old I found FM radio and the first song that completely blew me away was “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple.  Deep Purple MKII became my favorite band and Ritchie Blackmore was my favorite guitarist.  My musical tastes expanded to include Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath and Alice Cooper.  

Beginning in 5th grade I played saxophone.  And I was pretty damn good.  My parents provided private lessons for me.  My teacher was a member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.  He was very knowledgeable and had faith in me.  In looking through my old music books I’m amazed at how complicated the music I was playing was.  His goal was for me to attend the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.

As I grew into a teenager, I decided I’d rather play guitar than saxophone and I play guitar to this day… just not as good as I was at saxophone.  

One of my best friends, Paul Roberts, played trumpet – but then got into guitar and keyboards and developed a passion for progressive rock.  I took one listen and I was hooked.  So – beginning my high school career, my favorite bands changed to Pink Floyd, Yes, Genesis, and Jethro Tull.

Progressive Rock is a thinking person’s genre.  It fuses blues, rock, classical, jazz and even bluegrass and folk into a musical masterpiece.  It is highly complex with unique time signatures and chord progressions.  The musicians are usually classically trained but have an edge about them that makes them want to push the limit.

To me, Yes and old Genesis provide the best blending of complexity with melody.  Give them a listen and I think you will understand what I’m talking about.  I recommend The Yes Album and Fragile to start your Yes journey and Selling England by the Pound to start your Genesis journey.

On the flip side of complexity I love The Grateful Dead, The Band, Neil Young and CSNY.  Their harmonies are spectacular and their lyrics incited a generation.

My own music ranges from blues to a moderately classical genre.  I have one electric guitar – an American Made Stratocaster.  I also have a Washburn 12 string, a classical guitar, a Martin acoustic and a Martin traveler and an Epiphone hollow body.  I also have a Squire Bass guitar.