Freddie: iCalico

This summer has been an enjoyable revival of an old love affair with the outstanding band Queen. The film, “Bohemian Rhapsody” shook loose the fondest memories. “Killer Queen” came on the radio just when I entered the teen years. Every year, they had a new single. Every song carried their sound, their grit and their soul. The “Bicycle Race” was fun. I loved the ching-ching of a European bell. Not many bands had the gravitas to put out something so not a pop song. The imagery was priggish. As a young feminista, it was actually quite appalling .

Freddie has been gone for years now. Truly, he was a calico cat in another life. He doesn’t look like the cuddly type and neither are they. A man with energy that sparked outward. Calicos tolerate us, appreciate us but in the end, don’t give a flip. Freddie talked like that quite a lot. He loved what he was doing but never suffered fools. “Death on Two Legs” comes to mind whenever I tangle with an asshat boss on some nonsense tension involving power plays. Freddie was very sharp as are calico’s. They sit back and consider. They observe and pass judgement with an ear twitch.

If there is a most perfect song of their repertoire, it must be, “Somebody to Love.” It’s brilliant. The ebb and flow, pacing and emotional power is perfect. But, then there is “Seaside”, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love, “and “39”. I miss Freddie. I miss a flamboyant, fan it in front of everyone kind of personality. Such an old friend Ω

 

The Swallows of Spring

The spring rolls into May with plentiful rains creating many a vernal pool in Central Massachusetts. All trees are budding up and we await the return of a soothing green canopy. Birds are starting to return from winter grounds. The wood thrush is on the way. We await in joyful expectation of the lovely forest trill. Spring gardeners are pruning blossoming fruit trees. The earth opens to the sun.

Thoughts turn to Italy and previous travels to this lovely country in the month of May. This season will be devoted to horses, gardens and home. However, it’s always possible to connect to Italy through foods, wines, and music. Two wonderful tenors from Italy herald the return of spring in song.

Piero Barone of Naro, Sicily provides a charming rendition of the ballad, “Non Ti Scordar di Me”, in English, Don’t You Forget About Me. This recording by Maria Sergeeva of IL Volo Russia was captured in Taormina Sicily in the Teatro Antico, an ancient outdoor amphitheater overlooking Mount Aetna.

Don’t Forget About Me
by Ernesto de Curtis and Domenico Furnò

The swallows left
From my cold and sunless country,
Searching for Springs full of violets
And lovely and happy nests.
My little swallow left
Without leaving me a kiss
She left without a goodbye
Don’t forget about me:

My life is tied to you
I love you more and more
In my dream you stay
Don’t forget about me

My life is tied to you
There’s always a nest
In my heart for you
Don’t forget about me

A visit to the city of Ragusa Sicily is remembered for the swallows winging around the Church domes. Famed Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti sang the lovely, “Rondine al Nido” in English Swallows Nests. Recorded in Central Park New York City. I love this song.

Rondine Al Nido
by Vincenzo de Crescenzo

Under the eaves of the old tower,
as the almond tree blossoms,
a friendly swallow has returned.
Every year she returns,
always in the same day.
She crosses mountains and sea
to get back here.
Only love flees
and does not return.
It makes you hope in vain,
but it does not return.
It makes you hope in vain,
but it does not return.

II
In the soft twilight of evening
springtime is passing.
The swallows chatter in their flight —
they are drunk with light and air.
But I am sad and lonely.
You do not cross mountains and sea
to come back to me.
My little one,
You were my whole life,
but you ran away,
never to return.
You ran away,
never to return!

Both of these recordings are captured live with an orchestra. The quality of the singers notes and those of the musical instruments blend beautifully. Both singers understand the need to pace and match note and tone with the violin or flute.

The tales are sad, singing of love lost and the hope spring brings of renewing bonds of love. Such beautiful voices. Life brings fresh, first green of springtime. The heart remembers what it was like to be in love and laments the loss. Something is lost, yet, the season rolls on.

Blessings of Springtime in song.

Celebrate Each Day with a Song ~ “You and Me Against the World”

The Queen of 70’s Rock, Helen Reddy, released this song, “You and Me Against the World”, in 1974. What a delight it still is four decades later. How can it be the voice and lyrics can still enchant the ear and soothe something deep inside. Ms. Reddy is a personal childhood heroine. She is the rare artist who lived the words of her songs. No wonder it feels like an old friend to visit this song again. Reddy always put something of herself in each recording. She sang from her heart with connectivity and confidence in every note.

How pretty is the melody and flow of words written by Paul Williams. The endearing voices at the end of the song of Reddy and her daughter Traci declaring their love for each other on the original recording lifts this songs emotional appeal.

Comments by fans on YouTube often mention the fond memory of a beloved husband, friend or companion animal when they pause to listen to this song. The person remembers the care, the unconditional support of another presence. Someone is there who cares. Someone will remember these moments. Someone loved me when I was young.

Hail the blessed hearts who stayed by our sides in times of trouble. Here is Helen Reddy making a guest appearance on the popular Muppet’s Show. so welcoming and friendly to artists. The memories of these days are precious.

Lyrics

You and me against the world,

Sometimes it seems like you and me against the world,

When all the others turn their backs and walked away,

You can count on me to stay.

Remember when the circus came to town

How you were frightened by the clown,

Wasn’t it nice to be around someone that you knew,

Someone who was big and strong and looking out for

You and me against the world,

Sometimes it seems like you and me against the world

And for all the times we’ve cried I always felt that

God was on our side.

And when one of us is gone,

And one of us is left to carry on,

Then remembering will have to do,

Our memories alone will get us through

Think about the days of me and you,

Of you and me against the world.

Songwriters: Kenneth Lee Ascher / Paul H. Williams

You and Me Against the World lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group