John Bryan's Blog

06

For which types of audio artforms is it better to close your eyes?

On 6/4/2011 I attended an afternoon concert by the American Youth Harp Ensemble and later that evening I attended the James River Writers gala which featured a performance by spoken-word slam poet Daniel Custodio of Slam Nahuatl.

The harps were glorious, and I learned that closing my eyes made the sound become richer, broader, more complex, and simply more Heavenly. With eyes closed the sound became rythmic cascades of chiming raindrops, bright bursting constellations of stars, and tinkling ice crystals. Of course it was impossible to resist the charm of watching those dozens of youngsters all plucking those strings – a nationally unique ensemble right here in Richmond.
 
I was unable to close my eyes as Daniel Custodio presented three spoken-word pieces: each expressive, engaging, poignant, driving, and from the heart. Daniel is such an enchanting presence; his handsome charisma grabs you and doesn’t let go.

During the reception after his performance, more than once I watched persons put their hands over their heart as they told him how they’d been touched. I’d like another chance at a closed-eye encounter with Daniel’s work. How will that change my experience?
 

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Gigi
Monday, June 06, 2011 9:03 AM
Hi, I was at the JRW event, too, and like you was touched and changed by Daniel Custodio's performance. Sometimes, though, I did close my eyes, not to block anything out but to surrender to the interior journey. Daniel's words and voice served as a sort of guide, I think, to that little corner of Heaven that really is there inside each of us.

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