From: owner-jangle-poets-digest@smoe.org (jangle-poets-digest) To: jangle-poets-digest@smoe.org Subject: jangle-poets-digest V6 #52 Reply-To: jangle-poets@smoe.org Sender: owner-jangle-poets-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-jangle-poets-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk jangle-poets-digest Thursday, September 16 2004 Volume 06 : Number 052 Today's Subjects: ----------------- [JP] Transcendentalism and TK ["Passe, Jeff" ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 15 Sep 2004 21:48:09 -0400 From: "Passe, Jeff" Subject: [JP] Transcendentalism and TK Dear Fellow Kennedys fans, A few weeks back, on a different list, I ran across some posts that were critical of Pete and Maura's recent songs (i.e., Namaste, Stand) that tend toward the spiritual, The writers tended to be of a younger generation than myself (age 50), and their closed-minded attitudes troubled me. I recognized that the writers probably did not have the 60s-70s experience that many of us had in learning about meditation, Eastern religions, and the like. During that time, I learned to incorporate many elements of those traditions into my own, and have recently moved further in that direction. Surprisingly, I've discovered that my own Jewish tradition has similar threads over the centuries. (There's a great book called, "That's funny, you don't look Buddhist.") Listening to NPR today, Diane Rehm had a discussion of Thoreau and "Walden." I was immediately reminded of Pete and Maura. There was the similar themes in various songs ("Just Like Henry David", for starters) but also the reminder of the scholarly work of Maura's dad on that topic. As I listened to the discussion, I realized the difference between myself and those younger critics was that I embrace transcendentalism, which is the recognition that true understanding goes beyond reason, certainly, and beyond the senses too. It transcends those methods of knowing. Thus, the name. I am often baffled in trying to understand why such talented artists like Pete and Maura are not huge successes in terms of selling cds. Perhaps it's because the transcendental content of some of their songs is not appealing to the masses, who tend to be so rational. (Funny how those are the songs that I love best!) But, as I think about Thoreau, I'm reminded that his message was to not worry about financial success or status, but to live in the moment. Then I think about Pete and Maura performing with positive energy, warm smiles, and a genuine love of what they're doing, and I realize that they have created their own Walden on the stage and in the studio. They may not be as wealthy or successful as they deserve, but they appear to be very, very happy. Just thought I'd share that as I look forward to seeing TK at the Sunday house party in Laurel, MD. (I'm lucky enough to be passing through DC this weekend!) For what it's worth Jeff from Charlotte Check out the Kennedys' Official Home Page: http://www.KennedysMusic.com/ Fab photos, the Official tour diary, dashboard Buddha haiku, groovy merchandise...what more could you ask for? ------------------------------ End of jangle-poets-digest V6 #52 *********************************