When she was little, very little, she would sing along to the commercials on TV. She wasn’t merely making sounds in response to what was on TV. She was singing it, feeling it, presenting it. In her house she listened to music a lot. There was really no way to escape it. Her father always had some music-generating device going at full blast. It might have been a reel-to-reel tape recorder. It might have been a scratchy vinyl disk producing echoes from the deep past. It might have been a radio coaxing a signal out of the airwaves in a remote hollow of the Appalachian Mountains. It might have been a guitar, straining to find a melody.

Her father remembers traveling to church with her one morning when she was quite small. They’d listen to the radio as they drove. Once he dialed to a radio station that was airing an unfamiliar song. She listened for a moment, turned, and said, “That’s Grandma on the Raydo! That’s Grandma playing tootar on the Raydo!” She was a very intelligent child, and like many intelligent children she developed and employed her own version of words until she mastered standard speech. “Raydo” was, of course, her word for radio. The man greatly preferred her pronunciation to the one in general circulation. And “tootar” was her more colorful and exuberant variant of guitar.

As she grew, she developed in all ways, particularly artistically. She danced, took piano lessons, joined the band at school. She learned to play simple guitar and bass, and she discovered a passion for photography, a deep connection that she still expresses. But the soundtrack continues for her – day to day, moment by moment.

She is nearly an adult now – actually, more of an adult than many will ever be – and her father lives in a different state. But when she comes to visit him, her father still plays, records, and performs music. The daughter still sings, dances, and fits scene after scene of glorious life into the viewing frame of a camera for future reference and reflection. And she is such an appreciator of music. She will say to her father, “Listen to this! I know you’ll love it!” She will speak of a group she has just discovered and say, “I don’t think you’ve ever heard of these guys, but listen to that voice, listen when the brass comes in!” Then she’ll say “I love Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra; I want to be Ella Fitzgerald, you can feel the passion in her voice.” The father, who once merely doted on his daughter and tried to teach her little things about music and art appreciation, now pays close attention as his daughter conducts her own lessons. Because she is right. The diverse selection of music she plays for him is good, very, very good. And she knows why it is good. Then she will turn to her father and say, “I think this song would be great for you and Patty. It’s perfect for your voice, and Patty’s trumpet will sing.” And the father not only loves his daughter, after all he has always loved his daughter, but he is very proud of her as well. She not only appreciates that all that surrounds her is putting on a wonderful show, but she also participates in that pageant. And she becomes, for her father, the most incredible aspect of it all.

I am that father and Naomi is my daughter, and I could not be happier about that! What a wonderful weekend we just shared! — Bob Tatum

Sound Traveler will be at the Will McLean Festival this coming weekend, hope to see some of you there. When we come back, we will be quite busy. Check the schedule for upcoming events.

To respond to this post, click on the title, scroll down, and share your insights.

10 Comments to “SongTravelin’: 03.08.11 — Music: The Student and the Teacher”

• March 8, 2011 at 9:40 am
  cyberbeat says:

  Nice.
• March 8, 2011 at 10:27 am
  Kay says:

  very nice
• March 8, 2011 at 11:16 am
  Laura Laughridge says:

  Coming from a daughter who also shares a musical connection with her father—and her own daughter— this is very special. Music was always in our house, and my brother and I used to quote commercials and favorite scenes from re-run sitcoms all the time, voices and all. Almost like cleaning our plates, we learned to listen, love and enjoy it all. The coolest part is watching my children’s artistic tastes develop. When I started listening to Mumford and Sons (just because I happened to be channel-surfing right at the moment they appeared on the Grammys), my kids started listening, too—and even quoting them on their Facebook pages.
  One week ago today I spent the day in a recording studio. For awhile I’ve been feeling really led toward something, and I KNOW what it is, what I MUST do, and that I’m not living an honest life if I’m not doing it—that is, singing. So now I just need to figure out how to get to do it MORE. You of all people will surely understand this. I’ve almost missed “my calling” in trying to live a (ahem) responsible life. So much for “responsible…..”
  Miss you guys! Love and hugs–
  Laura
• March 8, 2011 at 11:17 am
  Your Sis, Terry says:

  How wise we are when we continue to learn. I spent such a weekend learning from my daughter as she interacted with her two year old. This generation can teach us so much. What a joy to learn from those we love and what a pleasure to see Naomi once again through the special lens of her father’s love. We are so glad you three had a wonderful time. We love you all.
• March 8, 2011 at 11:31 am
  Art says:

  Not only that but, she is becoming a good dancer too. She is a prize for sure and you have every right to be a proud Dad.
• March 8, 2011 at 12:33 pm
  Bob says:

  Laura, your voice is pure magic, and I am so in favor of your living an “honest” life. I count it among my fondest musical memories when Ellie and I were able to sing with you and your daughter Annie. It was extra cool that your dad conducted the Highland Pipes and Brass at the same concert. I also own an album that you recorded with your dad from an earlier time. I treasure it. In the movie “Chariots of Fire” Erik Liddel said, “I feel God’s pleasure when I run.” I’m sure that you and I can identify with that sentiment. For you the phrasing must be, “I feel God’s pleasure when I sing.” And you should. Sing on!
• March 8, 2011 at 12:39 pm
  Bob says:

  Terry, as usual you have spoken right to the heart of the story.
• March 8, 2011 at 6:42 pm
  Patty says:

  That’s just sweet. And, yes, Naomi is just amazing. It’s a joy to spend time with her, and I also listen when she recommends a song. She does have great taste!

  Also, Art is right. She took to contra dancing like a bird to flight, as I knew she would. It was a pleasure to introduce her to something that I hope she’ll learn to love as much as we do.
• March 11, 2011 at 11:33 pm
  Naomi says:

  I always tell people that you always hear what I hear in music. If there’s something good about it, something that moves me, I know that it will move you too, more than anyone else I could choose to share it with.

  Thanks for making me sound so awesome :p I had a great time visiting you guys too. And surprisingly loved contra!
• March 21, 2011 at 10:31 am
  Ellie says:

  Very sweet piece! I think Naomi is a very special human being, gifted and joyous. The ultimate joy for a parent. We let our fledglings go, find their independent place in the world and, in my experience, we ring like a bell when their separate lives connect us.