[John Lister]

I felt an explanation of this project may be in order.

The project from which this video comes was originally consigned as a meditation CD, which meant NO drums or rhythm of any kind, and very peaceful, repetitive chords. When the client backed out and changed her mind, I took the project into a slightly different direction, with the gradual addition of classic rock instrumentation which increases the energy and feel of each track.

You state (rather authoritatively) that I 'clearly' do not play drums or keys, but you are quite wrong in that assumption. I have played drums for many years, teaching at the Ontario Conservatory of Music when I first started out. I have also played various keyboards in many situations over a very long period of time, creating succesful jingles, and working with other musicians in too many bands to mention. I won't start dropping names here, some you would recognize, but it is not up to me to defend myself as a musician, it is up to you not to cast insults in the first place.

Your comments on the chord progression sounds very similar to the disparaging one on YouTube, perhaps that has influenced your objectivity.

This piece of music does not show off musicianship, nor is it intended to, other than perhaps the guitar solos, but not all music must be showy to be of good quality, and not all drumming, bass-playing, etc. has to have flash in order to 'prove' that the musician is capable. I find it surprising that you could come to a 'conclusion' about my musical abilities, it shows a real lack of objectivity on your part, and is in fact nothing short of insulting. The drum breaks and keyboard passages in this song are flawlessly performed, yet are fairly simple, as they are intended to be for this style of music.

I was advised by an associate that a video on YouTube would improve visibility by drawing attention to the CD. Becuase YouTube is a place for amateur videos, I went ahead and put the video together with what little video expertise and equipment I have. Obviously, the music was complete before I did the video, so I am 'miming' the instrument parts, and in one of the drum scenes, the visible timing is off. This has nothing to do with the music, nor my ability to play these instruments. Perhaps the video is putting the music in a negative light, by making me appear to be 'faking' it. I am not sure, as this is the first time I have tried doing a music video, and also the first time using YouTube.

I'm actually very surprised and disappointed at your comments, franco, especially coming from another musician. I know there are musicians who only feel 'flashy' and 'fast' songs that really show off musicianship are valid, and there is a place for those, hell I've written them myself, but this track is a relaxing, peaceful piece of inspiring music that takes the emotions from peaceful places on up and then back down again. People who have bought the CD have expressed that it does exactly what it is supposed to, perhaps you were hoping for a different music style? When something is not in the style you prefer, resorting to insults about the person's capabilities won't win you many friends. The drumming and keyboard work on this CD are flawless, granted there is nothing terribly difficult either, other than the organ solo, but a good musician is not afraid to play without the need to show off, if the song requires simple passages. That shows taste, maturity and discernment, not a lack of ability.

Again, I wonder if the video isn't creating a negative impression of the music. I had not heard anything negative until the video was uploaded yesterday. Surely a decent musician isn't going to be confused by an amatuer video to the point where he can't hear what's happening in the music?