Josh Young

Fresh Tracks

Fresh Tracks

Perhaps I'm unnecessarily contrary, but I'm addicted to the road less traveled. Robert Frost probably had it right...

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Takes my breath away every time...

Then again, also valid two millinnea hence is the sage dictum of the little known Greek poet and algorithmic philosopher Netflixus who, as recorded on a recently unearthed tablet from the Foro Romano now identified by archaeologists as a corollary to the Book of Faces and Atwitterings, forewarned: "There are at any point in time and space, whether on one's way to market in the morning or seated in the smallest room of one's dwelling place in the evening, an infinite number of roads to choose from; yet even vermin know that the unwise mouse will get lost in a maze of unforgivable time-killers that lead down the slope of self-loathing and lost opportunities."

Amazing Grace - The Backstory

Amazing Grace - The Backstory

Arguably the most famous song in human history, but what's the back-story to Amazing Grace? 

Who's the soul behind the melody?

 

The story of John Newton is one of the most dramatic and moving stories of all time. A slave trader who became a slave himself, and then an abolitionist (go figure...), the lyrics take on new meaning when you learn about the man.

I didn't know any more than his name until they turned Amazing Grace into a Broadway Musical and I came across this video by the lead playing Newton. Tony-nominated Josh Young (Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Les Miserables) has one of the most gorgeous voices now on Broadway (or off...).

I can't wait to make music together with him and the Philharmonic (as well as with the equally extraordinary Emily Padgett - more in another post) on Sat., Feb. 6: A Night On Broadway.