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  marcoujor's musings

mar's Desk

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marcoujor: Tori Amos - Totally

3/7/2018

16 Comments

 
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Myra Ellen Amos was born in Newton, NC on August 22nd, 1963 - just two years after me. She changed her name after a friend's boyfriend told her she looked more like a 'Tori''.

At the age of 11, Tori was granted a full scholarship to the Peabody Conservatory of Music, as her family had moved to Silver Springs, MD. After displaying a blatant fondness for rock and popular music and a lack of ability to read sheet music, Amos lost the scholarship.

As a young girl, I often thought Dad was rough on me. He questioned why I didn't 'bring home the 100', when I had scored a 95. He questioned why I wanted to learn rock and roll on the piano instead of classical music I could go on…

I am ever grateful now for my solid upbringing and education. Today, I see how scary times are and am blessed to have had two parents who loved and protected me from harm, violence and abuse.

The song 'Winter', from Little Earthquakes (1992), is one of the few songs that immediately takes me back to memories of Dad. The song is haunting. I usually end up crying long and hard after listening, as I do with most of Tori Amos' music.

'Winter' is a song that takes the listener through the life of a daughter with her Dad. She worries about every little thing. The lyrics stress the constancy of love, while life passes all too quickly. Music can help us gain perspective when we open our minds to it.
Winter from Little Earthquakes (1992)
​Hey Jupiter from Boys For Pele (1996)
Another song that highlights Tori Amos' velvety passion is 'Jackie's Strength' from the album, From the Choirgirl Hotel (1998).

I was immediately drawn to the lyrics because of the reference to Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. In all of the women in history, Jackie has been my truest ideal of social grace, elegance and coping in every possible scenario.

In her style of modern duality, Tori also addresses such life-changing behaviors as pre-marital sex and teen pregnancy.



Jackie's Strength from From The Choirgirl Hotel (1998) 
To Venus and Back (1999) in its entirety- an unforgettably dark year for me and Tori's music was especially healing for me at this time... 
​A Sorta Fairytale from Scarlet's Walk (2002)
Welcome to England from Abnormally Attracted to Sin (2009)

Per Tori, Night of Hunters is an album is filled with “song cycles, which are variations of classical themes we are all familiar with”.

I finally appreciated the octets and sonatas that Dad dearly wanted me to master as a child taking piano lessons. I really appreciated someone who admitted to knowing "a lot more about shoes than classical music". Hmmm...!

Had Tori Amos been my instructor, heaven only knows where I would be today! Listening to her play the piano, I am convinced the music she is reading comes from her mind. Reading sheet music for her is like me reading to my students, yuck ... :)
Fearlessness from Night of Hunters (2011)
Gold Dust from Gold Dust (2012)
While volunteering for Victims Services Center in my county, a client from a support group I conducted gave me a copy of Tori's music. It was her manner of thanking me for talking to her after a rape trauma.

In June, 1994, Tori Amos co–founded RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network), while launching the year-long campaign, 'Unlock the Silence''. This is a toll–free hotline in the United States connecting callers with their local Rape Crisis Center. Amos is a survivor of sexual assault.
Trouble's Lament from Unrepentant Geraldines (2014)
The first of many Tori Amos' albums I acquired since the 1990s was Little Earthquakes.(1992). Now 26-years later, I have nine of sixteen of her albums.

After listening to my favorites in preparing a taste of each album in this post, I plan to complete my musical library collection sooner rather than later.

​ShoutOuts

☙ The Most Amazing Story – Missing Relative Ferreted out After 31 Years via Martie’s Foyer
☙ Update 6: Daith Piercings for Migraine Relief via flashPress
☙ These thoughts might get your goat!  Via WarnerWords

​Until next week, wishing you peace and a song in your heart, mar
16 Comments
Verlie Burroughs
3/7/2018 08:15:33 am

Morning mar, What a beautiful introduction. I am excited to have the definitive Tori Amos playlist here on your page. I'm going to spend some time with this and get back to you. Snow has quit, but I hesitate to use the Spring word. I don't remember a winter lasting so long, ever. And I know it's nothing compared to what you've been (and are) experiencing. Thank you so much! V.

Reply
Maria link
3/7/2018 08:39:16 am

Dear V,

How cool that you were visiting my post at about the same time I was reading your beautiful poetry and listening to Ryan Adams...

I believe you will LOVE Tori's music, as we tend to gravitate to the same artists.

Please relax, I'll put on some hot chocolate and we can listen awhile... Love, mar

Reply
Mike Friedman
3/7/2018 10:06:12 am

Did somebody say hot chocolate? The words, "I could go on..." gave me a chill. Those words could make a great song. There is an intensity in today's post that is uncommon. It must be the snow. Now for some Tori.

Reply
Maria link
3/8/2018 07:17:21 am

Yes, have some hot chocolate to go with this intensity, dear Mike...!!

I enjoyed listening to Tori during (hopefully) our last snow fall of the season.

Reply
Martie link
3/7/2018 12:22:55 pm

What an interesting musician! My hat off to her. "Trouble's Lament" is my favorite. The rhythm is fascinating. Singing while playing the piano demand a lot of practice.

Thanks for featuring Tori Amos today, dear Mar.

Hugs,
Martie

Reply
Maria link
3/8/2018 07:21:08 am

I knew you would love Tori's piano melodies, dear Martie.

"Troubles Lament" came from her 2014 album - to me it also features her mastery of lyrics.

Love you and lots of hugs, mar

Reply
Peg Cole link
3/7/2018 05:51:05 pm

I'm delighted to learn of a new (to me) artist that I'm sure I'll love. Will be back to listen to these selections most likely at night when I'm awakened by memories. Love your backstory and thank you for sharing this artist's work. Yes, please on the hot chocolate.

Reply
Maria link
3/8/2018 07:33:17 am

Dear Peg,

I have shred many a healing tear while listening to Tori - may you find comfort any time you stop by - the hot chocolate is always 'on'.

Love you and big hugs, Maria

Reply
paula
3/8/2018 02:55:17 am

Maria.....Love Tori. Her songs, her sweet, haunting voice is like no other. It goes straight to the heart and soul to calm, inspire and create an aura of overwhelming emotions.
You always seem to know what to share with us at the precise moment. Peace girlfriend, Paula

Reply
Maria link
3/8/2018 07:34:55 am

So pleased you love Tori's music as much as I do, dear Paula.

Thank you for your comment, which means the world to me.

Love and peace, Maria

Reply
Cynthia link
3/8/2018 08:12:52 am

Sweet Maria! I just wanted to stop by this morning and let you know that I'm so grateful for your post and that I will be back later today with a more in-depth comment: it's been a busy couple of days at work, and have a little catching up to do. Thank you for your rays of light and I'll see you soon! xo

Reply
Maria link
3/10/2018 07:47:09 am

Knowing how filled your days are, I'm always thrilled when you stop by, dear Cynthia. Stop by any time!

Love, Maria

Reply
Sannel link
3/8/2018 03:47:39 pm

Dear Maria,

Thank you for highlighting a new (to me) artist. I love her songs and her wonderful voice, and her emotional music has already shed some tears in me. Will definitely listen to more music from her.
Thank you, dear friend for an uplifting post and for sharing your favorite artist with us.
Love, peace and hugs to you,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
3/10/2018 07:49:51 am

Dear Sannel,

I'm so happy that you are also moved by Tori's music and I'm not surprised. Hoping you will stop by as often as you like.

Wishing you and Freddie a good weekend. Love you, Maria

Reply
cynthia link
3/8/2018 10:50:34 pm

Now I had a chance to come back and read properly. I love this post. I realize that I'm a day late, but today is International Women's Day and you know what? This post, I feel like, is in honor of amazing, powerful women. I didn't know any of Tori Amos' history - but it was really interesting to find all that out. Her music is great - I understand why you included these songs and videos - such good stuff here. I hope you've had a fabulous week so far. Sending you hugs and light. So much light! <3

Reply
Maria link
3/10/2018 07:52:34 am

Thanks for stopping back to savor this music and Tori's story, dear Cynthia - especially on International Women's Day.

Wishing you a weekend filled with peace, love and light.
Hugs, Maria



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

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    mar  



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      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
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