BATTLE OF THE BANDS: Pirate's

I did not participate in the Jan 1 Battle of the Bands; but did bounce around and view the other participants. Some of participants hinted at unusual postings for today's edition, so it prompted me to go a little crazy too. Battle of the Bands is a twice monthly musical blog hop where two bands/artists are featured playing the same song. BotB is hosted by Ferret Faced Facist Stephen McCarthy and the delightful Faraway Series on the first and fifteenth of each month. Visit Mr. McC's Battle of the Bands blog for a list of the usual combatants.

Today, as mentioned above, I'm breaking the rules a bit and posting two marvelous Violinist's, playing a Pirates theme, but not the same exact song. I was introduced to both these artists through other bloggers, but was hooked on their talents from the first slide of the bow.

I wanted to post a battle using the dancing violinist Lindsey Sterling's Master of Tides impromptu show since I saw it on some other blog; but I could not find any other artist that has performed this song. Of course, if there was, it would likely be a one sided battle; nobody performs like Lindsay.

As stated on her website:

It is hard to believe that Piers Morgan told Lindsey Stirling the world had no place for a dancing dubstep violinist. But being voted off 2010’s “America’s Got Talent” at the quarterfinals turned out to be the best thing that’s ever happened to her. Rejection simply strengthened Stirling’s resolve to be herself. “The same reasons I was told I wouldn’t succeed are the reasons people travel hundreds of miles to see me now,” she laughs.

A motivational speaker in her spare time, Stirling uses her own story to show teenagers that you’ve got to have confidence in the very thing that makes you unique – then wait for the world to catch up.

Yes, you have permission to watch and be impressed by the video . . .



The rival in this battle is 32 year old, German born David Garrett, playing He's A Pirate (Theme song for Pirates of the Carribean).

Garrett received his first violin at age four and makes his first appearance with the Hamburg Philharmonics at the early age of ten. At age thirteen he is the youngest artist to be awarded an exclusive contract with the Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft. In 1999, at the height of his career, the shooting star redirects his energy, deciding to leave his predetermined path as a classical violinist and move to New York – not to take a time-out but rather to place his musical proficiency on a theoretical foundation and perfect his technique. He enrolls at the prestigious Julliard School, studying musicology and composition.
Since completing his studies, the visionary violinist has committed himself to a clearly defined goal – introducing young people to the classics and kindling enthusiasm for reputedly serious music. Combining classical elements with those of pop and rock as well as rhythm and blues is a means to this end. “Regarding the crossover pieces I arrange, I strive to attain a level of performance at least equal to that expected of classical works.

When writing, I find this type music inspirational, if still a bit distracting for the imagery and passion the music invokes. I love watching the crowd enjoy both of these stellar performers. Can't fault either for wanting the enrich the lives of young people all over the world with their unique talents and back story.

Please leave your vote for the your favorite artist in the comments, and visit a list of other Battle of the Bands participants on Stephen's site. And if you're not inclined to vote, at least leave a comment to tell me what artist inspires you when you are writing.