Thursday, January 15, 2015

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.

34 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

The setup and performance of the first one is incredible. And very fun.
That said, I liked Garrett's piece just a little bit more.
I've seen a woman perform with an electric violin who was running and sliding all over the stage - and she was damn good!

Arlee Bird said...

I saw Stirling on the Talent show and was very impressed. I like her cute style and flashy playing and this video performance is excellent.

However as one who plays violin I can appreciate the purer style of Garret. I think he's probably the better violinist technically. I prefer Lindsey's looks, but I'm going to vote for David Garrett's performance overall.

It's really a tough choice though. Now ask me who I'd rather go out on a date with.

Lee
Tossing It Out

DEZMOND said...

I haven't heard of that particular piece of music before. It's nice!

Christine Rains said...

I was blown away by Stirling's show. Holy awesomeness! Yet music-wise, I like the second one just a little better.

Cate Masters said...

Wow, both are amazing, it's tough to choose between the two. Stirling may edge out the other. I can't listen to music while writing, it either absorbs me entirely or I block it out.

Pat Hatt said...

The first has the most amazing set up, and good for her for ignoring the idiot judge. But the second I'd go with, as reminds me of the movie more.

StratPlayerCJF said...

I enjoyed the video and pseudo flash-mob kind of show of Sterling, but I would have preferred to simply film it and let me hear it live without all the slowed-motion that disconnects from the music. And the instrumentation of the music strongly hints that what we're hearing is not live. still, it's enjoyable and fun to watch.

On the other hand, David Garrett is clearly playing live. The "walk out of the audience" is kind of cheesy cliche, but effective none-the-less. Even more so if you happen to be in the audience. But musically, it's dang good fiddle-playin'!

Both are really good,but I'm giving the edge to Garrett.

Stephen T. McCarthy said...

Yo Ho, Yo Ho, it's Pirate's life for me!

Woo-Hoo! DONNA, fantastic BOTB!

I loved this one. And I love Lindsey's story! That's the way you poke the doubters in the eye with your violin bow. Her story almost makes me want to try again but... alas... I ran out of steam many years ago. But Lindsey's still my new hero.

And by the way, I have long thought that Piers Morgan is a total jackass and if I ever see him in public somewhere, I am going to kick his arse all the way back to England where it belongs. (The other celebrity who needs to worry about me running into him in public is Quentin Tarantino. I will show him what REAL non-movie violence looks like. We'll see just how entertaining he finds it then!)

This is a tough one to call because what others have said seems true to me also. Based on just these two musical pieces, David Garrett seems like he may be technically the better musician. But if someone was giving me tickets to one of their shows, I would prefer to see Lindsey because she seems to be having so much fun on stage.

I'll let you decide my vote, Donna. If the videos count, then I vote for Lindsey. If it's solely about the music sans images, then I vote for David.

I know that's kind of a cop-out.

I'll tell you what, give my vote to Lindsey. Garrett's probably the better musician but Lindsey's performance is more fun AND her story inspires me. Plus, other than the tennis shoes, Garrett seems to be wearing Tom Waits' costume and I doubt he got permission from Tom.

I really enjoyed this BOTB installment, Donna. You done good!

~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'

A Beer for the Shower said...

I agree that technically David is better, but this isn't about who's better. This is about which one I LIKE better. And while David's is great, I think I could listen to Lindsey's version on repeat a LOT more.

Cherie Reich said...

Wow! Both are amazing. I vote for Lindsey. It takes some serious talent to play and dance like that.

Dixie@dcrelief said...

Dolorah,

Tough battle, as I adore both artists. I have viewed both videos before, and had thought to use something similar this battle. I too ran into the difficulty of finding a "Pirate" version by Lindsey, to compare 'apples to apples' with David Garrett. [New artist, Taylor Davis, has a fine version you might enjoy: (http://youtu.be/ZnJ7uOK4nYg).]

Not viewing the videos, afforded me the opportunity to really take in the background, and how those elements support the artists' composition and "fret-play." Crashing fountains of tides versus instrumentation of the orchestra. What is it I'm wanting to hear? I played them both a third time. I want that artist to come forward - draw me into that violin's message. Both offer me a tale of 'a pirate who would be master,' but which violin is master to expressing the tale? I do love Garrett, but the orchestration of Lindsey's captures my attention more. Her violin calls those tides...

A wonderful, delightful battle! Thank you.

My vote is with Lindsey Stirling.

farawayeyes said...

I love this BATTLE. Two excellent choices, I'm having a hard time deciding. I don't know squat for who is actually technically better, but I think each has it's own merits, and both are superb.

Give my vote to Lindsey. Her playing is wonderful, her dancing a delight, and the overall production is just plain fun.

This is a most excellent BATTLE my friend. I hope you keep you the good work for many a moons to come.

dolorah said...

I'll bet it was a fun show :)

dolorah said...

No brainer, right Lee :)

dolorah said...

Glad you enjoyed it Dezzy :)

dolorah said...

I'm sure the back up music was pre-recorded and played through the sound system. Still, I loved the flash mob feel also. And if David had sat next to me in the theater I would have passed out on camera :)

dolorah said...

Well Sir, I was all ready to assign your vote to Garrett b/c, as you so aptly put it, he is the better musician. It would be a toss up for me which show I would prefer to see live, but I bet I would prefer Lindsey's for all the action and costumes and such. But watching Garrett play would be a dream come true for me. Ah, pitter-patter :)

dolorah said...

I agree.

dolorah said...

Ha, I had that one pitted against Garrett! Taylor is wonderful, and I listened to several other of her pieces. I liked that she was standing at the ocean for her video. That would be just as tough a match, in my opinion, as this one is. Alas, I opted for posting outside the box today :)

Love the way you described Lindsey's playing. I felt that way too.

dolorah said...

Thank you FAE :)

Anonymous said...

This was a tough one. I had to replay. I pick the first one.

Cathy Kennedy said...

WOW, both violinist are excellent! They both inspire me to get up boogie more than anything. So...how to do I pick just one for BOTB? Hmmm, both are good and I listened to each twice. I think for the sheer entertainment perspective I would have to give my vote to Stirling for this edition of BOTB.

Chrys Fey said...

Both were amazing, but I have to vote for Lindsey Stirling. I like her sound and how she did it. :)

VR Barkowski said...

I love the energy and theatricality of Lindsey Stirling, but when it comes to music, it's more about what I can hear than what I can see. I much prefer listening Garrett.

VR Barkowski

Loni Townsend said...

Lindsey Stirling! She has a great costume. :)

I did crack up at the woman who handed her phone to her friend to get a picture when David sat down next to her.

Julie Dao said...

My brother is OBSESSED with Lindsey. She's phenomenal! I can't imagine playing from memory while dancing around with that much energy!

alexia said...

I love Lindsey Stirling! Had no idea she was on that show. Just found her on YouTube. I think the elements one is my fave, followed by her fun Western steampunk one.

Rachna Chhabria said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rachna Chhabria said...

I vote for Lindsey Stirling. Thanks, I enjoyed the music.

Birgit said...

Although Lindsey is quite showy and excellent to bring something to life I also felt it distracting. If I took away the performance and just listened to the piece it was OK but no great shakes. David Garrett has my vote. He is better as a violinist (to me anyway) and when I closed my eyes, I really got into the music and felt he made the violin sing so he gets my vote

Cathrina Constantine said...

Lindsey is my vote.

Shannon Lawrence said...

Yay for pirate songs! As much as I love that song from Pirates, I vote for Lindsey.

Robin said...

They were both very enjoyable. However, I think I would enjoy Lindsey's more over the long haul. Plus, I loved that video. So Ms. Stirling for me.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

The Pirates of the Caribbean theme tugs at the heart strings, but I have to give the nod to Lindsey. Love her attitude!