True Balance

For about a week I have been processing one of the most soulful and moving experiences I’ve had in a long while. My husband and I had the rare pleasure to see Jay Buchanan perform at the City Opera House in Traverse City.

I heard about Jay and read that he was as an entertainer who could take your breath away with his range of vocal stylings. He is often described as the artist who could be the prodigal son of Jimmy Page and Janice Joplin. I was intrigued and began to do some quick reconnaissance. A Google search for Jay Buchanan brought me to his MySpace page.  I listened to the streaming music, watched a couple of videos and was sold.  I quickly snatched our concert tickets online and scored front row seating.  YES!

The night of the show we headed into Traverse City to slink through the Winter Festival and found a crowd of happy people dancing and enjoying the laser show, beer tent and tremendous ice sculptures. Traverse City continues to show up as a happening place to hang out.

The concert was at the City Opera House and right in the middle of all of  the action. The auditorium has been lovingly renovated and holds its majestic space with acoustic perfection. The room was elegant and dimly lit with tea candles fluttering on white cloth-covered tables dotted around the main floor. The lovely Jetty Rae performed as the opening act and would prove to be a perfect musical appetizer to what would be the best performance I have ever witnessed in this lifetime. Jetty’s vocal range and hippie chick style commanded the audience’s attention. What a pleasant surprise! Both entertainers were occasionally accompanied by a young woman with a bright smile and magic fingers playing an improvised cello style to complement the performances. I wish I could remember her name (I think it was Sarah) because she was excellent.

Jay Buchanan took the stage and I immediately knew I liked him. Clad with a comfy blazer, blue jeans and spiffy silver boots, he engaged the audience with kindness and stories about his musical life.

Then he began to sing …

We knew we were witnessing something extraordinary as soon as the first lyrics rolled out of his mouth. This man was fully present and generously shared with us his highest level of performance without holding back. I’m talking about everything he had to give.  Song after song, playful stories and honesty - it was as if we were the only thing that mattered. Jay gave us a window into his beautiful heart with songs like Zebra, Feel Better, Post Coital Kiss and This.

Jay Buchanan is living life on his terms by following his passion and authentically showing up for his solo performances.

He began the evening telling us about his past experience belonging to a band that was getting really popular with a big following and lots of tour dates.  He said he found himself in a place where it wasn’t speaking to him and his heart wasn’t in the band any longer. Almost three years ago he left the band to follow his passion to write music and perform in a new direction. Jay followed his calling, took a risk in leaving something comfortable and familiar, and moved on. I am so grateful he did. It is clear that Jay’s mind, body and soul are in alignment with his new music.

Give a listen at MySpace and see why Jay Buchanan is a lion-hearted force to be reckoned with.

Enjoy!

Jay Buchanan Feel Better