My parents fittingly bought me a spoon rest that says “Music is My Life”.  To say I love music would be an understatement, and I love most genres from classical through to rock.  I have occasionally shared some of my favourite artists with friends around the globe, and received quite favourable feedback.  I will mention a handful here whose music I find particularly inspiring. 

 1) Florian Christl is a German classial composer whose compositions I absolutely love.  Check him out here: https://www.youtube.com/@florian_christl .  My absolute favourite of his albums is “Live” and there is a YouTube clip of him performing this set with the Modern String Quartet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6GaDt8El3Q&t=2278s&pp=ygUUZmxvcmlhbiBjaHJpc3RsIGxpdmU%3D. 

 2) Another brilliant musician, in my opinion, is Estas Tonne whose classical guitar skills are pure genius.  See for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/@Estastonne I discovered him when watching a fascinating documentary that featured his music – Time of the Sixth Sun https://www.timeofthesixthsun.com/.  One of my favourite pieces is probably The Song of the Golden Dragon. 

3) I discovered the next album when listening to an OEFT webinar, where one of my friends mentioned Native Visions by Ah Nee Mah.  I quite enjoyed it – you can give a listen on Spotify, and if you like it, buy it here: https://www.amazon.ca/Native-Visions-American-Music-Journey/dp/B00AO7HNLS. 

 4) A buddy of mine in Australia told me about Mei-lan, and he described her as having a voice like an angel.  Very true, and I have enjoyed watching many of her videos: https://www.youtube.com/@Mei-lan. 

5) Another YouTube channel I have found to be an absolute delight – so uplifting and relaxing, complete with beautiful aesthetic –  features a talented pianist called Michael at https://www.youtube.com/@relaxdaily.  

6) Finally, although I already gave a shout out to them in my book, I would be remiss not to mention a channel that has brought so much joy to so many people around the world.  I am talking about Tico and The Man Frank Maglio https://www.youtube.com/@ticothemanFrankmaglio.  I believe I found this channel in my recommended feed one day, and since watching one video, I was hooked.  Tico, a double yellow-headed Amazon parrot, started singing one day while his human was at home during the 2020 lockdowns.  Frank didn’t know his parrot was a rock star (or even a singer) so his wife, Gina, took a video to post for friends and family. Not surprisingly, the video went viral, and now thousands have subscribed to their YouTube channel where you can see by the comments just how much they are loved.  A talented family (the dad was a brilliant pianist, and Frank plays a mean guitar) but Tico is the front-bird star!  Check it out – it is sure to bring a smile.