In the late 80s when I lived in LA I had a high stress job at an entertainment law firm. I was driving to work in Century City along Olympic Boulevard in the morning in my stick shift '82 Datsun hatchback, dreading going in. On the radio: KCRW, the Santa Monica based NPR feed. The DJ was INTERVIEWING (okay, I'm already jaw dropping while I'm driving in city traffic) VANGELIS. And he was going to perform LIVE that night at Royce Hall at UCLA campus. Chariots of Fire? I knew that one. Blade Runner? that hooked me. Sitting one day in the parking garage at the Beverly Center waiting for the classical station to back announce what they had just played (his score for the movie Antarctica) I was so down the rabbit hole of Vangelis' composition and sense of music that I've never looked back. Then there was my old friend Kim's playing for me "Creation du Monde" from his Apocalypse des Animaux soundtrack album, as mesmerizing a meditation music piece as ever there was one.
Had several of his albums by the time I heard the interview. On vinyl. Went to work, called Royce Hall, got my ticket reserved with my credit card, drove like a banshee that night to Royce Hall after getting a bite to eat after work. Then, just when it couldn't be any better...who walks in to do a couple of numbers with Vangelis but Jon Anderson (lead singer of Yes). The energy just goes through the roof.
Oh, but wait. There's that encore he did. He took requests. The one he answered? An impromptu version of "Singing in the Rain". Incredible improvisational musician, and just a big sweet shy teddy bear on stage, no egotistical airs at all. By far the best concert I've every seen.
Why is he my creative hero? Because what he says in this interview about music is how I’ve grown to understanding and experience the writing process. Forever in awe.
https://www.facebook.com/xitox.osvarox/videos/o.230927250251897/951221238289906/?type=2&theater
Artist for the image: unknown. If you know who it is, please post the info so I can credit the artist!