~ How Do You Celebrate
Jeff? ~
... and what do I want people to get from the music?
Whatever they want, you know...whatever you like."
- Jeff Buckley
*~*~*
As an English lit major, I've spent a lot of time reading poetry, accompanied by a melody, I always find myself thinking about how important music is to the modern man/woman --long live music--the musician.
Recently I found Jeff in my local library when I should have been reading Montague. I'm glad that I did. all of the literary themes I've been exposed to help me to understand the depth of Buckley. A few guitar lessons have taught me that a simple song can be the best.
The thing that resonates mostly in mind is Keats "Chameleon poet." Buckley was a Camelion musician. His music transcended beyond genre to arrive at the sound and the music best fit for the lyrics. When I write or am at work it is music that is my sense of normalcy. Anywhere from Wilco to theBeatles to Tom Waits- or to Buckley. Thank you to the Chameleon musician who strives for expanding sounds for the audience.
*~*~*
Well,
I was turned on to Jeff Buckley's music by a close friend, so whenever we are together, in the car, at her apartment, we are usually playing Jeff Buckley's music very LOUD and singing really BADLY a long with him. But I don't think he would mind that somehow. But the way I usually enjoy his music is just by lighting some incense, having a glass of wine and letting myself be amazed. Which I am, everytime. I have even gotten my dad into his music. I am 25, and my dad is almost 60, but he is really into Jeff Buckley now. His favorite song is "So Real". It just goes to show you how great music is timeless and enraptures people of all ages. It is easy to focus on the tragic loss when thinking of Jeff Buckley, but I'd rather enjoy his musical legacy and all the wonderful moments he left behind for the fans to enjoy through his recordings. His music always reminds me to seek out the beautiful and to celebrate it in my own life. I'll always be thankful for his music, and for that lesson.
- Derek
*~*~*
I named my beloved son Buckley Kelly.
- Kristin Powell
*~*~*
I celebrate Jeff Buckley's spirit by sharing his music, his poetry with my three year old son parker Jake who was yet on this earth when Jeff left it, it is kind of like there spirits may have passed each other in there transitions from heaven to earth. Thank you for giving his many fans a place to still feel connected! - love, Whitney Mabry
*~*~*
I was introduced to
Jeff by the love of my life. The only way to celebrate
is to listen and every time I do it I find something new...Valeria Storniolo
*~*~*
I first saw the video for "Grace" on 120 minutes on MTV in 1994. I immediately went out, and bought the cd. I had to beg my dad to let me listen to the cd on the big cd player in the living room, with headphones on. I listened to it over and over again during that day. In that cd, I heard so much that my 14 year old self couldn't quit explain, but I knew it was some of the greatest singing and songwriting that I'd ever heard. I grew up on Bob Dylan, and found in Jeff's music a new and different voice. I have had "Grace" in my cd players through out the last decade and have worn through three copies of it. I bought "Live at Sin-e" last year over Christmas. On my hour drive home, I listened to the cds, and cried. At some points I sobbed. I understood those songs then; the songs of love found and lost, of life and its uncertainties, and found favorites given new life by Jeff and his unique voice and interpretation. I think what most touched me on that drive home was that his life was so short, too short. His was a talent I haven’t found in any other singer since. His songs played during my awkward adolescence, my college days, and after break ups and life changing events. His music, no matter what I listen to, can change my mood. There is not a day that goes by that I don't listen to something by Jeff. I share my love for Jeff and his music to whomever will listen. When anyone asks for my recommendation for music, I point them towards Jeff Buckley. His music will always be in my life, and I wholeheartedly wish he was in ours still too. Happy Birthday Jeff!
Thank you
Meghan McKinney
Findlay, Ohio
*~*~*
I'm
in the process of painting Jeff for my high school final exams here
in Australia. I haven't started yet, but its going to to look good
- Nick Swann
*~*~*
Hi
!
How will I celebrate Jeff's birthday ?
1- I will post Mary Guibert's "Golden promise" on to my
favorite forum.
2- I'll be listening to his music - just like each and everyday of my
life,
3- I'll light up a candle to feed me with a little extra light and
warmth,
And... I'll be thinking of him just like each and everyday of my life
(and maybe I will cry).
I love him and thank him for what he's given us all.
HE IS music and music will never pass.
- Séverine from France.
*~*~*
Hello peoples,
Since listening to Jeff about 3 years ago I found a connection with his music that I have never found with any other musician. So to show my compassion for this talented man I have decided to host my own tribute show as I can't afford to go to Melbourne. My day starts off with playing the Grace Album, and from then on I will be playing another nine of Jeff's albums/Eps. At night I will have a selection of friends that also enjoy the sweet sound of Jeff and we will watch the DVDs (both Legacy editions and Live at Chicago). Then the occasional drink to celebrate the special event. As I'm only eighteen, I wish I was born about 10 years before hand to witness this man in action! Have a good one.
K.A.Miller
*~*~*
As a tribute to Jeff, I'm painting a beautiful artwork of him with his guitar and I'm also making a collage, to show my love and appreciation for Jeff and his music. I will always remember the music, it will live on in my soul forever, which i think is what Jeff would have wanted. - Gary Northfield
*~*~*
My name is Amy Claire. I fell madly in love with Jeff Buckley's music when I worked at an independent record store that has since went out of business. I celebrate Jeff's birthday by purchasing one of his cd's and giving it to a friend who has never had the joy of hearing his music.
*~*~*
Well what can say, what a legend this man is. I am so happy he played his music to the world, the man will be remembered forever! His birthday is coming up and there is no better way to celebrate it then listen to his music and sitting quietly with candles going.
All the Best, God Bless Jeff Buckley
- Jon Murphy United Kingdom
*~*~*
I
purely celebrate Jeff all year round and for the rest of my life.... with my
tattoo ... I am from the isle of
Wight, England but chose to go to New York on my
21st to have it done, because that is where the whole Jeff Buckley romanticism
is
at for me.... long live JB.
Tim xx
*~*~*
My celebration of Jeff comes in the form of a video I am sending your way, I will link it as some point in this email, perhaps after I tell you the story of its creation…
About
a year ago now a local club here in
http://clubcafelive.com/calendar.asp?id=12&year=2004&index=36
I was overwhelmed with honor when they ask me, a mere local poet, to host the tribute night with such amazing bands that I have admired for quite some time!
The night was a smash hit and included a beyond sold out venue, which became standing room only after a while and sardine packed from wall to wall.
And there I was - the host.
The time came for me to give my tribute, a tribute that was rehearsed ceaselessly for 2 weeks long, and Blake and Paul (two dear friends) climbed upon stage carrying typewriters. Blake and Paul are overly talented musicians, and can create music from anything. In this case, coupled with the bass of the loud speakers, the typewriters became great and magnificent percussion instruments to afford only us, out of all the performers of the night, a standing ovation.
My sister, the gem she is, had brought her handheld video camera to the show and taped our piece. The camera was small, sufficient for photos of birthdays, holidays and the like. However, while the camera does take video, the sound is of a slightly less than pleasant quality at times, these times being when the audience was screaming quite loud. But it is still very audible.
So my celebration is this – to dig out those typewriters and give a proper recording.
Click here for the praise poem to Jeff, simply titled Dear Jeff.
And these links –
Is where you can download the video, complete with the typewriters, and my father giving me a Guinness on stage amidst my singing – it’s a fabulous time for a Guinness.
If ever this email gets near Mary, I thank you for your gift to us, and I hope I did Jeff honor and justice with this piece.
- Jasin Kirin / umpachki@yahoo.com
*~*~*
Hello.
It never ceases to amaze me how the past exists in the present and the future is revisited to celebrate yesterdays triumphs - what I refer to as the 'before and after' factor.
Earlier this year, around 7.50 am, on a sunlit Saturday morning, I sat in my company's van waiting to set up a conference aptly titled "The Breath of Life." I stuck the radio on for company and within a few moments my head was engulfed with the haunting, lyrical beauty of Jeff Buckley singing "Hallelujah". As a songwriter and lover of music, there are occasions when one is simply knocked out either by a melody, a lyric or a performance. It is, however, a rarity that all three happen at the same time. This was one such occasion. I had to get hold of this performance for keeps. Stupid me! I knew I had 'Mystery White Boy' but, for some reason, the fact that 'Hallelujah' closed the album seemed to have slipped my memory. I think it has to do with timing. Hearing that song, at that moment, alone, stuck in some silent place, pondering over loved ones past and present, well, I guess it was simply a question of the right song at the right time.
A couple of months later, I decided I wanted to cover it myself and so a simple backing track and loop were laid down. And there it slept for a while in my subconscious thoughts. Shortly thereafter came the sad news that my 2nd cousin has passed away. A guy who loved football and had a laugh which could light up even the darkest of rooms. The afterthought was to lay the vocal down as a tribute to his life. And that is exactly what I did - in one take. It's by no means polished or pristine, but it is immediate and honest to how I felt at that time. So my "Hallelujah" is a Golden Promise to never let fading thoughts obscure the joys of constant memories of those we have loved and always will.
Download Here.
To Jeff Buckley and indeed Leonard Cohen, I salute you.
Best regards,
Jez Simms.
*~*~*
Hello,
I am a 19 year old sophomore at the university of Connecticut who, like
countless others, have felt touched and privileged by listening to
Jeff.
In remembrance of Jeff I felt inspired, if not obligated, to write this
song (music is forthcoming). its the least I can do to remember this
remarkable soul. Click
here to read the lyrics
- Greg Schrank.
*~*~*
Hey, my name is Annabel and I'm an 18 year old college
student. I was born about 10 mins. from Washington D.C. and I've been listening
to Jeff Buckley since the age of 14, thanks to a good friend of mine, Steve, who
introduced me to him. Usually I'll go through phases where I listen to certain
music non-stop and eventually get bored or sick of it and switch to something
else. I can honestly say that in the 4 years I've been listening to it, NEVER
have I grown tired of Jeff Buckley's music and I've been doing my best to
introduce it others. My mother, who was born in Croatia and very critical of
most American music fell in love with Jeff after I played her Grace and a few
tracks off the Sin-E CD. Now, she's almost as big a fan as I am!
I've been through some difficult times in my life, an on going battle with
depression is one of them. Whenever I feel hopeless or like there is no good
left in the world and giving up seems to be the only solution, I find solace in
Jeff's music. I will put in one of his CDs (I have all of them) and close my
eyes. Right after hearing the first few, beautiful, soaring notes from his
miraculous voice, I immediately begin to feel better. His music is almost a kind
of medicine for me. I find it therapeutic and almost "lose myself" in
his songs...if that makes any sense. Even just watching interviews with him...I
listen to every word that comes out of his mouth and think to myself, "Wow.
I never thought of it that way before." I'm just deeply moved by everything
he says. The way I see it, if there were more Jeff Buckleys out there, the world
would be a much better place. However, he was so special that I know no one will
ever compare to him.
Thanks to Jeff, I've discovered Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, The Smiths, Leonard
Cohen, Nina Simone, and PJ Harvey. They are all immensely talented musicians as
well.
I recently finished training in a workshop for the local WVRU Public Radio
station located at the university. I was told if I work hard enough and prove
myself to them, after a year I can have my own time slot and play whatever songs
I want. Once I achieve my goal, and I know I will, I plan to regularly play Jeff
Buckley as well as the bands I mentioned above. On his birthday, obviously not
this year, but hopefully the next, I'll try to do a tribute hour to him, playing
only his music. I'll also do this on the day marking the anniversary of his
death, and make sure to play Satisfied Mind.
I'm always shocked by all the people I meet that haven't even heard of him!
Spreading Jeff's music is my way of celebrating him. I hope others will
appreciate his music as much as I do, or at least open their eyes to something
other than what's playing on MTV.
Thanks for reading and keeping Jeff's legacy alive!
- Annabel
"I feel afraid and I call your name, I love your voice and your dance
insane, I hear your words and I know your pain..."
*~*~*
I'm an Italian girl...I'm 17 and I love Jeff Buckley! His
birthday is a very important date for me because is
also my best friend's birthday...then I put a birthday candle on the cake and I
make a wish....even if I am not a believer I hope that one
day I'll meet him in the heaven! For now I listen to his music to feel
better....!!!!sorry if I made some mistake but my English isn't perfect!
Jeff...I miss you
- Phoebe
*~*~*
This year I will celebrate Jeff's birthday for the first time... I did not really know about Jeff this time last year. I will give a part of myself to Jeff, or should I say another part, because Jeff already owns my heart and that will never change..Jeff is under my skin and I will make that visible for the third time.. by getting another tattoo very much related to Jeff..on his birthday..as a tribute It will be an angel with a guitar and the angel is Jeff. That is my body's promise that I will love Jeff for the rest of my life...no matter what will ever happen, Jeff will always be a part of me.
I will light a Jeff-candle and I will let it burn from the first until the last second of the day and I will celebrate the beauty of his soul. It will be a completely Jeff-full day :)
- Emily
*~*~*
My honest answer to this question is that I make every friend of mine that comes over watch the Jeff Buckley Live in Chicago DVD. It's a must & it's also a test of whether I will keep as a friend or not based upon their reaction to the dvd. It works every time. So far everyone has been amazed by him and his ability to sing so openly and so passionately. I don't think anyone will ever be able to do the same.
- Jennifer Pratt /Dallas, TX
*~*~*
I
heard a track on the radio, can't even remember which one in was now but I wrote
it down and then lost the bit of paper. Then one day when I was in a record shop
(in my lunch hour) I saw Grace and remembered the name Jeff Buckley so brought
it. I started playing it in my car as I drove home from work every night and
I was stunned by his voice, but no only that but also a sort of honesty, that
only comes from vulnerability and absolute sincerity.
I know nothing about Jeff Buckley or what it was that compelled him but he is
still capturing new hearts.
- Judy Collis
*~*~*
I honor Jeff every day, when I listen to or ponder his music, his lyrics,
the emotions that wash over me when I hear his voice, the power and
complexity of the simplest sounds… I have, in Jeff, a kindred spirit
who I never really met; I have, in Jeff, someone who shares my birthday,
which I carry on… We all have, in Jeff, the moon and the stars, the
waves and the water… We all have, in Jeff, a forever gift.
Tomorrow is our birthday. And I will think of Jeff Buckley, yet again.
Thoughtfully,
Amy L Charles
Grand Rapids MI
*~*~*
my celebrations are mostly private, and not very exciting, but
as i write
this the legacy edition grace dvd is running, and i am weeping. i've a
giant, 4-wick candle burning, and sandalwood incense fills the room. i plan
to listen to Jeff's music all day, and tomorrow night, when my guests
arrive, he will still be playing. tomorrow night i am hosting a screening of
the documentary "walmart: the high cost of low price." half of the
people
expected are total strangers to me, and i am hoping to share with them my
love for Jeff and his music, as well as the intended political discourse. i
share Jeff with new people every chance i get. my philosophy is that the
more people who remember and love Jeff and his music, the farther into
history he will be carried.
i fulfill my golden promise by never selling out, even when i am hungry. i
am not gifted with any specifically great talent, but my eyes were opened to
the world at a very young age, and i could not close them if i tried. i pray
i never know how. i don't think Jeff ever did either.
thank you for Jeff, and than you for filling him with the spirit and drive
to share himself with us.
Rachelle M. Greene
Houston, tx
*~*~*
My son, Adam, and I try to always be honest with others and never knowingly abuse them in any way.
Bert Bretherton // STOCKPORT. England
*~*~*
Nothing much special, except for pulling out beautiful book from Merri Cyr from my closet, reading while listening to some really good Jeff songs I've recently been able to get hands on, but not yet listened to.
Special Thoughts/Remembering
Jeff's launch party for the Deluxe version of the Live at Sin-é cd-dvd in Haarlem, The Netherlands got me to know the bar it was held in, and ever since that night I've performed about a dozen times there, putting my own singer-songwriter style written songs on guitar and vocals.
The bar is called Briljant Café in Haarlem, The Netherlands. I myself call myself A MysterE, and you can find out all about my music, performances and download various songs + lyrics @ www.amystere.com
Cheers // Ernst a.k.a A MysterE
*~*~*
Hello everyone!!!
This year, it's a very special November 17th for me: I got my first job!!!
It's only for a week try-outs, but I knew that Jeff would bring me luck
for my interview!!! From now on, I'll call him 'Saint Jeff', cause it
wasn't that easy!!! Now, double celebration: I'm gonna listen to Grace &
eat Belgian chocolate...
Audrey, Belgium
*~*~*
Greetings,
I just heard this song; I was moved to tears. So for all of you who worked with him and helped him bring this magnificent song to life, thank you. This is why we live. Life is short. Love those around you while you can; someday they will be gone ~
Namaste // Dave Lynch // Sacramento, Ca
*~*~*
The music of Jeff Buckley is like a roaring bonfire in the
driving rain; a
blinding beacon on the raging sea; a brilliant setting sun bleeding burning
life onto a sober landscape. His ethereal voice as it ascends towards the
Heavens splits my spine in two, bringing me to my knees. It fills my heart
with unadulterated elation, leaving me shuddering with appreciative tears.
As I reflect I draw closer to the stereo, ears starved for this unfathomable
sound (even his "mistakes" are perfection). To witness the sheer
anguish in
his fingers as he desperately tries to get his hands and mind around a
melody that's been ruthlessly haunting him - how it chills me to the bone.
If it's not apparent yet, allow me to speak succinctly: Jeff Buckley changed
my life. I've only had the pleasure of his music for about a year, and to
imagine life without him now is impossible. He was a slave to music - a
shrine to music. As a musician myself, this worship mentality he had for the
art form is to say the very least, inspiring. Over the past year, this man
who I've never met has completely upturned everything I thought I knew about
music - and love. I'm sure every one of Jeff's fans has asked themselves
along the way, "How can you love someone you've never met?" With
Jeff
Buckley, it's not difficult. Though I only know him through his music, its
clear what a clever and soulful individual he was. Experiencing this gentle
and insightful nature coupled with his blessed gift, at times, overwhelms me
with respect and admiration for him.
Jeff Buckley, the man and the artist, will never cease to astound me. Just
when I think I've created a piece to rival anything by the masters, he'll
always be whispering over my shoulder to push it a little farther, dig a
little deeper and be unafraid to just let go. He was fearless.
Happy Birthday Jeff!
Love always, Becky
*~*~*
I think of Jeff every November when it gets close to his birthday because it's one we share. So I would never forget. Angles bring visions of him to us in dreams. May the angels tell Jeff we love him on this day.
God bless you Jeff...11-17
"Ex
umbris et imaginibus in veritatem"
"Out of Shadows and
Images into the Truth"
--The Venerable Cardinal John Henry Newman, a
man i was led to in a dream. 10/24/05
*~*~*
A song to Celebrate Jeff and how he even saved some of our lives. . . .
The Golden Promise
- David Glazier
*~*~*
Dear
Jeff,
A very happy, happy birthday, You Elf, You Troubadour, Minstrel of my Heart, my
Soul Brother, wherever You are now, even present,
it is as if I knew You since centuries, you are in my veins, on my mind, in my
spirit, in my soul ... I love you too as You loved us all and till love ...
Rest in peace, my sweet brother ...
Dear Mary and all the people working on this site,
you wished to know what people who loves Jeff has done on this special day and I
will tell you in some words what I done today,
I am French, from Paris, my name is Danielle, and I discovered Jeff last year in
November but the deep touch came weeks after weeks and this year, I am really
realizing the loss of Jeff and the 17th November will be and remain a special,
unforgettable day (as well the 29th May and the 7th July 1995 Olympia, Paris: I
am living at a quarter of hour from the Olympia and regret as a lot of other
people not have been present on this date)
,
I began to prepare this day since a few days and was very happy to see this
morning that here in Paris the sky was free of clouds (excuse my bad English)
and I began to listen Sketches disc 1 before taking breakfast and just before
going to the office. And now just after watching with my daughter (8 years old)
the Fellowship of the Ring (I am sure Jeff had had pleasure to watch as well
this wonderful story as well as Matrix), under a full moon, I began at 10.40
p.m. to watch and listen the DVD Live in Chicago, Jeff (a beautiful picture of
Him) was present on the table during the watching of the picture and it is
troubling to hear Him, to see Him everywhere (so many things make me think on
Jeff: chocolate, Vietnamese food, butterflies, green color very trendy this year
as well as butterflies, the hair look of so much young men nowadays looking like
the photos with the "gay" jacket), excuse me but I would have so much
things to express and some days I get so touched and tears are running from my
heart that I have to stop my feelings before breaking, but otherwise a strange
feeling of loving life and people and especially accept people like they are
emerges and I learned what really love is through Jeff
... what a beautiful soul, I am completely in connection with Him and I wish to
thank you to have get life to this wonderful human being ... I made two drawings
of Him and wished to send them earlier ... I will send them to your American address
and perhaps could you have time to put them in your next newsletter ...
I made the Golden Promise today and find your words very touching, so touching
that tears runned from my eyes ... it is the first time I am so touched ... I
cannot explain it ... I listen now "so real" He was so real too, I
understand the pain you have to live without Him, deeper than our pain which is
as we would have lost our own brother, friend, lover ,
I have one question: what is the stone of the ring he wore on His left hand ?
I will finish this special day with a Nag Champa Mix incense, listening to the
end of the DVD, eating a nice piece of chocolate cake, crying perhaps but happy
to know Him, each day more fulfilled by His Grace, reading a poem of Rainer
Maria Rilke before going to bed,
we are Thursday evening, it is just before midnight here in Paris, and He came
to life (it is right ?) on a Thursday evening too ... a very good night to all
and my best feelings to you Mary (thank you for giving us the Legacy EP's).
My wish would be to can (only one time) see and hear the whole show of Olympia
as it really was ... and hoping that "Amazing Grace" will be soon be
given in Paris ... I kiss you all very, very sincerely
Danielle, Paris
*~*~*
Jeff Buckley's music changed my life and that was my painted tribute to him on this very special day.
XOXO
*~*~*
I came home with 2 mini sized cakes.
My girlfriend and I made our wishes, then blew out the candles.
Then watched the EPK under a dim light.
Nothing big, but I think Jeff would have approved :)
- Matthew
*~*~*
