Jon's Musings

A rather abstract parody documentary I recently made with my brother. http://www.field4.co.uk/film/
Enjoy!

After being on the cards for quite some time, Richard Dawkins (atheist scientist chap & author of 'The God Delusion') and Alister McGrath (scientist theologian chap & author of 'The Dawkins Delusion') finally crossed swords in a public debate at Oxford on 21st March '07. In can be downloaded here:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/ audio_video/podcasts/books/ article1570989.eceIt makes interesting listening!

A tune I recently composed.

Enjoy!

Recorded 16/03/07
Featuring:
Jonny Dexter - Tenor saxophone
Nick Ball - Drums
Paul Michael - Bass
Myself - Piano

I decided to delete my previous post (in which I had a massive rant at the Associated Board of The Royal Schools of Music). Although nobody expressed that they were offended by it, I think some of the things I said could have come over as slightly obnoxious.

It also broke some of my principles. As I said several posts previously, I don't like ranting or complaining and try not to participate in it. I don't mind thought out criticism (which is more like I was doing with Dawkins) though this rant was not that. I made many wild sweeping statements which I expect were not very accurate or fair. It was also fuelled more by my opinion and emotion than facts, I fear.

I recently read through Richard Dawkins latest and heavily publicized book, ‘The God Delusion’. I hoped that it might help keep me on my toes intellectually and pin point areas of my faith that are a bit dodgy on the apologetics front. However, there was in fact very little in it that I found challenging.
There have already been many scathing reviews of this book (some in fact, written by atheists). Here are links to a few:

Terrible....
(the caption reads "Baby, your name must be Grace because your irresistible")

I’m moving house next week (my ‘home home’ in Shropshire, I’m a student in London). I have lived there for fifteen years and it has been the house I grew up in (I'm now 20). Lilleshall is a beautiful, picturesque village (middle and to the east of Shrops)and I doubt I will live anywhere like that ever again.

One of my biggest influences in jazz piano is the great Erroll Garner (1921 - 1977).
The driving swing, laid back right hand, big fat chords and the sheer joy one gets from listening to him really resonates with me.

When asked about his great talent, he was reported to have said "The good Lord gave it to me and I'm trying to develop it".

http:// www.everythingsoundslikecoldplaynow.com

I think this is even true of some Christian music!

Well I managed (just about) not to complain for a week. Its quite good in a lot of ways though frustrating in others.

From now on, I am going to be allowed to complain, but only when its really necessary (ie think before you speak). There is no point in pointless whinging.

I am certainly never going to use this blog as a ranting platform, however much I want to.