Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

When Marty Balin co founded Jefferson Airplane with Paul Kantner in the early 1960’s, Balin was a principal songwriter and lead singer.  By the 1970’s when the band re-emerged as Jefferson Starship, Balin had hit his stride singing several of their hits including “With Your Love”, “Runaway”, “Count On Me” and today’s song which I consider to be a masterpiece.  He wrote an open love letter to the woman he was involved with at the time, and what emerged was one beautiful piece of music clocking in at just under seven minutes long.  Balin’s vocal, the arrangement and the musicianship of all the band members including a resplendent sax solo before the last chorus helped this song become the group’s biggest hit of the decade.   And Balin’s poetry made me swoon:

“Love is a magic word 
Few ever find in a lifetime
But from that very first look in your eyes
I knew you and I had but one heart.”

Jefferson Starship circa 1975:  Front L-R:  Pete Sears, Marty Balin & Craig Chaquico.  Back:  David Freiberg, Paul Kantner, Grace Slick & John Barbata.  (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Jefferson Starship:  “Miracles” (1975, written by Marty Balin).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.