Bradfield :: Insights

"In early summer, Anael and I received a note in our guestbook from a classical painter. There was something special in his message that encouraged me to seek him out but the allure was more than his work alone. His writings echoed so many of my own sentiments about art, there was such intensity and passion in his presentation. As our friendship began, hours went by without so much as a pause, sentences and ideas completed by the other so naturally it was magical. Only once before in my life has a similar rapport with another artist existed and I sensed even then that having him simply contribute artwork for an album cover would be far too trivial, so we agreed, "Let's plant the seed and see what comes forth from the earth...".

What soon would be born has exceeded all my expectations. With a promising concept and a deadline that would test every ounce of our capacities, we began to create this new world. Each time I visited his studio, new canvases would appear with characters in our evolving storyboard. I would leave at 3 am feeling energized, rising the next day to create more music. Both of us fed off the other, touching upon so many facets of artistry that the energy carried us higher and higher. As the weeks unraveled came the centerpiece: The First Supper - his tenth painting and one so ambitious in scope that it could only have come at the end, built upon the entire foundation of our collaboration. A visual extension of the symbiosis we shared, at once an homage to the past, a wink to the present and a giant step forward.

Ultimately, the name of our project itself helped to make such wondrous things possible in tangible form. Affirming the possibility of being, celebrating the quest for higher consciousness, in all ways it became a lexical catalyst for this enchanted new realm now, truly, within our reach".

"Thou art Peter, and upon this Rock I shall build my Church,
And the flames of hell shall not prevail against it:
and I shall give unto thee the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven."
Matthew 16:18 19

"And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl...
And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it:
for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof."
Revelation 21:21/23

These famous passages from the Holy Bible have conjured fantastic imagery through the centuries and St. Peter's Gate, at least from a visual standpoint, contributes heartily to this tradition. Popular culture has immortalized the vision of towering, white, wrought-iron gates in the clouds, guarded by a white bearded Saint Peter holding a pair of keys. The two keys symbolize the destination we are supposedly bound for eternity, either the pearly gates of heaven or the hellish inferno of Hades. One of the twelve disciples of Jesus in the New Testament, Saint Peter is considered by the Roman Catholics to be the first Pope and the visible head of the entire church, based almost entirely upon the passage from Matthew 16:18 hereabove.

Interestingly enough, however, further analysis of the phrase "Thou art Peter (Petros), and upon this rock (petra) will I build my church..." reveals that Christ was referring not to Peter as the rock, but to Peter's confession in Matthew 16:16 where he states that Christ is the Rock. The greek words petros (detached stone) and petra (living rock, solid rock) show that Christ distinguished quite carefully between the two. As we learn more about the true distortions of history, especially where religion is concerned, it is quite reasonable for many non-Catholics to conclude that Saint Peter's authority and supposed supernatural capability of opening the doors of life and death has been overstated. Regardless, for countless artists and billions of Christians, Saint Peter’s iconic depiction continues to fascinate and inspire.

History aside, this particular album uses solo piano vignettes to explore this multi-faceted concept as an elaborate, musical voyage. Beginning with the anticipation of the journey on to the transition itself, passing through the awakening and judgment phases to ultimately find salvation and then reincarnation. This last step may be a surprise to some, especially to those who may not believe in its existence, but it is important for a couple of reasons: it allows the journey to come full circle by provoking a new beginning and it offers a legitimate chance for karma to play a major role as its energy stretches over several lifetimes.

As I have no first hand experience in this process, I would be foolish to attempt a written description of many of the stages herein as I did on my previous album "VIRTUE". And while this assertion might seem to disprove my previous argument for reincarnation, for the record, I am inclined to believe. Unfortunately, I am one of those who has no recollection of past lives. So I will simply share what holds true.

Musically, my goal with each composition was to evoke characteristics of the mood that might accompany that particular stage of the story. This allows more freedom in the interpretation as it doesn't restrict you to a specific emotion. I do know that any journey through the gates of heaven must be full of vast array of strikingly shifting emotions, so the music must be able to accurately portray these elements. And as with anything relatively unknown, there will be surprises, changes in momentum. To be more precise, the word "goal" should really be replaced by "I wish it to be", because my approach is completely intuitive. I rarely set out with a specific compositional framework in mind because it would limit the chances for something truly unexpected to appear. What does in fact happen is that my "subjective filter" comes into play at some point and quickly lets me know if I am going in the right direction.

Tuning in to one’s subconscious while composing is indispensable, and truth be told, if you have done the years of preparation beforehand, it rarely lets you done. Something as basic as a title and an initial feeling can lead you into hours of exploration, places you just can't map out logically beforehand. Approaching "Judgment", I knew that I wanted to create a turbulent mood, but little did I know there would be moments of uneasy stillness as well. Yet these quieter passages create the dynamic that make the subsequent louder parts startle that much more effectively. As many have noted: the space in between is as important as the notes themselves. "Preparation" is presented in a more upbeat, hurried manner, as though the impending journey was unexpected. Or perhaps simply someone scurrying about at the last minute as they did most of their lives! For many others, preparation would be a very methodical, drawn out affair! "Retrospection" is one that I am quite familiar with - as most of us are. In this instance, it is approached romantically, with a loving, reminiscent look to the past.

The thirteen steps I've chosen to represent are in no way intended to be "official" nor were they taken from books on the subject. Again, just my own intuition and how I imagine the process to be. Their order, however, is something I considered at length. Deciding to favor the literary value first and foremost, I had to temporarily relegate the music to second fiddle while challenging myself that the final album must still flow from a point of musical continuity. It was an exciting approach, and actually much less limiting than one might envision. Due to the fact that the subject matter for each piece was inherent in its title, often the inspiration had a head start! This of course is the polar opposite of how most albums are made nowadays, with final running order decisions based solely on the strengths of the audio mixes and their ability to catch an immediate response from the listener.

In closing, I am left reflecting upon so many years of human history, and in spite of so much technological change, some things will never change. Life is such a precious gift, something indescribable in its majesty. As we grow older, it would seem that the most natural things in our world reach out to us the strongest. We earn to live each and every day, whether we live one life or indeed, many lives.

For myself, one of the most wonderful things about life is music, its ability to transport my soul, to take me to places I've never been. And considering that I’ve just returned intact from being awakened, judged and then saved, all in the sky, never has this been more true than with St. Peter's Gate!

Traditionally, virtues have been divided into two principal types: cardinal and theological, or Christian. The former being fortitude, justice, prudence and temperance; and the latter, charity, hope and faith. Virtue, which we define as “a consistent inclination towards voluntarily accomplishing moral excellence;” can be found as well in many other actions which are the fruit of a highly refined disposition. The ones I’ve selected here are other virtues which can be considered as fundamental in the pursuit of a more evolved, purer self.

Patience
Seeing this as almost an investment in someone, something, a dream, a goal, can soften the heavy burden it often carries. Susceptible at times to allusions of indifference or inaction; patience is our inner and outer capacity to bear it out, sustain if you will, till the desired result shows itself. People are the ultimate testers of this virtue, and our multifarious, distinct temperments, the most difficult obstacles to its implementation. One of the qualities that seems to need every other one available to fulfill its potential, patience could be called the “sponge virtue.”

Sincerity
If you say something, mean it and do it. A tricky virtue in our times because so much interaction in our society thrives on the concept of gaining the control in and over various situations. When sincerity is a rare commodity, we learn to disregard people’s actions and words simply out of habit and fear of being either deceived, let down, or led astray. But when applied truthfully and with integrity, this virtue can accomplish amazing results simply because of the confidence it instills in its beneficiaries. When you can truly count on someone, you gain strength knowing you’re not alone, even if it’s only in thought!

Humility
It’s very easy to find ourselves in situations where we feel superior to those around us; but interestingly enough, we can also find, without too much trouble, situations where we are equally vulnerable. Such is the human experience, and we can’t all excel at everything we do. The secret, I suppose, is to maintain a sort of equilibrium that permits us to remember, no matter how high we may soar, that we cannot subsist alone, that each element in our lives is contributed through the collective efforts of many diverse and specialized people. As a whole, they are giving us the the tools that permit us to gather steam in our own little worlds. Take one spoke out of that wheel and it won’t roll quite the same.

Fidelity
One of the key fibers to building a strong moral character, fidelity relies upon many of these other virtues to be successful. A lasting bond between two human beings is unparalleled in its richness, and yet this one is one of the most abused of all. Working hand in hand with sincerity, patience and vigilance, this special brand of loyalty allows us to grow and evolve within a certain framework, by building upon pre-existing feelings and experiences and using them as catalysts for new discoveries that would otherwise be unattainable. And for those who crave exclusivity, nothing else delivers the goods quite like fidelity!

Joyfulness
Every once in a while, you hear someone say in a derogatory manner, “You’re like a child” or some variation thereof. And yet, the pure, inner joy a child experiences is one of the human beings’ most sought after virtues as we grow older. Often confused with being “naive” or “innocent;” joyfulness is more like a perpetual sun that warms us from inside and permeates even the most unpleasant situations. Naturally, this ability to stay “happy” regardless of the circumstances can appear to stem from oblivion to one’s environment or something similar, but it is in fact simply the sheer power of that individual’s inner positivity shining through.

Courage
If it were true for all men that the fear of something is always worse than that something itself, we’d likely all be surrounded by brave and courageous individuals. I have found, almost without exception, that the mind can wreak more havoc than any dose of reality, and consequently, I try to confront things almost as quickly as my mind gets around them. Isn’t it fascinating, though, how we can motivate ourselves to do almost anything when it becomes clear that we are choosing between the lesser of two evils!

Initiative
At the root of everything and anything, initiative is what separates action from intention. Many say that the first step is the toughest, that getting started is half the battle. With initiative, you put yourself in a position where you have something to build upon, regardless of the direction it may ultimately take. It becomes a point of reference where there may previously have been none. A map to follow or stray from. And the true beauty: you always have something new to show for your efforts.

Resilience
Our ability to bounce back from adversity is often the determining factor in our eventual outcome. Things that come easily or quickly are not always the truest or best suited to our paths. If this virtue is a “test” of sorts, it would be fitting that it is one of the hardest to master. Because in its very essence, it implies that something has to go wrong for it to take effect, and thus, finds us each and every time in an already weakened state. Whether physical or mental, resilience gives us a new layer of immunity with which to carry on.

Forgiveness
If for no other reason than to rid ourselves of the stored-up negativity; this virtue is indispensable to our evolutions into more spiritual beings. When we do not forgive, we hold on to the pain and hurt caused by the person or situation, and it festers, chaining us to its unpleasant memories, while taking up space needed for other more affirmative feelings. Forgiveness does not grant outright absolution for sins. It enables us to make peace with the past, crush resentments and move forward while showing others we can rise above trying circumstances. And of course, sooner or later, we’ll be needing some ourselves!

Selflessness
Gazing outward with the sole purpose of pleasing others is a unique experience. Not only does it make us naturally popular, it often allows our own quandries to fade in the larger context. As with all virtues, what at first might appear to be a unidirectional effort is anything but. Putting “self” aside allows a broader view, as events (especially the trivial ones) are placed into the collective space that shapes all our lives, leaving us with a more real sense of the true order of things.

Vigilance
Derived from “vigil” which means “watching, keeping awake for a ceremony” this is one of my favorites because I love the idea of pushing the envelope. Different from patience in that this virtue requires a more hands on and perhaps less orthodox approach, vigilance or “nurturing” is like a steady dose of mental vitamins which keep the subject in a receptive and procreative state. It embodies perseverance, drive and many feminine and motherly qualities such as going way beyond the call of duty. It is also one of the most draining virtues as it requires an abundance of physical energy and a clear, alert mind.

Wisdom
The special ability to make proper use of knowledge. Funny, we spend so much time acquiring this knowledge that we often forget our responsibility in distributing it. Usually associated with a more advanced age, wisdom can be as simple as helping a friend make their life a bit easier or using our own experiences to avoid future dilemmas. And although no two people have learned the exact same facts, seen the same sunsets or accumulated the same quan-tity of knowledge, we are all able to act equally wisely.

Serenity
Although surely manifested differently for each of us, I think it’s safe to say that this would be the time when we’re calmest, most peaceful and in our purest state of being. A time when the events of our life seem to mesh together in a perfect harmony, when the spirit within feels a deep satisfaction and the physical body ceases to make demands. Of course, these feelings are too often “fleeting glimpses,” and therefore simply a transient preview of what can be. True serenity should be somewhat more accessible and within our control.

Introitus
"In the continuum that is the day to day experience, the strains of melody emerging from the din are like a Swedish massage for the weary mind. Tantalizing in their very essence, those first heart-stopping notes can instantly shift our focus, envelop us into their realm and propose a journey... And as I have known for some time but only recently begun to cherish, it is as much about that journey as the eventual destination..."

When Every Wall Had A Door..
"Regret and longing can eat us alive, and there is no known equivalent for the emptiness and despair that accompanies withdrawal from a personal relationship. This song dissects those feelings, no holds barred, discovering that we're inextricably bound to our pasts in one way or another and can't help but draw the comparisons. Unfortunately in this case, it's a losing battle from the onset. Written in a trance-like state out of absolute necessity, its intention was pure personal catharsis."

Simple Pleasures
"Seemingly everywhere we turn, our schools, families, friends, upbringings, the media; all of society is out, conscious or not, to shape our beliefs of what we can and cannot do. I've never subscribed to this. What we choose to focus on, how we choose to interpret these random events that life throws at us, these are what form our beliefs. Whenever any sort of challenge exists, you can be sure that the fruits at the end of that particular ladder will be sweeter. And when you need to catch your breath, nothing does it like trees, grass, sky, wind, clouds... the simple pleasures."

Organized Confusion
"There is no more frustrating burden than knowing the answer or solution to a quandary and yet not being able, for whatever reason, to change the outcome. Life must be the greatest paradox we have ever known. The more we evolve as a species, the more complex our technological breakthroughs become, the truth is that we find ourselves caught in a greater state of chaos than ever before. Organized Confusion in its ultimate sense. Within this infrastructure, of course, we all live our own private versions of this same phenomenon. Strangely, I discovered this reference in a Robson St. (Vancouver) restaurant. It was the name of a sandwich on their menu!

Between The Flares
"So many of us doubt our own worthiness to be loved, and in the process, erode and destroy our self-esteem. Love is not doled out according to merit, and in its absence, we have to send even more of it, knowing that eventually, it will find its way back to us. It's very hard to send love to others, though, if we don't love ourselves first, so the Chorus presents a proposed resolution of sorts, as the person asks herself, what if? and begins to look at the various options she has in her daily ordeals."

Short Of Truths & Drunk On Lies
"Disillusionment in an amorous relationship has a way of making us question every aspect of our lives. So often, we bang our heads, knowing full well we're being led astray, but the truth seems so incredibly barren that we continue to drink from the very cup that poisons us. The classic hopeful heart will hold out to astonishing lengths, often their only sustenance being a time in the past they desperately long to recapture. Strangely enough, deceit drunkenness is yet another in a series of devastating emotional crutches we can come to rely upon."

Beneath A Downy Moon
"Rich in symbolism, this song offers several layers of possible interpretations, all of which perpetuate the exquisite glory of the fleeting glimpse, that rare euphoria we stumble upon from time to time. It explores the night as a force greater than ourselves, entering into a heightened state of awareness, the dissolution of barriers, the ecstasy of whims taking flight..."

A Fleeting Glimpse
"Without provocation, without notice, with no apparent concrete connection - it's upon us... and just as quickly... vanished! Surely our most coveted moments, lusted after, yearned for; that instant when we stare into our own destinies, totally aware..."

Sharing The Gift
"The idea itself of not sharing what you love in life is somewhat of a paradox. For many of us, the thought of being alone brings feelings of sheer terror. Isolating ones we truly love and then suffering the consequences can be even more unbearable. But is it the sharing we long for or simply the acknowledgement of another? The terror syndrome, of course, is ironic, for it is but a fear of what solitude might lead us to find out about ourselves."

In This Mirror
"Inspired by a performer's rapport with his audience, this song lifts the shroud of seperation and invites an intimate exchange between the two. As the mirror reflects whatever appears in front of it, so too can a performer. Every ounce of energy and feedback he gets from his audience can be thrust back at them tenfold. When this exchange is in high gear, it is like a tidal wave of emotion sweeping over and around everyone involved. It is also one of my favorite examples of harmony."

She Wants A Spiritual Man
"How can it be, I'm exactly what she says she wants, but she'd rather chase him?! Understanding one another in a relationship is hard enough without having to deal with those who just don't have a clue what it is they really want and the head games that go with them. This song relieves a little of the sting from these encounters with tongue-in-cheek solace/advice for all the tormented souls who've run into Susies, women hell-bent on chasing men all wrong for their character."

Fanfarius Spiritus
"A revelry in every sense, this instrumental celebrates the vigor and drive of the human spirit. Mirroring the range of emotions that accompany conception and following them through the course of subsequent filtering, contemplation, refinement and completion, the music shifts back and forth from major to minor, building to each successive plateau and ultimately, ending where all creation does: as a preface to the next act."

Facing This Challenge
"In youth, through a combination of ignorance, hope, optimism and stubbornness, the world just doesn't look the same as it does as we grow older. This song deals with the wall we hit when we realize it's just not that simple. Roadblocks we once felt would be miraculously pushed aside have never moved, and we're running out of time. It addresses our own personal confrontation of our dreams, expectations and future, and puts that key question at us point blank: do we have what it takes to overcome and succeed?"

Beyond These Curtained Walls...
"Accepting our pasts and beginning to see them in a way that empowers us instead of hindering is one of the greatest things we can do for ourselves. If you've ever had the experience of drawing a set of curtains to reveal a stark wall instead of a window or opening, you know of one of the analogies I'm making here. Curtains in their very essence offer the promise of something more interesting on the other side, but it is this same promise that makes them capable of such incredible deception. With a function that is often dual purpose, one's particular vantage point can change things altogether. Often, they serve to elegantly distract us or innocently hide things we need to deal with."