My Musical Life in a Snapshot:

I am songwriter, piano player, singer.

ERCF Church band: pianist, singer www.ercf.ca (Guelph, Ontario)

Vertical Skyline: keyboardist, singer in a worship band led by Ken McDonald (from KWCF, Kitchener, Ontario): soon coming to an end. :(

Write original music, perform occasionally at a variety of venues and functions.

I'm connected with a few great local musicians who I have worked with and admire! (Check my top friends)

I enjoy the process of songwriting and look forward to releasing a third recording sometime in the undetermined future.

Email me for more info!

'Time is Leaving'

You know the feeling of looking back over your past and realizing that you've wasted a lot of time? ya. That's the emotion i was trying to capture here. I use a lot of 'time' imagery; one of my favourite lyrics is "one turn on an axis made for dust"... ya, this earth is just spinning around on an axis, and we're all just dust. Bleak. Wow. "Spend some time with me again" is my plea for conversation.... at the end of this life, what I will care about the most is the people i've invested time in and the people who have done the same for me. In this chorus, however (in my my personal case), i'm talking about prayer with God. I wrote this song during a depressing time, when all i could focus on was the temporary side of life. I knew that conversation with God was my way out. 

'Child Sleeping"

The chorus and concept was loosely inspired by psalm 131. I wrote down the entire lyric in a 10 minute sitting (almost exactly as seen here). I wasn't intending to write a song, just journal a prayer. Incidentally, it was Christmas Day 2005. A few days into recording during the late summer of 2006, I added a melody, showed it to Nathan, and was convinced to record with my other tracks.

Produced by Nathan Finochio (also instruments and bgv)www.myspace.com/nathanfinochio, recorded and mixed by Ken Vandevrie at ADS Media, Hamilton, Ontario

Sometimes, coasting through life is a bad thing. Over time, we get into the ease of routine; we may be satisfied with our rut, not sensing much need for anything beyond what our own abilities can provide for us. If we do sense a need, we may not be motivated enough to change or seek change.

That was me before 2007. On Jan 1, 1am, I was in a serious car accident. Long story short, I spent all night in ER. I had a broken left wrist, broken left collarbone, and stiches above my eye. Looking back at the images of a car smashed like aluminum foil, I wonder why I didn't get a serious head injury, internal injuries, or worse. Two successful surgeries later, I have lots to be grateful for.

Not to be morbid, but an experience like this leaves me to wonder at the reason for my continued existence on this planet. If anything, the feeling is not sickening or daunting, it's the closest thing to being reborn..... I feel things again like I'm first discovering them. I feel close to God, because things like walking, smiling, breathing, singing are still things I can do, when my accident could have left me without them.

I'm discovering my family again. People who know me the best and serve me the most during this phase when I literally can't help myself. I'm discovering my gift again. Piano playing has been a part of my life as long as I can remember. Now, I can't use my left hand, and only diligent physio will bring mobility back - and mobility will come back. I'm discovering my God again. More specifically, I'm discovering my NEED for God again. I truly feel thankful.

A brush with death will always affect people on a deeper level... I'm just sorry that I haven't been putting my priorities where priorities should be.

As for songwriting... some more sombre, eternity-focused songs have been written. For the first time in a while, I'm facing a reality of life that is very tangible:

I am here on earth for a short time. God's given me this time for a reason, and he's got something specific for me to do. I'm on a journey to find that, and live it out.

Some days I wish I could have met you in person.

The fact that you became a man is the biggest, most confusing thing I've ever had to deal with. Sometimes my mind starts spinning and I think: "This is ridiculous! No person can do or be what it is claimed about you." Somewhere deep down, though, I know that if I was standing in front of you, looking into your eyes, I wouldn't be able to say that. Face to face with truth is not always pleasant – especially when it's truth about me in all my ugliness, both inside and out.

I've seen the history books, stories, novels, movies, and songs about you and wonder how accurate they really are. Many of them claim you existed on this earth. I've thought about this, and I've come to the conclusion that you are a real human being; although, you've got to admit, this is a big leap of faith considering I've never actually seen you. It's strange to say this, I know, but I wouldn't be able trust that you were a real man if it wasn't for this spiritual whisper inside me (I don't know how else to describe it). I've also come to the conclusion that you are a spiritual man and had power from God. Actually…. more than that, I believe you are God. I look at that statement and see its logical strangeness. How can this be? Again, there's something spiritual compelling me to say that – something holy and quiet and very sacred. In times like this, I have to admit the truth to my mind, and then I know confidence and peace ... but some days…

Scary thoughts called doubt come into my brain. What if this is all a hoax? (And am I even allowed to doubt and question?)

It's when I can't get away from these doubt-thoughts that I wish I could have met you and seen you in all your humanity. You with spiritual wisdom that defied the rules of religious law-makers. You with your working hands, and muscle, and flesh and bone, and pain. You with emotions of sadness, loneliness, laughter, agony, and anger. Who are you? And what do I do with my unbelief?

I remember what happened one day when a man did look you in the face and say words similar to that. He didn't try to sugar-coat his doubt; but he let it all out: "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief." The amazing part is that you didn't scold him or condemn him for being more trusting! You gave him what he needed. And you did satisfy his mind. Can I ask for that too, please?

By the way, I've thought a lot about what you said to your friend who doubted your resurrection. I'm glad you gave him proof. I'm also glad you were compassionate and gentle. But the most amazing thing I'm glad about it this: you made a promise to me and all those millions like me who believe without having seen.

Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe....My Lord, and my God!....Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.


(c) Elizabeth Gordon

written March 22, 2004

I've always had a taste for pop/rock/alternative stuff, but recently (in the last 2 years) I've developed an additional interest in a number of genres that I had practically no exposure to while growing up. Broadly-categorized, these include: blues, country, jazz, hip hop, and rap (and the blurry spaces where certain of these genres collide.) Mostly, though, I've been having an increased appetite for a heavier brand of rock than I've ever listened to. (That could be partly because of my younger teen brothers!).

I owe it to the great musicians, songwriters, and bands in the past and present to play 'catch-up' and educate myself on all that I have missed. And here I am, trying my hand at songwriting in all these genres because I have a deep respect for writers of any stripe. Also, I believe I can learn to be fluent as a songwriter with time. I am finding a newfound freedom in crossing musical borders....perhaps I am still trying to find myself musically. All I know is that this experience is exhilerating, but mostly overwhelming.

As for writing, ever since I was a child I loved to read and write. I often wrote songs, poems, and stories. I then went on to study English throughout highschool and university. I am fascinated by this language, these words, and now my interest is so captured by the unspoken rules and trends behind the craft of lyric writing.

So, here I am in a transitional learning stage. It seems like each week, I stumble upon a great artist that I know so little about, and I feel sorry that I've missed out on someone's genius. Please feel free to share which artists have shaped your musical identity. I would value that!

I am also transitioning in that I am songwriting for various genres. Some of these experiments fare better than others. 'Blue Like Jazz' was one of the first tunes I wrote that was a result of me listening to blues and jazz musicians. Yet, on the other end of the spectrum, I'm really experimenting lately - I've been editing and re-editing some original rap lyric material. I am fascinated by how syllables, internal rhyme, rhthm, and a massive vocabulary are so essential to this genre. There is a science to this craft of songwriting, and I intend to appreciate the science, even if I never master it myself.

I'll always be intrigued by how hooks, word images, and performance styles vary so widely between genres. I'm also intrigued by the commercial side of music: what factors make a song rise to the top of the charts or become ingrained into someone else's identity. What is it about music that makes us fall in love with it?

Anway, those are my ramblings. Let me know what you think? For now, I am thrilled that you would be interested in my music, and as I put up more songs, I hope you will come back to listen

Ok, here's a sneak peak at my original: "Blue Like Jazz." It's on the EP coming out soon. This tune is the only jazz on my EP: just one for fun!

Having not grown up with jazz or blues in my home, I became recently fascinated with the genres. The intro (a segment from Beethoven) was more like what I grew up being forced to play during piano lessons as a child. I wrote this song to experiment, have fun lyrically, as well as comment on how opposite both friends and music styles can be.

Elizabeth Gordon (piano/vocal); Nathan Finochio (production/bass/drums/piano); Johnny Nixon (guitar); Ken Vandevrie (engineering); Studio: A.D.S. Media (Hamilton)

Please tell me what you think!!

Another favourite venue of mine. Come on Monday to Manhattans Pizza Bistro and you'll see just how much you've been missing. Over the last year and half I've gotten to know some pretty amazing local folks. Some full time musicians and some only songwriters in their secret lives. haha. We're all a great community that 'get' what we're each doing - storytelling, singing, presenting art, and representing Guelph!

Last night, I met familiar friends again: an old blues guy so unassuming that I love to speak with him! He wasn't on stage: a shame that I couldn't hear him. I like that he has none of this up-and-coming-songwriter angst, yet he's one of the most experienced performers among us. Just genuine talent without pretense. Luv him. And another rather distinguished gentleman so like my favourite teacher (Mr. D.) that nostalgia washes over me each time I speak with. He knows the value of patience and the "IT" factor for great nights like these. He cares about the young talent coming out each Monday - he's a learned guy who gives me a high respect for teachers. And I saw a new face with a comedy tune under his belt that brought us into hand-claps and 'wahoos' ...and a young innocent girl with a voice that shows she is incredible. Mr 'piana' keys man who is so much a regular that he's ingrained into the wood. He took his spot behind keys and guitar and laughed his way around the mic. And others: Mr. Harp player who is always so encouraging to me with his smiles. I loved it when, in the midst of performing a melancholy blues chorus, I heard strains of his harmonica from the side of the room. And gregarious silver-haired lady with enough spark for the rest of us! So passionate about art - of all kinds.

Kudos to the Manhattans monday-night clan.

See you next week.

looking out at faces waiting.

i'm up here, they're down there, a crowded room, children, faces i did not expect to see, people in the corners and wings - i did not expect them to be filled. i see people of importance, people rescued from dark lives, people's eyes cast down during the still times, i can see everyone and there is a mix of people of judgement and people desperate to find

and jumping right in, i must, must, must forget the fear of man. please, let me be freed from my self-analyzation. so i'm freed by you... free to be desperate to find.

the silent question as to my strangeness and newcoming is expected, and so i am fine. i don't have stage fright, but i'm feeling responsible, the weight of this time. we all came to the same room for the same reason. but i'm in a different spot because they are expecting

they are expecting someone to speak and lead, asking me to be worthwhile following

me.

a single dot and speck in the universe of the masterplan design.

put here to lead and i'm still small. but you are much bigger, much higher and encompassing the roof of this room.

and all this time, i must fight the pride, the eyes, the looks, the desire to impress, i'm not worthwile following. to sing, to play, to speak in front of people is so dangerous, so powerful, to wield influence with a look, an attitude, a comment.

what if i was to make light of this?

i must be humble before the cloud, the presence, the tangible presence that i felt today. i felt it strongly enough that it made me cry and some tears were there in the corner of my eyes, but no one knew i was moved. moved by you. if i am moved by you, i can lead.

oh please,

let me be humble and bold at the same time

NEWS!!: I am about to release a 5 song EP that I mucho excited by. Muchly. Yes indeed. It's diverse, has some great little tunes on it, which is why you should purchase (or at least hear) it here soon!

Mark my words, I will be posting music soon, I promise!!

In the meantime, it is time to get started on this blog adventure where I can share my music stuff with the world. I hope that you will stay a while to listen to my stuff, maybe post a quick hello, or tell me what you think of my music/writing/etc. Have you seen me live? Let me know. Have you heard my first album? Let me know. Songwriters unite!

go to www.elizabethgordon.net to hear samples from my first CD.