Andrew Belle and Nobuyuki Tsuji

Today I have some music for you that falls on the sad and melancholy side of things. Today's song is by one of my favorite vocalists, Andrew Belle. As a solo artist, Andrew Belle has a style that is completely his own and falls into the group of lesser known, more underground artists. It is a shame that artists like this are not more prominent because songs like this are some of the most beautiful. Andrew Belle has a simplicity in his music which makes it even more powerful and moving. He sings with so much passion and soul, but has a slightly gravelly voice which is to die for. It gives this song a more vulnerable sound to it. I got chills listening to this song because it has an ethereal background while also having something that is so grounding. The lyrics of the song are so beautiful and sad and even romantic. The chorus line, the question he asks, it is emotional and meaningful. The vocals Andrew Belle provides adds so much to the meaning of this song because he does sound so vulnerable. He sounds fragile and that emphasizes the emotions in the lyrics. Even the lyrics have this vulnerability to them, as if he is baring all of his feelings to the world, but even so, it is clearly meant for a certain person. I love how calm and tranquil the song is for pretty much the whole song. We don't get introduced to any other instruments until the beginning of the first chorus, and even then, it is a very beautiful and sustaining note. But, Andrew Belle does add his own layered choral sound to the first round of the chorus and it sounds positively lovely. The major and minor combinations that he put together makes this song a clearly melancholy one. But this song has a bitter sweetness to it and I really love the way it sounds. There is one moment towards the end of the song where we get a little bit more brightness and a little bit more instrumental involvement, but it is just for a short while. This section is marked by the introduction of the drums, and it fits in so smoothly and perfectly. This song in general is perfect and is one of those that will get to your heart, especially for those who are really in love with someone. Today's instrumental song is performed and composed by the pianist Nobuyuki Tsuji. The protegee comes from Japan and is one of the youngest and greatest pianists of our time. This piece is one that is especially moving because of the meaning behind the composition. Nobuyuki Tsuji composed this piece in homage of all those who were lost or fell victim to the tsunamis that hit Japan in 2011. This piece is one that isn't particular complex, however, is saturated with emotional depth and beauty. There is so much soul and power poured into this piece and performance, that one cannot help but be moved by it. This young man has given us a piece that is not only haunting and beautiful, but is also a reminder of something we may have forgotten. I hope you enjoy the music and please feel free to comment!