Moving Music

Director Milos Forman is in rare company with two Best Picture films. Moving Music now looks into his 2nd, "Amadeus". No matter the century, time offers proof that some are just simply born with it. Composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart could imagine, interpret, and then paint fantastical pictures for ears that would bend minds. To the dismay of his contemporaries, he bypassed the stage of protégé as the prodigy of his time; he only lived 35 years. Many were appalled by his early immature approach to musical art, yet none could deny the opulent result; composing works that others couldn’t as they hugged tradition. However, fame did not come to him until well after his death. Only Milos could bring this story of jealousy, competition, and genius into focus.

    While Chris Steberl would admit he didn’t always see the guitar path, it’s a certainty that Van Halen caught his young radar. Years later, the film "Amadeus" would shape the direction his guitar yearned to take him. Chris is one of this city’s most respected guitar virtuosos.  Whether as a band’s six stringer, a studio musician, or collaborating for his "Project Alcazar" original work, his quest to compose a fantastical picture echoes from past genius. Please join us for an hour as we reveal his motivations, thoughts, and how he got that Cookie Monster guitar.

TC

Those born after us believe the restrictive experience of 3 TV sources to be ridiculously arcane. In that world, you watched the calendar for certain traditional viewings. "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory" was the mother lode event for many. It has signaled the start of "the holidays" each year since 1974, when it first aired that Thanksgiving night. Gene Wilder's iconic portrayal of the eccentric Wonka is original, yet still tied to the language and spirit of Roald Dahl’s book. This cautionary musical parable is entertaining and poignant. There are very few films like it.

Moving Music had just launched our first episode. Wanting to celebrate, Ty and I went to that night's Martini Affair event at Turtle Creek Tavern in Columbus, OH. It was a party within a party, and the brain behind it was Jimmy King. Now they are well known as THE wedding band, on top of being a celebration staple. In our efforts to sit with each member, we have made our way to Jimmy. I won’t give away what you can hear in this discussion. However, as you listen to his story, you’ll feel like getting up and getting it right.

TC

Sometimes you just have to laugh. When it's all going crazy or wrong, a bit of humor can prove proper medicine. With “Waiting for Guffman”, Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy present a film that produces snot bubbling giggles through its entirety. Using a mockumentary style, they allow hilarious "improv" comedy to shape this story of Community Theater gone so wrong that it's right.

There has been no better friend to the podcast than Joe Viers. Our dialog has been deep and oracular. Each vertically moving conversation becomes a living treasure. I study Joe's results, which expands my trade craft comprehension as an editor. Recording and shaping is what we do; cutting away the small pieces to reveal what was always inside the raw material. As a person, there is no more giving soul than Joe. His studio, Sonic Lounge, was built to shape the vision of others. Once again, Moving Music lifts the curtain to present our favorite technical wizard, Joe Viers.

TC

"Glory" is a pertinent choice for Bill Foley’s 2nd film. They’re both great, but first I have to deal with the pandemic and racial controversies in the room. I habitually push through trauma and drama in real time, then deal. However, this routinely reflective rehab is in my current face. Admitting a profound affect as an artist does peel back a sensitive layer. The conflict and loss is intense and I am on my knees. 2020 has taken an unexpected course and we will adapt our original plan (as we have many in the vault). Each episode is designed to be relevant and timeless, even as life changes. This isn’t easy, but the process yields a desired result through shared composition that I can’t deny. It’s all that I can do in this life to reveal what I am about. Moving Music is a connecting bridge through the chronicle of another‘s personal story. We need each other. Like Ali said, "Me, We !!"

Bill’s 2nd film choice, "Glory", comes at this very poignant moment. His love of history, particularly the Civil War, has inspired me. Over the last 3 decades, I have learned so much about how to be, from my Fort Hayes brother Bill. He has helped teach me empathy for others, acceptance of what can’t be changed, and that love always wins. He often has been exactly what I needed, when I needed it. His voice lives within me and he still teaches me comprehension. Please, step inside with Moving Music once again as we reconvene with Bill Foley about "Glory", and everything else. TC

In 1931, talking pictures had found their monster voice with Bela Lugosi as "Dracula". The combination of his visual style and speech cadence helped lift his vampire off the screen. Many believe this iconic performance was the best of his life.

I had seen Sean Carney play multiple times and recognized a familiar "Fort" professionalism. When I learned that he was Fort Hayes alum, I was not surprised. His playing has a distinct style and he has a flare for stage fashion. We sat with many of Sean's peers and now it’s his turn. Once again, Moving Music sits with "Fort family" to discuss a film, music, and life.

TC

Xanadu? Yes, Xanadu. Even as a huge glorious flop, it still influenced the early 80’s style. For kids, this film seems like another world, animated and glowing. After we agree it’s not a great movie, the adult in us can look past the circus to see the lesson. It’s a teaching spectacle that survives as a musical guilty pleasure for many.

Moving Music is responsible for relationships that transcend the project. Our brotherhood with Will Newsome advanced at the same time he lost his brother. We open our fourth year drenched in the emotion that balance demands. For every high, there will be a low. This is your invitation behind the scenes, as friends hold counsel and try to help each other grow.

TC

It was September 2016 and I had been wrestling with myself all summer. I couldn't crack the combination to my own mind. Only when I cut myself out did the door to Moving Music open. These are stories that belong to other people. I realized my part was to be the steward of the diary, not the author. Ty Barnes has proven to be the best partner for this odyssey.

The path didn't always jump off the page. This project demanded to drive its own course as we, at times, struggled with definitive direction. We have held close to the spirit and allowed our guests to guide us through their journey. These last two years have brought tears and laughter as the evolution shaped our purpose. I am filled with gratitude for every guest, and every person who would listen to their narrative. Thank you all. Here's to year four…

TC

As we round 3rd base towards home in this retrospective, I am reminded of all the tragedies we pushed through in these last 2 years. At times, it was our developing Moving Music fraternity that gave us focus.

Jimmy Mak shares his love of writing for the laugh, Matt Mees explains "The Righteous Groove", Dr. Phill Wilson teaches beyond the classroom, Mark Rhodes speaks of musical collaboration, and Kelly Bowman proves there is victory beyond just survival.

TC

This discovery continued through our next 5. Our identity evolved as our process shifted. There were real growing pains as we, at times, fought the changes. Moving Music was now in new territory without a map. We laughed and cried our way to an understanding.

Jennifer Milligan helped us feel for the world, Robert McFarland finds passion through collaboration, Joe Viers taught us that it isn't always so serious, Bill Foley gave us a new perspective on life, and Missie Tong reminds us that it is okay to change paths. We were learning while living through personal tragedies.

TC

These episodes yielded the vision that would start our evolution. It didn't come easy, but we recognized something was happening here. As we look back over our last 2 years, I feel overwhelming gratitude for how these artists entrusted Moving Music. While each has a connection to their film choice, we look between the lines and highlight the discussion within the conversation.

Shaun Booker delivers wisdom filled insight, Jess Hanks gave an actor's perspective, Eric Gnezda coaches and teaches, Jason Kroninger inspires us to defeat self-imposed obstacles, and Paul Cunningham reminds us to always offer a kind hand. We certainly had started a paradigm shift in these first 5 of "The Previous Fifteen".

TC