[HANASHIR:16444] RE: Ah... the double-edged sword

[FAVNI <FAVNI...>]

Nomi Shemer whom I adore, is one of the greatest Israeli poets and 
songwriters. She is not, never was nor will be, renowned for her singing voice. 
That is 
why thousands have recorded her songs all over the world. She is indeed has 
been and often still is, the voice of the times, but it was Shuli Nathan who 
made Jerusalem of Gold so poignant with her trembling achingly beautiful 
interpretation. We go to hear Nomi Shemer in concert because we pay hommage to 
her 
amazing gifts as a composer and as a lyricist. Her spirit, her love of Israel 
and 
its people permeates every note. And because she puts the music across as no 
one else can - with every nuance that she intended.
Most songwriters hope/dream about/ that others will sing their music to bring 
it forth further than they can take it themselves. That is not being 
judgemental - it is part of the struggle.

One final remark on the personal level - Adrian, I think most people who have 
ever worked with me in any capacity know that I strive to be as ego-less as 
possible when singing with others - or do back-up or play for anyone. I bend 
over backwards to be welcoming, encouraging etc. I give opinions when asked for 
them - not as a judge at all, but as someone who might be able to add to their 
pool of experience. 

The greatest joy is to collaborate/sing/write or connect with as many music 
colleagues as I can whenever I can, in every city, at any conference, I try to 
become part of whatever is happening - but also trying to add whatever I can. 
Only if I am asked!!!!! 
(But then people who get invited to produce other people's music ARE ASKED 
for their skills in making that person/project better - the best that that 
artist can be - at that time!) So if someone is not a great singer, then their 
other talents need to be amplified - set out in a different manner. We all have 
strengths and weaknesses. It is not about discouraging, but rather about 
encouraging - and challenging!!!!

At the past 15 CAJE conferences for example, I don't really care what 
capacity I am involved in - if someone NEEDS OR WANTS ME THERE, I will give my 
time 
and energy - no matter the theme, time, etc. I jump in and share. Whether it is 
to bang on a pot, hold someone's hand, encourage a newcomer, or lead a 
workshop, I try to be open. 
This has only come with maturity!!!!

As a middle-aged woman, with now grown children, I am so grateful for still 
being able to do what I love best and ever hopeful that what I do can make a 
difference no matter how small. Whatever I do, I try to do with love. We all 
have something to teach and something to learn. As for my own insecurities and 
inadequacies, I reach out an awful lot to colleagues for their input, yourself 
included. I take people's comments, criticisms very seriously and try really 
hard to absorb the tough ones and learn from them. It is all an uphill battle. 
I 
have learned most from my children, who force me to retract and rework what 
is not ready, to delve deeper, to work harder and to be a worthy role model.
But you are right, 'amcha' will indeed be the judge. What is really 
disrespectful to us all is the hypocrisy.

Respectfully yours,
Fran Avni

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