288. SEVEN SEASONS by Kitt Wakeley
I don't foresee many of you checking this record out for a couple of reasons. First, it's classical music and contemporary classical at that. Even I don't really listen to much contemporary classical - I stick to the tried and true composers of centuries past. Also, the overriding theme of this album is grief. So unless one is trying to progress through their own grief (🙋) you may not find any connection to the music - at least not now. But I'm hoping you just keep this in your back pocket if or when the time comes, maybe it will help you work through whatever you may be dealing with at that time.
It was pure coincidence that I came across an article talking about this album a couple days ago. So, I've only been listening to it for a few days. The TL;DR version of the article is that composer / producer Kitt Wakeley interviewed many people who had dealt with tragedy in their lives - whether they lost loved ones or lived through horrible events themselves - and found a commonality in their "emotional progression." Seven stages or, as in the title of this record, seven seasons. In a way, I'm guessing, this is the Kubler-Ross stages of grief set to music.
Going through my own journey, I can definitely relate to the first five movements up to and including 'Day of Why.' However, I'm not at the point of going beyond that - it's not even close. 'Day of Reflection' and 'Day of Hope?' I don't think so. But one day I'll get there, if not for my sake, at least for our kids.
I'm not including this in the Daily Records playlists on Apple Music and Spotify as I'm presenting this record to you as a whole, not 3 to 5 selected tracks. However, if you do decide to listen to this, skip the very last track / movement ('Reprise Message of Hope') - it's spoken word set to music and unlistenable (at least for me).
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation as my family and I are in right now, I hope that you will remember this record and, perhaps, it will help you. I will be listening to it today - our 26th wedding anniversary.
