Willie Nelson

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Rowen Derksen definitely performs Willie Nelson’s “A Peaceful Solution” in his own style for this video.

Rowen starts mellow then begins to build before breaking into a sweet guitar solo. When he picks up the lyrics again he adds extra dynamics that amp up the song to the level he was building to before his guitar solo.

Then at the end of his performance Rowen Derksen dials it back down again to the same low key level with which he began “A Peaceful Solution.”

This accomplished parenthetical use of dynamics produces a very compelling and powerful performance.

I also found the chord changes Rowen Derksen chose to be both pleasing and expertly executed on his 12-string guitar. These choices complimented his flat picking style and contributed substantially to the performance.

The combination of his polished guitar playing with his orchestrated vocal dynamics creates a performance worth every second we put into listening to it.

This is the type of compelling performance that promises to deliver its message to an audience. This message promoting a peaceful resolution becomes eminently listenable in the hands of Rowen Derksen.

Here we see entertainment that also educates and lobbies for peace dramatically and insistently.

Rowen Derksen plays the line without crossing it, using his musicianship to make an important point by making it more than palatable. We wish to hear him sing and play enough to stick around for the whole performance.

And by sticking around for the whole performance we are exposed to the entire message in the lyrics.

It is no mean feat to deliver on both message and entertainment value. Rowen Derksen pulls it off well enough to make it seem simple and easy.

There is a lesson here for all of us.

Art and peace can reinforce each other. Unlike many other options offered by contemporary life, art and peace can actually support each other.

The combination of art and peace itself demonstrates a peaceful resolution. This mutually supportive coexistence of action and passivity proves the theory of “A Peaceful Solution.”

Thank you, Rowen Derksen, for giving us proof of concept in your performance of “A Peaceful Solution.” Your example serves us all.

* * * * * Artist’s Statement * * * * *

About Me:

I play and sing mostly for fun. I do go to open-mic events near home and I am contemplating the coffeehouse bookstore circuit. I hope to get out and play somewhat professionally soon.

One reason I am passionate about peace right now is that as a child and young person I was strongly influenced by people who held the common beliefs that power equals peace.

I allowed other peoples words to become my own without really creating my own opinion based on my own observations. I am now somewhat embarrassed by things I have said and people I have voted for.

I suspect that, like me, many people have questioned the wisdom of war but are reluctant to let go of centuries-old beliefs no matter how clear the fallacies.

If I can influence anyone to embrace peace I must try.

This is my first real effort to support a movement for peace. While it hasn’t amounted to much yet, it sure feels good to go on record in small way in support of a peaceful solution to the world’s problems.

I choose music as the language of peace because music seems to have some special place in the human experience. Music speaks to the heart where all great decisions are made.

I feel the most important thing we must do is teach our children understanding and tolerance of the values and lifestyles of others. A little more understanding would result in a lot less bloodshed.

The most important and effective way to teach tolerance and understanding is to live it! Be what you want your children to become. This will have an effect on all those you interact with.

Again, I am so honored to participate in this project.

Thanks for inviting me.

Rowen Derksen

http://www.youtube.com/12stringman2007

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