Ben Harper - a modern day Mozart - blew me away. His performance was epic. He played for 3 and a half hours straight. Took two sips of water, no notice of the interval and played way past the finish line. He was oblivious to time, he played and played and played, like a mad man - a great man.
The Sydney Opera House Concert Hall is an intimate venue. It is well known for it's majestic, cathedral like space and sound quality. Ben said that he was honoured to play there and it was the best sound he had ever heard with apologies to Carnegie Hall. Every seat has a unobscured sound and view, the audience can speak and be heard. Ben responded to each call...
"Love you Ben!" Yeah, I love you Sista.
"I love you Ben." Love you too Bro.
It was delightful. He told beautiful stories and one in particular about Heath Ledger. Earlier they had been playing piano for two days. The next day Heath had the piano delivered to Ben's, ecstatic. Heath rang, "My baby is due in a month. You need to write a lullaby for her." Morning Yearning was born. Heath directed the film clip.
I love this song as I it gives me hope as a parent. The lines kind of go, 'It's a new day, a new chance, an opportunity to be a better parent, see the inspiration in your child. Follow their lead.' I like that.
With love and affection he spoke about the Blind Boys of Alabama. He sang I Shall Not Walk Alone. A personal favourite... towards the end of this YouTube clip Clarence Fountain's tears fall down on his cheeks.
Love you Ben.
