And we’re back, having just completed the longest (and surely one of the most successful) cruises in Sixthman history.  I’ve finally had a chance to catch my breath and look back upon the past seven days.  Here’s the beginning of my introspective, retrospective reflection (actually I’m not quite sure if it’s all of those things, but at least it sounds good).

Cayamo is a not just a cruise about watching your all-time favorite musicians, it’s also a place where you can discover new music and get to know the musicians behind the instruments.  As a Sixthman employee, working twelve to fourteen hour days isn’t exactly conducive to discovering new music; when we’re not out trying to find ways to make sure all the guests on board are having the time of their lives, we’re in the production office working on emails, websites, and productions for our other cruises.

Because of the long days, a small number of employees, and an insane amount of performances on board,  we generally only get to check out one or two songs from a musician here or there as we run from one job to the next.  Luckily, Cayamo 2009 was overflowing with talent, so one or two songs was more than enough to get us hooked on new music; for example, Vienna Teng blew me away and it only took 5 minutes.

Let’s rewind: earlier in the cruise, I was told that my next interview would be with Vienna, an artist I had heard great things about but never seen perform.  Lauren and I sat down with her and had one of our best interviews yet; she was hilarious, genuine, and extremely appreciative of Sixthman.  By the way, I am still dumbfounded every time an artist thanks us for the experience…we can’t thank YOU guys enough!

A day later, I was literally running from one end of the ship to the other while working and I had to pass through the atrium.  I froze in my tracks as my ears picked up on one of the most beautiful voices I’ve ever heard.  Vienna was singing a song in a foreign language; I later found out it was a folk song her mom taught her to sing.  I’d describe how beautiful the song was, but my words would not do it justice.  Instead, I’d like to borrow another quote from the Shawshank Redemption (how unusual, I know).  Imagine the scene where Andy took over the record player and projected Italian music out into the prison yard:

“I have no idea to this day what those two Italian ladies were singing about. Truth is, I don’t want to know. Some things are better left unsaid. I’d like to think they were singing about something so beautiful, it can’t be expressed in words, and it makes your heart ache because of it. I tell you, those voices soared higher and farther than anybody in a grey place dares to dream.”

I have no idea what Vienna’s lullaby was about, and I don’t want to know…some things are better left unsaid.  Just like in Shawshank, everybody went completely silent and watched with eyes wide, ears open, and mouth agape.  It was that good.  After this brief five minute exposure to Vienna’s music, I made sure I went out of my way to catch a song or two every time she stepped on a stage.  Wow, that cruise was awesome.

-Steve

PS – Does anybody know the name of this song?  A little help would be most appreciated!

Tags: Vienna Teng