10/31/2005

Adam Smith Authors The Wealth of Nations


“Which Side of the Penny is Yours?” from Aristotle’s Prayer

by Gary PowellHistorical Scottish Penny

Scottish economist Adam Smith authored The Wealth of Nations published in 1776 in London! That year sound familiar? His book is the blueprint for the free market system which we are struggling to maintain today. Adam Smith’s bust can be found on the historic Scottish penny minted in 1797.

Many contemporary economists believe there is a modern-day “corporate betrayal” of Adam Smith’s economics philosophy. I was struck with the idea that the market economy works only when producers of products have a level playing field free from special interests from any large concentrations of wealth, power and influence and that the fruits of one’s labor should go to the producer. Thusly, I penned the song which commemorates Adam Smith’s penny and the idea that a good portion of that earned penny should belong to the person who produced the work.

In 1751, Smith was appointed Professor of Logic at Glasgow University, transferring in 1752 to the Chair of Moral Philosophy. His lectures covered the field of ethics, rhetoric, jurisprudence and political economy, or “police and revenue”. That said, the philosophy related in the lyrics of the song, “Which Side of the Penny is Yours”, are Adam Smith’s. The “earthy” fashioned lyric is mine and would probably not have been approved knowing Adam Smith’s puritanical leanings. This is clearly my interpretation and no disrepect is meant for Adam Smith’s work which has so influenced and helped liberate the individual human being.

To learn more, please visit The Adam Smith Institute

Read the Song Lyrics

* Filed by Gary Powell at 5:01 am under Aristotle's Prayer
* 2 Comments

10/27/2005

Galileo Goes on Trial 1633


“The Boys in Red” from Aristotle’s Prayer

by Gary Powell

This painting depicting Galileo’s trial in front of the Catholic church tribunal hung in my brother’s, Joe Powell, house for years. While researching the seminal events where individuals stood up against the institution, this great painting came to mind. When I found the image, I asked my brother, “Is this the painting you had in your house?” He answered, “Yes it is, how about those BOYS IN RED?” The song title was born in that instant and I knew I had another historical piece to interpret musically where power tries to subdue truth.

Perhaps people who focus on their own ethical standards don’t have time to tell the rest of us what’s right.
- Joe M. Powell, Director
The Rice University Building Institute

Painting of Galileo's Trial

Read the Song Lyrics

* Filed by Gary Powell at 3:37 pm under Aristotle's Prayer
* 2 Comments

10/17/2005

Gary Powell’s Lecture Follow-up


to Glenn Richter’s Music Business Classes at the University of Texas

Thank you, Glenn Richter, for another great day with you and your students. Here are links to some of the topics we hit on in both your classes for those students interested in following up. See you soon. — Gary Powell

News on Podcasting
Antares Auto-Tune and A-Vox

I don’t remember which student in the morning class turned us on to this, but this site is exactly the kind of thing I was talking about. It figures someone has developed this kind of idea so completely. I’m lovin’ this. Please tell the student (on the back row) thank you for me: Artistshare

This PBSYOU program will be helpful to anyone with an individual spirit: Entrepreneurship Classes on PBSYOU

Powell Studio Productions in Austin, Texas uses the following music production applications:

For Sample Library Playback:
Tascam GigaStudio
Real Guitars with Modeled Guitar Sounds:
Line6
For Digital Audio and Sequencing:
Digital Performer
For Music Notation:
Sibelius

* Filed by Gary Powell at 7:02 pm under Music Clinic & Lecture Notes
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