The internet is such an amazing place. There are so many great things to be seen, in the midst of the crazy world. A few years ago, I stumbled upon one such amazing park. There, a young man was playing his ukulele while other children played in the background.
Past time for a haircut like the other boys. His pants rolled at the bottom because he hadn’t yet grown into them. One little boy. One little ukulele with FOUR strings. Only 4. He was playing his very own composition on this little instrument, usually sold as a toy. The first time I saw this, I knew I would never forget his name.
Feng-E
As boys do, he grew a bit and went on to compete in a televised talent show. At just ten years old, he rocked the stage. Showcasing three different songs, he’d earned a golden shower of confetti, but he wasn’t done growing.
Through the years, I’ve watched him evolve as an artist. He started with a simple ukulele and quickly advanced to the amplified version. He also plays six and 12 string guitars beautifully. All while being in some sort of musical trance. Totally focused and in control of his instrument while delivering every time.
He’s been asked to duet with grey-haired professionals who marvel at his natural talent. A true child prodigy, he never missed a beat when playing with Tommy Emmanuel in the following duet.
Not really being a fan of hard rock, I enjoy listening to his softer pieces. Sometimes it seems like the camera can’t even record all his finger movements. His concentration and awareness of the old musician is amazing at such a young age.
On this Friday morning, look for something wonderful to watch on the internet. Ignore bad news about heinous crimes. Use this wonderful tool to enliven your spirit. Listen to some great music, taking time to focus on the notes and the way they are delivered. Remember, Artificial Intelligence, (AI — Remember, that’s two letters according to our AI czar), will never, ever replace human creativity and talent unless we forget to applaud talented child prodigies. Go forth and prosper, young Feng-E.
Have a great weekend. I’ll be back on Monday!