Healing Hamilton

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Monday, April 16, 2012

Nomad in Two Worlds


N is for Nomad


I met a real nomad!  Okay, “met” is maybe too generous a word.  More accurately, I was in the presence of a real nomad.  I went to a small, local “support the arts” type bar to hear Tibetan musician Amchok Gompo.


He played a traditional Tibetan dramyin (long-necked lute) and sang in his native language.  He played an assortment of Tibetan folk songs and music he had written himself.  The music was haunting, almost chant-like, and at times even toe tapping - very unique and quite enjoyable.   During the break between sets the local “support the arts” type bar-owner pulled a chair up onto the stage beside him and asked about his life in Tibet.  It was quite candid and intimate and even members of the audience were allowed to ask questions.  It was surreal, listening to someone younger than myself talk about his nomadic lifestyle.  To me, “nomad” is a way of life described only in history books – not a lifestyle that coexists in time and space with smart phones and Wii.  He told us, in broken English, he had no formal schooling in Tibet and learned music by memorizing the songs his uncle used to sing.   He said he likes the weather here in Canada (loud groan from the audience) because it reminds him of home, except in Tibet he lived in a tent (loud sounds of audience admiration).  (It’s a Canadian birthright to complain about living through the winter weather and we’re down right impressed by anyone doing it in a tent!)  He is very proud of his heritage and what is most important to him is to share his culture with the rest of the world.   He left just a few days after I saw him, gone on a one-man world tour.   And as much as his life has changed since he left Tibet, he's still a nomad.  No longer following the seasons, but following his heart and his music.




Find out more about this unique musician who has played for the Dalai Lama

26 comments:

  1. Wow, that takes a lot of courage to roam the world. His music is haunting.

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    1. Yes, he seemed very courageous and very humble at the same time.

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  2. What an awesome story! I can imagine how great it was to hear and see him in person. :)

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    1. While I agree with you, he didn't seem to think so. It just seemed the right and natural thing for him to do.

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  4. Being around people like that really make you think and reflect on our own lives. Nice post!

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  5. I love the first picture, it displays such power. The music sounds to me like Celtic. Fun!

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    1. Yes, and the music seems just as powerful, doesn't it.

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  6. Absolutely gorgeous and haunting music. Hope his tour is a success, however he thinks of that word.

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  8. Omg.. I could listen to that music forever.. How wonderful for you to meet this astounding young man. Thank you for showcasing him. Now I'm going to check for Cd's! :)

    Thanks for following me! I am now following you right back! (Cuz' that's how I roll..) ;)

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    1. I'm really glad others are enjoying his music - he's done cd's and even a documentary.

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  9. I've never met a nomad but often wonderred what it'd be like...but I must claify that with I use to think that prior to marriage and a family. Now I want to be a nomad at the beach :)

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    1. Beach nomad sounds like a fantastic occupation - where do I sign up? :)

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  10. Very haunting music, and obviously a very remarkable man.

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  11. And, this is the year of the Dragon, Chinese New Year. I am visiting back from A-Z, very interesting blog.

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  12. That is surprisingly very cool. :D

    Kathy
    http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com

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