I am no doctor, but you know what? Since I started playing the oud 8 months ago there have been a huge rift between me and my girlfriend who isn't
amused by me spending every single available minute with my ouds.
The situation has become so unbearable that I am seriously considering moving out, so that I can spend all the time with my beauties without feeling
guilty.
Sometimes I wonder if it's just me who's afflicted by some form of obsessive compulsive disorder which found expression in playing the oud or if it's
a common problem.
I have been playing guitar for 33 years, pro and semi-pro, but it was never like that with a guitar. I always tried to have a balance between music,
girlfriends and friends (and unfortunately, sometimes a straight job, as it's quite difficult to have a steady income from music).
But with the oud all that has gone out of the window. Now I am so single-minded about it I hardly recognise myself.
The conclusion I have drawn is that women are a big, big impediment to someone's progress with the oud. Well, my progress. If someone put me in front
of a stark choice and I was suddenly informed that I'd keep the oud but I'd never see a woman "au naturel" ever again, I think I'd keep my
composure....and the oud of course......
Well, let me re-phrase that, it's a bit drastic...between a serious relationship and the keeping the oud I think that, with what I know now and how
women are always interloping between musical progression, I think I'll choose the oud, no doubt.
Even the most distinguished teachers always say that women are a big hindrance when learning music.......
I'd like to know what other people think about it......
Have You Hugged YOUR oud today?
John Erlich - 7-13-2012 at 11:38 AM
Giorgioud - 7-13-2012 at 11:45 AM
That's Lutfi Bouchnak holding the oud, he knows it too, you see?Giorgioud - 7-13-2012 at 01:59 PM
Yes, I agree wholeheartedly: "significant other" it shall be then. I got a bit carried away...it often happens when ouds are involved........
Strangely, I haven't got a name for my ouds: I call the Turkish one Mustafa or Bicicioglu (a Mustafa Bicicioglu), Fathy with birds (a Fathy Amin with
lovebirds sculpted on the rosette) and Fathy floatin' (a Fathy Amin floating bridge). And my Arab-Andalus mandole I just call "the Mandole".
This is not on, I know (shamefaced). I shall remedy soon........an obsessive compulsive oudist has gotta give his ouds names....what's wrong with me?Sasha - 7-13-2012 at 05:36 PM
When my house started filling up with beautiful instruments, I found out later that my friends started calling my music room 'The Seraglio' - because
it was filled with fat-bottomed lovelies from Turkey...sylvainbd - 7-14-2012 at 11:15 AM
I am not doctor but seriously , no problem ...
fernandraynaud - 7-14-2012 at 04:18 PM
A good solution to try is to get temporarily seriously involved with even MORE obsessions, like the racetrack, cards, dare I mention alcohol. Make it
look SERIOUS. Then when you're back and just into the oud and Internet, she'll be oh so grateful.
A good solution to try is to get temporarily seriously involved with even MORE obsessions, like the racetrack, cards, dare I mention alcohol. Make it
look SERIOUS. Then when you're back and just into the oud and Internet, she'll be oh so grateful.
It depends of the lady!
Ararat66 - 7-15-2012 at 11:47 AM
... in short Giorgio ... you're in deep now and in BIG trouble ... of course it's serious.
Leon
Giorgioud - 7-15-2012 at 01:02 PM
Hey Leon,
I know, I think I am lost to the oud......if I have to be away from it for even one day I get serious withdrawals symptoms.....
And Fernand,
yeah, theoretically it's a great idea....getting into the bookies, betting, even serious stuff like Manischewitz (which you've got in the States but
alas not here).....but you don't know my SO, she'd let me find all my bags packed up, my welfare is hanging precariously by a Damocle's sword.....a
horse's hair, that's all....
As I always like to conclude:
It's a hard life that of a musician, no doubt about it
Q: What do you call a musician without a girlfriend?
A: HOMELESS!!!
)