Buddy Comfort
Buddy Comfort is a musician, composer, singer, recording artist, and producer. His latest release of BROTHER SUN, SISTER MOON on Tellurian Records, is receiving notable acclaim in the genre of top new age vocal releases (in the company of Enya and Loreena McKennitt). He is known as a performing artist in the U.S., Canada and Europe. it was his trip to Assisi, Italy that inspired his latest release.
BACKGROUND AND CONVERSATIONS WITH BUDDY COMFORT
My whole life has been about the discovery of what sound has to offer our spirits - that’s an intriguing life!
Buddy Comfort has made his home in the San Francisco Bay Area for the past 31 years. He is a composer, singer songwriter, recording artist, musician, producer and singing circle leader - who has long been described as “one of the foremost practitioners of healing music”, by some as “an alchemical balladeer”, and by others as a “cosmic folk artist”. It doesn’t seem to matter who is describing him, for they always seem to create a category that belongs to him alone.
In describing his own music, he has offered this: “Can you remember a time when cares and troubles dropped from you like gentle spring rain? in my music it is my hope that you can experience such a time again.” Musician, composer Julian St. George has described Buddy’s music in this way; “At times it seems his voice washes away everything but the moment in which you experience peace with the Universe and Yourself.”
Comfort’s music has always been known for it’s rare and rich blend of poetry and mythical images and love of nature. It truly does seem as if it carries the very echoes of the soul. It is as if it were meant to provide “wings for the spirit”. The warm and nurturing melodies are accompanied by an equally fascinating array of instruments including guitar, piano, hurdy gurdy, zither, tamboura, harmonica, Native American drum, and electronic keyboards.
Although music has always been the driving force in his life, it parallels his love for nature. He considers long contemplative walks a “necessity of life”. He also enjoys photography, films, writing and gardening.
Buddy reflects, “if I had not pursued my life as a musician I might have become a teacher, sharing the interests I love and educating about the concerns I believe in. I also seriously considered going into the medical profession and in fact began studies in pre-med.” Wellness and healing of the whole person have always been a strong interest for him. Throughout the years he has spent valuable time training in alternative approaches to health including studies in herbology at the California School of Herbal Studies and natural healing at the Holistic Health Institute in Mill Valley, and training in bodywork and sound healing at Esalen Institute.
It would seem that the way in which his music has developed has been, perhaps the best way to have blended all of his aspirations. As Buddy remembers one of his teachers stating, “Music is a positive expression of beauty, and beauty itself is a universal medicine.”
Comfort’s formal music training began at the age of six with studies in classical piano at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia. “My parents were always strong supporters of my artistic talents. They saw to it that I had music and art lessons. I developed a deep love for music and a sense of beauty from a very early age. Music also gave me a place to go as a child, and throughout my life a place to go in troubled times.”
Buddy graduated from the University of Akron in Ohio where he majored in Psychology. He also studied at the Firestone Conservatory of Music. His explorations there in music theory, music history, classical guitar, and acapella choral singing were “one of the most beloved times of my life”.
He’s always had a love for ancient sounds from sources such as nature’s symphony, drones, overtone chanting, indigenous polyrythms, early sacred choral music, celtic melodies, and music from the renaissance and baroque periods. Perhaps this is why his music seems to have its own unique niche as it has become a weaving or a rare blend of the appreciation of some of the richest and most exquisite music throughout all ages that transcends time.
Comfort seems a quiet and gentle man, though he has had strong feelings for many years around issues involving the environment. He expresses great delight that the early efforts of what seemed to be from only a few in the vanguard are now becoming stronger and more widespread on the planet. He grieves for the many human and environmental tragedies, but chooses to remain hopeful. He states, “As greed, shortsightedness, selfishness and duplicity run amok, we all have to keep focused and clear and stay committed to our vision. The vision of a renewed, sustainable, peaceful, harmonious, natural, sane and healed planet. To walk in the Beauty Way.”
He goes on to say “Each one of us has talents that we can use to bring about positive change. I’ve been involved in music all my life, all kinds of music - classical, folk, rock, jazz, world, experimental. I was always drawn to the ‘effects’ of music and sound. This became more and more the focus of my own work. I had always felt there was a side of man that needed food for his spirit through music. I’ve spoken out strongly for the benefit of becoming aware of the noise pollution in our environment and the need to consciously surround ourselves with sounds that soothe, nurture, and allow us to steady ourselves - to quiet our hearts and recharge our inner resources. Sometimes that means being in silence. Music can take you on many, many wonderful journeys and paths, and no one can argue against the magical effects of the sounds of delighted laughter!”
Living close to nature is important to Buddy. His home is nestled in the hills of the Central California coast. He says he is fortunate to have always lived in beautiful places. “I think that for many looking outward, embracing the wonders of nature, is the first step to being able to look inward to see the wonder and beauty of ourselves.”
Buddy feels that now is a great time to be a musician. He comments, “Receptivity for heart level music that addresses the human spirit and soul is increasing. There is a need to reconnect with what is real in an increasingly superficial and alienating world. People seem to be taking time to be gentle with themselves - and that seems healthy to me, balanced - very necessary in these constantly changing high stress times.”
People are looking inward and learning to care for themselves - love themselves. That’s where it all has to start. Nature has always been there to teach us these lessons. I’d like to think my music can contribute to that.”
Buddy Comfort currently offers private music and sound healing sessions.
Katherine St. John -
Freelance Writer