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There’s something special about firsts. They can be memorable, like a first kiss, or coveted, like a first edition. I have a number first editions, nothing very valuable., though at one time I had a few very nice ones. I do have a Dylan Thomas first, and a nice copy of Faulkner’s Light in August, but that’s not the point.

Tonight I visited with Lydia Devia. Rene Devia’s CD, Sol Y Sombra, was released today, and Lydia brought over a copy. We listened to it and it was lovely. I especially liked Cascada, Aranjuez/Con mi Amor, and Cuando La Llanura Despierta. Rene has an amazing ability to capture a scene in his compositions, so that the music evokes imagery, and it’s precise.

I recall being at his house one evening with Berit and he played La Voz del Viento (the voice of the wind). We discussed it afterwards. I recognized it as a narrative piece, and though it was wholly instrumental, was able to do a fairly good job of recounting the narrative. It’s rare that music speaks so clearly.

Cuando La Llanura Despierta (When the Plains Awaken) is similar, as it evokes imagery of the plains of Colombia, a place I have seen in only a few photographs. As one listens, one can see the plains, feel the sun rising, hear the water. And Cascada - Cascada is mathematically precise, repetitive in its beauty, and unquestionably a waterfall.

Tonight’s first? Besides hearing this CD for the first time, I had the the first listen of the first CD in the first box of this new release - quite an honor. It’s sitting on my bar, waiting to be listened to again.