Have you ever felt a song reach deep within you, stirring emotions tied to the core of the human experience? Julian Marshall, a legendary musician whose artistic evolution has traversed the realms of pop stardom to profound musical narratives, joins us to share his remarkable journey. From the catchy hooks of “Dancing in the City” to the emotional depths of a cantata based on Holocaust victim Gertrude Kolmar’s poetry, Julian’s conversation offers a rare glimpse into the transformation of an artist. He candidly discusses his shift from chasing chart-topping hits to composing music that seeks to touch the soul, guided by influences ranging from Stravinsky to Buddy Holly and a deep dive into his Jewish heritage and Zen Buddhism.
As we navigate the symphony of life, the intersection of music, poetry, and history can evoke powerful reflections on our collective humanity. This episode probes the emotional resonance of pieces like Steve Reich’s “Different Trains,” capturing the parallel narratives of innocence and tragedy. Julian and I ponder the role of vulnerability in the arts and the boldness it takes to express the complexities of our human saga. We also challenge current leadership paradigms, contrasting the rigidness of today’s political scene with the transformative potential of embracing consciousness as the bedrock of reality. Join us for a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be human, the impact of consciousness on our interconnected existence, and the pivotal choices humanity faces at this crucial juncture in our evolution.
Julian Marshall – www.julianmarshall.co.uk
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Malcolm Stern has worked as a group and individual psychotherapist for more than 30 years. He was a co-founder of Alternatives at St James’s Church in London and runs groups internationally.
He is the author of Falling in Love / Staying in Love (Piatkus 2004) and Slay Your Dragons with Compassion ( Watkins 2020). He co-presented Channel 4’s relationship series, ‘Made for Each Other’ in 2003 and 2004 and sailed on the ‘Rainbow Warrior’ with Greenpeace in the 1980s. The book he is currently writing is an exploration of the shadow and its necessity in our evolutionary development.
Malcolm Stern in conversation with guests.
