Enjoy the beauty of the Feathered Pipe Ranch and the music by Matthew Marsolek. Matthew Marsolek wrote “Feathered Pipe Island”—clearly inspired by the vibe at the Ranch—in the early 1990s. He’s performed it many times at the Ranch through the years and it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Matthew Marsolek and his brother Patrick Marsolek worked at the Feathered Pipe Ranch in the late 1980s and early 90s. They often would sing while they worked, play music for the follies on the last night of the workshops, and have drum circles by the campfire with guests.
They became especially inspired by the rhythmic music created during evening circles at the Ranch. Patrick started to make drums in the garage at the Ranch and Matthew joined him in the venture when there became a demand for the beautiful handcrafted drums. From there they created the Drum Brothers, a musical ensemble with family members and friends (morphing through the years). You can read more about the group here.
If you’d like to meet Matthew and his family, they come to the Ranch each summer to teach and entertain at The Mindful Unplug.
Feathered Pipe Island – Written and performed by Matthew Marsolek
We’re on this Feathered Pipe Island, this Feathered Pipe Island
Floating in the Montana Blue Sky
On this Feathered Pipe Island, this Feathered Pipe Island
Ooooh, we are wondering….
Why oh why?
Why are we here?
Where are we going?
What shall we do with these bodies?
Why are we here?
Where are we going?
What shall we do with our minds?
Life is so dear
With happiness, joy, and fear
I’m afraid I’m so caught in this illusion
But I’m thankful for this day
Coming together in this way
With you I can share my confusion
Chorus
And the wise ones say
Just be happy
Live life for today
Center yourself in spirit
And follow the peaceful way
But my mind says
Why am I always worried?
Frustrated all the time
When I have no money
How can I think those thoughts sublime
On this Feathered Pipe Island, this Feathered Pipe Island,
Floating in the Montana Blue Sky
On this Feathered Pipe Island, this Feathered Pipe Island
Ooooh, we are wondering….
Why oh why?
Why are we here?
Where are we going?
What shall we do with these bodies?
Why are we here?
Where are we going?
What shall we do with our minds?
What shall we do with our minds?
*Photo credits: Jonathan H. Lee of Subtle Dream, Melina Meza Photography, Crystal Water, Eric Myers, Nathan Mills, and Cristina Platania.
ABOUT MATTHEW MARSOLEK
Matthew Marsolek has received awards of excellence from the University of Montana for his musical work with theater and dance. He has studied East Indian and West African music for the past 18 years with a variety of teachers, including Mukesh Desai from India and Abdoul Doumbia from Mali, West Africa. Matthew has experience and training in jazz, classical, and Hindustani vocal technique and is also an accomplished jazz and classical guitarist. As a recording artist, he has released projects with Drum Brothers and Mandir as well as two solo recordings. A dedicated and charismatic educator, Matthew has a passion for rhythm, musical relationships, and the therapeutic and community building aspects of music. He teaches classes and clinics in voice, rhythm, and hand drumming throughout the United States and Canada.
More about Matthew: drumbrothers.com