A short while ago the shop audio system was down and in need of replacement. For over a week it was unusually quiet. The atmosphere seemed odd, and (for lack of a better description), the aura was rather ‘flat’.. Secondly, I never realized how annoying the hum of cycling refrigerator motors could be.

During this time it was incredibly interesting to observe the reaction of regular customers to whom the shop ambiance is well known. After entering there would be a pause and a quizzical look. The inquiry was… “Did you redecorate?”; “Have you changed the artwork?” and other similar such questions. Most everyone seemed to notice ‘something’, but they couldn’t quite put their finger on it.

So as my little unintended experiment proves: ‘such is the power of music’. Even when ones mission involves cheese, and ones mind is on brie or gorgonzola, it is noticed. And that, my friend, is definitely saying something.

‘Music is the art of arranging sounds in time through the elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre’. It is one of the common cultural aspects of all human societies. And it is certain that music has a universal and profound effect on mood, and energy. And let there be no doubt that we particularly need this inspiration this year. So tune in to ‘your’ music… that which makes you smile, reminisce, or do a little dance.

For us it will remain the timeless (and cheese compatible) sounds of Aznavour, Piaf, Baker,… Et al.