... The Return

In the words of the great Rakim… It’s been a long time. I shouldn’t have left you…

It’s been a little more than seven months since I last wrote an article. I’d say that’s quite enough of a hiatus. It’s time to dust off this site and blow some new life into this idea. I think the exploration of music and its impact on our lives and the important aspect of the ability we have to transform our lives personally, and our existence collectively, is something that is worthy of continuing. I hope you agree.

There have been many musical happenings, since the last article, however before we get into that, we have some “homework” to get into.

First up: April Chase – In the Midst of Sirens & Still Breathing.

I first found out about April Chase when I was looking into website templates on wix.com. Their website was in the “Examples” section. The site was nice, but what really grabbed me was the sound of the band. They have a very fresh and immediate sound. I went to iTunes to download their music, and I was very pleased! This small independent band from San Jose, CA has a very refreshing sound. Reminiscent of early No Doubt, this band rocks and jams enough for you to want to jump around – whether in your own bedroom or a crowded club. Most of the songs are about love and relationships and, although most are on the hurting side of love, the deliveries of all of these offerings carry an uplifting vibration. The sweet juxtaposition of Carina Valdes’ vocals and the raw rocking of the band is a perfect pairing. This is especially so when the sound is toned down on a few of the tracks, where we’re treated to a close listen to Carina’s delicate vocals and the band’s intricate playing. Both of these EPs give a good snap shot of relationships in general… the good and the bad. The key is, each listen always leaves you wanting more… and this is just like love and relationships… as great or dreadful as they can be, we always want more.

Standouts: Turn It Down, Paper Mache, Too Short to Ride, All You Need to Say, Time Won’t Tell, Ones & Twos.

Stevie Wonder – Isn’t She Lovely.

Ok, there’s not much I can say about this song that hasn’t been said already. I listened to this song after the birth of my daughter and I had an even deeper appreciation for this masterpiece. At least once a month everyone should listen to this song. There is a little girl, big girl, woman, wife, girlfriend, mother in everybody’s life that they can place in their mind’s eye when listening to this. However even beyond that… this song is a praising of the female, period. Listen to it. What would life be without the feminine aspect of life? Or, more to the point look at what life is because of the feminine energy that we experience in life. This song is a celebration of that. So any time you’re looking to appreciate that part of your life, this classic is a great place to start.

Earth, Wind & Fire – You.

This is one of the classic group’s best songs. Also, this is one of the unsung masterpieces of the group. From the soft piano beginning, the song paints a portrait of love and a loving relationship. However, beyond that, this song is an account of what happens when a person finds himself in love (or herself). The need of love is deep and essential, like the sun (“you brighten up my day”) and it swells as it proceeds… just as the sound of the song. By the middle and end, the horns are in full effect and it’s no longer the small quiet intimate song it started out as. Now, it’s alive with sound and melody and as catchy as any of their other classics. And then, on another level, this is  an exploration of what happens when one is on a spiritual quest and reaches the enlightenment of understanding how we are connected with the creator (no matter the given title). This is a song of devotion and dedication. On the surface it is written as one between two people, however “you lighten up my way… brighten up my day… change my point of view… now I look at life the way you do…” suggests a connection with something larger and more significant than a physical, personal relationship. This song is a realization of love and its effects, at the deepest levels.

Robert Glasper Experiment – Black Radio.

This is a wonderful album. This has all of the different elements of black radio (as referenced by the title). This is the best of black radio… or what black radio should be. Robert Glasper Experiment is a jazz group, led by Robert Glasper (of course), so the base of the music is jazz. That being said, the feel of each track changes and evolves to reflect different aspects of black music. Afro Blue, one of the first songs, finds Erykah Badu in top form. This is a beautiful, cool, late night R&B quiet storm track that is exemplary of what we should be hearing on the late night magic/kiss 107s around the nation. This is sweet and sensual, without being overly sexual. The same goes for the next song, featuring the vocal talents of the under appreciated Lalah Hathaway. Hathaway gives a heartfelt rendition of Sade’s Cherish the Day. Now, this song is a new standard of the American songbook, from the 20^th century and Hathaway’s treatment of it is a testament to this fact. She delicately dips into the song like a warm bath and delivers a version that is hers, while still being homage to the queen of quiet storm. The album then subtly moves from the soft sounds of R&B to thought provoking Hip-Hop.  Always Shine, which features the vocals of Bilal and the verses of Lupe Fiasco, we explore the state of black music’s mission to remind its listeners of their greatness.  All too often this challenge is shied away from, not taken seriously, or simply ignored. Fiasco steps up to the plate, to swing for a home run. Each of the verses is a vivid look of the motivation behind the choices that go into making the music that ultimately serves to program our children.  We can either choose to program them to understand themselves as Stars in the Universe or as consumer/post-slaves in a world that belongs to everyone else.  This song deserves several listens. This is what hip-hop should strive for… this is what should be on the radio. This is how the whole album flows… this is a straight listen; no need for track skipping. There is R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Dance Rhythms and even a rock song re-envisioned (Smells Like Teen Spirit)… everything that we need to reshape Black radio into something more culturally useful.

Stand outs: (well… the whole album… but here’s the tops of the tops and the featured artists) Afro Blue (Erykah Badu), Cherish the Day (Lalah Hathaway), Always Shine (Blilal & Lupe Fiasco), Gonna Be Alright (Ledisi), Ah Yeah (Musiq Soulchild and Chrisette Michele) and Black Radio (Mos Def).

Chuck Brown – We Got This

 

This was one of the last albums by the Go-Go legend, and I was listening to it recently. It’s a fun listen, which center’s around a live performance which is energetic and very smile-provoking. The first five songs are new studio songs, perfectly fit for any dance club. Beyond that, however, this is fell-good music which is perfectly suited for raising your vibration. Laughter and dance are some of the healthiest activities one can participate in, so this is healthy music. By that standard, the healthiest of them all is the song Love, featuring Jill Scott. The sound is classic Go-Go, and Scott’s presence on the track brings a vibrancy that is positively infective.  This is a perfect jump start for the rest of the set, where Brown and his band rips though old classics, whether his or not. This set is pure fun. You’ll find yourself bopping your head, shaking and twisting your waste and hips… and then your feet will get into the action. This is one of those albums that could very well be the antidote to a bad day, if you would just put it on. That’s really one of the primary roles of music in our life, and, as Chuck and Jill remind us, “That’s how it is; that’s how it’s supposed to be.”

Stand outs: All For You, Love, We the People, I’m Your Man, Moody’s Mood for Love, Harlem Nocturne, Chuck Baby.

Take a listen to these songs and albums, and next time we’ll get into a smaller selection.

Until next time, keep listening to the music all around you and explore the music that serves to uplift your life. Thanks for reading and come back for more!

Up next: SADE.