I’m not talking about laughter, I’m talking about music. Some say its other things like water but for me it’s the bass, the song, the rhythm and talent – music. While I’m not quite big on X-factor I do pride myself in the fact that I am able to appreciate all genres, except one of course. Country has never ever appealed to me, I think it has something to do with my maternal grandma playing it at very high volume on Sundays and there was nothing anyone in the family could do about it. So I was left traumatised and decided when I grew up I would not be touching it with a long stick and I’ve been shielding myself ever since. The drawl and the cowboy feel was simply too overwhelming for me, Elvis offends me and I never understood the whole scene of sequins and 10 kilos of hair gel. Maybe one day it will dawn on me. This is however my personal sentiment and if you were born with the secret gene that enables you to understand and love these elements, I lift my hat off to you, heehaw!!
I get gospel, alternative, acid jazz, hip hop, opera, retro music but I have never managed to put on a country tune without slapping myself in the head after the first 5 seconds. David Bowie, Mark Ronson, The Who, The Killers, Bounty Killer, Vybz Kartel, Faith Evans, The Kinks, you name it, if it isn’t country I love it!!!
Music soothes me just as my mothers voice can. It stabilizes, energizes and reassures me and whats better than knowing there are a million different songs to choose from at any one time. Mind you, reading is my next love but nothing brings me to tears like Jeffery Osborne's , Hello or cause me to burst into happiness (and occasional dancing) in the most random places like Mavado's song, I'm so Special. Being Jamaican some people assume that I may only like reggae; Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff are iconic artists but the world of music is very colourful and vibrant and holds man other special treasures. I find the history and creation of the art and artists themselves quite interesting too. I spent much of my rainy weekend indoor watching documentaries of a few of these precious souls who made, lived and died music. The bass guitarist from The Who and Jimmy Hendrix fascinate me with their ability to transform a piece of wood and strings into impeccable mastery. I looked at myself as I have a number of times before, wondering if I was too old to pick up an instrument. Truth is, I probably am but my ears will never grow tired of loving the rich talent and melody and inevitable contentment music provides.
You may not have given it much thought but music intertwines itself with our memories, that's why so many of our ceremonies have the symbolic treat, think about any wedding, funeral or sweet 16 party you’ve been to. At points in our lives we hear a certain song and it takes us back to that place in time, a déjà vu moment; and that's such a beautiful thing.
Heaven had a choir for reason, music was pivotal in the way worship was offered. It is alive, assertive and unapologetic. If you don’t like it all you can do it turn it off... you cant stop it. In a world where I have little friends music provides company and solace. As I write I listen to Eryka Badu and her smooth meditative voice and metaphoric lyrics. Just what i need to help defeat my flu.Take a deep breath today when you have some quiet time, dim the lights, inhale your favourite music and see how it frees your spirit and puts a smile on your face... : )
With uni studies started I know breaks like those are going to be exactly what I need to put me in the right mind frame at the end of a long day. Express yourself, explore this medicine, music.
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