Music Week Blog - Fall 2020
Music Week is a natural chance for us to make a deeper connection to our inner voices. The music from our childhood is usually comprised of things we didn't choose for ourselves, but generally sets the tone for our creative self-expression later in life. Exploring how music presented (or didn't) at different life stages connects you to memories of the things that were important to you, and establishes an energetic line tethering the things that still are.
Conversations about music can lead anywhere and that is my favorite thing about our 2nd week's subject matter. Do you connect to lyrics, music or both? Do you use music to help set a mood, and if so, can you play that same music in your head when you need a personal break? Can you connect memories to songs? Music week is the opportunity for a soulful journey within your psyche, or those you choose to share the conversation with. It gives us each a chance to re-awaken dreams and motivations, giving them the opportunity to find practical applications.
From Tavish: I have been a huge fan of music from before my earliest memories. My parents say the first song I ever sang was "In-a-Gadda-Da-Vita'' by Iron Butterfly. The album with the same name came out in 1968, and the expression is an interpretation of "In the Garden of Eden'', which I believe is where the Bible acknowledges the beginnings of the Soul and Ego dance we do as human beings. Also woven into the energetic fabric of my DNA: the Beatles White Album was conceived and recorded. In early 1968, the Beatles found themselves in India seeking inner spirituality. George recorded "The Inner Light'', using local musicians and instruments - a soul-centered detour - it is the only Beatles song recorded outside of Europe. The lyrics are a rendering of a poem from the Tao Te Ching, by Lao-tsu. The Beatles had each come back from India in their own time, stripped down their instruments, and went from the elaborate-ness of Sergeant Pepper's to the raw-ness of the White Album (it's originally intended title was simply, The Beatles). They took a journey into the collective soul and ultimately discovered it had mixed with greed and ego in a way as to become nearly indistinguishable energies. The Beatles finished their double album on October 14, 1968 and I was born on October 13 of that same year. The White Album has always had a curious effect on my thoughts, even before I knew it was gaining form at the same time that I was. These are some of the earliest examples of the ways in which music has shaped me, even though I don't know how to read music, play an instrument or sing in a voice that doesn't resemble Bob Dylan. No offense to Bob! He is a personal favorite and his lyrics have frequently served a mentor role in my life.
From Quan: I told a group of Quarter of Century women at an event this past weekend that one reason that I like being from Detroit...Prince used to try out his music in different venues. I saw him so many times that I lost count! Second reason is Motown (Motor Town). I have been in other countries and if Detroit is brought up, so is Motown!
My mother (who was a contemporary of some Motown artists) listened primarily to what I called 'old white men' (Frank, Tony, Jack) & women who sang jazz standards too (Sarah Vaughn, Carmen MacCrae, Blossom Dearie). We could share some music like when Chaka Khan recorded 'Echoes of an Era' in the early 80's.
I learned my unapologetic 'playing a song to death' from my older brothers (when it got really bad, someone would hide the album or single, I can think of the two Barry's...White & Manilow). Or my step mother Daisy with 'Band of Gold' by local artist Freda Payne.
Bryon and I painted the interior of the home we purchased. We agreed upon 90's R&B and hip-hop. By the 2000's the auto tune (which I hear and immediately associate it with Roger Troutman & Zapp, no matter the song) had turned me off.
Amy Winehouse gave me new hope. RIP.
I started letting go of Prince when he became a Jehovah's Witness in the mid to late 90's (his lackluster music at that time helped too). This week I've been soaking up 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' Aretha, 3 versions of 'Say You Love Me' by Natalie Cole, Jennifer Holliday & DJ Rogers. Rarely does a week pass that I don't work 'Thinking of You' by Sister Sledge into a happy music playlist!
Music brings joy!
In peace,
Quan and Tavish
