For a period of time I found myself frustrated with music. It seemed that creativity in that art form was fastly becoming a thing of the past. Was getting to the point that in order to listen to anything of substance I had to go back in time or if I heard something of value today it took me back instead of keeping me in the present with a hopeful look to the future. This is what I faced and the most anguish part is that I was finding this commentary with all musics: Jazz, R&B, African, Brazilian, Irish/Celtic, Rock & Roll, etc. Well this was a truth until acouple of weeks ago.
The passing of a good man, Bill of White plains, NY brought me in contact with an excellent muscian Salim Washington of Harlem, NY. You see Salim is the best friend of Bill's son Tkweme and Tkweme is good friend of mine. Was told about his latest CD "Harlem Homecoming" and upon arriving at Salim's Brownstone in Harlem heard glimpses of the CD but was unaware of the jewel it is until I popped it into my CD player in Atlanta. Wow is what first came out of my mind. It's the stuff I've been waiting to hear for some time.
Salim's music is very melodic yet has hints of avant garde as well as swing and elements of beebop as well. But more important it's current music that necessarily makes you pause and think all the while taking you to some heartfelt places. Salim plays the flute, tenor sax and is accompanied on this CD with Kuumba Frank Lacy (trombone, flugelhorn); Waldron Ricks (trumpet); Melanie Dyer (viola); Kurtis Rivers and Henry Cook (reeds/woodwinds); Rumas Barrett (percussion); Donald Smith (piano); Andy McCloud and Steve Neil (bass); Malik Washington, Mark Johnson and Taru Alexander (drums); Aaron Johnson (tuba).
"Morning is the time for miracles" instantly comes to mind. With it's double bass players it moves me to reflect on the greatness of the Creator, the journey that a once enslaved people have made throught these many years and the importance to give thanks at all times. But then there are times I'm just impressed with the manner it which it is arranged, how the melody is driven by the horn session and the spirit that Salim shares with the flute solo, beautiful.
When listening to this CD as well as Salim's last effort Love in Exile you're impressed with the bountiful diversity of music that's expressed. Wow so refreshing, so current so now drawing from the past and pushing us into the future.
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It’s the music that often assists me whenever I’m in a non-productive phase. It releases my spirit. Not to sound philosophical but this thing called music and especially improvisational music has a very grounding yet lifting effect on my soul. It gives me hope. Listening to Trane wail on his horn or Miles cooling and now Salim Washington accentuating notes and moments on the tenor or soothing us on the flute with the Harlem Arts Ensemble gives me a kind of hope with a positive outcome. Yes it’s the music that I’ve sometimes given credit to saving my life during the down moments. Those moments when living makes no sense and then you hear a tune and sometimes just a note that encourages you to keep moving, living, inhaling, exhaling and helping. Helping others with a smile, a kind word, or any help that’s necessary.
I like to drink hot tea. A good cup of hot tea and good music are my comforting tools along with some others. Listening to some Dizzy and Roy Eldridge and sipping on a green tea/rooibos combo are making sense right now. They’re taking me to some cool places and also keeping me in the now as well. In a world that’s constantly changing, riveting in chaos to some degree we need some things that make since even if it’s found in music or a good cup of hot tea.
Listening to the BBC/World have your say the topic is “Is there something wrong with Black Men”. They’re discussing some of the possible influences of certain delinquent behaviors. Of course Rap music was given much attention. Personally I believe a part of the blame must lie with what we are exposed to musically. Words and musical melody are very influential. That gets me back to what I stated earlier regarding the music has saved me during some down periods. There’s certainly a connection but I don’t believe it’s as simplistic as music. Our issues, black folk around the planet, run deep. So to narrow it to just music is certainly oversimplifying and they were touching on a variety of possibilities, sources.
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