It’s the end of the year, and oh what a year it’s been! OMG, as the kids would say, how did we live through it? I thought it would be good to close it out with a list of a few of the songs that I love to listen to when I’m going through stuff… Positivity – Stevie Wonder featuring Aisha Morris Shelter in the Rain – Stevie Wonder We are Family – Sister Sledge Family Affair – Mary J. … read more »
Pete Seeger’s Legacy – And Pete Seeger’s Will
I just read an article in the NY Daily News about Pete Seeger’s will. While I am dismayed that they talk about the dollar value of his estate, I love that his instruments have names, and that the kids each got an instrument But Pete’s impact is not in his will. It is in his legacy. How he taught millions of people that they can feel community by singing together. How music brings us together, rich and poor, young and … read more »
Jazz and Mediation
A few months ago I printed a wonderful quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. about the contributions that jazz makes to humanity. That touched me, particularly coming from a minister, because there are some who have said that jazz is antithetical to religion. I have been listening to jazz since I was a teenager, and have been trying my hand at it (on the flute and on the piano) for a few years. Still amateur, for sure, but trying. … read more »
Humanity and the Importance of Jazz
Opening speech at the 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival, by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “God has brought many things out of oppression. He has endowed his creatures with the capacity to create – and from this capacity has flowed the sweet songs of sorrow and joy that have allowed man to cope with his environment and many different situations. Jazz speaks for life. The Blues tell the story of life’s difficulties, and if you think for a moment, you will realize that they take … read more »