Inner Me

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I am me; complex yet simplistic; diverse yet ordinary ~ I am a treasure that only those who gain entry can truly understand.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Taking it back

I mentioned in my previous blog that my mother and I were going to see The Whispers and The O'Jays in concert this evening. I'm on such a high that I don't think I'm going to step down from anytime soon. I always pay attention to two things, in addition to the featured act - the audience and the accompanying band. Both, the band for The Whispers and The O'Jays were off the hook. But The O'Jays had about ten dudes in the horn section alone, kid you not. And the venue that we were at had not one bad seat in the house and the stage rotated in the round -- I was in heaven!

I have to say, age has been exceptionally kind to all of those brothers. The Whispers rocked in and then rocked on out -- touching on just about every major hit that I could recall. Scotty talked about the Christmas dvd that they'd just worked on, which was on sale in the lobby. Naturally, by the time I got out there -- they where all out. So he mentioned (http://www.thewhispers.com/) and I guess I'll have to check out the site to see what other goodies I can add to my library. They sang this newer song, "Butta" and it was a 'grown-folks' song, so you know what it was really all about. That's when the first red flag went up about our love songs today and what they lack. The passion, the intimacy, the illusion and mystery are all gone for the most part. I give these dudes a load of credit because they danced, sang, talked, cracked jokes and didn't pass out. I loved it and really enjoyed seeing them. When they sang a bit of "This Christmas" -- I had a Donny Hathaway moment. I have to do some serious research to find out how many people have legitimately recorded that song and then must put as many versions as I can find on a disc.

But I was there for The O'Jays and won't bs anyone who asks. They came out singing, "Give The People What They Want" and sang some songs that I'd forgotten they'd even recorded. I enjoyed watching my mother leap from her seat to dance along with them as they sang something that moved her in such a way, but at some point my thoughts went to my father. We used to have 'red light' parties in my livingroom when I was growing up in the Bronx. I'd peek in to see what the adults were doing. My father was king of "The Bump" (remember that dance?) and would bump my little boney hips until they were sore -- going down the Soul Train Line. Songs like Backstabbers, Money Money Money, Used To Be My Girl and so many more of the O'Jays hits, including Stairway To Heaven bring a flood of memories flashing back of good times, troubled times and family moments we shared.




You could have covered your eyes and not imagined that neither The Whispers or The O'Jays have been in the music making business for more than 40 years. They entertained and delighted the audience, were on-point with their vocals and showmanship. Tonight was a perfect evening.



Friday, November 28, 2008

Gratitude

I promised myself that when I put this blog spot together that music would be my mainstay but not my all. It's the morning after Thanksgiving 2008 and I think I may have slept for about four hours -- half an hour longer than usual. So much on my mind -- so very much. Thanksgiving is a time when someone like me who prefers to avoid the telephone, can send a wad of text messages to friends and family to wish them the best. I received a phone call that shocked me beyond belief -- a call from an old friend whose music I loved and friendship I cherished. You know how life distances you from people you care about unexpectedly? Well the circumstances that reconnected us were unfortunate, but I was grateful to speak with him again and I will keep in contact this time around!

[I find it surprising that the family upstairs slept later than usual and their three small children aren't running marathons over my head (just yet).]

It's bright and early and if I were a shopper, I would be out in the madness going on at the local mall. But, I'm an oddity to women -- so I've been told. I hate shopping. I cringe when I think of going to department stores. I run in and run the hell on back out. Target used to be one of my favorite spots because it was an in-house dream...clothes, food and MUSIC. Now their prices are so beyond belief and the pickings are slimmer than slim. So, I'm shopping more online than ever before.

Hanging with my family is always an experience. I watched my mother huff and puff, while exclaiming that she was thoroughly exhausted but absolutely refusing to turn the reins over to anyone else. My sister is a comedian without a title. She's what you'd call "nice/nasty" -- she's got this outter packaging that she tries her best to make appear as though she's shatterproof, but she's cookie dough. Mushy and sweet! And my niece is a piece of work. I'll leave it at that!

I'm so blessed to have my family to turn to. We've all suffered through some serious health challenges this year, but we're still holding on. God kept us.

My son decided late in the day to hang out with his other relatives on the paternal side of his bloodline. I felt some sort of way but didn't want to hold him back or drop the guilt-trip on his shoulders. I was more concerned than usual because the terror threat in NY is up for all forms of mass transit. We are living in a wicked time, if you didn't know. So he trekked up to the North Bronx and then down to Harlem and who knows where he ended up with his father.

With my son being gone, I had some time to really feel 'all alone in this big space and not much to do with myself' in a great way. An overtly blatant reminder that he will be going off to college in a couple of months (if he stops procrastinating) and then it will be just me. I've got to start establishing firmer ties in my community so that I'll have even more to occupy my time. I need something to prevent me from going stir crazy.

I'm excited about tonight because I've treated myself and my mom to The Whispers and O'Jays concert. I can't say that I remember being in a situation to do something like this in quite some time. I also have not seen Eddie Levert live since the passing of Gerald and Sean. I hope he doesn't bring me to tears but I am so looking forward to rocking out with them tonight.

The Rugrats upstairs are awake -- guess I'll pop my earphones in close my eyes for a while.

Peace, blessings and cherish your family while you can!


The O'Jays: Flashback


The Whispers - Walter & Scottie (The Mustache Men)

Still thankful..but sleep deprived - on the musical haunt

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thankful for life and the love of family & friends -- sending thankful love to you all!

Monday, November 17, 2008

My Soul Ascension


Inspiration to revitalize often comes from unexpected sources. There has been too much music floating through my personal airwaves for me to pass on exposing others to. Here I am digging deep and wanting to share more of my inner soulful collection. This volume brings to you a little old, a lot new:

Midnite - D-Influence
Mt. Airy Groove - Pieces Of A Dream
I Reminisce - Ayah
If It Wasn't For You - Day 26
Candlelight - Jody Watley
Your Eyes - Lamone
That Was Then - Lalah Hathaway
Take Me Home - Sara Devine
Open Book - Dain Harris
Pull Up To The Bumper - Grace Jones
Freak Like Me - Adina Howard
Best Friend - V
Fly - Lina
Ascension - Maxwell
Rise - Martin Luther
Rising Up (Instrumental) - The Roots

Enjoy!

Here's the download link
My Soul Ascencion

SoulMusiqLuva's Podcast

Hi everyone, I thank you for stopping by to check out my blogspace. I'm excited about the notion of being able to share my thoughts and my love of music with others. From time to time, when I'm feeling inspired I will post episodes to my podcast series -- check out my podcast & enjoy: soulmusiqluvas podcast