Music is food for the soul. Not all music, mind you. Some music might destroy your soul, if not listened to with a measure of understanding and some distance. But I don't want to dwell on the negative. Rather, let me put into words some thoughts on some a very wonderful, soul enriching musical experience.
Tonight I had the absolute overwhelming pleasure and privilege to see K'Naan and his crew perform live. The show took place in a club in downtown Ottawa, my home town. I was pleased to find that K'Naan can be counted among those artists that are even better live than recorded, which is saying a lot because K'Naan's albums are fabulous. I was moved by the performance to the extent that I almost cried. In particular, on my way home, I felt that emotional tugging feeling I get some times when I am overwhelmed by something so beautiful that it almost hurts. I honestly felt like he treated us, all of us, like his very close friends. This, I believe, is one of the highest marks of a good performer, being not only at ease with an audience but speaking and singing to them in a way that makes them feel familiar, loved, and appreciated. I can't speak for the rest of the audience, but when K'Naan spoke I listened intently and felt within me a brilliant glow of admiration and love. It's an interesting feeling to have when you don't have a direct personal connection with someone. It is feeling like you know someone you don't know or, to make it sound less nutty, it is 'shared feeling'.
What is 'shared feeling'? It's along the lines of people being very different from one another, but having something(s) in common that don't need to be explained to be understood. While everyone's own perspective and experiences are unique, there are similarities that unite us. This is where solidarity comes from.
To shift gears briefly, K'Naan and J.Period recently collaborated to produce tributes to Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and Bob Dylan. The series is entitled: The Messengers. K'Naan explains that he identified each of these artists as 'Messengers'. He states "in our world today, in the world of sound, music and rhythm, within it, who has a message? who has something to say to us? who has a way to propel us forward? And I felt like Fela Kuti did, I felt like Bob Marley did, I felt like Bob Dylan did, and I hope I do." K'Naan himself is indeed a Messenger. His lyrics are poetry, they tell rich and powerful stories, they speak Truths. They are insightful, tragic, beautiful, and happy. It is truly refreshing to listen to him.
K'Naan is sincere. He is not perfect; he is human, he is a man. I do not worship him, I admire him. And I am thankful for the opportunity to witness his music and words. I hope to some day regain the ability to write poetry, as I once did, with an open heart and mind. I did that once and K'Naan reminded me of how liberating and freeing it can be.
And on that note, I will attend to the pressing matter of sleep.
Tonight I had the absolute overwhelming pleasure and privilege to see K'Naan and his crew perform live. The show took place in a club in downtown Ottawa, my home town. I was pleased to find that K'Naan can be counted among those artists that are even better live than recorded, which is saying a lot because K'Naan's albums are fabulous. I was moved by the performance to the extent that I almost cried. In particular, on my way home, I felt that emotional tugging feeling I get some times when I am overwhelmed by something so beautiful that it almost hurts. I honestly felt like he treated us, all of us, like his very close friends. This, I believe, is one of the highest marks of a good performer, being not only at ease with an audience but speaking and singing to them in a way that makes them feel familiar, loved, and appreciated. I can't speak for the rest of the audience, but when K'Naan spoke I listened intently and felt within me a brilliant glow of admiration and love. It's an interesting feeling to have when you don't have a direct personal connection with someone. It is feeling like you know someone you don't know or, to make it sound less nutty, it is 'shared feeling'.
What is 'shared feeling'? It's along the lines of people being very different from one another, but having something(s) in common that don't need to be explained to be understood. While everyone's own perspective and experiences are unique, there are similarities that unite us. This is where solidarity comes from.
To shift gears briefly, K'Naan and J.Period recently collaborated to produce tributes to Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and Bob Dylan. The series is entitled: The Messengers. K'Naan explains that he identified each of these artists as 'Messengers'. He states "in our world today, in the world of sound, music and rhythm, within it, who has a message? who has something to say to us? who has a way to propel us forward? And I felt like Fela Kuti did, I felt like Bob Marley did, I felt like Bob Dylan did, and I hope I do." K'Naan himself is indeed a Messenger. His lyrics are poetry, they tell rich and powerful stories, they speak Truths. They are insightful, tragic, beautiful, and happy. It is truly refreshing to listen to him.
K'Naan is sincere. He is not perfect; he is human, he is a man. I do not worship him, I admire him. And I am thankful for the opportunity to witness his music and words. I hope to some day regain the ability to write poetry, as I once did, with an open heart and mind. I did that once and K'Naan reminded me of how liberating and freeing it can be.
And on that note, I will attend to the pressing matter of sleep.
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