It’s a real shame that I cannot sing or play a musical instrument because I certainly have the passion for it. However, I am unfazed in my appreciation of music. I am a fairly good judge of music and have learned many lessons from musicians I had the pleasure of listening to or collaborating with. Music, even if I have no talent for it, has always been my source of inspiration.
I have always been fascinated with the piano and the guitar comes a close second. So it is of little wonder that when my brother started playing the piano, I became engrossed in the beauty of how the notes can create such melodic tunes. His children have since enhanced their father’s reputation with their dedication to music. Thanks to them, I know the difference between the classical and pop genre. The pop genre, which my namesake begrudgingly learns, came at the recommendation of his teacher who believes his style of play is unsuitable for the more refined classical genre.
My adoration of 2Pac is no secret among my very close friends. I have never sported a cornrow or rapped a rhyme but have a very deep sense of connection with 2Pac’s lyrical expressions. I have listened to hip hop in the 90’s and continue to do so whenever I feel nostalgic. I know a few rhymes from Coolio’s “Gangsta Paradise”, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and my 2Pac favorites should rightfully be censored; even on this blog.
On the other end of my musical repertoire is Beethoven and Richard Clayderman. The vocal genius of Boyz II Men, the chants of Enigma or own Pascal Oritaimae and even the occasional country twang of Shania Twain all bring so much joy in the right moment. Dennis Leary or Rednex’s “Cotton Eye Joe” provide entertainment when a moment of madness threatens to get the better of me.
But perhaps the real point of writing this post is to explore my fascination with words. Words and phrases continuously loiter in my head. In the past I always needed an outlet so it was never strange to see me constantly writing or drawing. Phrases spring out at me when I read a book, a signage or hear a song and evoke very deep emotions, some even inspire my own new expressions. It never ceases to amaze me how the combination of words when cleverly done can carry very deep connotations. Sadly, many of us fail to grasp the very essence of those words, let alone understand why. Sometimes words even inspire a line of code I write at work, they even influence the great care I take in crafting user graphical interfaces.
How composers are able to use words to fit in music is truly fascinating.
If anyone has taken time to really understand my view on music then it is simply that music is more then a pretty face like Britney Spears, Rihanna or Justin Bieber. When the words, the rhythm, the bass riff, the string ensemble, the percussion, the brass section all clash in just the right way, the combustion gives birth to something wonderful, a mesmerizing experience that I have long endured. I lose myself in the boyhood delight of how all these elements come together. Music born out of struggles are a lyrical delight, powerful and the reason why Bob Marley, 2Pac and Michael Jackson among many others will always transcend eras.
Sing by Gary Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber to commemorate the Queen’s diamond jubilee tells some part of my story. The opening line strikes me “Some words can’t be spoken only sang” because mine can only be ever written and read.
The accompanying documentary is a fascinating watch.
The song is a collection of bits and pieces collected from many Commonwealth countries. The percussion from the slums of Africa. The background vocals from the United Kingdom, Australia and even our All Saints Choir, our Royal Solomon Islands Police Force band, and pan-pipers from South Malaita are featured in the song. The lead singer at the start was recorded in an African orphanage. Prince Harry is even featured with a single hit of the tambourine. It is a true work of art.
All these musical talents entwined with the powerful lyrics make this song an inspiring story.
I can relate because the story, the song and accompanying music touches on my own struggles when all I have is a pen and paper and music is my only escape.