Anybody, and I mean, anybody who truly knows me has a basic
understanding of the fact that I love music!! I'm not just a music
lover, I'm actually in love with it. Music was my first love and the
connection lasts till this very day!! I remember falling in love with
music even before the first grade. There are just some notes, tones,
chords, riffs, beats, and combination of instruments that just goes
through me. I remember when I was, oh I had to be four or five,
sitting around the fire on wintry nights and listening to my family
sing. There was a warmth that my soul collected from that experience
that had nothing to do with the actual fire that we sat around.
It was just a beautiful thing on so many levels. The harmony was,
(somebody please give me a word), so closely melded with the rises
and the lows so congruent. I could listen for hours upon hours. I
soaked in every note, word and chorus as I sat and listened. Being
the youngest in my family I was never expected to join in. One
night I guess since I knew the words I'd sing too. My oldest brother, Jay,
who played the role of choir director said, "stop!" "Did y'all hear that?"
So I was listening and trying to figure out what "that" was along with
everyone else. Then he started the song again, I started singing again.
He made us stop again and he looked at me and said, "was that you?"
So he made me sing the part by myself, it was my first time joining in,
perhaps my last, I didn't know what would happen next. He began
to rant and rave about what a beautiful voice I had..."she can sing!"
"Listen to the melody of her voice he said, smiling all the while." I
had no clue, I just opened up and did what felt right. That's when
I learned...I could sing!! Looking back I realize how deep music, and
moments like that one are so deeply embedded in me. I can see the
entire scenario and experience as if it happened yesterday. Singing has
always been nothing more than audible love. My singing performances
have always been an attempt to gift to my audiences my personal encounter
with music. My songs have always been a kiss for the soul or I created the
the description "soul kiss." Here's to you finding that music that kisses your
soul today!! Here are three of my favorite artists-Lalah Hathaway,
Kirk Whalum, and the late great, George Duke!!! "It's What I Do."
Plus, go watch "An Evening With Lalah Hathaway" from the link below.
so worth it!!!! Blessings and much love! edited: February 19, 2023
https://youtu.be/1BLaboevAUgEnjoy!!!
ttps://youtu.be/oTYu2oRXDJg