There isn’t much to say except, it’s February a.k.a Black History Month, and Nina Simone is always the answer. You can feel the chilling anger and hurt in her voice as she sings her own rendition of “Strange Fruit”. She had a voice that was unmatched.Read More
Happy Birthday, Billie!
Today, Billie Holiday a.k.a. Lady Day, would have been 101 years old. I have always liked Jazz music, but my love for Jazz music really bloomed about 5 years ago. Naturally, Billie became one of my favorite jazz singers, ever. There is something about her music where you can feel the passion and/or pain in her voice, but she makes it sound like the most beautiful sultry voiced passion and/or pain you have ever heard. I am only 27 years young so Lady Day was well before “my time” as the older folks like to say lol, but quality music knows no age. I wish I could say I got to see a legendary musician such as Billie perform live, but I thankfully have her collection of beautiful music to listen to until the end of time. I will share my favorite Billie Holiday song with you called, Good Morning Heartache, below. I’m sure I’ve probably shared this song before at some point in time of my blogging history, but you can never have too much Billie in your life, especially this song. 😉
Happy birthday, Lady Day! I hope you’re resting easy.
Brie <3
[04.07.16]
Nina Simone – Four Girls
Doing some late blogging tonight because I’ve had Nina Simone on my mind lately. I’ve been listening to her music a little more than usual the last few days and decided to look her up. This upcoming Sunday would have been her 83rd birthday. Maybe this is why she’s been on my mind a little more than usual? Whatever it may be, I’m more than okay with it, because how can you go wrong with more Nina Simone in your life?
One of my favorite songs by her is “Four Women” because it reminds me of the beauty in Black diversity and how strong Black women are and always have been since the beginning of time. I especially loved the remake of this particular song by: Jill Scott, Kelly Price, Marsha Ambrosius and Ledisi at the Black Girls Rock award show in 2011.
If you get a chance to listen to this song tonight really take in the words and vocal abilities of the late Ms. Simone. I hope it inspires you to go listen to more of her amazing work to reacquaint yourself or introduce you to her music. Either way, enjoy it, and have a great rest of your night.
Brie <3
[02.19.16]
Jazz Music Love
This Sunday is Valentine’s Day as I’m sure you all have noticed by now. My husband and I have dinner, family time, and gifts planned for this weekend. But if you ask me, what is a weekend of love without the greatest genre of love music? (Don’t debate me on this. Jazz music is every emotion but above all it’s LOVE). In addition to it being Valentine’s Day weekend it is still Black History Month. I decided I wanted to share a post with a few of my favorite jazz love ballads by some of my favorite Black jazz musicians. Prayerfully, one day soon, the majority of my fellow Black people will come back to appreciating real music again. Music sharing the beauty of love and beautifully explaining heartache. Music that uplifts our people and those around us. Music that expresses our grace and strength through the perfect match up of instruments and words.
Fellas, if you’re wanting to impress the lady in your life, play one (or all) of these beautiful songs for her, and watch her be impressed with your caring, impeccable, and sophisticated taste in music. 😉
I hope you all have a weekend filled with love. Always remember sharing and spreading love on Valentine’s Day is not limited to those who have a significant other. Whoever you chose to spend the weekend with I hope you all have a fun, love filled, and safe weekend.
Rest In Peace, B.B. King.
When I first heard “Blues Boy” a.k.a. B.B. King had been placed in a hospice a little over a week ago, I became sad and nostalgic. B.B. King was huge part of my childhood, especially in elementary school. I am sad, because we are in a time where so many great icons, legends, and heroes of their time (and ours), are passing away at a fairly steady rate. All of the original trailblazers and trendsetters are up in age, and becoming past tense. It honestly makes me want to cry considering these people are definion of Kings and Queens. On the other hand, I know it sounds strange for a 26 years young woman to tell you B.B. King reminds you of her childhood, so I will now explain to you why he does.
When I was little, one of my all time favorite books was called, “Rainy Day Blues” with the narrated cassette tape. I listened to it every single night before bed, sometimes multiple times. The book was narrated and the music was sung by, Mr. B.B. King, himself. I was fairly young when I first read/listened to the story and I continued to do so for some time. I have no clue where my book or cassette tape disappeared to, but there is no telling in all the moving I did when I was younger. Since last week reminded me of my love for this book I searched for a copy to order from Amazon for my own daughter. I was extremely happy to find one and it was delivered two days ago. I can’t wait to read it to her!
I remember one of the first times I actually learned what B.B. King looked like in real life. He was on an episode of “The Cosby Show” when my Grandma pointed out to me, “that is the man who sings on the ‘Rainy Day Blues’ tape we listen to.” He didn’t look anything like I had imagined he did, but I loved my book so much he was already a legend in my mind.
B.B. King is the face of blues music, even to those who don’t listen to the blues. There is such a poetic and heartfelt sound to his gritty voice that you can’t help but love. I will leave you with my top 3 favorite B.B. King songs. Although I have a top 3, the song “Sweet Sixteen” is my favorite by a long shot. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Rest easy Mr. King. I hope they bury Lucille with you. I will be praying for your family during this tough time.
I wonder if the blues sound better in Heaven?
Brie <3
[05.15.15]