Some Musical Storytellers

I like to listen to all types of music. Sometimes the lyrics are garbage but the song has good rhythm and dance vibe. Sometimes, the dance vibe is enough. On the other hand, I do love a song that tells a story and keeps me enthused at the same time.

Some of the music of the 60s to the 80s told a story. Country musicians loved telling stories and a good example was Kenny Rogers in his song The Gambler. The Mighty Sparrow told lots of stories and he greatly influenced the soca and calypso we enjoy today. Jean and Dinah and Obeah Wedding are great examples of Sparrow's lyrical genius. Bob Marley was another exciting lyricist who shared so many aspect of life in his reggae albums. No Woman, No Cry and Trenchtown Rock keep us listening to hear a tale in reggae style.

Nicholas "Daddy Friday" Friday was one example of a talented musician, along with The Jam Band, who kept people in the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean enthralled by his catchy and insightful lyrics - all sung to a rhythmic balance of rhythm box, live instruments and drums. Jam Band's discography include We From De VI, Hugo and Let Loose.

Hip Hop had its share of storytellers including Slick Rick in Children's Story, Sugar Hill Gang in Rapper's Delight, and Will Smith as Fresh Prince in Summertime. Later R&B had hits like I Wish by Carl Thomas, Boyfriend Number 2 by Pleasure P and Need You Bad by Jazmine Sullivan.

I listen to many genres but these days, I mostly listen to the old school music. The depth of the music is not the same today. I do find myself listening to more soca these days because I think the genre has grown and there's even a collaboration with Machel Montano and Ashanti in The Road. 

Soca that I am pumping in car these days include:

• Kerwin Du Bois - Right for Somebody
• Teddyson John - Vent
• Jougo (VIBE) - Rule Numba Uno
• Kelly Jr. - Love Trip
• Pressure BussPipe - Do It and Done
• Machel Montano - Epic (2014)
• Skinny Fabulous, Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin - Famalay
• Farmer Nappy - Hookin Meh

Music is entertainment, it influences, it inspires, it evolves and it helps us to keep fit. Music is truly life.

Woman by Marcia Griffith & Lady G

https://youtu.be/yT7xVD6Qt8s

New Song: No Matter What by Dylan J

Listen to No Matter What by Dylan J #np on #SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/dylanjartist/no-matter-what

Blog, oh Blog - I have not Forsaken You

I know I have not written in my blog for while. I am now writing for Suite 101 and I love it because it keeps me busy. My blog in recent posts has more become the poetry generator. I will admit that several more poems have been written since the last post here on Blogger.

Poetry seems easier for me to write. I play with words and it comes. I guess it's second nature now - maybe more first. It's like my singing - I do not sing as much as I used to and I think my voice has deteriorated but the more I write - the easier it is to share my poems.

These are my thoughts tonight (while listening to some Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Marvia Providence):

spirit
alive
passion
be free
smile
unhinged
in one look
it's me
feeling
so special
being
a new me
surrounded
by nature
this love
how it captures
with joy
it enlivens
with peace
it strengthens
YES
it's indirect
and YES
it protects
never rejects
shows respect
and in fact
I know know
that this
is the
only
love
that
I need
because
it comes
from
heaven

© ribbon 2010

Stressed.....when?

I'm into my music right now just vibing because it is all so mellow. At 10pm - this is the only time I have for ME - noone to disturb, yell, argue with or curse. It's like 'nar bother me nuh man'.

I can sing off-key and feel like I sound the greatest - there are no fights to part or noone to put on the toilet because they are all asleep. Even the TV is just there entertaining itself because at the same time - it's Farmville time.

Everyone needs this personal time or they will turn 'postal'. Trust me - we don't want that. The last person who went 'postal' hung himself while in prison. He was a wonderful person but he had his limits just like the rest of us. Road rage, domestic violence and depression stem from STRESS that builds up and the outlet is clogged.

Employers seem to love to stress their employees because all they care about is WORK WORK WORK. What about your employees - are they physically, mentally and emotionally able to perform today? Slavery has ended but yet the 'Massas' still want to kill us out. They put us in poor working conditions, pay us little and want the world of work to be completed before day's end - of course you work over time but you won't get paid for it!

And yet, noone believes that people are stressed!

All I can say is THANK GOD for poetry and music - my outlets. I do get a little road rage every now and then but I prefer to honk my horn than slam into your car. Keep lite music in your car and it may help to improve your well-being. I am a HUGE Bob Marley but songs like Catch A Fire or Get Up Stand Up do tend to get me riled up! Stick with some Kaya or Natural Mystic and some Etana, Berris, John Legend etc to keep you mellow.

ribbon

Vote for SHINE-I and MACCABEE

I love me some Snoop Dog. He is one of my favorite artists. The flow and style bring music that will last through generations. I had to start my blog giving mad props to my boy, Snoop.

On the local tip, you need to call tonight to vote for local reggae artists, SHINE-I and MACCABEE on the ZROD Top 7 at 7 countdown. Shine-I's 'Glad' and Maccabee's 'What's Going On' are two thought provoking grooves which sing on the love that is needed in our lives, our community and our world today. If you are in the BVI, you need to be calling 494-1037 to request these songs. Also let me know if you need to book these guys for any event and I will put you in direct contact with them.

I love music and you will see that thought reiterated in my blogs. I grew up with a walkmn in my ears all the time. So if I can hear too well, forgive me. The music was good. It's still good today, but there are not that many choices like in the 90s.

All I can say is promote your local artists!