“The Hardest-Working Man in Show Business,”
So ~ What do we do when we're burdened with these type of situations?
Go to our music.
And that's what I did yesterday Beloveds. Ooooh I saw the new biographic film on the life of James Brown. I always loved his music, but I came away loving the man. Now I know he had issues with domestic abuse and substances, but whoa was I inspired by his philosophy and consistent ability to turn the appearance of obstacles and negativity into platforms from which his genius would still shine forth.
I came away thinking that we ~ at least Black people, and people of Soul~ need to declare and celebrate his birthday as a planetary holiday. At the minimum, we might include his music as part of our holiday playlist on Christmas Day, the day on which he died in 2006.
At any rate, don't miss Get On Up! The film has a fantastic cast, lead by Chadwick Boseman who is captivating as 'Mr. Brown', and Nelson Ellis, as his life long collaborator and friend Bobby Byrd. Boseman is awesome recreating James Brown's dance moves, and all the music are the true James Brown tracks. So the music and dancing are worth the ticket price alone. More A list talent fills the screen as major characters are played by Viola Davis, Jill Scott, Octavia Spencer and Dan Akyroyd. Craig Robinson plays renowned saxophone "Funkmaster" bandleader Maceo Parker. Rolling Stones leadman Mick Jaggar, is the film's co-Executive Producer.
Mr. James Brown is one of those people we can turn to ~ like Bob Marley, Stevie, John Coltrane, Sly Stone, Donnie Hathaway, Curtis Mayfield...you know the list doesn't end...those wonderful souls, deep rivers of talent that run through the ravines of fatigue, pain and despair, like the 4 Tops sang....Still Waters Run Deep~ (click video arrow now to listen)
where we can always take a dip, be refreshed and lifted again..., back up to an elevated plateau of joy, peace and renewed confidence in the possibilities before us~
lovu,
Kendke
A treat I just discovered!
James Brown and on the Joan Rivers Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRtsembLrpw
Very smart addition to Knewz. This type of segment provides a counter upbeat piece to the other serious issues you seem inclined towards. Entertainment is always the thing to elicit favorable responses from people - a real attention getter.
ReplyDeleteSam
Thanks for sharing I enjoyed your review (i saw the film several weeks ago and agree wholeheartedly with your review. My only comment is that not enough Blacks were included in the writing, directing, and general production as should have been, While the actors and acting were first rate we still are excluded from the decision making process). I also enjoyed the video with Joan Rivers
ReplyDeletePray for Peace in your life, your community and your world.
Aaliyah
These songs are timeless and always good to hear. Mr. Brown was a true genius and way ahead of his time; even though for me, the late great Wilson Pickett was always my favorite of that genre. By genre I mean, the period of time when the absolute best soul music was being made and played on radio. These guys, Otis, Sam and Dave et al combined the church with blues and other polyrhythmic tricks and blew everybody's mind. I mean, have you ever herd Bobby Womack's version of "Lookin for a Love?" Damn, there is so much going on with that track (both instrumentally and vocally) that I don't believe the world will ever encounter that level of honest to goodness straight ahead music again. Oh well, don't want to start trippin but last week I watch a bio documentary on Pickett and it just took me to a real deal place in time. He reminded me of a few relatives I had growing up who lived in Moultrie, Georgia - I mean way down deep in it! These people carried guns, went to church on Sunday, were very loving but at the same time didn't take no shit from anybody. They were all about respect and they all seemed to be cut from the same rock as the stuff Wilson sang about. It was a lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteSam
Beautiful...you stirred my heart as I read your words.
ReplyDeleteI'm not really a nostalgic person, ....unless we're talking about good music.
Everything you said is so true, and our world is so much the less, for what we have exchanged that music for. The radio today is trash.