Songs for Our Now: A playlist for survival and centeredness

Songs for Our Now: A playlist for survival and centeredness

In the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, where I’ve lived most of my adult life, November is always a transitional month. At times it even inspires a kind of cyclical mourning. As the leaves fall, the temperatures drop, and the landscape’s colors morph from vibrant postcards into barren withered browns we, too, shift in posture and color. In the present moment many Americans are searching for the most resonant emotional chords.   Navigating the changing scenery also means being enveloped by the swirl of emotional uncertainty. We are simultaneously seeking solace and inspiration to cosset us from acute feelings of anger, betrayal, sadness, and ambivalence.

Since you went away the days grow long
And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song
But I miss you most of all my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall
(“Autumn Leaves” English Lyrics by Johnny Mercer)

Music is, naturally, an almost undefined, intangible space of reckoning. Certain melodies, words, and tones can cohere into irresistible musical forms that move us unexpectedly.  When the right pitch catches us we feel heard; it grounds us and we are poised for new vistas. In this spirit I offer an anthology of songs that sings to us in this particular moment. I was inspired by food writer extraordinaire Ruth Reichl’s My Kitchen Year: 136 Recipes that Saved My Life, a generous collection of interwoven stories and recipes documenting losses in her life that gave her life meaning.  Rather than seeking music that merely enrages or soothes, I have chosen music representing a vast palette of emotions.

“O’ Death” (sung by Marion Williams): For creating room to moan, cry, grieve, and lament.

Uploaded by sofia on 2013-12-31.

“Autumn Leaves” (sung by Eva Cassidy): For capturing the bittersweet flavor of fall and the uncertain season ahead.

Restored footage of Eva Cassidy performing Autumn Leaves. The performance took place at the Blues Alley jazz supper club in Georgetown, DC, on the 3rd January 1996. Recorded by Bryan McCulley on 3 January 1996.

“I’m not ashamed to sing the blues” (sung by Bobby “Blue” Bland): For those moments when you must express your truth in an effort to transcend it.

Uploaded by corey daniels on 2011-06-26.

“Day Dream” and “Wave” (sung by Sarah Vaughan): For when we need to escape into sonic reverie, the kind only available to us through the most sublimely luxuriant and enveloping voices.

'Day Dream' - Sarah Vaughan (Words and music by John La Touche, Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn) Visit http://themixedemotions.wordpress.com Enjoy!!!

“O Shenandoah” (sung by Rene Marie): For reminders of the beauty of the American landscape even in the ugliest of times.  

Vendrell Spain - 4-4-2009 Quentin Baxter Drums Rodney Jordan Bass Kevin Bales Piano

“City of New Orleans” (sung by Allen Toussaint): For times when we must remind ourselves of the interconnectedness of communities, cities, and states beyond region.

http://allentoussaint.com/ Allen Toussaint at the Franklin Theater, Franklin, Tennessee on October 11,2013. What an evening of entertainment!!

“I Can See Cleary Now” (sung by Holly Cole): For times when you need beams of hope that sustain you, even if such optimism feels illusory.

"I Can See Clearly Now" from Holly Cole's first ever live DVD/CD, 'Steal the Night: Live At Glenn Gould Studio'. Recorded in high definition & 5.1 surround sound. Available on iTunes and Amazon and in stores in Canada. For More Holly updates please visit: http://www.hollycole.com http://www.facebook.com/hollyjcole http://www.twitter.com/misshollycole

Can you hear the words being whispered
All along the American stream
Tyrants freed the just are imprisoned
Try to rekindle the patriot’s dreams
(“Patriot’s Dream” Lyrics by Arlo Guthrie)

“Patriot’s Dream” (sung by Jennifer Warnes): For those seeking a reason to fight for democracy that feels under siege.

Provided to YouTube by Warner Music Group Patriot's Dream · Jennifer Warnes The Well Accordion: Van Dyke Parks Bagpipes: Eric Rigler Bass: Abraham Laboriel Choir: Blondie Chaplin Choir: Kenny Edwards Choir: Max Carl Drums: John Spooner Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta Guitar: Dean Parks Mandolin: George Doering Piano: Martin Davich Violin: Joel Derouin Vocals: Arlo Guthrie Arranger: Martin Davich Auto-generated by YouTube.

“American Tune” (sung by Paul Simon): For when you must press on in spite of it all.

Al parecer este tema fué emitido en 1975, en la BBC TV durante una entrevista de Michael Parkinson a Paul Simon. Single en 1973 del LP "There Goes Rhymin' Simon" e incluido en 1974 en el magnífico directo "Paul Simon in Concert: Live Rhymin", es de obligada inclusión en sus directos (en solitario o con Art Garfunkel).

“Ol’ Man River” (sung by Aretha Franklin): For acknowledging the unheralded dignity and sacrifices of hard working people especially those from the social and economic underclass.

First at all, thanks to the fan of the fans (lol) Bushtrik for this old post. Aretha sings at Clinton Drink Presidency (White House/1994). PART 1. The most famous rendition of this song, one that is still noted today, was sung by Paul Robeson in James Whale's 1936 film version of Show Boat.

“My Petition” (sung by Jill Scott): For when we are longing for eloquent challenges to blind faith.

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group North America My Petition · Jill Scott Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2 ℗ 2004 Hidden Beach Records ℗ 2004 Hidden Beach Records (US) Auto-generated by YouTube.

 

I want fresh fruit, clean water,
Air that I don’t see
I want the feeling of being safe on my streets
I want my children to be smarter than me
I want, I want to feel
I want to feel, I want to feel free
For real ya’ll
I’m just telling you so you know
I want to, I want to have faith in you
I really do but you keep lying to me
It hurts
(“My Petition,” Lyrics by Jill Scott)

My aim is restorative listening. Please share, re-mix, re-sequence, and listen to whenever and however you choose.

COPYRIGHT © 2016 VINCENT L. STEPHENS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.