My Song My Soul

Back to the Business of Blogging

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 23:36:00 +0000

I started this blog to talk about music and what it means to me. How music has impacted my life for so many years and how it continues to be the driving force for my inspiration. I found out that blogging is a commitment and a responsibility that I have taken lightly.

It's not that I am lazy, or don't have anything to say, it's just I have so many other writing commitments that my writing for this blog has taken a back seat. Well enough of the excuses and lets get back to the business of writing.

I think I will open up my topics not to no longer talk about music, but expand and talk about other subjects like sports, work, family maybe a little politics if the right issue warrants a discussion from me. I realize that my audience was based on people that I told about this blog, and the other people (all 3 of them) are random web surfers.

I don't know if my writing will stimulate or even interest people out there, but who knows? I want to use this forum to improve my writing and hopefully receive some feedback for my efforts. I will do all that I can to be consistant and post weekly, I will try at least. There is a lot going on in the world today, and sometimes I just don't have the time or energy to keep up with blogging. I think I am a lot like everybody out there, trying to do so many things with just so few hours to get it all done.

2009 Starting Fresh

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:27:00 +0000

2008 was one hell of a year, the election of Barack Obama perhaps the biggest story for the year if not for the ages. The election of this man, coveted a two year span, starting with his candidacy as an outsider with a the odds stacked against him to win the Democratic nomination. He ran a flawless campaign energizing the youth of this country and eliminated the boundaries of the so called blue and red states that characterized the election of George Bush in the last presidential election.

This historical event has lifted the spirits of so many non believers who have lost faith in our government and the election process. A revived feeling of renewed hope has taken place in our country and the election of Barack Obama is the driving catalyst for this change. The decision to target the young people of America was perhaps his best strategy. The overwhelming numbers of young people of all races that were behind this man eliminated the racial barriers that their parents either help created or forced to succumbed to in the past.

This is a great time for our nation, we are moving in the right direction to restructure our position in the global community. Our domestic problems are deep and complicated, and it will involve more thought and planning before we see light at the end of the tunnel. The thought of the matter lies within the leadership at the top to find the right talent with the intelligence to put together a strategy to see our way out of this problem, That is where leadership has to be apparent, and the ability to put this team together is one of Barack Obama's strongest trait.

I have faith in his ability to lead and make the right decision. It won't be an easy task, and I don't expect miracles. What I do expect is his ability to make wise decisions based on what will be good for all Americans, and that he stays true to his roots and by that I mean, that he was never a rich man and should understand the way of those who are not part of the privileged class. Let's hope and pray for this man, he is certainly going to need all the help he can get.

It's a New Day

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:47:00 +0000

Since my last posting, a historic event had occurred and I would do this blog a disservice by not taking the time to express my joy and happiness that Barack Obama has been elected president. Watching his first speech in Chicago after receiving the required electoral votes to win, brought tears to my eyes. Watching this man with his beautiful family made me feel so proud, so strong, so empowered.

I hope that the younger generation absorbed a sense of belonging and can now believe that they too have a voice in the political process and have a clear understanding that cannot take these freedoms for granted. I thought about my Dad who is 81 and believed that a black man will never become president during his lifetime. I myself felt that I would never see a black man as president, and to actually see this piece of history unfold right in front of my eyes is still hard to fathom.

I always knew Barack Obama was the best candidate for the job, but I never thought America would embrace him as president. I am glad I was wrong and I stand firmly behind my president as he leads our nation through these difficult times. His leadership and intelligence will help this country return to a nation that is respected and admired by other nations. His leadership will allow for more communication between waring factions that never thought America would listen to their issues. I can't be that naive to believe Barack Obama will heal all wounds and solve every problem, but I know his approach and mental stability will at least allow for decisions that will be made from a view point of intelligence rather than from might.

For the Love of Money

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:46:00 +0000

I ride the New York City subways everyday, and during my commute, I see the faces of people dealing with the struggles of the current economic crisis. The look on their faces display a certain sadness that I haven't seen since the days after 9/11. I see some people escape the melancholy and find peace by plugging in to their IPods. What they are listening to I would imagine is some music that is probably easy listening, and not so much hard driving beats. That desire to dance and party are usually geared towards times of prosperity and when the dollars flow. These days and times people have to hold on to every dollar they can, as the price to eat and to gas up your car costs so much more nowadays.

I have heard some many rap lyrics that revolve around money and possessions that I wonder how a person today could ever imagine having a such a luxurious life style with times being so hard. Maybe the message is to keep hope alive and continue to pour money into the economy by buying all of these lavish items.

I think even the young people understand that times are hard, by either getting the message from their parents or seeing how little their money goes these days. Maybe the desire to hear the soft lyrics of a love song my excite them since the life style of the rich and famous for now is a distant image.

She Don't Love You Anymore

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:07:00 +0000

I heard a song the other day by Heather Headley called "the letter" from her debut album "In my mind." I know I have listened to this album many times, and this song must have played many times in the past, but for some reason when the song popped up during a random search I could not help myself listening to it over and over again.

The song is about a woman writing a letter to a now former lover, expressing her feelings about their dissolved relationship. The song clearly indicates that the woman is deeply hurt by the man's indiscretions. She really would like to say how she feels about him to his face, but she really can't stand the sight of this man.

Apparently she has regrouped and has freed herself from the love and tells him in the letter that he is free to see who he wants to see, because it won't be her she knows she could do better. This is forever, it's a shame you have to read it in a letter I am gone forever.

Many songs have been written about breakups, but for some reason, this song really left me with a strong impression of the hurt a woman goes through when her heart is broken. I have had my heart broken before, but as a man it was always at least for me a time to reflect on what went wrong and to pick up the pieces of your broken heart put them back together as quickly as you can and get back in the game.

A man's hurt cannot be seen, no matter how silly this decision may be, a man cannot linger on feelings that are no longer mutual. Eventually you get it together and you move on, but after listening to this song I really felt the hurt that a woman goes through when a man does her wrong. Because men camouflages their feelings so well, some men believe that the woman has those same capabilities and when the relationship comes to and end, men at times don't realize what a woman goes through to cleanse her soul and eliminate forget about the man that hurt her so bad.

I thought I was a worldly man, someone who knows so much, but listening to this song was a real learning experience in understanding the nuances of a woman.

Jokes from Back in the Day

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:43:00 +0000

I remember when I was a freshman in college, and one of my roommates had a copy of Richard Pryor's album " That Nigger's Crazy." One of my roommates was from the Bronx, the other was from Connecticut. The one from Connecticut was not familiar with Pryror's humor, so for him it was a new experience. We would play the record over and over again to we knew just about every line every verse. It never got old, we would repeat the lines on all occasions we just never got enough of Richard Pryor and his jokes.

When I was younger, I would listen to Bill Cosby albums and although his humor had a different tone, he was still a funny guy. The Buck Buck skit was one of my all time favorites, and like Pryor, I would memorize the lines and repeat them over and over when my friends and I got together.

Cos and Pryor both special talents were famous not only for their TV and movie personalities but because they made some very funny records. Now I am not going to sit here and say that some of today's comedians are not funny, I would be way off base with a comment like that. Comedians like Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, the late great Bernie Mac, Cedric the Entertainer and Steve Harvey and some very funny brothers. On top of that, there are quite a few sisters out there that will also crack your face. The point I am trying to make is, during the time of the comedy albums, all the jokes were new and that was all we had. There was no "show your love for" whoever, or the famous and almost always repeated "make some noise" the love was always there, and if you were funny which most of the time Richard and Cos were, then the noise would be heard. I'm just saying, it was a little different back then that's all.

Good bye Black Moses

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:59:00 +0000

Growing up in the seventies, the whole Blaxploitation movie era was in full effect, and one of the first movies to hit the screen was Shaft. Shaft, starring Richard Roundtree was about a bad ass private eye who got the job done. The movie was cool no doubt, seeing a sharp dressed brother in the leading role, getting the girls and sticking it to the "Man" was a something fresh.

What really made the movie great was the soundtrack composed by the great Issac Hayes "aka" Black Moses. Every song one that album that's right album not CD was outstanding, lead by Theme from Shaft, the most popular song on the album. I couldn't stop playing the album it was that good, the variety of the songs on the album provided music for all ears. "Cafe Regio's" for the Jazz lovers "Do Your Thing" for the funk fans, and "Elle's Love Theme" for the Easy Listeners.

Issac Hayes was awarded a Grammy back in 1971 for this dynamic piece of music. Issac Hayes a musical genius created other great albums that solidified his place in music history. "Hot Buttered Soul", "Black Moses" and "The Issac Hayes Movement". His talents exceeded beyond music, he appeared in several movies, hosted a morning radio show and was a key character in a long running adult television cartoon.

I still play Shaft on a regular basis on my IPod,
his death came much too early and he will be missed.

The Blues Ain't Nothing but a Pain in your Heart

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:49:00 +0000

I didn't post anything last week because the summer love posting had that lasting effect, I felt one more week would be alright for the readers out there. Anyway back to what is currently on my mind and the subject of this week's posting.

Today I am going to talk about the blues and the music that accompanies this feeling. The classic movie "Lady Sings the Blues," starring Diana Ross as the great Billie Holiday gave the audience a window to view the life and times of Lady Day. Billie Holiday was able to express herself through her music, and if you listen to her music you can almost feel her pain. Many other musicians have that ability to express their pain through their music, and when you listen to the lyrics and the music it somehow transforms the pain to you. That is not to say that every time you listen to the blues this transformation occurs, no that's not it. What I am saying is that if if you are already down, feeling sad, going through a tough time, then the blues will have a greater effect on you.

One might think that this music is always going to make you sad, no that is not the case the blues are about story telling, hearing a story that may not relate to you at all, but can be one hell of a story, and the music that comes with it down right soulful. There are times when I stay away from the blues because it brings my pain to light, and then there are times when I like to hear a good story to music. Anyway you look at it the blues ain't noting but a pain in your heart.

Hot Fun in The Summertime

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:16:00 +0000

Hot Fun in the summertime, Summertime, Summer Madness, Summer breeze, In the Summertime, all songs about the summer and what happens during this time of the year. Hot weather, the shedding of clothing, longer days, and everybody is outdoors. It’s the time of the year when people slow down from winter’s hectic pace and find time for each other. The summertime has a way of bringing people together, it's just something special about the summer. You find yourself looking forward to this time of the year, and feeling so sad when the calendar flips and it’s October.

Romance in the summer is always special, think about the romances in your life and how they played out during the summer. Maybe you met her in the spring, started slowly, conversations on the phone feeling each other out. You go out a few times, the movies, grab something to eat, still just getting to know each other. Before you know it, the calendar turns and it’s June. All of the time spent getting to know each other starts to pay off. You take her to a baseball game, she really does not know what’s going on, but that OK, she’s just happy to be with you that's what really matters, are you beginning to feel the heat?

Weekend rolls around and you know of someone having a barbecue and you just have to take her. Long pants no way, its summertime break out the shorts, now all that time spent working out pays off the body is tight and she looks so good in her summertime outfit. Plenty of food on the tables, and everybody is having a good ole time. After tasting Aunt Mae's potato salad for the third time, it's time to take your girl for a walk in nature to burn off some that big meal. Now it's just you and her strolling hand in hand getting closer to each other with every step you take.

During this brief moment alone you steal a kiss, not to long though, it’s not the time or the place but it is summertime. You walk back to the table where the party is starting to jump. You never saw her dance before, but your mind tells you that she is graceful as she is beautiful, and when the right song is played, all doubt is erased. All the men sneak a glance as she let’s them know she is with you, it’s summertime feel the heat.

I Wish I Could Sing Like Marvin

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 20:07:00 +0000

The house lights dim, the band starts to play the excitement in the arena is at the highest level, it's showtime. There is an explosion, colorful smoke fills the air and beat of the band shifts to a familiar sound, it's "Got to Give it Up," one of my favorite Marvin Gaye songs. The crowd rises to it's feet with a loud clamorous roar as Marvin Gaye appears on stage. Not known for his dancing skills Marvin still has enough soul to keep the crowd excited. Everyone is so charged by his presence, he has to reach out and touch as many fans as possible.
He quickly takes the crowd back to his earlier hits and we clap in appreciation for his history of work. After his medley of hits is over the lights change again and all eyes focus on Marvin as he talks about a far away lover, then the music kicks in and the familiar tune "Distant Lover"starts to play, the crowd goes wild.
At this point I'm glad to see Marvin, but I really don't think he is singing to me or any other man in the audience. Marvin has captured all the woman in the arena, it's like he is singing to each one independently. I glance over at my date and she is in another world, just like the rest of the women in the house.
Marvin Gaye had that certain something that drove the ladies wild, a good looking brother with amazing talent, but from what the women tell me, it was his sex appeal that oozed from his music that carried him above and beyond superstar status.

One might say I was jealous of him, and my response would be, "no, I just wanted to sing like him." Marvin rest in peace, your music continues to set the mood for many romantic occasions.

Ladies tell me about other singers that had that Marvin Gaye impact on you.

All That Jazz

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:13:00 +0000

My father used to have, what was probably one of the more advanced "Hi-Fi" systems back in the day, and if he ever caught my brother or me touching it, we would be in big trouble. After mixing his "shaken not stirred" martini, Pops would take a big sip and let out the customary "ahhh." After that sound, it was time to get down.

His albums were neatly stored in the bottom part of the stereo cabinet. He would carefully sift through his inventory of music and find the right sound to fit the mood. Just as the olive accessorizes the martini, jazz compliments my Dad. On many occasions, he would select the smooth sounds of John Coltrane/ Johnny Hartman, followed by the Dave Brubeck Take Five album. My Dad is a huge Coltrane fan, so selecting this album came as no surprise, he also had a special connection with Brubeck's Take Five album. On many a martini day this is how the music played.

My Dad would line up his music up against the cabinet and then make his selection. One at a time, never stacking his albums on the turntable, for my Dad, that would be deplorable. The rest of the "on deck" albums would wait in line for their turntable time. Sitting back and seeing the album covers in this way, gave the appearance of a make shift "green room," were the next act would be waiting to hit the stage.

Jazz the ultimate improvisation, the type of music where we all listen, and yet hear something completely different. That is the beauty of Jazz, it's interpreted differently by everyone, that's how I feel about it, what about you?

Clap Your Hands, Stomp Your Feet

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:49:00 +0000

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Reputations are created when one does something very well. When I was younger, reputations were derived from various arenas like sports and scholarship. Other "reps" were created from venues although not mainstream that carried significant "hood" points. Those were built on your ability to be a fighter in the streets, or by the way you were with the ladies. Either way, your reputation was who you were, and you did everything possible to keep it in regard. However, there was one reputation that everyone wanted to claim, and that was to be the dancer.

When ever there was a party, and if the DJ was any good, they would play the hottest dance song that rocked the house. For me that song would always be the latest James Brown hit.

The "Godfather of Soul" had a reputation also, his was

built on an ability to create hit after hit. Soul Brother #1 would always have a song that made all the feet rush to the dance floor. Hits like "Give it up and turn it loose, Mother Popcorn, Sex Machine, and Super Bad." This is only a sprinkle of many hits from "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business," It would be hard to list them all. Even to this day, his songs can still move a party. James Brown's music in my mind will live for ever, and as long as I can move, it will continue to make me want to get up and clap my hands and stomp my feet. How about you?

Commentary

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:51:00 +0000

My Song My Soul has now been up and running for close to a month, and the site continues to receive new hits everyday. I want to say thank you to all of my good friends who have taken time out to view the site and have become subscribers, and to all of the other people who have found the site interesting.

I will continue to publish posts that will be thought provocative leading to stimulating dialogue between the readers. Once again, I just want to say thank you for all of the support.

wyntersr

How "Disco became "Da Club"

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 03:55:00 +0000

For those who are old enough to recall the days when going out dancing meant going to a "Discotheque" or as we recall "The Disco." Growing up in New York City in the 70's, the club scene was amazing with various clubs competing to be the city's best. If you were lucky enough to get in, the atmosphere was something that you never experienced. Being in my late teens, I was used to house parties and the shift to being "downtown" was viewed as a rite of passage from boy to man.

Putting on what I thought was my best gear, did not always guarantee you entrance into the disco. I remember standing in line and getting a thorough review from top to bottom to see if I qualified to get in. I would keep my fingers crossed, hoping and praying that I pass inspection, and get the opportunity to get in. Once inside, it was far different from any other party you've been to in the past. The men strutting around in expensive suits looking important, and the women, jaw dropping, every last one of them. Backgammon and chess boards, scattered around for a look and feel of sophistication. If you were on the" up and up" and wanted to be viewed as somebody, you made it your point, to be at the disco.

I guess "Da Club" is the reincarnation of the disco, and I would imaging that although times have changed, the same pretentiousness continues, what do you think?

Listen to a you tube tribute to Larry Lavan one of the greatest "House DJ's."
youtube.com/watch?v=cWpAYtmsqqM&feature=related

The Keep on Keeping on Songs

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 01:53:00 +0000

Do you ever have a day or days when you feel down and out? I am sure we all had those days when nothing seems to go right, and everything you do turns out wrong. There are so many songs written just for these down periods and if you just listen to the lyrics your spirits might get lifted and actually start looking at life a little different.

From my own personal experience singing one of these "feel good, get back on track songs," do the job, and actually make me feel better and at times, motivated. It is not a perfect elixir for all ones woes, don't believe the hype. I personally find it therapeutic singing these uplifting lyrics that give you hope, and get the mind back on track. Sometimes these songs provide a source of strength, when you thought all of your strength is gone. Some might say that prayer is the best ante dote for these tough times and I am not saying that it isn't, but there is nothing more moving than a hand clapping stomp your feet gospel hymn, or Earth Wind and "Fire's Keep Your Head to The Sky", or Mcfadden and Whitehead's "Ain't No Stoppin Us Now" all can get the job done. I believe in the power of song, it works for me, what about you?

Song and the Woman's Body

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:36:00 +0000

From a man's perspective, there is nothing more beautiful than a woman. In her majestic glory, beaming with earthly glow, beauty that ranges from head to toe, truly one of natures greatest gift. Yet with all that is the woman, so many songs have been recorded praising only her physical attributes.

"She's a brickhouse,

she's mighty mighty letting it all hang out." "She's got legs and she knows how to use them, I like the way you move, U got the look, Doing da butt, sexy sexy sexy." The list could go on and on. So many songs referring to a woman's body.

To say if the same message is delivered by songs written and performed by women I probably would say the number isn't even close to the number written by men. From my ears, it seems that there are so many songs sung by women expressing their feelings about love, songs like "Luvin You," You make me feel like a brand new woman, and of course "Sweet thing." I guess it's a Venus/Mars thing.

Write me back on this one folks.

Subways and the IPod

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:13:00 +0000

I ride the J train everyday to work and for myself one of the more pleasant ways of dealing with the long ride is listening to my IPod. The music genre varies each day depending on my mood. There are days when I need to hear the smooth comforting sound of the romantic Ballard, and then there are times when I need to rock to the driving beat.

I have noticed a number of people who are connected to devices and have left the real world for the sound of music. It appears that the numbers grow and grow everyday. I wonder at times what they are listening to. One can only guess at times by the style of clothing the type of music some people are listening to. There are times however, when you may see the conservative dressed individual rocking in his or her seat and you wonder what is in their ears.

After the love is Gone

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Sun, 18 May 2008 15:03:00 +0000

Earth Wind and Fire that amazing group that produced hit after hit especially in the 70's and 80's. One of their more famous hits "After the love has gone"tells the sad story of what happens when loves disappears. Something happened along the way, what used to be happy was sad. something happened along the way and yesterday was all we had.

For those who have experienced the sad times of love reversal probably can relate with the lyrics of this song. After the love is gone, not a place you want to find yourself. After the love is gone what is really left? Not much, you can try and salvage the relationship, good luck, for me that approached never worked.

It's better to lick your wounds, pack up your troubles and move on. Don't get me wrong, this doesn't mean run from every troubled relationship. It just means if the situation is beyond repair making the decision to move on maybe your only choice.

The Slow Dance (click to hear John Legend sing!)

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Sun, 18 May 2008 00:48:00 +0000

Many guys have come to you with a line that wasn't true and you past them by. Now your in the center ring and their lines don't mean a thing why don't you let me try. The Delfonics harmonized the message in a way I always wanted, but never could. I wondered if this young lady I was dancing with actually listened to the lyrics of the song while we were dancing, was she feeling me like I was feeling her?

As a young man, I had many slow dances with girls I wanted to get to know better, but because I was shy, I never was able to express my feelings during the dance. Thank goodness some of the ladies actually paid attention to the lyrics and some how got the message that I was interested in them. If it wasn't for some of those great songs of that era, I may never had a girlfriend, thank you Delfonics.

Ooo Baby Baby

noreply@blogger.com (wyntersr) — Sun, 18 May 2008 00:18:00 +0000

When I was a young man I would always get caught up in love stories, the ones with the basic formula, boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, boy and girl breakup, boy and girl get back together the end. As a young man growing up I could never reveal a "soft side" it would not have earned points with the fellas. As I recall, it wasn't only the movies or the tv shows that opened my eyes to the pleasantries of romance, it was the music, the classic love ballard.

To say who was the young lady that I had my first slow dance of meaning with would require several tabs of Ginko Baloba to jar my memory, but what I didn't forget was how good it felt. A party in somebody's basement, the lights down low a fresh piece of juicy fruit in my mouth and of course, the toughest part of all, the stroll across the dance floor to ask the girl for the dance.

Walk with confidence and coolness, don't think about her saying no, stay in the moment she will say yes. You catch her eyes as you get closer you reach out for her hand and you say,"do you wanna dance"? If your game is good, she starts to rise and you hold her hand leading her to the dance floor. Your arms open up, she comes in to you. The arms slowly wrap around her back, you draw her close, you feel her breasts press against your proud youthful chest. The rhythmic movement of the knees gliding pass one another, her hips in twine, moving to the smooth sounds of Smokey Robinson's "Ooo Baby Baby".