Cross-cultural Harmony

Aren't duets great? When two different artists get together to create new sounds, it can be a revelation.

Ever since Julio Iglesias teamed up with Willie Nelson to record a rendition of Bobby Vinton's To All The Girls I've Loved Before, I have come to appreciate the potency of a well-conceived collaboration.

I apologize if the sarcasm volume was up a little too on with that one, but that ill-advised musical aberration aside, I still maintain that separate tastes can often come together with agreeable results.

On a global scale, musicians like Paul Simon and Peter Gabriel have explored far beyond their musical comfort zones for years. On the now classic Graceland album, Paul Simon solicited the spirited musicianship of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Peter Gabriel has spent the last 2 decades exploring his musical horizons with the likes of Youssou'N Dour, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Papa Wemba and more. Sting sang Desert Rose with Cheb Mami, claiming that sentiments were understood despite the language barrier.

These socio-linguistic combinations usually result in more complex, and consequently less commercial projects, but infinitely more interesting than hearing Justin Beiber sing about a perky 15 year-old he made eye-contact with at the mall (not that we all don't appreciate those lofty tales of profound affection).

My musical library is culturally varied (as is my family background), and my brother has a penchant for, and actually seeks out peculiar cross-cultural concoctions, so I have heard many strange and sensational pairings from the four corners of the world.

Every now and then, something awesome this way comes, and I am compelled to explore.

I recently heard a great story about a beloved American artist that piqued my interest.

India Arie is an award-winning and humbly introspective musician who consistently places more importance on substance than sales. She is renowned among critics and fans alike for her tireless pursuit of originality and truth.

A couple of years ago, while vacationing in Israel, India spent a few scarce hours basking in the rich historical surroundings. Inevitably, she gravitated toward artistic establishments and probed local music enthusiasts about their most influential home-grown musicians.

The response was repeatedly, and almost unanimously, "Idan Raichel".

One of the holy land's most interesting musical groups, The Idan Raichel Project has emerged over the last few years with their atypical fusion of classic African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern and Latin sounds, juxtaposed with modern electronic production.

I first discovered him in 2005 when a copy of his new CD enitled Mi'ma'amakim (Hebrew for "From the Depths") landed on the desk of our publication's music editor. It caught my eye as it was being cast aside, and when I asked if I could have it, I was met with a look that suggested I was, in some way unclean, and malodorous. Never the less, it was bestowed upon me.

I don't know what I was expecting, but I couldn't have guessed it. The CD was comprised of sound combinations that can best be described as "unconventional", but it had the most necessary ingredient in music: Soul.

Now here's the part of the story I like. Arie simply found out where Raichel lived, went to his apartment, knocked on his door, and introduced herself. She claims she heard his music and understood him right away.

This cosmic introduction led to a blessed musical union. Now, over 2 years since their meeting, after collaborating on over 14 songs, Arie claims she has found her musical soul-mate.

The fruit of this merging of kindred musical spirits is a new album entitled, Open Door.

Arie and Raichel have said that their goal was "...to create a collection of cross-genre songs that are poignantly relevant to a global audience."

Apparently, the album features songs in both Hebrew and English. The lyrics speak of acceptance, unity, and struggling to forge cultural divides.

Arie and Raichel performed publicly together for the first time last summer, then subsequently at the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony in December '10.
Open Door, which has been complete for some time now, was projected for release this month, but has since been pushed to October of 2011.
Critics are roaring, and fans of both artists are delirious in anticipation of this musical milestone.

Here in Canada, most of us are familiar with Arie, but it should be noted that Idan Raichel performed at the CNE's Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto in 2009 to a virtually sold-out crowd.

Raichel came to us courtesy of Ravid Dahan of Motek Productions, whose mission is similarly to bridge the cultural divide by showcasing the artistic disposition of a country that is sometimes viewed, by the unenlightened, in a less than complimentary fashion.

I thank her, and all of those who reach their hands across the oceans to unite us all through music, and provide us with an "Open Door" toward world peace.

Look for pre-released Open Door tracks on YouTube.

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All in the family

While our differences make us unique, it is our similarities that unite us.

Compatibility is harmony.

You may have inherited your father's nose, and you may have your mother's breasts (not so great if you're a guy), but from where did you get your personality? From whom did you receive your sense of humor, artistic perspective or musicality?

The debate of nature vs. nurture is nullified when you grow up in a full family home, and your genetic footprint is provided by the very same people that influence your environment. That is why children of musical parents largely wind up musical.

Stevie Wonder used to use multi-track recording to back up his own vocals. After all, whose voice is more compatible with yours than your own? By that token, the next best harmonic and rhythmic synergy would come from those who hereditarily share your very same gifts .

For this reason, I have chosen to pay tribute to some of the great family acts in popular music history.

Unfortunately, there are way too many to list, so for editorial purposes, I am only including acts that are made up entirely of family members. I have made exceptions for cousins and in-laws, which will heretofore be referred to as "The Pips rule", but stay with me. It'll be fun.

Some of the people who didn't meet the criteria but deserve mention are Sly and the Family Stone, because while there was Sly, Freddy, and Rose Stone, more than half the group was comprised of other musicians which were not related in any way.

Then there were the Finn brothers from New Zealand, who had a little band called Split Enz in the early 80s, and then another group you may have heard of called, Crowded House after that. Same story.

I can't forget the prodigious Brothers Johnson, discovered by Quincy Jones at age 16 and 17 respectively, and had numerous hits in the 70s including one of my favourite dance tunes, Stomp.

When I began listing, I was surprised at how many great family groups came to mind, but if I leave out one of your favorites, please feel free to educate readers with your comments below.

Here they are:

The Andrews Sisters: Do you hear that deafening silence? That's because the only people who remember them are either dead, deaf or couldn't possibly read this small a font. And yet, everyone knows Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, whose style is the yardstick by which good swing music is still measured. It's been covered by everyone from Bette Midler to Christina Aguilera. My favourite is a little yiddish tune by the 3 shiksas called Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen.

Bee Gees: Arguably, the most prolific musical family of all time (although Michael and Janet Jackson's solo careers easily provide the tie-breaker). They have endured 5 decades and the death of 2 of 4 brothers. The Gibbs wrote, produced and performed so many classics for themselves and others, that if I devoted the entire blog to them alone, it would not be enough. Their classic rock days produced To Love Somebody, Words, and I Started a Joke, before they transitioned to disco. The Saturday Night Fever soundtrack sold around 400 zillion copies, and they really never stopped.

The Cowsills: The Partridge family were not a real family (unless you count the fact that Shirley Jones was David Cassidy's stepmom), but the family they modeled the show after, were the Cowsills. Their 1st big hit was The Rain, The Park and Other Things, but most people know their definitive version of the title track from the musical Hair.

Gladys Knight & the Pips: The Pips included Gladys' brother "Bubba" and cousins Edward Patten and William Guest. Hence, "The Pips rule". Gladys' voice with Pips' interactive back-up vocals made every performance outstanding. From their rendition of Heard It Through The Grapevine to Midnight Train To Georgia, the rule was created because this list doesn't make sense without them.

Hanson: I only now 3 songs and one of them is MmBop, but whenever I have seen them perform, they've been great. It's not their fault that their 1st song was so damn catchy.

The Isley Brothers: Kelly, Rudolph, Ronald and Vernon Isley scored their first hit, Shout, in 1959, but it wasn't until '62 that they added the "twist" and scored their next hit, Twist and Shout (Yes, before the Beatles). It was almost 4 more years until their next triumph with This Old Heart of Mine, and then another 3 years before 5th brother Ernie Isley joined to provide the now classic bass-line for their smash hit, It's Your Thing. Then came baby brother Marvin and brother-in-law, Chris Jasper to usher in their Funk-Soul period with songs like Fight The Power and Between the Sheets. Rumour has it that eldest brother Kelly is actually 117 years old now, and they're still touring.

Jacksons: If you include the sum of all parts, this is undisputedly the most successful musical family since the Shmenge Brothers. Individually, they have all played a part in the family's success. Or in Latoya's case, were GIVEN a part. Still, nobody helped her pose nude for Playboy. She did that all by herself. Bravo.

Jonas Brothers: Not really big in my demographic, but you can never argue with success, and if I survived the Osmonds, I can survive these guys.

Kings of Leon: The Followill brothers with cousin Matthew started off with Southern rock and blues, but they spent the last decade experimenting with different genres and it brought them to the big stage. Since 2009 they have had hits like Use Somebody and Sex On Fire, and even won a few Grammies.

The Neville Brothers: Everyone knows Aaron Neville's one-hit wonder, Tell it Like it Is, from 1967. Nothing else happened for 10 years until his uncle Big Chief Jolly, a Mardi Gras Indian in New Orleans asked he and brothers Art, and Cyril to lend their voices to a track he was recording. Later that year, with the addition of brother Charles, the Neville Brothers were formed. Not many commercial hits, but they were innovative interpreters of great music, won a grammy for an instrumental tune called Healing Chant, and were renowned for their live performances.

The Osmonds: If you tell someone now, that you used to confuse the Osmonds' songs with the Jackson 5's, they're liable to slap you with Michael Jackson's other glove, but at the time, it was actually true. Now, we all know which group prevailed, but Donny and Marie are like a poorly-filled tooth, and the pain just keeps coming back.

Pointer Sisters: In 1969, Bonnie and June sang backup for stars like Grace Slick, Boz Scaggs and Elvin Bishop. They added little sister Anita, and enjoyed only marginal success until baby Ruth (no relation to the candy bar) joined them around 1973. You probably wouldn't recognize their early works which were primarily Be-bop and Jazz, but it was quality music. Then Bonnie embarked on her solo career which bore that 1 disco hit, Heaven Must Have Sent You, just in time for the remaining 3 to catch fire. Literally, they had a hit with their version of Bruce Sprigsteen's, Fire. Then came a decade of non-stop hits like He's So Shy, Slow Hand, I'm So Excited, Jump (for my love), and the list goes on. In 2009, Anita and Bonnie were at The "Kibitz Room" at Canter's in LA, when the house band invited them to jam. They sang Fire, and half the room was saying, "Who are these old ladies?", but everyone over 35 understood the magnitude of what they just witnessed.

SheDaisy: Me Likesy SheDaisy. I barely know their music, because every time I see them perform, the blood rushes away from my ears. Seriously though, it's their talent that feeds that sex-appeal. The Osborne sisters have had a slew of hits like This Woman Needs, Don't Worry 'bout a Thing, and God Bless the American Housewife.

The Staple Singers: Roebuck "Pops" Staples formed the group with his children Cleotha, Pervis, Yvonne, and Mavis. With gospel roots, they added a little soul which made them successful as a pop group. You'll recognize hits I'll Take You There and Respect Yourself, but the family motif may lose it's appeal next time you hear their hit, Let's Do It Again.

Other groups that deserve honorable mention are:

The Band Perry: If I Die Young, You Lie

The Carpenters: Close To You, Superstar

The Corrs: What Can I do, Closer

DeBarge: Rhythm of the Night, Time Will Reveal

The Everly Brothers: Wake Up Little Susie, Let It Be Me

Sister Sledge: We Are Family, He's the Greatest Dancer

K-Ci&JoJo, Mary Mary, The Winans, Tegan & Sara, The Gap Band, The Muldoons, The 5 Stairsteps.... hey, it's all about family.

Lyrically Yours

As far back as history can relate, at the very threshold of civilization, human beings desired interactions, and there was need of individual expression. Eventually, somewhere amidst the grunts of neanderthals emerged the odd involuntary melodic murmur. Those chance sounds gave birth to what came to be known as... Music.

Years later, as the human brain evolved, man learned to communicate with more descriptive language, and this gave rise to what would be... Poetry.

Then, on the glorious day when the poet met the singer, and a slouching homosapien slapped 2 sticks against a rock, and the first bipedal primate with 3 strings wound tightly on a wooden plank began to coax a blessed sound from his, as yet untitled apparatus, man realized the infancy of an art form.

And this day was far more magnificent than the morning when someone's chocolate fell into their neighbour's peanut butter. This was the pre re-"naissance" of the holy trinity of artistic expression; voice, words, and harmonious musical instruments.

Poetry may be a wonder unto itself, but when coupled with melodic orchestrations, it becomes what Jimi Hendrix fans would call... an experience!

I urge my readers to participate in sharing the mellifluous lyrics they cherish most: The words that nurtured you through times of uncertainty, the clarification of an emotion with which you thought you alone identified.

This is not a list of best or worst. Only the most notable within the soundtracks of our lives.

My soundtrack is large, varied in genre, and multilingual. There have been verses both profound and pedestrian that spoke to me through the years.

Here's a descriptive bit of witticism by Paul Simon that always made me laugh. The song's character Duncan, recounts his leaving home for the first time and meeting a hippie girl at a campsite. Of this memory he says:

"Just later on the very same night, I crept to her tent with a flashlight,
and my long years of innocence ended. Well, she took me to the woods saying "here comes something and it feels so good" and, just like a dog I was befriended... I was befriended."

Ah, the delightful imagery of young adulthood.

Here are some more excerpts I'd like to share with you:

"Masquerading as a man with a reason. My charade is the event of the season.
And if I claim to be a wise man, it surely means that I don't know." Carry On My Wayward Son by Kansas

"...And the sun pours down like honey on our lady of the harbour,
And she shows you where to look among the garbage and the flowers.
There are heroes in the seaweed. There are children in the morning. They are leaning out for love, and they will lean that way forever, while Suzanne holds the mirror. And you want to travel with her, and you want to travel blind, and you know that you can trust her for
she's touched your perfect body with her mind." - Suzanne by Leonard Cohen

"I have only one burning desire... Let me stand next to your fire." Fire by Jimi Hendrix

"Unclean minds mislead the pure. The innocent will leave for sure.
For them there is a resting place. People sinning just for fun.
They will never see the sun, for they can never show their faces.
There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner who will take more than he will give... and he ain't hardly gonna give." They Won't Go When I Go by Stevie Wonder

"Step out the front door like a ghost into the fog where no one notices the contrast of white on white. And in between the moon and you the angels get a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right. And I walk in the air between the rain, through myself and back again...Where? I don't know." Round Here by Counting Crows

"I thought I knew, but now I know that rose trees never grow in New York City.
Until you've seen this trash can dream come true. You stand at the edge while people run you through. And I thank the Lord there's people out there like you." Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters by Elton John (Lyrics by Bernie Taupin)

"Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds.
Have no fear for atomic energy 'cause none of them can stop the time.
How long shall they kill our prophets while we stand aside and look?..." Redemption Song by Bob Marley

"You got to breathe and have some fun, though I'm not paid I play this game,
and I won't stop until I'm done. But what I really want to know is...
Are you gonna go my way ?"

Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz

"I don't care about their different thoughts. Different thoughts are good for me.
Up in arms and chased in whole, all God's children took their toll.
Look my eyes are just holograms. Look your love has drawn red from my hands
From my hands you know you'll never be more than twist in my sobriety." Twist In My Sobriety by Tanita Tikaram

There are so many more to share. Please post your comments here, or on my facebook page.

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