Music to Strengthen the Heart
Brian bought me the Ladysmith Black Mambazo “Long Walk to Freedom” CD for my birthday. This one includes many songs I know from other CDs I have of this band. It’s different in that these are new recordings of those songs. They include guest musicians Zap Mama, Melissa Etheridge, Natalie Merchant, Sarah McLachlan, Emmylou Harris, Taj Mahal, Joe McBride and more. I’m listening to it as I proceed through my morning. While baking breakfast, finishing up the shopping cart, checking email, choosing clothing…
I love this stuff. I’ve been indebted to Paul Simon since the Graceland album, for waking me up to South African music of that time (I love Mahotella Queens just as deeply as I love this band). African music changes and new bands start every day, and I’m not as familiar with newer acts, but this particular style of vocal harmonies continues to soothe my heart.
I keep getting choked up. The music is so heart-ful, so perfect for showing off my favorite instrument, the human voice. It is the most wonderful thing I can think of hearing at this moment.Sometimes we can be rich just by living fully in the moment. One CD and I’m as close to heaven as earth can provide…