Now that it is that time of year when politics is supposed to take a break and it is time to put away your memes, flamethrowers, complaints and miseries, I would like to reflect on a giant of music.
When I last paid tribute to a legend of soul music, we remembered the great Sam Cooke. It was a spiritual, cosmic tour de force that came over us as not one of the over 200 comments had a negative word or comment in the entire thread. Hopefully we can duplicate the positive energy for a minstrel who deserves that recognition.
Today, I would like to remember a musical influence whose gentle harmonies through his tenor voice and guitar meant a great deal to me. A man taken from us not through a tragic act of violence, but a twisted act of fate, an unfortunate accident that left him a quadriplegic. A fate he had to endure until let out of his misfortune exactly 10 years ago today. We remember Curtis Mayfield, the quiet genius.
This is a link to a live concert he made in London, at the famous Ronnie Scott's.
You've got soul, and everyone knows, that it's alright.
Gentle Genius
I am not a proponent of religion. Tazzology is my faith, it is a faith of appreciation for the cosmic dust that makes us, for life, for love, for existence, for nature, for mercy, for humility and for justice. That about sums up what Curtis Mayfield's music was about. Along with the Ice Man, Jerry Butler and the Impressions, Curtis was the heart and rhythm of that magnificent group. He melded his guitar with his lyrics and the Impressions harmony became the song of our spiritual awakening. He turned us all into Superflies while serenading us with peace.
He wasn't a Michael Jackson nor was he John Lennon. But both were inspired by his music. His guitar played golden riffs and licks that always sounded sweet and not overdone. There are far more popular musicians, but no one could match the melodic chords of his expressions. Such rhythms and chords have never been played like that since, and certainly not with the delicate panache that Curtis could wield. Enjoy his music, as with Sam Cooke and all the other greats who left us before their time, he lives on. He was truly the minstrel.
Queen majesty may I speak to thee
So much I have longed to speak to you alone
True I agree I'm not of your society
I'm not a king just a minstrel
With my songs to you I moan
Though just a minstrel in life we're so far apart
Royal queen I see love in your heart