Truth be told, I always had a “spiritual” theme in mind for this month’s mix for LYL Radio. Back when it was a germ of a thought, entitled “Milarepa” (inspired by the redemption story of Milarepa from Buddhist religious canon), I had a different blend touching on the personal way we redeem/renew ourselves during this season.
In due course, as the spread of COVID-19 came from nowhere to affect everyone’s lives, I hit on this other meaning I found more poignant in the Hebrew story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. It’s that tale of how quick we are to ignore the dreamers and how many congregate against each other instead of with each other out of jealousy, anger, and perceived slights.
If anything this great viral calamity has taught us is that our immediate future (much like that lived-through past) will be decided by how we provide leadership and communion with others in ways that might seem alien to our time. The music in this mix takes on religious flavor because, I think, it touches on that first harmony which (if you believe in it) places a spirit in our body: someone else’s voice comforting us as we’re introduced screaming onto this earth.
When I attend any religious service, what’s always attracted me the most to do so is the music created for and sung by its congregation. No matter what coat we’re born with — black, white, yellow, and more — it’s the blood coursing through us that’s universal, driving us to make universal hymns that speak of true religion (whether you believe it or not). That’s what these collection of songs traffic in.
Although, we might disagree on the language, it’s our music that has a way of professing feelings that go straight to where it matters. If we’re doomed as a species, it’s when we neglect the gifts others have given us. This mix is just a gradient touching in that fluidity.
The Coat Of Many Colors
- Re Niliu: A Musica
- Lou Harrison: La Koro Sutro: Strofo 4
- Ursula K. Le Guin & Todd Barton: Long Singing
- Roberto Laneri: Mongombi II
- Peter Kater & R. Carlos Nakai: Surrender
- Sheila Chandra: Quiet 9
- Kulpowicz & Niemen: Song For Harprit
- Sven Grünberg: Wealth
- Franco Nanni / Elicoide Ensemble: Vento Del Nord
- Les Nouvelles Polyphonies Corses Avec Hector Zazou: Veni
- Michael Convertino: Missing In Venice
- Pepe Maina: Scerizza Parte 2
- Franco Battiato: L’esistenza Di Dio
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