Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Flowers of Hope for the Road Ahead


Flowers of hope for the road ahead.  
 
Hope in the face of difficulty is one of those challenges we ought to learn to tackle if our number one goal is to reveal the truth about our own selves that can often get buried under an avalanche of doubt


When you have the vision to see a world full of rainbows, you live your life like a bluebird singing the sweetest freedom song. You untangle the web of confusion and find better paths to chase the clouds away. You learn to take chances and how to use your power of conviction to tackle burdening problems. And you find strategies to empty your pocketful of dreams into your reality.


Perhaps that is what Mariah Carey was speaking about when she sung her song “Can’t Take That Away.” The tune which was made for me and for you, features a timeless message that who we are and what we want in life are things worth believing in and that our hopes should be more than just fleeting fantasies.

 
I love that she sings inspirational songs that let people know that anything in the whole wide world can be can be danced into our melodies at heart if we add God to the equations. Perfect example; you plus God, equates to success or your worries plus God equals freedom from them.


 
Today of all days was a day that this song came into my heart. For one, infinitesimal things of this world often come and do break my spirit just a little bit. But when the love of God flows deeper than an ocean, he has the power to make things alright if we include him into everything that we are and that we do. And then I thought about the presidential election and the debate that was happening tonight. 

 

When being pushed to the limit, sometimes you just have to let go and let God pick up the pieces.  Sometime you have to learn to trust in everything that you are and not feel too tired to hold on to God’s unchanging hand. And when slingers come to try to knock you down, sometimes you have to not let their words easily persuade you to give up and instead believe in the beautiful and unconditional love that God provides.

 

The war was definitely on tonight between our president and the republican candidate. In a few months, the race will be decided by our votes. And many have found a choice already and claimed a winner based on a fascinating night of back and forth conversation before the eyes of the world. One wants to go beyond the red door and one wants to retain his position.


I say to you President Obama, keep living your dream. Fight and never give up. Allow this debate to be an in-depth look of what you need to prepare yourself for in the next debate. You can have anything you want in this world if you never lose focus and  continue to keep faith in yourself and in God. If you pray and then doubt, you are defeating the purpose of getting on your knees and also fear is not of God. God has endowed you with great ability Mr President and I still believe in you and you still have my vote.  May God continue to bless you and keep you.


The cover tune featured is of the song “Can’t Take That Away.” I pray it lifts you up and helps to keep you grounded in your faith, in your duties which God anointed you to claim as yours and also relieves your mind even for a moment. I admit, I butchered the words a little bit getting caught up into the song but, I dedicate it to you and to anyone who has a goal, dream or is living in doubt. God bless you all!
 

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Cover of Groove Theory's "Keep Trying"

My older sister was always an inspiration to me. 
As I was growing up, I always saw her moving about and being her; beautiful and strong.  Though we are different in so many ways, I always hoped in the back of mind to be as beautiful, strong and classy as her so that maybe my parents and the world would see good in me as they did in her.

Not only were her mannerisms influential, but so was her taste in music. She listened to such wonderful music. 
I was in High School when Groove Theory had that popular song “Tell Me” blasting all over the air waves. I always liked the song. 
A few years later, my sister introduced me to the music of Amel Larrieux and that is when I fell in love with her music.  She is such an awesome singer.  I have seen her about four times in concert and have since purchased all of her albums or singles that feature her on it. 
Oddly enough, I never realized that Larrieux was the lead singer of Groove Theory until then and that is when I began listening to Groove Theory even more.  Whether with the group or on her solo projects, I like the music that she breathes.  Pure fire!!!
Larrieux's voice is so serene.  I can listen to her music all day and never get tired.  There is one song in particular that I love.  “Keep Trying” was originally performed by Groove Theory back in the nineties.  The lyrics are positive and motivational.  I like how uplifting the message of the song is. But also, the groove is nice, the melody is cool and I like the way she sings it.  I am so happy my sister put me on to her.
This has been a remarkable year.  There have been both good and bad moments, but the important thing is that I survived it all and I am still here. Especially with school, singing, work and even love, I am learning to keep a more positive outlook on things,

A few days ago, I listened to this song for the first time in a long time and it made me realize that.  The hardest thing to do in life is to stay on course and not give up, even and especially when things do not go my way or someone lets me down. I know God still has the upper hand.

 

 This song says to keep trying. And since it has been on my mind, I felt like singing it.  Please check out my cover of “Keep Trying.”  Thank you for checking out my blog.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Cover of Chaka Khan's "Sweet Thang"

My first ever open mic experience was a really interesting one.

The event was held at a venue called 143 located Downtown Brooklyn on Flatbush, not too far from Juniors. 

I never heard of programs of that sort where musicians were playing music behind artists who come from everywhere with a desire to share their talent. But there it was and since I was there, I decided I wanted to sing the only song I thought I knew all the words to.
I’d always been a fan of Chaka Khan. A friend asked me if there was any artist that if around I would get star struck by and my response was Chaka. She is just phenomenal. I am still surprised to have found out that this diva is 60 years old. She looks really good for her age.  

I was blessed with the opportunity to see her live in concert once. I was one of the many New Yorkers who stood out in the rain on July 4th a couple of years back to see her perform live on Good Morning America at Bryant Park and it was amazing. Rain or not, I danced as if the sun had a spotlight right there on me.
One of her songs I always loved was “Sweet Thang.” And since I listened to the song so many times, I thought I knew it enough to sing it at an open mic and so, I tried to. But when I got past the second verse, I forgot the lyrics and was so embarrassed that I walked off the stage without completing the song while the band was still playing.
That was over a decade ago, but the memory of it still remains as if it were new and fresh. That’s when I decided to listen more and to also try to remember. I know the words now and lots more songs than I probably should, but that is what I like to do most; sing.
“Sweet Thang” has lyrics that are meaningful. Whether you have been in a relationship or have had a crush on someone, you might be able to relate. I appreciate the melody and the tempo is really great. It’s jazzy and funky and all of that; one of the reasons I have loved this song all these years. 

Though I may not be able to do Miss Chaka’s song justice, I only want to be able to try to sing a song of such grandeur as this one. And so, here is my cover rendition of “Sweet Thang” done as part of a rehearsal  with keyboardist Rodney Dixon, for an upcoming event that will be happening in Long Island, NY in about a week.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Cover of Mariah Carey's Hero

I was in the fifth grade when Mariah Carey came out and inspired the world.  One song in particular that has a lot of meaning to me is “Hero.”
The words are just beautiful. It reminds me of the modern day “Greatest Love Of All.” Not only is it one of my favorite songs but it is also one that speaks life.  
The message that it gives inspires minds to follow dreams and to believe in something. I have so many heroes in my life: my parents, my sisters, my teachers and professors, friends, history makers and more.  Because I like to sing so much, I think it is a appropriate to start this cover series with a song to dedicate to all the heroes in my life.  You inspired me to be more than just myself but a greater version of who I am and for that I am grateful.