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A Sisterhood and Brotherhood of Song

Farai and Angie

Farai Chideya, (left), and Angie Stone, (right)

Geoffrey Bennett, NPR

I had a great time getting to meet and interview Angie Stone and Jonathan Butler. Both have struggled and surmounted any number of challenges to live a life of music.

Angie Stone had a serious set of ongoing health problems from an industrial accident that happened in a hospital laboratory ... just as she was getting ready for her big musical break.

Jonathan Butler grew up in the South African townships -- the "Colored" townships (as the apartheid government declared areas "African," "Colored" (or mixed-race), and "White"). He broke the color barrier on South African radio, and has gone on to a career in jazz, soul and gospel that spans across the globe.

So many people try to make it in music; so few reach commercial audiences. But in listening to Angie and Jonathan, you realize their drive to succeed came not from seeking money or fame, but from the soul.

In a way, most music is soul music ... it comes from a very deep place. Oddly enough (or not), some of what makes it big is flat and flavorless.

So: what are you listening to? What moves your soul?

Let us know ...

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What I'm listening to? I'm still in love with "The Evolution of Robin Thicke." What can I say, his CD is one of the best I've listened to in a long time.

Personally, I can't stand this other blue-eyed brother for the way he left Janet Jackson hanging (in more ways than one) during the super-bowl fiasco. But I can't deny it, he's one talented musician. So I'm listening to Justin Timbalake's "Future Sex/Love Sounds." I love most of the cuts and absolutely love what he did with one of Donny Hathaway's classics.

Finally, listening to the poetic genius of Stevie Wonder in his "Definitive Collection."

Sent by Moji | 1:37 PM ET | 10-23-2007

I recently had the pleasure of enjoying a concert featuring Jazz artist Dee Dee Bridgewater in Red Earth-A Malian Journey. This event was presented by the famed Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Dee Dee Bridgewater is a vocalist that in my opinion has a light but impressively smooth voice that holds one attention. Ms. Bridgewater has traveled Africa extensively and considers Mali to be her ancestral home. The cd "Red Earth-A Malian Journey" highlights roles and influences of Women in Malian politics and culture as well as Griots-the time honored story-tellers of Malian families and history. The use of traditional African instruments such as the Kora, Tamani, Balafon and Djembe work well with her light and airy Jazz vocals, and are truly memorable. The concert was definitely heart-felt, soulful and I will enjoy the cd signed by Ms. Bridgewater for decades to come!

Sent by Toni | 11:53 PM ET | 10-23-2007

I'm listening to Kwaito (South Africa), Soukouss/Makossa (Ivory Coast, Congo etc), a lot of days are Zouk/Kizombas (Angola, Cape Verde etc), Gospel, a bit of Funk, and some Pop (Joss Stone, Brick & Lace etc )for good measure.

Sent by ceecee | 7:04 PM ET | 10-24-2007

I have a couple of young sistahs that are on my player frequently. Ledisi/Lost and Found and a songwriter by the name of Chrisette Michele/I Am Chrisette Michelle. Nice vocals. And a great mix of musical styles. I am also back into Gil Scott Heron pretty heavy.

Sent by D.L.White | 2:06 PM ET | 10-27-2007



   
   
   
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