Generally speaking, most of us like it when things make sense logically or fit neatly into a box. Typically there’s a level of comfort provided by routine and tradition. But isn’t it good sometimes to shake things up a bit? Don’t you appreciate the freedom of being able to color outside the lines…every now and then?
This train of thought reminds me of the lyrics to a song that George Benson used to sing, ” Everything must change, Nothing stays the same.” “…There aren’t many things in life you can be sure of, except rain comes from the clouds, and sun lights up the sky and humming birds do fly.” (I bet that took you way back, didn’t it?)
The same principle applies to music. Music knows no boundaries and is forever changing. For the most part, there’s usually a musical genre that appeals to even the most discriminating of tastes. However, there are some artists that cross the lines. They creatively mix their styles, their lyrics…their sound all in the name of true artistic expression. You know you’ve stumbled across such an artist when you can’t easily identify what type of music they sing. Perhaps they’re a “little bit country…a little bit rock-n-roll.”
I admire artist who posses this quality. In fact, over the years I’ve been known to deliberately seek them out. I’m particularly excited about the uprising of artist who craftily fuse gospel/inspirational messages with neo-soulish arrangements/instrumentation. An acquired taste, yes I know. But that’s the beauty of it all. For me, it’s like the best of both worlds–combining two of my favorite types of music. It validates that others are also hearing what I hear.
In this “quasi-genre” you’ll find a number of artists. Probably more than you’d expect! Not exactly sure of who may or may not fall into this unclassified group? Well, let me help you out. Here’s a homework assignment. Do some research and spend some time exploring some of these:
PJ Morton * Lisa McClendon * Dominique Howard * Adrianne Archie * Mali Music * J.R.
These are but a few of the ones I’ve been discovering lately. And wow…I’m having difficulties grouping these artists, since there aren’t any definitive guidelines and each song varies…one to the next. Kinda-sorta.
Maybe this has expanded your horizons some, or opened you up even more to all of the possibilities that can be found in music. C’mon ya’ll. Challenge yourselves. Step outside of your comfort zone and “try-on” new music. Perhaps it might “fit” where you are right now in life or tuck it away and pull it out when needed.
Until next time…be the blessing that you wish to receive,
-T
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