Music Interlude For a Rainy Afternoon
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“After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.” ~~Aldous Huxley
Music has always been an integral part of my life. My tastes are eclectic and those songs and singers that capture the intangible words I may try to grasp elusively when writing, become muses or angels. Often they are gone too soon. Two singers come to mind on this rainy afternoon.
Eva Cassidy was a songstress who did Folk, Blues, Pop, R&B, Jazz and Gospel. She has been described as shy and that comes through in her music even as she phrases melodies in her unique fashion. Her album Songbird climbed to the top of the charts in the UK almost three years after its release. But this songbird was taken from us too soon. At the age of 36, she died of skin cancer in 1996. Her chart success in the UK led to worldwide recognition, and albums that were released posthumously have sold more than ten million copies. I was one of those who discovered her talent several years after she had died.
There is something wistful yet plaintive in her voice that is captivating. Her rendition of “Over the Rainbow,” Judy Garland’s signature song, rivals even Judy and that seems almost impossible. Until you hear her voice.
Another singer I just discovered is Lhasa de Sela. I don’t know why I’m so late to the game. I am just happy to have arrived. I was watching videos last night of painters, many of whom use music in the background of their videos. When I heard a song by Lhasa de Sela, I stopped and scoured the Internet for her videos. A singer and songwriter, Lhasa was born in America but spent most of her adult life in Canada and France. For me the French influence is palpable in some of her sultry renditions. Sadly, she died at the age of 37 in 2010 from breast cancer. She was so young, it is heartbreaking. I wanted to share her music with you because her style is sultry and Bluesy. So stop whatever you are doing as I did, and watch this video. It would surprise me if you did not look for more.
Perhaps talent like Eva Cassidy and Lhasa de Sela are only on loan to us for a short time. It is raining here. Their music is a welcome interlude as I gaze out the windows and enjoy the harmony of nature and the songs that ‘come nearest to expressing the inexpressible.’
Music Interlude For a Rainy Afternoon,
Someone once told me, “Used-to-be’s don’t count.” I have pondered this often and find that they do count. We are the sum of our life experiences.
I used to be an English and Speech teacher. There will always be a part of me that wants to teach. I used to be an Investigator, first for the government and later in my own private investigations business.
I will always probe beneath the surface of issues and people, looking for the gem-like quality hidden in the text of words and personae. Today I am a writer and all of the used-to-be’s are part of the continuum of this journey.
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Tags: aldous huxley, breast cancer, Cher Duncombe, eva cassidy, folk blues, french influence, judy garland, Lhasa de Sela, melodies, music interlude, rainy afternoon, renditions, signature song, skin cancer, sultry bluesy music, unique fashion, worldwide recognition
Ah they are both wonderful, wonderful singers!! I never heard of Lhasa, but I really love her voice. Very sultry indeed. So sad that they both passed away so young.
I love discovering new songs ^_^. It’s raining here as well and pretty cold too!
Sweet TJ, I am so glad you liked these singers, especially Lhasa. I hope your day is warm and cozy.
WOW! That Lhasa de Sela song IS perfect for a rainy afternoon. It’s perfect anytime, really. Talk about having a voice with feeling!
You should make this a series! You have great taste in music.
Jen, the song I really wanted to post by Lhasa was “Love Came Here,” but I thought it might be a little too suggestive. THAT is the song that was playing in the background by an artist and it sent me on a search. I also like “Rising” because of the way the video is presented, so that’s why I posted it instead. Try the other one and let me know what you think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuMt7rsyfJs
Two wonderful voices in God’s choir of angels. Thank you for bringing them to us…if ‘used to be’ did not count then we would not be able to hear the beauty of their songs.
And your voice Cher, you say “I used to be an English and Speech teacher. There will always be a part of me that wants to teach” Let me tell you my friend, you are and will always be an English teacher and a Speech teacher as well. You taught me by bringing this music to me.
Teach on, my friend…your voice is beautiful.
Dear Tolbert, you are a most gracious friend. Thank you. Our shared love of music has solidified this friendship! And then there was Kristy McColl…. Gone too soon and such a great talent.
I have Eva Cassidy on my ipod but i’ve never actually listened to her, people keep telling me how good she is though. Just listened to the other singer, Lhasa De Selh, that is great song, will definitely be looking for her albums online today. Thanks for the tip Cher, best way to find good music is through word of mouth.
Garry, I’m so glad you liked Lhasa de Sela. If you look up her songs, check out “Love Came Here.” Really Bluesy and sultry!
Wow! She does have a beautiful voice. It still amazes me how music can take you to a completely different place. Loved it.
I love finding new music, Janene. You are so right; it can take you to amazing places.
You know Eva is one of my favorites! The music world lost so much when she died. Now you have turned us on to Lhasa de Sela, another wonderful voice! Thanks, my sister!!
Judie, my cosmic sister, we do have similar tastes in music, though mine are all over the place! I do love Eva and it is sad that both she and Lhasa both died so, so, young.