Save Your Soul by Jamie Cullum
We went to see Jamie Cullum this past Tuesday at the Moore Theater. He is so incredibly talented. Similar to Sara Bareilles, I felt like we were just in his living room and he was telling all 1,400 of us jokes, making us feel comfortable, making us think about big ideas... His big band brass section was amazing for blues and jazz songs. Jamie on piano by himself was so incredibly soulful. You could just feel that magical energy within the theater. There were several songs he had us sing along with and at one point he broke out into 'Amazing Grace.' I wouldn't be surprised if a number of people had tears in their eyes, I did.
What is it about music that brings out a deep humanity in us? He could speak the words from 'Amazing Grace,' and I wouldn't have had the same visceral reaction. NPR and the Wall Street Journal wrote about this concept: Apparently, a professor of music psychology, John Sloboda, who studied physical reactions to music, researched a musical ornament known as a appogiatura. It's a note that is somewhat dissonant, but resolves into a main note. We actually have a physical reaction to this dissonance and resolution. We sweat, our hearts race and we then interpret this feeling as positive or negative. The articles deconstruct Adele's song, 'Someone Like You.' The Wall Street Journal breaks down how to make a tear-jerker. "Unleash the tears and chills with small surprises, a smoky voice, and soulful lyrics, and then sit back and let the dopamine keep us coming for more."
So now, we have some of the science. Let's get back into the soul.
Jamie Cullum is an English singer-songwriter rooted in jazz. I remember first hearing his music when I lived in New York City. It's interesting how time, place, and space make you interpret music in a certain way. 10 years ago, I was in such a different place in my life and his music filled a space for me that was about clever lyrics and great piano riffs. I listen to his music today and it now fills a space for me that's about vulnerable lyrics and an appreciation for where his music comes from (jazz and blues).
I'm featuring his song, 'Save Your Soul.' This song is one of his more vulnerable ones. I love the intro with the piano and the first lyric, "Know this, it's a universal truth, people let you down."
I find he's searching for redemption with someone. Trying to be loved despite the flaws. Speaking of songs that evoke emotion, he does this beautiful thing at 2.40 on the actual track. He shifts the song to a higher key. Getting to a new level. He brings in strings with a faster rhythm. Something is so hopeful about those few seconds. Regardless of our flaws, we can find love. We can find someone who will save our souls.
"So when it gets too late
And I find my place
Who will save your soul and love me here.
When it gets too far
So well let down your guard..."
This search for a deeper humanity I mentioned earlier...it's something I'm on. I know it's so present in our world, if we gave more time and intention to it. I just love finding the moments when I'm reminded how it's still so real and possible. Tuesday's concert was just that moment where I was able to enjoy the show with someone I deeply love and with 1,400 others that exuded love because of a musician that deeply shared his love with all of us.
Enjoy:
Save Your Soul
What is it about music that brings out a deep humanity in us? He could speak the words from 'Amazing Grace,' and I wouldn't have had the same visceral reaction. NPR and the Wall Street Journal wrote about this concept: Apparently, a professor of music psychology, John Sloboda, who studied physical reactions to music, researched a musical ornament known as a appogiatura. It's a note that is somewhat dissonant, but resolves into a main note. We actually have a physical reaction to this dissonance and resolution. We sweat, our hearts race and we then interpret this feeling as positive or negative. The articles deconstruct Adele's song, 'Someone Like You.' The Wall Street Journal breaks down how to make a tear-jerker. "Unleash the tears and chills with small surprises, a smoky voice, and soulful lyrics, and then sit back and let the dopamine keep us coming for more."
So now, we have some of the science. Let's get back into the soul.
Leo Tolstoy
Jamie Cullum is an English singer-songwriter rooted in jazz. I remember first hearing his music when I lived in New York City. It's interesting how time, place, and space make you interpret music in a certain way. 10 years ago, I was in such a different place in my life and his music filled a space for me that was about clever lyrics and great piano riffs. I listen to his music today and it now fills a space for me that's about vulnerable lyrics and an appreciation for where his music comes from (jazz and blues).
I'm featuring his song, 'Save Your Soul.' This song is one of his more vulnerable ones. I love the intro with the piano and the first lyric, "Know this, it's a universal truth, people let you down."
I find he's searching for redemption with someone. Trying to be loved despite the flaws. Speaking of songs that evoke emotion, he does this beautiful thing at 2.40 on the actual track. He shifts the song to a higher key. Getting to a new level. He brings in strings with a faster rhythm. Something is so hopeful about those few seconds. Regardless of our flaws, we can find love. We can find someone who will save our souls.
"So when it gets too late
And I find my place
Who will save your soul and love me here.
When it gets too far
So well let down your guard..."
This search for a deeper humanity I mentioned earlier...it's something I'm on. I know it's so present in our world, if we gave more time and intention to it. I just love finding the moments when I'm reminded how it's still so real and possible. Tuesday's concert was just that moment where I was able to enjoy the show with someone I deeply love and with 1,400 others that exuded love because of a musician that deeply shared his love with all of us.
Enjoy:
Save Your Soul
Comments
Post a Comment