Deep Degrees of Blue (revised 9.5.06)

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I stumbled upon a very educational and entertaining blog  page a few days ago–How to Sing the  Blues-A Primer. On the page is an entire section on what and what does not qualify you to sing the blues. After all there are certain requirements for being able to bear  guttural  sighs, phrases  and emotions from the belly of the soul for the whole world to see, hear and  feel. There were some standards I met and some that I did not. For instance, if you live in New York, you can sing the blues. I met that one.  Chicago, Kansas City and St. Louis are also good “sing the blues” certifiable locations. However, for cities like  Minneapolis and Seattle , the opinion is that its more likely that you are experiencing clinical depression than blues. The article also mentions,if you own a computer you can’t sing the blues. A lot of people probably disqualify by that standard. I know I do.

Okay, I didn’t make the guidelines. I found them rather whimsical and amusing. No doubt a fun read. But I will  take them with a grain of salt.  ’cause I listen to some real down home and modern guitar,trumpet,sax , bass players and drummers who own computers that can “sho’nuff” sing and play some blues. Then there are those  not having the benefit of computers in their day from whom we have definitely learned. Well, I am having some degree of  bluestoday. What is the requirement there?I am probably violating every tenet in the theoretical “social distance” guideline book, also known as Proxemics  by sharing this with you.  Besides, ministers don’t get the blues. They are not supposed to anyway. Fortunately, Rev. Gary Davis and those preceding and following him have dispelled this myth.We indeed spend a good deal of our time trying to prevent or comfort those with the blues.  Like many  Americans, I am  pretty “deep blue” about the War.   I  just had to get that off  my chest. There are other subjects that also qualify for this entry.But I’ll pass on  extrapolating about them. I will say this. Sometimes we all get in a deep down bluesy mood. In hip musical terminology, it’s been dubbed a blue funk.  Whether Kind of Blue, Blue Monday, Blue Train, All Blues… I have found creative expression through art whether music,graphics,singing,listening to or playing music transformative and healing. The added bonus is that something stunning, captivating and spellbinding is created in the process.

The blues…some get it when their man or woman leaves them. Some when they run out of money. Some when a dream does not come true or takes an unexpected twist. Others  upon the realization that war and disharmony seem to be among the predominant global constants. Some as they look back over their lives and are just plain dissatisfied with their accomplishments. Others  out of loneliness and boredom just get the plain ol’ down home blues. Some create or become  masterpieces of artistic expression. Yes. There can be something uniquely redemptive and restorative about the blues.

Are you that one who feels  you’ve just missed that last non-stop train to happiness out of the station?  That you made a move and ended up in a place that you definitely did not plan on. I can certainly empathize with you, especially with what’s happened over this past thirty days. Talk about the uncertainties of “musical chairs.”  I have the t-shirt,the CD and the book and could probably contribute another 9 chapters. In fact, I’d probably make a good prospect for Huffs’    chair about now. I’ll spare you all the gory details and just say, “when life gives you lemons,make lemonade.” It could be just the beverage you needed to quench what may have been an undetected thirst.And,it might contain the best tasting lemons you’ve ever come across. By the same token,trust in  time , faith, love and prayer (…and occassionally,for some, therapeutic “bluesal”analysis) to heal the disappointment. And remember,there’s always another train coming… During your lemonade break, join me in celebrating, singing and listening to the blues.  Just tune in to the “Lobluja” (Love,blues and jazz) show every evening from 8:00 p.m to 12 midnite or just pull out some of your old blues songs from memory during that time.  For those “intangible” kinds of requests, we’ll  surely be listening together in spirit. And, if you eventually  email   your request, if the song exists on this side of the universe,we will  gladly add it to our playlist or  upcoming live shows for future programming. For now,back to the realities of war and the privilege of singing , and now, having the blues…

Incidentally, the legendary Miles above…talk about jazz(y) blues. He arguably set the standard. One of my favorites, “All Blues”,  which is on the “Kind of Blue” masterpiece released in March 1959, has been covered  by some of music’s  greats. I think I’ll piece together a show in the future, a sort of spotlight on  recent  “All Blues” coverage. Just a thought,but… Wouldn’t that be grand?

Cynthia (Revcoolc)