Obviously, the main goal of what we do here is to expose artists (particularly up-and-coming ones) to a broader audience. Secondary to that, however, is the idea of introducing audiences to styles of music that they may not be overly familiar with. Granted the majority of our guests are rock bands or singer/songwriters -- just by the nature of their prominence around the city -- but, once in a while, we get the chance to diverge into the realms of jazz, R&B, and in the case of this week's guest, soul. Now, of course we're all familiar with at least the core of soul music, however I was shocked to find, when doing a bit of research of the interview, there are no less than a dozen different varieties of soul music. The more modern forms, particularly those that incorporate contemporary influences like hip hop, are not something I was familiar with all. I've mentioned several times before, as a middle-aged white suburban male, I don't listen to much hip hop, beyond the mainstream stuff, since much of it doesn't speak to me personally. I suspect many of you out there are in a similar position. I think we all, however, have a great respect for "good music" played by "great players," and there are obviously many examples of the genre that I do appreciate, particularly those that address universal themes and emotions -- the way Bashiri Asad's does.
Like most forms of music, soul has absorbed elements of many different styles over the decades: funk, jazz, and most recently hip hop. Bashiri skillfully embraces all of these influences, occasionally mixing them; other times keeping them separated. The core of his music, and the element that really helped me to identify with him, however, was what he offhandedly termed, "music that is pleasing to the soul." Sure, I enjoy rocking out with a good metal band, or quietly studying a jazz or classical piece, but there was something very fulfilling about just kicking back with a couple glasses of wine that night and just letting Bashiri's voice (and the work of some of Indy's finest players) wash over me. I suggest all of you get out and experience this as well.
Links referenced in the show:
