A Few of my Favorite Vids
--- Written by Kay.DS
Over the summer I've been indulging in live music, but from the perspective of quality video recordings. When I was growing up, I would always wonder what it was like to be in the studio at the very moment the sound we have come to love was being created. Here are a few videos that I have come to revisit because they capture that very essence:
Mario Castro Quintet / Strings (feat. J. Hoard & jaimecoryn) - "Estrella de Mar"
The video above captures some of my former schoolmates in their purest element. "Estrella De Mar" is the title track of Castro's new album - an impressive body of work that feels like the musical score to my everyday life. In the beginning of the song's arrangement, there is a playful pushing and pulling that happens between the vocals, the bass, and the drums that reminds me of the crashing of waves onto a beach shore. When Castro takes his solo, the song opens up in an intensely beautiful yet mystic way that seems to draw all the musicians involved into their own spiritual interactions with core of the song. For me, watching this performance has the same entrancing effect as listening to the song itself, which makes me revisit the video often.
Lalah Hathaway x Snarky Puppy - “Something”
One video. One album. One song. One voice.
This collaboration went on to earn these musicians a Grammy for Best R&B Performance. When people finally caught hold of this video, nothing could stop the wave (now over 3 million views on YouTube). The instrumental showcase caused arguments about Lalah's ability to produce full chords from her own vessel. (Yes folks, she really does it!)
At first, I was intrigued by the pairing because I had heard great individual work from the two artists. But I cannot say I was prepared for the experience. In the "Family Dinner" project, I thought it was a pretty cool idea to invite the band's family and friends on the stage during the performance! But what I appreciate most is how the video captures the authentic interaction between seasoned professionals... and the euphoric, inexplicable energy that can sometimes overwhelm us all. (Watch the band's reaction to what is happening musically, especially when Lalah starts scatting - just CLASSIC!)
Common Thread - "For the One Time"
These female phenoms have individually and collectively been turning heads at Berklee. For years, our alma mater has staked its claim to "discovering" raw talent. Recently, Berklee has made a point of producing high-quality videos like this one, featuring some of its students, faculty, and alumni. This particular song's high intensity is punctuated by great musicians from all over the world: Amber Baker (drums), Alissia Benveniste (bass), Maddie Rice (guitar), Negah Santos (percussion), Gabrielle Walter-Clay (vocals), and an amazing horn section including Tali Rubenstein (recorder), Myrish Spell (trombone), and Arnetta Johnson (trumpet).
"For The One Time" blends the qualities of funk, fusion, and neo-soul all together into a sometimes lightning fast yet memorable melody supported by an equally calculated rhythm section. The composition is equally balanced when the vocalist enters with a sultry melody which is carried by the muted trumpet, allowing the listeners a moment to breathe and process what took place just before.
The Legacy Series (feat. Jamahl Smith) - "Intentional"
Inspirational. Bassist & composer Jamahl Smith is on a mission to share music that uplifts his generation. The basic groove of this song has harmonic and melodic elements that guide the listener into an introspective place. Jamahl has also penned a personal message to the masses, so that we may all remember to live a purposeful and positive life. Again, this is another recording in which I see and experience every musician's personal relationship to the composition being performed.
What I love about this piece of music is that even though it started as the brainchild of one person, you can see that it resonated with all those involved. It is a piece that you can repeat for hours because of the vibe and the love that emanates as a result. Equally important is the candid moment at the very end of the video, where Jamahl's friends take time around the recording session to wish him a Happy Birthday.
It is these instances of humanity that make reliving these magical musical moments worthwhile to me.