The Journey of Soul Music

The Journey of Soul Music

What is soul music? I consider soul music a unique expression of a culture and people that was forced into bondage. Strangely, soul music, meaning jazz, blues, gospel, hip-hop, rap and R&B; is a product of black American communities. The first form of this music was born on slave plantations in the southern part of America. Later the music spread northwards, this coincided with what black people call the great exodus. This was the migration of blacks moving to the north to escape the unfair treatment and sometimes deadly attacks from white Southerners. In the north these new arrivals brought their music and soon it changed from acoustic to electronic.

'The Journey of Soul Music' is my attempt to interject my interpretation of the evolution of black American music, culture, psychology and tradition.
Firstly, I have developed an educational program in the form of a lecture for University students and other schools that invest in musical education. This lecture is designed to cover the transport of slaves from the Gold Coast as early as the 1400's. I will also investigate and explain the reason why this music was created in such a strange situation. Also I will examine and explain the role that the European audience played in creating an international voice for black American music.

Secondly, I have created what I like to call, a black comedy. This is my attempt to use my skills as a vocalist, writer and musician to mimic some of the great Giants in music past and present. For example: George Benson, Nat King Cole, Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Bill Withers, Al Jarreau and others. This theatrical presentation is designed to help the audience understand the difference between styles of music and how they are formed and created. Also some of the characters should bring a smile to your face.

Finally, I felt it necessary to document my lectures and my theatrical program; hence the final aspect of my endeavors; a documentary. The name of the specific documentary is called: 'The Making of The Journey of Soul Music'. My plan is to record my performances throughout Europe, Asia and South America. The documentary will also interview well-known and established artists in various disciplines. This will also be an opportunity for me to tell my own story, coming from a family of five generations of musicians. It also examines the black culture that most people never get an opportunity to view. This is also an opportunity for me to challenge Hollywood in its negative reflection on black people and its culture.

I have also written a new CD called 'Honoring my Legacy'. This is my tribute to the musicians who have influenced me and helped me mold my art form into an identity.
The CD will comprise different styles of music from jazz, blues, R&B, gospel and hip-hop.

A. Curtis Darby

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Entertainment

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