The Journey of Music That Never Ends.
The Journey of Music That Never Ends.
Richard Henderson recently sent me a chapter of a book called Shadow Dancing in the U.S.A. by Michael Ventura, to read on the plane to New Orleans.The chapter is called Hear That Long Snake Moan. It's about the origins of rock and roll being found in the Voodoo ceremonies that were only allowed in New Orleans.Ventura frequently claims that an essential component of American music is the African concept that the physical and spiritual worlds are not separated but intersect. Heaven is not above with the earth below, and the trance experienced by intense dancing is a visit to the world of the spirit.I think much of what he says about the blues, gospel, soul, and rock and roll, applies to the music of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Nusrat somehow reaches listeners on an emotional and spiritual level that seems to be universal.In his voice I find a kind of direct communication that seldom fails to move me deeply.
- Michael Brook -
