The pace of today can get the best of even the best of us. The need to be connected, to be always available. It’s an expectation that we can’t live up to. James Gleick calls it “hurry sickness” in Faster: The Acceleration of Just About Everything (though I don’t think he was the one who coined the term).
I call it “silicon sickness.” There is no cure, but there are salves. One of mine is dub reggae. The kick drum is my heartbeat. The bass is the blood in my veins. It’s elemental, medicinal.
Now, I can’t create the magic of the great King Tubby or Augustus Pablo, obviously. But this piece is informed by it. A relaxed, take-your-time-type-of-tempo, an easy backbeat, and the instrument that reminds me of the beach. The under-appreciated ukulele.
Makes me feel better, hope that it will make you feel better too. Remember that you have to downshift to gather more power.
Special thanks and a shout-out to Chako Kanyon and his dub-a-day blog for the inspiration! http://dubaday.com
Equipment: Fluke Ukelele (made here in Massachusetts!), Garageband for iPad
Copyright 2013 Michael Boezi
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Published by Control Mouse Music, Boston, MA http://controlmousemusic.com
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