Each day begins and ends with me
These are the simple and rich words that begin Judy A. Rose’s choral call to joy “A Jubilant Day.” I’m an alto in the Portland Interfaith Gospel Choir, and this week’s rehearsal lifted me up and touched me deeply. As LaRhonda Steele, our directress, shared with us, stepping into the world of gospel is a journey that requires deep authenticity and respect. This music is directly connected to the history of heart and soul.
The culture into which my musical life was born was different. I inherited a set of rules and expectations around singing and making music, and I’ve fit myself neatly into that structure throughout much of my career. Lately, though, I’ve wanted to stretch out from under that, find freedom and joy in making music. Working with and listening to LaRhonda years back, and subsequently her daughter Lo and husband Mark, brings fresh inspiration for me to explore a musical freedom that emanates from the heart and flows through me. I want to release myself from that horrible jailer, perfection, and make music that comes from a higher place, from the great mystery.
I’ve questioned myself, “Where does gospel fit in to my religious identity? I’m a cultural Jew. Does that matter?” This music puts me in touch with the great love that is beyond words; music born from the mystery. Music has shined light on and connected human beings for hundreds of years and will continue to. There’s no stopping music, no matter how hard evil tries.
A jubilant day
Sometimes this journey is hard; I found love along the way. Words from “A Jubilant Day,” that encapsulate this mysterious life! A dear friend’s partner lost their mother recently and we were communicating about getting together via text. The grief her family was experiencing felt fresh to me as we went back and forth in our jaunty texts. At one point it felt cruel and ridiculous to keep on as though the weight of grief wasn’t there at all. But that’s how it goes. Sometimes this journey is hard, and we find love along the way. That shard of joy is spending precious time together, and it connects us. Joy lives right beside our deepest hurts. That is life. There is love along the way, and for me, that is making music. When we make music in choir, the clouds part and joy shines beside my hurts for a time.
Weeping may endure for a night
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy is gonna come in the morning. One more set of lyrics from rehearsal this week. The song is Le’Andria Johnson’s “Joy.” We have the astounding Arietta Ward singing lead and it is, well, come hear it on December 7th at The Grotto. We’ll be there for The Festival of Lights at 7:00 pm. Bring yourself and your family some joy and sing if the spirit moves you!