Dreams, Work, Flow--More Music for More Hard Times: Kristofferson, Joplin, and Morvan
One way that I know it’s crunch time for me—in a personal, internal, up at 3 am way: when I start playing a lot of music. Right now, I’ve returned to the blues because, as Lead Belly said, “The blues is a tonic for whatever ails you.”
First, in honor of Kris Kristofferson, here’s a link to his one-time girlfriend of apparently lifelong head-shaking memory, Janis Joplin’s acclaimed and celebrated version of Me and Bobby McGee—the song that Kristofferson said made his career possible: Me and Bobby McGee The link takes you to the original MTV version—a period piece of the first order. Anyone seeking for the definition of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Flow …at work… 3:52 into the video delivers Joplin’s joyous exclamation as she seemingly whirls with sheer delight amidst a tumultuous and too often downright painful life. Her work could bring her that joy. We all might benefit from remembering the reality of that possibility—for ourselves and for others--our colleagues, our direct reports…and our leaders. It’s possible. It’s within reach.
Second, Laurie Morvan. My wife and I had the chance to see her and her band at Buddy Guy Legends blues bar last summer (Chicago). I’ve been ‘picking’ (guitar pun intended!) through her work since. She’s well into full stride with her band at this point—writer/singer/guitarist/performer. She has literally found and is exercising her developed professional ‘voice’. I’d encourage touring her work for what it gives expression to. Further, I’d suggest beginning the tour with the songs below. They befit our times. Below I briefly state more specific reasons for listening to each song and provide links… (remember, as you choose to listen or not, it IS the blues.)
In keeping with this previous newsletter of mine, these first two songs address identifying and claiming your professional space.
Odds and obstacles notwithstanding:
Getting ramped up because of what’s missing…and accepting the self-declared challenge to fill the space--the title says it all:
“Where Are the Girls with Guitars”
Despite that… carry on—damn the torpedoes, belt it out, and enjoy as much as you can!
Livin' in a Man's World
A unique (‘diverse perspective’) yields the following special song about a too frequent life tragedy. Don’t let the title lead you astray… stay at least for the chorus.
The Man Who Left Me
Consumer Warning: this song is only for those who want to ‘wind it out’ on a very adult take on a very adult (and timeless) quest… from a full-throated woman wielding her ‘axe’ with discipline and finesse
Come on Over to My BBQ
Here she is with her band, as she says, ‘rockin’ the blues’—an instruments-only sample of her and her band… and a display of her joy from (and in) her work… Janis Joplin would understand.
Rock the Blues