This is an interesting cultural experience for me.
Bluebird Memories
A Journey Through Lyrics & Life
By: Common, Awoye Timpo, NSangou Njikam
Narrated by: Common
A Journey Through Lyrics & Life
By: Common, Awoye Timpo, NSangou Njikam
Narrated by: Common
Series: Words + Music
Length: 1 hr and 21 mins
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Arts & Entertainment, Audio Performances & Dramatizations
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
Length: 1 hr and 21 mins
Publisher: Audible Originals
Categories: Arts & Entertainment, Audio Performances & Dramatizations
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
About This Audible Original
In a performance that combines the personal and poetic with the literary and the lyrical, Grammy, Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe-winning artist Common spins something entirely new and bold, for both his old-school fans and those new to one of hip hop’s most essential voices. This is Bluebird Memories, part of Audible's Words + Music that blends storytelling, music, and performance to create a one-of-a-kind listening experience.
Written and conceived by Common with Awoye Timpo and NSangou Njikam, originally recorded live at The Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City and backed by a world-class band including special guest appearance by Robert Glasper and ensemble of vocalists, Bluebird Memories tracks Common’s intimate journey from childhood to manhood. At its heart, serving as both an open letter to his estranged father, and a personal meditation on the quest for greater self-understanding, self-worth, and connection to the world that surrounds him.
As a young artist, introduced to the work of literary icons from James Baldwin and Gwendolyn Brooks to Rakim and Melle Mel, Common would grow to use their works as motivation and a high-water mark for what would become his life in words. In a performance that recounts stories about growing up in Chicago, discovering hip hop, longing for a consistent father, and his awakening into Black consciousness, the evolution of Common, as son, as man, artist, and activist is all here, unpacked and laid bare.
At just under two hours, Bluebird Memories is constantly in motion, soaring with emotion and pulsing with raw vitality. Seamlessly blending, stretching, and playing with forms, Common slides between poetry and candid conversation, kicks into one of his classic tracks, and backs out into a moment of nearly silent reflection. For those hip-hop heads, the treat of hearing Common bounce between bars of his own self-admitted cringey party raps, to rapturously reciting classic hip hop’s most revered verses is a joy to behold. (Yes, bumping human beatbox included). In a performance that calls forth the spirit and legacy of so many artists, thinkers, and heroes who informed both his artistry and personal philosophy, Common invites listeners to experience him in his totality. A finely tuned instrument capable of conveying a sweeping breadth of power, range and tone. Listen to a modern icon deliver at the top of his craft.
Note: Bluebird Memories contains adult language.
©2020 Common (P)2020 AO Media LLC
In a performance that combines the personal and poetic with the literary and the lyrical, Grammy, Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe-winning artist Common spins something entirely new and bold, for both his old-school fans and those new to one of hip hop’s most essential voices. This is Bluebird Memories, part of Audible's Words + Music that blends storytelling, music, and performance to create a one-of-a-kind listening experience.
Written and conceived by Common with Awoye Timpo and NSangou Njikam, originally recorded live at The Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City and backed by a world-class band including special guest appearance by Robert Glasper and ensemble of vocalists, Bluebird Memories tracks Common’s intimate journey from childhood to manhood. At its heart, serving as both an open letter to his estranged father, and a personal meditation on the quest for greater self-understanding, self-worth, and connection to the world that surrounds him.
As a young artist, introduced to the work of literary icons from James Baldwin and Gwendolyn Brooks to Rakim and Melle Mel, Common would grow to use their works as motivation and a high-water mark for what would become his life in words. In a performance that recounts stories about growing up in Chicago, discovering hip hop, longing for a consistent father, and his awakening into Black consciousness, the evolution of Common, as son, as man, artist, and activist is all here, unpacked and laid bare.
At just under two hours, Bluebird Memories is constantly in motion, soaring with emotion and pulsing with raw vitality. Seamlessly blending, stretching, and playing with forms, Common slides between poetry and candid conversation, kicks into one of his classic tracks, and backs out into a moment of nearly silent reflection. For those hip-hop heads, the treat of hearing Common bounce between bars of his own self-admitted cringey party raps, to rapturously reciting classic hip hop’s most revered verses is a joy to behold. (Yes, bumping human beatbox included). In a performance that calls forth the spirit and legacy of so many artists, thinkers, and heroes who informed both his artistry and personal philosophy, Common invites listeners to experience him in his totality. A finely tuned instrument capable of conveying a sweeping breadth of power, range and tone. Listen to a modern icon deliver at the top of his craft.
Note: Bluebird Memories contains adult language.
©2020 Common (P)2020 AO Media LLC
Review:
I had no idea who Common was as I don’t listen to hip hop. (Actually I listen to very little music as I am listening to audio books.) I picked this because I wanted to learn about the medium of hip hop and about this artist’s journey.
The author/artist presents this performance as vocal letter to his father, recalling their times together before his father abandoned the family and the long-time impact that had on him. Common shares from his heart s few times of joy, but more times of struggle through his growing years and an underlying pain of rejection. He also shares of young love and how that grew through the years to a point where he might seek to settle down after a wandering lifestyle.
I enjoyed the work and the hip hop poetry and prose that was shares. The words captured and conveyed the emotions of the artist. There was some foul language but fortunately it didn’t permeate the work. I recommend this to those who enjoy music variety and to those who are willing to experience a different cultural art.
Audio Notes: Common shares this work in performance mode, before a live audience. Clearly he is a skilled artist, both in word and presentation. I am glad I had the opportunity to experience this work and thank Audible Originals for making it available.
Source: Audible Plus August 2020. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Color goals.
