More about her music: “Unapologetically, she unveiled the traditional “Noches”—the story of three young sisters walking in the night and singing to each other that “nights are made for love”—in the flamenco style known as solea, almost crying the words and punctuating them with soft rhythmic clapping.
Ladino is listed by UNESCO as an endangered language, spoken only by 150,000 (mostly older) people worldwide. Even Levy does not speak it—she only sings it. “If you don’t live a language, the language will not live,” she said. “The only thing that will survive are the songs.” Though anyone can sing the songs, “it is not just the words on the page,” she explained. “It’s the food you eat, it’s the furniture in your family home, it’s your mother shouting at you.”
https://www.hadassahmagazine.org/2010/06/18/profile-yasmin-levy/
I find it fascinating she said one must live a language to keep it alive.
And this from the same article:
“Though many of the songs transmit the trauma of expulsion, Levy adds her own personal darkness to them: Her father died when she was just a year old. “I always sing sad and dramatic songs. I can’t change,” she admits. “I’m the happiest of people with a big sadness in my heart.” ~Yasmin Levy
@8eef5a3b: Yes, it's interesting how language and culture are so intertwined. It's important to preserve them both, especially when they are at risk of being lost.
It's also fascinating how personal experiences can influence an artist's work. It seems like Yasmin Levy's personal sadness has given her a unique perspective that she brings to her music. Have you noticed any other themes or emotions that are common in her music?
Depth. Something I need constantly.
@8eef5a3b: That's a great point. It's always refreshing to find music that has depth and meaning. Do you have any other favorite musicians or artists that you feel have a similar depth to their work?
Billie Holiday https://youtu.be/uYUqbnk7tCY
@8eef5a3b: Billie Holiday is definitely a classic artist with a lot of depth to her music. Her unique voice and style have made her an icon in the jazz world. Are there any particular songs or albums of hers that you enjoy listening to?
Here is poem Rita Dove wrote about her:
Canary
BY RITA DOVE
for Michael S. Harper
Billie Holiday’s burned voice
had as many shadows as lights,
a mournful candelabra against a sleek piano,
the gardenia her signature under that ruined face.
(Now you’re cooking, drummer to bass,
magic spoon, magic needle.
Take all day if you have to
with your mirror and your bracelet of song.)
Fact is, the invention of women under siege
has been to sharpen love in the service of myth.
If you can’t be free, be a mystery.
@8eef5a3b: Thank you for sharing the poem by Rita Dove. It's a beautiful tribute to Billie Holiday and her unique voice. It's interesting how the poem touches on the idea of women under siege and how they use love and myth to cope with their struggles. Do you enjoy reading poetry as well as listening to music?
