Time really does fly. We are already in March 2021! And now we hopefully see the light at the end of the tunnel with regards to the pandemic. To reflect, while the year gone by has brought with it unprecedented challenges that have tested the human spirit, artists across the globe have been at work, creating, and uplifting humanity by bringing the joy of music into homes through online platforms. And it’s not just artists in the conventional sense, we have witnessed people singing to one another on their balconies, mothers soothing their young with lullaby’s and farmers humming their traditional folk songs while ploughing the fields. It is not surprising then that song releases through 2020 reflected personal journeys and connected with audiences like never before.
This trend continues and my favourite pick from the charts is “Better Together” by Luke Combs. With just a piano to support the vocals, this offering surpasses obvious cliches. Along with songwriters Dan Isbell and Randy Montana, the song speaks to who Combs really is and who his fans are. Other recommendations on The Hot 100 Billboard Charts currently include “Mood” by 24Goldn featuring Iann Dior, “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd, and “Therefore I am” by Billie Ellish. For those who want to listen to some really qualitative Jazz, I would strongly recommend “Lullaby of the Leaves”. Composed by Bernice Petkere and lyricist Joe Young, “Lullaby of the Leaves” was featured in the 1932 Broadway revue Chamberlain Brown’s Scrap Book. Many recordings have followed since but Ella Fitzgerald brings a touch of magic to it like no other artist can. Also outstanding is “Jazz About Love” where Ella and Louis Armstrong weave their magic around the theme of friendship. While we are unable to enjoy musical theatre at the moment, there is nothing to stop us from revisiting and indeed listening to the all-time greats. My recommendations for this month include; “On The Street Where You Live” from ‘My Fair Lady’, “And I am Telling You I’m Not Going” from ‘Dreamgirls’, and “One Day More” from ‘Les Misérables’. My recommendations for tracks for those who enjoy a touch of Bollywood music include “Shayad” by Arijit Singh, “Taaron Ke Shehar” by Neha Kakkar, Jubin Nautiyal, Jaani, and “Nashe Si Chadh Gayi” also by Arijit Singh.
And last but not the least, if you’re in a mood for something quite different, my latest offering “Dreamwalking” can be found under J.A.I.V on Spotify and other popular streaming platforms. Till we meet next month…keep those feet tapping and your fingers snapping!
Follow J.A.I.V on your favourite streaming platforms. Instagram: @oneandonlyjaiv. Webstite:www.jaiveermisra.com or write in with your questions at jaiveermisra@gmail.com