The value of that which is intangible can be found in the ideas and concepts that influence us and shape us into who we are. The value of music and producing a measure of memories which are at times spellbinding in not only reminding us of love, but what that rapture actually feels like. It is a majestic and artful undertaking to put feelings to music, and to hear the harmony in the spark of life which is filled with hope and prosperity. It is here in the studio workplace of one of those talented few who does it best, a composer and a genius at work invites us into his laboratory where he creates his magic, Raphael Saadiq.
In this invisible bastion of creativity beached on an island of artistry — the ideas which were skillfully extracted and developed from and for the music of Tony! Toni! Tonè! — flow freely in this urban gated fortress. It is here that we see his oasis of musical and magical ingenuity. But why would such a beautiful statesmen of creativity, be so often misunderstood by the unenlightened and consequently, the unappreciative. The answer booms from ignorance and echoes in immaturity which rejects musical genius for mediocrity.
Awed and awesome are the feelings you’ll experience while you’re in the presence of Saadiq. The door opens, and a young man emerges. He confesses that after four years and many, many sessions that the music feels as effervescent as fine champagne, like the strum of guitar strings and the ivory keys that laid dormant and anxious to be tickled by his touch. It is evident that Saadiq feels a real life connection to the music and breathes that life into the melody. To witness his infectious enthusiasm when he expresses his artistic vision is to witness a tour de force like a full blown gale wind blowing from the talent shows where he first performed in Oakland to the huge current day venues he commands now.
How could this giant of a man, 5 foot-10-inches in stature, loom so large and for so long? In short, the music speaks for the man and gives rise to listeners clamoring to hear. Grammys are not on display to indicate the level of achievement, and the untrained ear may not hear or feel the mystery that lies in what’s playing. The study of Raphael Saadiq is a lesson in creativity from blues masters to dee jays from around the world sharing their creations with him for critiquing. They listen intently and absorb his wisdom on the subject like a sponge in the ocean water. The teacher is not unnecessarily critical or judgemental. He instead helps his charges focus and reflect on the emotion they want to capture. Saadiq mentally and tonally sketches an expression of humanity and history in the music. The truth and purity in his sound is a musical imprint marking his place in the world.
We need to take more time to study jazz and blues for they open a passage to ourselves. Ignoring these benchmark genres is akin to denying our history. Saadiq’s work to house them in a legacy of musical consciousness is invaluable. As a publisher, I was grateful that he chose to participate in our publication, but I was even more grateful that he shared himself and his persona. In our discussion he never veered off course to lapse into a mundane discourse equating or defining the value of his talent with monetary net worth. In the span of time we spent together, his authenticity as a man and an artist was arresting. It felt more as though we were college friends listening to and discussing the sounds and songs that made us nostalgic about our families and our communites.
It is not often that one can be sure that they have been in the presence of genius. But when you hear Saadiq’s accounting of purchasing his first bass guitar from a pawn shop and knowing that was the vessel that would put Tony! Toni! Tonè on the scene and propel him on his way to fame and greatness, one can be reasonably sure. Destined, and armed with the legacy of his parents instruction and support, he left the nest and ventured into the music industry. Leaving the security of home has a way of calling us to to dig deep to do our best and transfer the process into being our best.
I knew as I prepared to leave that the things we discussed and the principles of love and appreciation for self and culture that we poured over would stay with me long after we parted company. I requested a photo and he obliged. And in that simple gesture the appreciation I felt for the melding of our voices was solidified and I was comfortable being with my unassuming brother.
Saadiq’s music is his calling, which is simultaneously a calling to recognize and appreciate the majesty of the human spirit. Examine again our musical heritage and listen — really listen to blues, jazz and R&B, they are our legacy and inbred in who we are. Study yourself, learn your history and understand that importance of availing yourself to the cultural richness all around you.
