ASA, SOME ETHNIC FLAVOR

Hallo hallo!

I am quiet partial with today's menu/song choice. Partial because of its origin and its flavor. I serve you 5 star hot and fresh Asa straight from my birth land, Nigeria. Asa, Lagos born as Bukola Elemide, is a new generation world artiste making waves via Paris, France. Asa means 'hawk' in my mother tongue, the Yoruba language of the people of Nigeria in Western Africa. I heared it from the grapevine that she got that name when she was a tomboy growing up because she always ran swiftly (like a hawk in flight) when she was sent on errands. :-)

Hardworking and committed to her music, she learnt the guitar in six months. She came to the limelight after being signed by a French record label company. Her songs 'Jailer' and 'Eye Adaaba' caught the airwaves like wildfire both in Nigeria and abroad. 'Fire on the mountain' is also an all time favorite.

This is one of those albums where I do not have a favorite song. So I serve most of it here to you as a mini-buffet, her other songs are 'Place to be', 'Iba', and 'So Beautiful'. There are many more but I'll just leave it as that. Her songs are so natural and soulfully delivered, spiced with an acoustic base. The lyrics, mood and sound have an afrocentric backdrop, the ethnic flavor is derived from the use of her native language and intonations. Even if you don't understand it, you can still enjoy it. The European market have embraced her, as they usually do for the world genre of music. Hopefully, your coming across this blog of mine has introduced you to some good music you will not have known or heard of, otherwise .

'Place to be' by Asa

Chorus:
I believe that I can be
Only the best in whatever I do
Guaranteed to take the lead
Only the best in whatever I do
Guaranteed, yes indeed
To be the best in whatever I do

If music be the food of love, you know what to do!

~Tosinger~

I'M FEELING GOOD

Hi Y'all (with a southern drawl),

Anytime for some music this week? It's been raining. I love the sight and sound of rain, the 'splitter splatter' against my window, the fresh feel of the air after it's been cleansed. All these, makes me feel good. Good enough to spur me to listen to some feel good songs. Hmm, what's for 'musical supper'? How about a song titled 'Feeling Good'?. So I go on 'youtube' and search the phrase 'feeling good' and topping the list pops one of my favorite legendary singers, Ms Nina.

-Nina Simone-

Lovely! not too far down......... -Michael Buble- the Grammy Award winning cute Canadian singer whose voice I totally adore is right next to her.

Hmm, this menu is really tantalizing! It's incomparable. Which should I serve first?
It's like comparing good ol' apple pie to New York cheesecake for dessert.

It's interesting to see the trans-generational versions and remixes of songs , some are good and some are bad. This is good. Many people may not know the original source and music stars down the line do covers and make it more popular. 'Feeling Good' is not an exception. It has been covered by a lot of artistes from Sammy Davis Jr to the Pussycat Dolls.

It's a 1964 musical oldie written by Anthony Newley , Nina Simone (born Eunice Kathleen Waymon, February 21, 1933–April 21, 2003) Singer/Songwriter, Pianist and activist sang her soulful version a year later in her album 'I put a spell on you', hear Nina Simone's version of 'Feeling Good' . Micheal Buble later puts a jazzy twist to it. This is a live performance. You can also check out the official video here. It was released as a single off his album 'It's Time' in 2005 and became the official song of the 2010 NBA draft.
Both versions sound natural and true, unadulterated and smooth. They each have their uniqueness and they both have the same effect on the listener, makes them feel good. Five ***** soul refreshing stars!

"It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me and I'm feeling good."

If Music be the food of love, you know what to do!

~Tosinger~