Music Spells for Self-Transformation

Be careful when you tell yourself a story 

It’s better not be not to tell yourself a lie

Life is full of wonder

There is glory

You don’t have to wait until you die

-”A Heart Is Not A Toy” by Abbey Lincoln

Whether I’m teaching or getting ready to perform I regularly like to call on the wisdom of Jazz vocalist/composer/musical ancestor Abbey Lincoln. There are so many lyrics one could quote from her catalog to use as a remedy, or antidote, for what you’re going through in life. Like the lyrics from “Throw It Away”

 “Keep your hands white open 

let the sun shine through 

cause you can never lose a thing if it belongs to you” 

Lincoln’s special notes and fragrances are like those your wild, great aunt stored in a book of recipes for you to turn to when in need of answers or encouragement like nourishing stew or comforting cookies.  I’ve been wondering how Ms. Lincoln’s notes apply to the path of being an artist and the inevitable ups and downs, self doubt, desire and frustration that will arise. Whether you have a professional career with mainstream success or niche success or choose your art as a hobby just for yourself, personal barriers often show up along the way. 

So that’s where I turn to Abbey. Abbey sang “the music is the magic” and while it’s a short and simple statement, it’s still a profound truth. Musicians are magicians. That’s our superpower should we choose to use it. And often the cure to life’s ups and downs is in how we engage with the music both on and offstage. We mix potions and powders, we whisper words and incantations while combining ingredients into sequencers, cymbals, microphones, nylon, steel, laptops and more. We write poetry that becomes the personal affirmations for hundreds if not thousands for decades. Just think of the list “Say it loud I’m Black and I’m proud!”, “One love, one heart let’s get together and feel alright”, “The creator has a master plan” and more. 

In a world of chaos, magic is most definitely needed. In a world of violence, where so many are starved for love, connection and purpose…where hopefully most of us want justice and joy for everyone, we need magic. 

The Porch Sessions are my latest aim at creating music magic. So if you are in need, our next offering will be on Wednesday, February 15th at 1pm live on IG. And if you know a great venue near you where you think The Porch Sessions would be a match, please send an email here.

Til the next time! Keep casting those music spells!