The power of music is universal.
Most of us have songs we love. Music can remind us of people, places or experiences that hold meaning for us, as well as evoke feelings of joy, excitement, or sadness.
When I Listen to “Mother’s Song” by Gregory Porter, I always think of my mom and how important she was to me in my life.
For this project, I asked people to listen to music that holds meaning for them while being photographed. I wanted to capture their emotions to the music. Some of the songs chosen I knew, and during the sitting, I often found myself absorbed by the melody or lyrics and forgetting I was supposed to be taking a photo.
Just like the many genres of music, many kinds of feelings were evoked, from sorrow to happiness. Some were meditative as they listened, others more physically expressive. Before a session, many people voiced that they were apprehensive about being photographed, however the power of the music moved everyone beyond self-consciousness.
Four days after sitting, Brown, ninety-four, told me “Been a long time since I’ve taken the time to enjoy those musical pleasures.” Eight days later Brown passed away.
William - Symphony Number 5, Beethoven Last Movement
Becca - The Story, Brandi Carlisle
Tessa - Alejandro, Lady Gaga
Dave - Precious Lord, Vickie Winans
Israel - Sympathy for the Devil, Rolling Stones
Bob - The Weight with Robbie Robertson and Ringo Starr
Nahyun - Remember Me (Reunion) from the movie Coco
Minhee - Fearless (From Spirit Untamed)
Matt - Beacons, Royksopp
Tom - Symphony Number 4, Beethoven 1st Movement.
Jacques - Separate Ways (World Apart), Journey
Phylis - Rhapsody In Blue, Gershwin
Joel - I Want to Take You Higher, Sly and the Family Stone
Chelcie - You’re Still the One, Lake Street Drive
Cathie - Dreadlock Holiday, 10CC
Marlene - Appalachian Spring Aaron Copeland
Tina - Winter's Heart, Don Ho
Jaina - Here in Yr Arms 2 Back in Yr Arms, Hellogoodbye
Elsa - Something Got a Hold on, Etta James.
