Curriculum of the Soul – While waiting for some edits to the book, I created this list which is as much a reflection of myself as of the curriculum. What would be on YOUR soundtrack?
THE TOOLS: What We’re Given
Fate and Destiny – Destiny: Amina Figarova, The Creator Has A Master Plan: Pharaoh Saunders
Joy – Joy: Jerry Niewood, Happiness is Being Together: Shakti, Sing, Sing, Sing: Louis Prima
Desire/ Passion – Leaving Again: Kurt Elling, Touch: Cory Wilkes
Ecstasy – Aida: Sissokho Yakhouba & Lansine Kouyate
Silence – 4’33”: John Cage, Crystal Silence: Gary Burton / Chick Corea
Solitude – (In My) Solitude: Duke Ellington, Radiance Concert Part 3: Keith Jarrett
Nature – Become Ocean: John Luther Adams, Aurora Awakes: John Mackey
Intuition – The Koln Concert Part 1: Keith Jarrett
Curiosity – Once In A Lifetime: Talking Heads
Courage – Litany Against Fear: Christian Scott
Dreams/ Symbols – Dream: John Cage, Dreams So Real: Gary Burton
THE JOURNEY: Suffering
Suffering – Good Morning Heartache: Billie Holiday, The Cost of Living: Michael Brecker, As the Years Go Passing By: Albert King
Trouble – Help Me Jesus: The Staples Singers, Spiritual: Sweet Honey in the Rock
Addiction – Cocaine: Dave Van Ronk
The Selling of the Soul – L’Histoire du Soldat: Igor Stravinsky
The Dark Night of the Soul – Symphony #3: Henryk Gorecki
Anger – Haitian Fight Song: Charles Mingus
Grief – After You: Mike Stern, Lament: J.J. Johnson
The Wounds/ The Work/ The Gifts – Seriously Deep: Eberhard Weber
BEING IN THE WORLD
Presence/ Attention – Now’s the Time: Charlie Parker
Imagination – Cerulean Skies: Maria Schneider, Music for 18 Musicians: Steve Reich
Improvisation – My Favorite Things: John Coltrane, Improvisation: Richard Bona/Bobby McFerrin
Art – Django: Modern Jazz Quartet
Culture – End of Vienna: Carla Bley, Friday Night at the Cadillac Club: Bob Berg
Working in the World – Work Song: Cannonball Adderly
Connection – Eternal: Branford Marsalis
Intimate Relationships – My Foolish Heart: Bill Evans, Duke Ellington’s Sound of Love: Charles Mingus, I Loves You Porgy: Nina Simone
Discernment – Right and Wrong: Joe Jackson
Practice/Discipline – Bach Suites for Solo Cello: Janos Starker
Abundance – What We Have: Sean Jones
THE HIGHER SELF: Who We Really Are
Spirituality – Amazing Grace: Aretha Franklin, Spiritual: Charlie Haden/Hank Jones
Surrender – I Surrender All: Cyrus Chestnut, Leap of Faith: Sherman Irby
Humility – Dear Lord: John Coltrane
Kindness/ Compassion – Song of Lovingkindness: Gary Bartz
Patience – The Longer You Wait: Stanley Turrentine
Gratitude – Everyday (I Thank You): Pat Metheny
Praise – A Love Supreme: John Coltrane, I Love The Lord: Whitney Houston
Forgiveness – Who Would Have Thought: Marvin Winans
Redemption – Nhemamusasa: Cosmos & Beauler, Somebody Save Me: The Staples Singers
Service – Gotta Serve Somebody: Pops Staples
Sanctuary – In a Silent Way: Joe Zawinul, In a Quiet Place: Marc Johnson
THE END GAME
Nourishing the Soul: Truth/ Beauty/ Love – But Beautiful: Bill Evans/ Stan Getz
Living a Soul Life – Long As You Know You’re Living Yours: Keith Jarrett, In Your Own Sweet Way: Dave Brubeck
Death – Oh Death: Sweet Honey In The Rock, A Blessing: John Hollenbeck