Wat is it about the colour blue that connects to music so strongly? Obviously there are THE Blues – that whole world of making feeling bad feel so good. But from Joni Mitchell’s iconic album to Miles Davis’s history-making improv session, music enthusiasts love bathing in blue. Blue Rodeo, Blue Oyster Cult, Blue Man Group, Blue Bayou, Blue Moon, Blue Christmas, the little blue guy from Eiffel 65’s 1998 hit “I’m Blue (Da Ba Dee)”.
Sure it has something to do with the mood associated with the colour, and the cathartic effect found in losing oneself in sound. But maybe there is some kind of cosmic connection between the colour, our moods and our music. I don’t know.
What I do know is that yesterday – the third Monday of January – is traditionally referred to as “Blue Monday” and historically this week is associated with more depression, sadness and lonely feeling than any other time of the year. There are reasons for that I won’t get into, and some of the origins of the concept are a little suspect, but for many of us it doesn’t change the fact that this can be a tough season – particularly in pandemic times.
This weekend coming up would have been the fifth annual Beat the Blues party for the Whistling Duck Music community. Getting together with brave souls and good music – lots of laughter and fellowship around song – has been a boost to everybody since 2017. Obviously we can’t get together right now as we would normally do, but we’re going to keep the party going virtually.
This Saturday, January 23rd, 2021, join us for a virtual open mic. I encourage everybody to play – although I know for many it feels safer to get up with a group the way we normally would be able to. But come, be encouraged and encourage someone else. All are welcome, whether you play or not. Email me (contact at the top of the page) for the join link.
Stay safe, stay well. Reach out if your blues turn to a darker shade and you need a hand up. And even while the days get lighter a minute at a time, we are still able to cheer each other on. Shine on, Friends. See you Saturday.
