«Walks-Between» (A Spotify Playlist)
Once, while parked in front of the post office in San Juan, Puerto Rico, I heard “Angelitos Negros” on the radio, sung by Eartha Kitt.
The music transported me to another place—justified by the sublime vibration of Eartha’s voice and also the dream-like music. Right now, I also think of the movie Beetlejuice, how “Jump In the Line” by Harry Belafonte plays over the end credits, stopping time with its sound somewhere between dimensions…the music with its subtle supernatural drive and masterful balance of layers, sound textures, and reverberation…Harry’s voice leading the way with verve, masterful command and punctuation.
In that spirit goes this playlist, comprised of 8 songs totaling 23 minutes, including Harry Belafonte, Yma Sumac, Rosemary Clooney with Pérez Prado, La Lupe, Josephine Baker with Lecuona Cuban Boys, Eartha, Mina, and Iris Chacón.
A playlist as ethereal microfiche…a record of mystical moments.
The photo was taken by the barn at the Sowinskis’ during last summer’s visit. I am holding Karen’s dear Miss Houdini, and wearing a renaissance-style shirt…a gift from Dominic.
