dizzy gillespie – NeverSkurred's Mind Infection

Before I was a choreographer/director/producer/writer/humorist/mover/shaker/upstart, I wanted to be a musician.

I had dreams of being a classical clarinetist in a major metropolitan orchestra. I was pretty good except for one thing….I SUCK at theory. I just do. Luckily, I still have my passion and ear for music. That passion and ear have contributed to most if not all of my artistic work…whether or not music was even present. Ask my dancers about the way I count rhythms!

Below, I have compiled a list of my top musical influences in no particular order. To those that know me, many of these will not be surprising..or will they?

Each of them have a place in the original composition that is the soundtrack of my life!

1) Bobby McFerrin – Now, before you say it…“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” (1988) isn’t even the TIP of the McFerrin iceberg! This one-man orchestra sublimely embodies (envoices?) jazz, pop, classical, American and African-American traditional music with a style, flair and precision that is truly one of a kind. In fact, he might be the only musician who is orchestra AND maestro!

*for example* ”Circlesong 1″ from the album “Circlesongs” (1997)

2) Prince – Oh, the genius of The Purple One! Prince has been a hit factory since “I Wanna Be Your Lover” (1979.) Hell, the soundtrack to “Purple Rain” (1984) alone taught a whole generation to “just go crazy.” We also learned to avoid girls named Nikki who masturbate with magazines in hotel lobbies…but that’s another conversation entirely!

He taught himself an orchestra’s worth of instruments and mastered almost all of them. The real reason he has a band is because even HE can’t play everything at the same time alone onstage…though I bet he’s tried! He has a MASSIVE discography (tee hee) that I own in several formats!

In short…Prince is ~~fucking~~ simply AMAZEBALLS!!!

*for example* “The Everlasting Now” from the album “The Rainbow Children” (2001)

3) Meshell Ndegeocello – This woman is everything! Bangin’ ass bassist, composer, singer, poet, activist…yes, mama! Her discography takes us through the themes of racial identity, black love, homophobia, religion, love and heartbreak! And that’s still just scratching the surface. Her blending of soul, funk, rock and r&b mixed with a touch of the classical make this velvet voiced diva a force to be reckoned with!

*for example* “Outside Your Door” from the album “Plantation Lullabies” (1993)

4) Roni Size – The man who made Drum n’ Bass that much cooler! His funky compositions are in turns bouncy, arrogant, sexy, triumphant or mixtures of all the above. His remixes for artists ranging from The WuTang Clan’s Method Man to Janet Jackson open up new possibilities for entire musical genres. I find it impossible to sit still when a Size track is playing!

*for example* “Let’s Get It On” from the album “New Forms” (1997)

5) Armand Van Helden – When I think of house music, I think of Armand Van Helden. From voguing in the clubs to my choreography on the stage, Armand’s beats were there. His infectious grooves get under your skin, tickling your soul! His remixes for artists like Tori Amos, The Sneaker Pimps and Britney Spears made him a household name. His discography is perfect for a good head nodding session!