By Debbie Edwards

A band can be described as a group of musicians who play various instruments, percussion, wind, brass, or strings, in one united chord. Each of the instruments is different; unique in sound and appearance, yet together, they combine to make beautiful music, a melody that can stir the soul and arouse to action. We dance, we sing along, we remember the good times that we had when we hear our favorite songs, or they may be a marker to a particular event in our lives. Nevertheless, music is powerful, arousing us to differing emotions and action.

As I sat in the audience for the Michael McDonald & Boz Scaggs concert at The Joint in Tulsa Oklahoma recently, my body swaying to groves of yesteryear, excited that I had finally gotten to see two of my favorite artists, I heard so much more than my favorite tunes. I attempted to sing along to “What a Fool Believes”, and even tried to hit the high notes to “On My Own”, but was quickly reminded by my love, Bradley, that I didn’t have the right pitch. Yes, while it was best that I resign myself to the fact that lip syncing was indeed my best friend, this night was about much more than my singing off tune or finally realizing a teenage dream, this night was full circle of the realization of the beauty in unison and diversity.

Michael McDonald and his band were absolutely amazing. Absolutely! But the lesson in humanity, humility, appreciation, and acceptance of our fellow man was just as beautiful as the music was. He took a break and personally thanked everyone from those who worked behind the scenes at The Joint to a sincere appreciation of everyone who sang in his band. And as the music started again, the drums pounding, the guitars winding, the brass instruments in unison with the keyboards and the cool, crisp, soulful sound of that voice….. I thought to myself, those instruments sure lift spirits when they play together. The drums are powerful, but beautiful when combined with the guitar. Isn’t it the same when it comes to people? Different sounding, different backgrounds, different in appearance, and yet, when we come together and dignify one another, appreciate one another, embrace one another, what beautiful music we can make together. When we play in harmony and rhythmically together, doesn’t it stir everyone’s soul?

I appreciated Michael McDonald’s brief commentary as to the state of affairs that we are currently experiencing with the upcoming elections. His candid statements that we have all worked together to build this country to its current state and that we don’t want to set it back decades resonated strongly with me. And as Michael McDonald concluded with “Takin’ It To The Streets”, and I reflected on the lyrics “you don’t know me, but I’m your brother”, I thought to myself, isn’t this what it’s all about? We are all brothers and sisters, making our way through this world, and music is the great uniter of us.

But the night was not yet over, and Boz Scaggs did not disappoint. One would think that time either froze or the audience managed to travel back in it, as Boz defied decades as he sang songs from the era of the 8 track tape. The deciding factor that Boz defied decades was the soulful sound of Ms. Monet. Her solo literally sent chills through my spine, and from the reaction of the audience, I was not alone.

Regardless of the label that is put on a particular brand of music, whether we are getting “Lowdown” with the smooth sounds of Boz Scaggs, are reminiscing of a love lost in “Georgia”, a beautiful, melodic sound can waltz us through life if we grasp its daily messages. There is nothing more stirring, more pleasing, more satisfying than working in harmony, side by side, with different voices singing the same tune. We, collectively, have embraced the different sounds of instruments in a band, we appreciate the different instruments and ranges of voices. Our foot taps a little harder when the conga drums play or we may shake our hips rhythmically to the sounds of the tambourine. Those variations are pleasing to us, and give songs that little extra spice that it need to resonate with us. The same should be true with life. The same should be true with people.