love | Don't Forget the Gloss

Every time I get to see my parents is a blessing for me. They lift my mood. They give me that love and rejuvenation that my spirit needs to go back out there in this crazy world to do what I have to do. It was such a joy to be able to meet up with them on a week night to enjoy a musician we all listened to as I was growing up. I’ve written about Anita Baker as part of the soundtrack to my life. You can read it here if you like! David Sanborn was another part of that soundtrack. It was so nice to go back down memory lane with my parents while we sat there and listened to him play. I still listen to this guy on a regular basis. He takes me back to my “happy place.” There was nothing better in that moment than hear him play live with the loves of my life right next to me. We should do more date nights Mom & Dad!!

David Sanborn doing his thing!

The Rich Santana Band opened up for David Sanborn. This band was sooooooo good! I need to see them again!

On a whole other topic…..these drums!!! I will dance to the beat of my own blinged out drum someday with a set that looks just like this one!

I believe everyone has a soundtrack to their lives. You can hear a song and your mind goes to that place. You know where you were, who was there, what was happening at the time and the emotion you felt. Well, Anita Baker does that for me. I listen to this lady on a regular. Her music takes me back to a happy time. It’s like 1985, my dad is firing up the smoker for a family BBQ, my Aunties, Uncles, and cousins are going to all come over and we are going to have the best time. Everyone was young and vibrant, everyone was happy and most importantly, everyone was there…..together. I have been trying to see her for years now but no one ever cared enough to go see her with me. Not even my parents who are the ones who use to play her out and is now the reason why she is so much a part of my soundtrack of life! Anyway, I heard she was going to be in town and I was like….”Even if I have to go alone, I am going to go see Anita Baker!” Well ladies n gents! The day arrived yesterday! Luckily, I did not have to go alone. I had my bestie at my side and she appreciates Anita Baker just as much as I do! As we sat there waiting for her, I started to reminisce and I got so emotional. Gone are the days I was thinking to myself. Everyone is older now and off doing their own thing, some aren’t here with us anymore and a sadness came over me. Kind of like an acceptance that I will never have those type of days back because so much has changed.

As soon as she hit the stage instant magic began. This lady still has it! Her voice sounds exactly the same. She still has a pep in her step and she played all of the songs that I wanted and needed to hear her sing. It was like a blast to my past. I even shed a few tears. I just love how music can take you to that place deep down in your soul and comfort you.

A few added bonuses were surprise appearances by the lovely Tamia, (why she isn’t bigger than she is I’ll never understand) and Ms. Lalah Hathaway! Last but not least Esperanza Spalding opened up. I never heard of her before I told a friend that she was opening up for Anita Baker but since then, she is all I hear about. Esperanza Spalding was awesome!! She has a new found fan.