©Lisa Anselmo

Music Monday is here!

I think I’m homesick. Maybe it’s because I’m far from family during a very uneasy time. Maybe because I’m talking to all my friends back home every day. Recently, a friend posted on Facebook a list of the music he was listening to during confinement, and on the list was a Bluegrass band. I’d forgotten Bluegrass existed—and how much I loved it. I searched for the band on Youtube, hit play, and memories poured out of my speakers. Memories of America long forgotten.

Bluegrass is classic Americana, a rich part of our heritage. With so much negative press about (and in) America right now, we can easily forget to celebrate our history and culture, our unique contributions to music, art, food culture, innovation. I listened to that Bluegrass and felt proud.

I downloaded bunches more, letting the sounds of my homeland fill my French neighbors’ ears, the down-home twang and rhythm play off the buildings on my Parisian street. My mood shifted, brighter and brighter with each toe-tapping tune. The music swaddled me and carried me home again.

Today, I’m nodding to our great Bluegrass heritage with my own take on “A Man of Constant Sorrow.” I made it in one take, and it’s a departure from what you’re used to from me, but I thoroughly enjoyed the journey back to my days playing in bands. Enjoy.

A Lass of Constant Sorrow. Vocals by Lisa Anselmo, guitar by Norman Blake.

Get caught up on my diary, here.

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On today’s bookshelf

Audiobook narrated by Yours Truly. 4.5 stars on Amazon. Click book to buy.