[Suki]

Yujike, you are definitely a man who knows how to describe someone in great detail with a few words only. Your mother's personality came out with the few things you mentioned about her.

The old songs are beautiful aren't they? What I like about the music scene in Puerto Rico is that it continues to evolve and create new and exciting themes and trends. Yet, it retains its strengths. If one understands Puerto Rico deeply one realizes we are a very musical nation. Culturally we are. There is music in many human societies all over the world. That is true. But, that they are as consistently musical and produce the sheer amount of musicians the island has over time is a testiment to Puerto Rico's commitment as a culture, to music as an art form. Before many Puerto Ricans attended public school in consistent numbers, Puerto Ricans have ALWAYS since before Columbus---before the clash of the two worlds---has been a musical nation. And it will remain so.

Do you know Yujike what I liked the most about you from your writings? I liked your deep and abiding sense of love for your culture, your language, your music, your childhood sweetheart wife, your father and mother and family. And for refusing to conform or to accept that which maybe you have been taught to be the 'correct' course. Some people have lives that have been filled with strong and permanent relationships that are rich and provide a lot of depth in a sense of belonging. And I read just a few of those things from you Yujike over the years. And I knew you had an irreverant and artistic bent somewhere. I LIKED IT from the very very beginning.

Do you remember this song? Se llama "Como Fue?"----no se decirte como fue, no se explicarte la razon pero de ti me enamore.....? Do you remember that one. That is the great songwriting and content that makes the old songs so beautiful. Do you not agree with me?

And even more 'commercial' and more modern singers like Luis Miguel tap into those old songs. Because the newer compositions are less poetic and less 'simple' in the purity of the song's intent. It is more contrived. As technology has made it possible to filter music and refine it---it has lost its more live and immediate qualities. That which makes listening to a lovely old song---a communal and enriching and very human experience.

YouTube - Como fue -Luis Miguel

I love this video of Ibrahim Ferrer and Omara Portuondo from the BVSC...singing an old Rafael Hernandez tune....."SILENCIO" it is so beautiful.

YouTube - Ibrahim Ferrer y Omara Portuondo - Silencio