Raphael Saadiq, Lee Fields, BJ The Chicago Kid Meaning of Soul E&J Square
Once again Raphael Saadiq, BJ The Chicago Kid, and Lee Fields have come together four a tableside summit in the name of soul. The three highly-accomplished vocalists discuss Elvis, Booker T, and the issue of presumed racial divisions within the genre, and their conversation ultimately becomes an enlightening exchange--this is without a doubt the best of the "Generations of Soul" videos, which are presented by E&J Brandy. "Soul music in the beginning was applied efforts on blacks and whites," Fields notes in the clip's opening seconds. The bands of Motown and Stax records both get cited as integrated groups that made soul possible in its nascent 50s and 60s years, and Saadiq beams as he recalls the moment in which he learned the bassline from The Staple Singers' classic "I'll Take You There," was laid down by a young white kid from Muscle Shaols, Alabama.
From BJ The Chicago kid's memories of watching old Marvin Gaye CDs to Fields's simple but crucial call for racial harmony across the globe, the new "Music is Colorless" clip is a refreshing call for cool heads and cooperation from, yes, multiple generations of soul. Curious parties should review part 1 and part 2 in E&J's series, and we all could benefit from taking these musicians' words to heart. Okayplayer is very proud to premiere the brand new video of Lee Fields, Raphael Saadiq, and BJ The Chicago Kid in conversation--watch it below.
