I’ve been thinking about doing a series regarding my thoughts on culture and context, and how they often relate to categories, boxes, genres. Whatever you want to call that often leads to separation. Differences… yes we all have them, that’s what makes us unique but at the same time as part of a family there is an unmistakeable bond between brother, sister, mother, father, aunt, uncle, cousin, grandma, grandpa and on and on. The point of these short commentaries is to point out the root, the common ground, the kinship.
In this clip we see two of the most fantastic dancers of the 20th Century: James Brown and Sammy Davis Jr. each bringing their own unique style and swing to their respective steps, yet the approach and rhythm emanate from the same root. That is undeniable. These are brothers and branches from The Same Tree.
Ivan Orr is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, performer, and writer. A native of Charlottesville, Virginia Ivan was involved with the forming and nascent days of The Music Resource Center as its first Program Director. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Music, Ivan currently resides in Richmond, VA where he maintains an active performance and production schedule while serving as the Music Editor for Grown Folks Music, a position he has held since 2010.
