On Repeat Vol o1: ‘I Am The Moon

I can’t say enough about this album, yet it feels like anything I do say would never be enough.

With its release last summer, this album spoke the words I could never say, and gave such a warm and forgiving hug that just said “It’ll all be alright.”

Over the past few months and into this summer, it only continues to speak volumes about the human experience, about love, and about grief. Considering it is based on the poem “Layla & Majnun”, an ancient Arab poem from the 7th century, the poem speaks to generations and generations of feelings that have not changed in thousands of years. To be human is eternal, and it’s within our nature to feel love and whatever joy, happiness, harmony, grief, pain, fear, and anxiety that may bring. The poem speaks of lovers Layla and Qays, who are in love since childhood but are not allowed to unite. “Majnun” refers to Qays and is translated to “possessed”, and describes Qays as Layla is married off to another and Majnun becomes a hermit, devoting himself to writing verses about his profound love of Layla.

The poem surfaced in pop culture with “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs” by Derek and the Dominos released in 1970, which long stood the test of time as my favorite album for years until this album, “I Am The Moon” was released. “I Am The Moon” took the themes of “Layla”, revisited the source material, and explored new meanings in the story and connections with the current state of humanity.

“Fall In” reminds me of what matters. We’re all in this together and to survive as a species and in harmony with nature, all of us need to join together without hindrance or fear.

“Pasaquan” is pure fire, 10,000 degrees and only burning hotter. Every time I hear this song, I feel like I am running a race, at full speed, adrenaline pumping my heart rate faster and faster and faster.

“I Can Feel You Smiling” is a reminder of the beyond and those who are no longer with us, yet are always around us, every single moment. This song never fails to bring a tear to my eye for my departed grandfather.

“Hear My Dear” and “I Am The Moon” constantly border on too painful to listen to and too beautiful to listen to. If I’m gonna hear these ones, you gotta give me a day to decompress.

“None Above” longingly asks the questions I can’t, for I choke up each time I try to ask them myself.

“Soul Sweet Song” also speaks to the departed and serves as a reminder to connect with nature around us, for the ones we love who are passed beyond this lifetime sit in the sun, in the trees, in the birds, and in the leaves.

I could speak to more, but I believe you should just go listen to it… enough of me chattering…

PS… Derek and Susan, if you’re reading, I would love to photograph a show! Let’s get in touch!