Soft jazz · Listening · Personal reflection

Why I Love Music
The Soundtrack to Different Moods

I love music. Not one kind of music. Music.

Music for the Moment

What I play depends on my mood. When I want to reflect, it's gospel, every time. That deserves its own story, so I'll save it for another day.

When I'm working, or just want to be in my own head, it's jazz. And when I want to move, it's the beats coming out of Africa, especially Nigeria. My leg starts tapping, my head starts nodding, and my fingers drum on the table or on my knee.

I'm not a musician. I can't tell you what key a song is in or why a rhythm works. I just know when it does.

Jazz Comes Closest

That's why I've never been able to name a favourite genre. Jazz comes closest.

Joe Sample, Sadao Watanabe and Spyro Gyra have stayed with me over the years. So have Kenny G's Silhouette, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum and the Brazilian sound of Sergio Mendes.

I recognise the names when I hear them, but I've never chased them. I've never had one artist I'd go crazy over—not growing up, and not now. I'm not the starstruck type. I just like the jazz that appeals to me, and what appeals to me changes with how I feel that day.

The right track makes me smile. Actually smile. Or nod along without thinking about it.

Let the Music Run

Streaming has made this easy. Spotify and YouTube are my go-to choices. Some days I type “soft jazz” and let it run. Other days I want something with more beat, and that's how I find artists like Xylaa, Teledalase and King Udofia, plus plenty more I've already forgotten.

I don't mind. I don't need to remember who made a song to remember how it made me feel.

Press Play

The next time you need a change of pace, choose the mood first, press play and give the music room to meet you there.

What kind of music meets you where you are?