Turning Veterans' Dreams Into Music
Pianist Vijay Iyer and poet Mike Ladd delve into the minds of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Jazz pianist Vijay Iyer performs in the Soundcheck studio.
(Michael Katzif/WNYC)
At the heart of the latest collaboration between pianist Vijay Iyer and poet Mike Ladd are dreams -- actual dreams experienced and retold by veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. Holding It Down: The Veterans’ Dreams Project, turns these fantastical and often horrific accounts into music and spoken word -- which we got to hear live when the ensemble behind the project joined us in the studio. Along with Iyer and Ladd, poet and Iraq War veteran Maurice Decaul discusses the impact of modern-day warfare on the psyche and the decision to focus on veterans of color for this project.
Set List:
- "Derelict Poetry," by Maurice Decaul and Vijay Iyer
- "My Fire" by Mike Ladd and Vijay Iyer
- "Shush" by Maurice Decaul and Vijay Iyer
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Comments [1]
Please pass this along to Maurice Decaul and any vets he would like to share it with - there is an amazing de-stress technique discovered/developed by Tapas Fleming, an LA acupuncturist - no re-traumatizing necessary and brilliant for anyone - no PTSD diagnosis required - though I do have one and can attest personally to its efficacy - very simple, can be done on one's own but she does webinars for combat and any other stress. Her website is TATlife.com. Simple and brilliant. Check it out! (I have nothing to gain from this...)
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