Vernon Reid: A Musical Journey of Influence and Inspiration
Vernon Reid, the guitarist of Living Colour, shares his musical influences and experiences that have shaped his career. His eclectic taste in music is evident in his new album, Hoodoo Telemetry, which showcases his diverse musical background and influences.
Growing up with parents from the West Indies, Vernon's musical journey began with calypso music. However, it was The Beatles that left a lasting impression on him, inspiring artists to push boundaries and evolve creatively.
One of Vernon's pivotal moments was hearing Earth, Wind & Fire's "Evil" at a high school assembly, sparking a mix of terror and thrill that fueled his passion for music. Another transformative album for him was John Coltrane's "My Favorite Things," which introduced him to the power of improvisation and emotional expression in music.
Attending a festival in 1980 and witnessing Muddy Waters perform live with James Cotton and Pinetop Perkins left a profound impact on Vernon, connecting him to the rich history of blues music. He also recalls the emotional experience of attending Black Sabbath's final concert and feeling the collective energy of the crowd singing along to "War Pigs."
Vernon admires artists like Curtis Mayfield, Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, and Aretha Franklin for their ability to convey raw emotion and social commentary through their music. He credits these artists for influencing his own musical style and approach to songwriting.
Reflecting on Living Colour's albums, Vernon highlights the enduring relevance of "Time's Up" and the joy of creating "Vivid" with the band. He also praises Black Sabbath's "War Pigs" as a powerful anti-war anthem that resonates with listeners to this day.
In addition to his profound musical influences, Vernon also appreciates lighter, humorous tracks like Digital Underground's "Humpty Dance" and poignant songs like Curtis Mayfield's "We People Who Are Darker Than Blue." These songs showcase the breadth of his musical tastes and inspirations.
Vernon Reid's latest album, Hoodoo Telemetry, is a testament to his diverse musical journey and influences, reflecting his passion for pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds.