REVIEW: Skip Martin — People Get Ready (SINGLE)
To say that there is power in numbers is an understatement, especially when it comes to music. In the spiritually-moving song “People Get Ready” from an all-star ‘cast’ of artists and singers at the behest of Grammy- winning singer and trumpeter Skip Martin, the joy and immense love outpouring within the words and rousing music bed creates a powerful statement. Much like the way the listeners gleaned goose pimples from such stunning vocal performances as Whitney Houston’s “Star Spangled Banner” rendition or Michael Jackson had us stopped in our tracks with “Man In the Mirror”, “People Get Ready” collectively translates hope.
FACEBOOK: https://www.skipmartinmusic.com/
Martin (The Dazz Band, Kool &The Gang) called out for his fellow artists to contribute to a song in which all proceeds would benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Those answering the call and lending their talents to “People Get Ready” include Grammy nominee Reggie Calloway (Midnight Star), Kevin Chalfant (Journey, The Storm), Grammy nominee Taylor Dayne, Grammy Award winner John Elefante (Kansas), hip hop legend Doug E Fresh, country music legend Neal McCoy and multiple-Grammy winning icon, Stevie Wonder. These are just a few of the artists, there are many more. “People Get Ready” was written and first recorded by Curtis Mayfield in 1964.
This song is empowering and the fact that Martin Luther King, Jr. chose it as the unofficial anthem for the civil rights movement should and is a clear indication of the way “People Get Ready” moves listeners. Martin’s version changes the landscape. This is a song that is timeless not only because of its messaging and lyrics, but because of the way it makes the listener feel like they are a part of something. True it has spiritual leanings, but I dare anyone to hear these voices and not feel like they are blessed by a higher power. You don’t need no baggage, you just get on board, are a few of my favorite lyrical lines. We all carry memories and heartache or biases — leave those at the door. Everyone is welcome on this train. When Wonder plays the harmonica — I knew it was instantly him. His playing style is sewn into the fabric of music, and it elevates the song even more. The essence of this song is freeing, light-hearted. You can really hear and feel that in Wonder’s harmonica. I heard other instruments, of course, like the piano and a steady beat, but it’s the harmonica that made the song for me.
AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/People-Get-Ready/dp/B082FXM9FG
The last few seconds of the song, ends in all the voices blended into one. I can’t think of a more fitting, and more riveting ending. Not only does it linger, as if the reverb of their voices carries on-and-on, but it makes you realize that so much is achieved when voices like these work together and mold together. It’s absolutely beautiful. In many ways, it’s like the train they are singing about is moving forward, chugging along, but their voices remain. Isn’t that life — some of us might be stuck at the same station or depot. It’s time to get going and lend a hand to someone that needs help — get on board with “People Get Ready”.
Colin Jordan
