#MorningMusic with Nicholai Joaquin
#MorningMusic with Nicholai Joaquin
Director of Artistic Operations Nicholai Joaquin shares what songs motivate him to keep chasing rainbows. Listen to his playlist here and read his thoughts on his selections below.
Song: “Over the Rainbow”
Performer: Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
Album: Alone In Iz World
"Many people know that ‘aloha’ means both ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’. But it also translates to ‘love’, ‘compassion’, and ‘peace’.
Growing up in Hawaiʻi, I was raised to embrace the ‘aloha spirit’. And no one embodies that feeling more than Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (or ‘Bruddah Iz’, as local residents affectionately call him).
His iconic recording of ‘Over the Rainbow’ perfectly captures this island sensibility. Whenever I hear it, I’m instantly transported back home."
Song: “A Whole New World” from Aladdin (Alan Menken & Tim Rice)
Performers: Lea Salonga, Brad Kane
Album: Aladdin Soundtrack
"My earliest memories were set to Alan Menken’s music, specifically the songs that he composed for Disney’s animated films. And now that I’m staying safe at home, I find myself returning to these movies as a source of comfort.
As a Filipino American, there’s an extra special place in my heart for Aladdin, since it featured Lea Salonga singing ‘A Whole New World’.
(And just like in a Disney movie, one of my childhood dreams ultimately came true. In 2018, I produced The New York Pops’ gala concert honoring Mr. Menken, which featured the 8-time Oscar winner himself performing ‘A Whole New World’ at Carnegie Hall.)"
Song: “Over My Head I Hear Music in the Air”
Performer: Kathleen Battle
Album: Kathleen Battle at Carnegie Hall
"Ms. Battle was one of the reigning operatic sopranos of the 20th century. To this day, she uses her platform to celebrate her African American heritage. Most famously, in 1990 she collaborated with fellow diva Jessye Norman on an entire concert of spirituals at Carnegie Hall.
When Ms. Battle returned for a solo recital at the famed venue in 1991, she programmed an a cappella rendition of the hymn ‘Over My Head I Hear Music in the Air’. Fortunately for us, that evening was recorded for posterity, winning Ms. Battle her fourth Grammy Award.
I first heard this track during a music history class at New York University, and it has stayed with me ever since."
Song: “Dog Days Are Over”
Performer: Florence + The Machine
Album: Lungs
"When I first heard this recording, I was immediately drawn to Florence Welch’s ethereal voice and the band’s pulsating arrangement.
But during this year’s Lunar New Year festivities, I saw performance artist Dynasty re-interpret this song as a celebration of Asian American resilience (a virtue that takes on particularly powerful resonance in these challenging times).
The song’s lyrics now take on a deeper meaning for me, inspiring me to keep moving forward until the dog days truly are over:
Run fast for your mother, run fast for your father /
Run for your children for your sisters and brothers /
Leave all your love and your longing behind you /
Can't carry it with you if you want to survive"
Song: “Good As Hell”
Performer: Lizzo
Album: Coconut Oil
"Though this song has seen a resurgence over the past year, it first appeared on Lizzo’s 2016 EP Coconut Oil.
During moments of extreme hardship, sometimes the most productive thing we can do is be kinder to ourselves. All hail Queen Lizzo for reminding us of that!"
Header photo by Richard Termine.