Joy Guidry has always linked music – and creativity overall – with elevated emotions. She is someone who experiences feelings profoundly, and through her songwriting, she seeks to engage people with emotions that are often difficult to articulate, let alone define.
Her album ‘5 Prayers’, which has just been released, occupies a space that blends Black classical music, contemporary European styles, alt-soul, jazz, and more.
In her sleeve notes, she expresses: “The listener of these prayers can find the strength to become a prayer itself—fleeting yet defined by the force of its insistence in seeking the sanctuary of what could always be.”
Offering solace to troubled minds, ‘5 Prayers’ provides beautiful listening—Clash asked Joy Guidry to share seven songs that inspired her during its creation.
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Esperanza Spalding – ‘Touch in Mine (Fingers)’
This track cools my body on a warm day. It resembles those initial moments when the effects of a substance hit, and everything that grazes my skin feels euphoric.
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Laraaji – ‘I Am Sky’
Laraaji’s music has been a staple in my life for many years, and this was the first piece of his I ever heard. I believe this song will play in the background when I transition to the next realm.
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Volta Jazz – ‘Djougou Toro’
I came across this track while exploring the links between Black American blues and gospel and their roots in West Africa. This song, along with its recording style, brings back beautiful memories of enjoying music with my grandparents in Houston and Louisiana.
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Cleo Sol – ‘Things Will Get Better’
Cleo Sol has provided the soundtrack to my life over the past couple of years. This particular song has helped me navigate through some very challenging nights.
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Getatchew Mekurya – ‘Muziqa heywete’
Since watching the film The Nickel Boys, I’ve become obsessed with this song, which has served as a lovely introduction to Ethiopian jazz for me.
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Alice Coltrane – ‘Going Home’
If there were one artist who could be deemed my greatest inspiration, it would be Alice Coltrane. This piece expands my mind and spirit in ways I have never experienced before. The personal moments with the harp, contrasted with the strings and organ, make me feel as if I am leaving Earth every time I hear this song.
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Yazmin Lacey – ‘Sun Is Ours’
This song has been my go-to after a heartbreak or when something hasn’t worked out. It reminds me that there’s always hope and more to life than the difficulties I’m facing in the moment.
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‘5 Prayers’ is now available.
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Joy Guidry has consistently linked music, and creativity in a broader sense, with elevated emotions. She is a person who experiences feelings profoundly, and regarding her...