Witchcraft, oracles, and magic have long been integral parts of Azandr culture. The Azandr people believe in the presence of supernatural beings and forces that can be harnessed and utilized for their benefit. Witchcraft is seen as a powerful tool that enables individuals to connect with these forces and manipulate them to achieve desired outcomes. Within the Azandr community, certain individuals possess inherent witchcraft abilities and are revered as witches or sorcerers. These individuals are considered to have a deep understanding of the spirit world and are sought after for their abilities to communicate with spirits and the deceased. They are believed to have the power to heal, protect, and bring fortune to individuals or communities.
Jim Clash: What made you focus on harp rather than say, trumpet or sax?
The duo released a unique remake of James Brown s Papa s Got A Brand New Bag and later this month will tour on the Legendary Rhythm Blues Cruise with acts including Buddy Guy and Allen Toussaint. If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we ll take care of it shortly.
They are believed to have the power to heal, protect, and bring fortune to individuals or communities. Divination is another key aspect of Azandr witchcraft. The Azandr consult oracles to gain insight into the future or to seek guidance in making important decisions.
J. Geils Harp Legend 'Magic Dick' On Why He Never Lost His Magic
Dick Salwitz, known internationally to music fans as Magic Dick, is one of the most celebrated harmonica players of modern time. He just finished touring with his mates from The J. Geils Band, rocking crowds with favorites like Centerfold, a No. 1 hit from the early 1980s, and Whammer Jammer, a tune which features a blistering Salwitz on harp.
Salwitz also performs a more unplugged kind of live gig with celebrated acoustic guitarist Shun Ng, 25 (www.shunng.com). The duo released a unique remake of James Brown's Papa's Got A Brand New Bag and later this month will tour on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise with acts including Buddy Guy and Allen Toussaint.
I recently posed a series of questions to Salwitz, now 70, about his career. Sarcastic humor is evident in his responses, as is an ongoing passion for his craft.
Jim Clash: What made you focus on harp rather than say, trumpet or sax?
Dick Salwitz: I love the unique sound of the harp and how it can mimic the expression and tonal palette of both the sax and the trumpet, and the voice. Ever since beginning to play the trumpet at nine years old, I've been interested in all the horns. But the fact that you can engulf the harp and the microphone with your hands and shape its tone is the reason for my focus on it. It's become a sonic and tactile fixation, yielding a mental universe of associations of shapes and tones. Put simply, it makes me happy!
Dick Salwitz (aka "Magic Dick", left) still tours with J. Geils Band, but he also plays a . [+] stripped-down format with acoustic guitarist Shun Ng. (Photo courtesy of Dick Salwitz)
JC: A Rolling Stone critic once called you the "best white musician to play blues harmonica."
DS: I've always found that listening to such pronouncements takes me off my game. It is better to seriously address my own criticisms of my playing. I am my daily critic and coach.
JC: What did you think of Cream's late Jack Bruce as a harp player?
DS: I really liked Jack Bruce's bass playing and vocals. He was a competent harp player, but he did not influence my harp playing.
JC: How about a crazy story from the old J. Geils touring days?
DS: One Halloween in the early '70's somewhere in Canada, we thought we'd have some fun when we came out on stage to start our show. Our drummer, Stephen Jo Bladd, had a gorilla mask on and the rest of us had on old-man masks. We figured this would get a great laugh. We were met with silence.
JC: Contrast an acoustic performance with Shun Ng to one of The J. Geils Band.
DS: The musical experience with Shun Ng is very fresh, exciting and challenging. Each day we get together brings so much spontaneous playing and new ideas. With The J. Geils Band, my musical role is more narrowly defined.
JC: Do you watch America's Got Talent and such shows, and what do you think of them?
DS: Talent is everywhere. As a harp player, I don't have time to spend this way. Maybe I should watch these.
JC: Your advice to young aspiring musicians?
DS: Listen, and practice all the time. Do whatever it takes to stay strongly attracted to playing the harp. Be honestly critical. Use your imagination to advance your technique and improve your sound.
JC: Do you ever get tired of playing Whammer Jammer? How many times do you think you've played it?
DS: It's a constant source of stress, but it helps to keep my playing honed. I've performed it at every show I've played. My guess would be thousands of times not counting my own practicing. I still love it, and I'm working on improving it!
JC: Your best experience playing with an old-time blues musician?
DS: Jamming with John Lee Hooker was especially thrilling. This was around 1970 in Boston at a club called the Jazz Workshop. John Lee played mostly on one chord and, when he did change, it was not according to a standard formula like a lot of blues. This made accompanying him more difficult. One of the hallmarks of a great player is to be able to continually invent without relying on chord changes to carry interest. This is something I'm still working on.
JC: You have an interest in physics. Do you keep up with what's happening in the field?
DS: My interest in physics is cosmology and quantum mechanics. I'm grateful for a never-ending attraction to these matters. The connectedness of all things physical and spiritual is astounding.
DS: My interest in physics is cosmology and quantum mechanics. I'm grateful for a never-ending attraction to these matters. The connectedness of all things physical and spiritual is astounding.
Oracles can take different forms, including the interpretation of dreams, the reading of natural signs, or the use of specific objects such as bones or cards. The oracles are believed to possess the ability to channel the spirits and communicate messages and warnings. Magic, in the Azandr context, involves using rituals and spells to manipulate supernatural forces for specific purposes. This can include love spells, protection spells, or curses. Magic is seen as a way to influence events and to gain an advantage in various aspects of life. It is believed that through the proper use of rituals, spells, and incantations, people can harness the power of the spirits and bend them to their will. However, witchcraft and magic in Azandr society are not without their risks. Due to the potential for manipulation and misuse of power, there exist taboos and regulations surrounding the practice of witchcraft. Individuals who abuse their powers or cause harm to others through witchcraft can face severe consequences, including being ostracized from the community or subjected to physical punishment. Despite the risks and potentially negative connotations associated with witchcraft, oracles, and magic, they remain important elements of Azandr culture. They provide a sense of connection to the spiritual world and offer hope and guidance to individuals seeking answers or assistance. Witchcraft and magic continue to play a significant role in shaping the beliefs, practices, and traditions of the Azandr people..
Reviews for "Azandr witchcraft: A unique blend of ancient ritual and modern practices"
1. John - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really excited to read "Witchcraft Oracles and Magic Among the Azandr" after hearing so many great things about it, but I was ultimately disappointed. The book lacked clear organization and structure, making it difficult to follow along with the author's arguments and ideas. It felt like a mishmash of random information without a coherent narrative. Additionally, I found the writing style to be dry and overly academic, which made it even harder to stay engaged. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive and well-written exploration of witchcraft and magic among the Azandr.
2. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
While "Witchcraft Oracles and Magic Among the Azandr" promised to delve into the fascinating world of Azandrian magic, I found the book to be quite underwhelming. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their own knowledge and expertise rather than providing an engaging and informative read. The writing was filled with unnecessary jargon and overly complicated explanations, making it difficult for someone unfamiliar with the subject to grasp the concepts. Additionally, the lack of real-life examples and personal anecdotes made the content feel dry and detached. Overall, I feel like there are better books out there that offer a more accessible and engaging exploration of witchcraft and magic.
3. Emily - ★☆☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "Witchcraft Oracles and Magic Among the Azandr," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The book lacked depth and failed to offer any new insights or perspectives on the subject matter. It felt like a regurgitation of basic information that can be easily found in other introductory books on witchcraft and magic. The writing style was also quite dull and uninspiring, making it hard to stay engaged and interested. I was left wanting more substance and originality from this book.