Arthur Goodridge, whose parents are from Barbados, integrates music from his black heritage with European, Latino and Asian influences, creating a ‘World Music’ sound.
In speaking about the genesis of his music, Arthur says:
“When I was very young, studying saxophone, I studied jazz, and played in a dance band. I was influenced by Ellington, Basie, Herman, etc. But I was also studying classical music and was interested in the French composers Ravel, Debussy and Satie. Other influences were Chopin, Spanish guitar, and later some of the turbulent Russian pianist/composers like Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev. I liked their fearlessness.
In my early teens, dealing with the reality of racism, I started studying martial arts as a way to defend myself as well as a way to channel some of my anger. The study of the Asian fighting arts led me to both the study of Asian philosophy and the music of the East. In both the music and martial arts, I was captivated by the power of the mind, the power of movement and power of sound and, on the other hand, by the vulnerability of the mind, the softness of internal movement, and the necessity for silence."
Available Music CDs composed by Arthur Goodridge:
Single CD's: $14.95 + 2.00 Shipping
Double CD's: $19.95 +2.00 Shipping
Sonatas for Cello & Piano
MUSIC FOR WORLD PEACE
Reflections & Awakenings
MUSIC TO BOTH CALM AND ENLIVEN YOUR SPIRIT
Solo flute and vocals, performed by Arthur
24 Bagatelles for Solo Piano (2-CD Set)
Composed by Arthur with improvisations by Luciano Salvatore
Passages (2-CD Set)
MUSIC TO BALANCE CHAKRAS, ENERGY CENTERS
performed by Arthur
Bagatelles
Composed by Arthur and performed by Linda Popatopoli
What People Say
Arthur's music is calming, jarring, soft, intense and unpredictable. He makes you both feel and think at another level. I love to listen to Reflections and Awakening as I meditate and to feel the vibrations of the flute work their way through my body.
--J. A.
In the many years since these pieces were completed and debuted, they have remained as fresh and evocative as they were when I first heard them, if not more so. Somehow, Arthur has managed to imbue his music with the healing properties of his other practices! Listening to these cello sonatas has at times been as restorative as the tai chi/qigong and meditative practices that are at the heart of Arthur's teaching.
--Ellen Grabiner