LYN PATTERSON
VINYL: LEGEND BY BOB MARLEY AND THE WAILERS, 1984
Let's catch up with Teacher and Constant Traveler Lyn Patterson. Being a child of the 80's and 90's, she is definitely raised by the Hip-Hop culture. Many of Lyn's favorite artists like The Fugees and Jay-Z have introduced her to Jazz, Funk, and Old School Soul music by the virtue of sampling.
"Some of my rediscovery of vinyls has been tracking down vinyls that have been sampled."
Lyn is so inspired by these connections and have created playlists on iTunes called "Six Degrees of Samples" to pay homage.
Be sure to check out her playlists on Apple Music and read more about her music and vinyl discoveries below.
Top 5 Favorite Records:
Willie Colon “Cosa Nuestra”
Stan Getz and Gilberto Gil “Getz/Gil”
Amy Winehouse “Frank”, Martha and the Vandella’s “Anthology”, song
Bob Marley “Soul Rebel”
Favorite Genres:
Reggae, Salsa, Bossa Nova, Jazz, Funk, Disco, Motown, R&B, and Hip-Hop
Favorite Record Shop(s):
With the constant traveling lifestyle, I’ve found my favorite stores are in small towns like Pine Bluff, Arizona. In these stores, you can find gold mines that are on sale for .50 to 2.99. For example, I just bought a limited edition Sony and Cher album at a small store in Colorado for .49!
What made you start collecting records?
I’ve been around vinyl since I was born. My parents are music lovers and records were always playing in the background of my household. When I was twenty-five, my parents went through their albums in the hopes of giving some away. I found this to be such a difficult task for all of us because of the emotional connection we had to each record. I found a new passion for vinyl and was inspired to start my own collection (also because they wouldn’t give me any of theirs).
What is the first record you've bought?
The first record I bought was Michael Jackson’s “Off the Wall”. I found a copy for 8.99 and bought the vinyl before I even had a vinyl player.
What are the most recent records you've added to your collection?
The Isley Brothers “Greatest Hits”, “Look At Us” Sonny and Cher, Maze ft. Frankie Beverly live, Teddy Pendergrass “Teddy”
How many records do you believe you have without counting?
I would say I have about 115 but I’m hoping to inherit 994.
How do you organize your record collection?
I don’t! But I probably should.
What is a day of crate digging like?
It’s interesting I don’t actively crate dig. So usually, I’m passing through a small town with my Mom or my husband. I see a sign that says records or vinyl and we stop and get excited about the collection. We’ll spend a few hours in the shop talking to the owners and finding out more about the town and their collection. The first section I always go to is the Motown records, then jazz, funk, and world.
Where does your music influence and taste come from?
My parents and husband are huge musical influencers. My mom is all Jackson Five, The Temptations, The Four Tops, and the Del-a-phonics. My father is all Sade, Janet Jackson, Sly and the Family Stone, and Cameo. My husband is a saxophone player so he’s introduced me to people like Sonny Rollins and Grover Washington. He is also the child of a reggae singer, his father is Danny Dread, so he’s introduced me to people like Dennis Brown, Beres Hammond, and Peter Tosh. Lastly, I have been dancing salsa and samba for the last ten years. I’ve just gotten into collecting salsa records and bossa nova. I’m looking to expand these collections even more.
How does music make you feel?
Music makes my soul feel full.
How important is music to you in your everyday life?
Music is a part of each activity of my everyday life. When I wake up and get ready I turn on my Cylo as I get ready for the day. On my way to work I’m blasting trap music, when I get to my work station I’m exploring new albums, as I travel home I’m listening to radio stations on iTunes, and when I get home I’m Shazaming songs as I watch dope shows like “On My Block.” Music is life.
What artist(s) are your spirit animals?
Donna Summer, Prince, Sade, and Sabrina Claudio
Social Media: @poetryntings
