Bluebird Memories

A Journey Through Lyrics & Life

By: Common, Awoye Timpo, NSangou Njikam

Narrated by: Common

Length: 1 hr and 21 mins

Publisher's Summary

“I’m an instrument, stay in tune with me.”

In a performance that combines the personal and poetic with the literary and the lyrical, Grammy, Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe-winning artist Common spins something entirely new and bold for both his old-school fans and those new to one of hip-hop’s most essential voices. This is Bluebird Memories, part of Audible's Words + Music that blends storytelling, music, and performance to create a one-of-a-kind listening experience.

Written and conceived by Common with Awoye Timpo and NSangou Njikam, originally recorded live at the Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City, and backed by a world-class band including special guest appearance by Robert Glasper and an ensemble of vocalists, Bluebird Memories tracks Common’s intimate journey from childhood to manhood. At its heart, it serves as both an open letter to his estranged father and a personal meditation on the quest for greater self-understanding, self-worth, and connection to the world that surrounds him.

As a young artist, introduced to the work of literary icons from James Baldwin and Gwendolyn Brooks to Rakim and Melle Mel, Common would grow to use their works as motivation and a high-water mark for what would become his life in words. In a performance that recounts stories about growing up in Chicago, discovering hip-hop, longing for a consistent father, and his awakening into Black consciousness, the evolution of Common, as son, as man, artist, and activist, is all here - unpacked and laid bare.

At just under two hours, Bluebird Memories is constantly in motion, soaring with emotion and pulsing with raw vitality. Seamlessly blending, stretching, and playing with forms, Common slides between poetry and candid conversation, kicks into one of his classic tracks, and backs out into a moment of nearly silent reflection. For those hip-hop heads, the treat of hearing Common bounce between bars of his own self-admitted cringey party raps to rapturously reciting classic hip-hop’s most revered verses is a joy to behold. (Yes, bumping human beatbox included.) In a performance that calls forth the spirit and legacy of so many artists, thinkers, and heroes who informed both his artistry and personal philosophy, Common invites listeners to experience him in his totality. A finely tuned instrument capable of conveying a sweeping breadth of power, range, and tone. Listen to a modern icon deliver at the top of his craft.

©2020 Common (P)2020 AO Media LLC

I'm an OWW

I'm a 65 year old white woman and I LOVED everything about this book. This is a tribute to Common's dad with a few journeys and experiences along the way, and that first record that shaped his future. Loved the music. With over 1200 audiobooks in my library I don't have enough time in the day to listen to books more than once but with 1hr and 21 mins, I will be listening to this book several more times.

Because he was Cassian in John Wick 2

I confess, I got this Audible freebie because I recognized Common from his role as Cassian in John Wick. However, this book has nothing to do with acting. Instead, he gives you parts of performances from a three night standup montage, like a turtlenecked beatnik doing a poetry slam, only blackified. His various rap segments were okay for me, although some of them I just didn’t understand. I most enjoyed the parts where he talked about, or to, his pops; those resonated with me. If the use of the N word by an articulate and unapologetic black man makes you uncomfortable, you should skip this listen. I didn’t feel the occasional profanity was hateful or overused. Overall, as a non-black, half-white, middle aged nerd who grew up a poor local island girl, I appreciated this peek into a different life.

Bravo!

A wonderfully intimate experience with Common through the prism of a letter to his father. He bares his soul to the listener through his music and his musings about his life and career. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it! Well done !

Awesome ******

This was TRULY insightful, inspiring and filled with WISDOM. A resource for a community in need of healing and direction !!! An “UN-COMMON” use of EXCELLENCE, VISION, and freshness. I hope all who listen to “Bluebird Memories” reach out and share with someone. Thank you Common and crew.

I felt like I was in the Room!

what an amazing piece of art. I felt like I was in the room with Common. what an awesome lyricist. thanks so much for publishing this wonderful piece of art.

Amazing!!

Unlike anything I’ve heard before on Audible! So entertaining! The music is unbelievable, and the story is perfect for our times...and, well, anytime!

LOVE

I was excited when I saw this by Common. Always loved his music this definitely did not disappoint! 🧡

Great Typical Common

Much like a common album, the more you listen, the deeper you go into finding a positive outlook on oneself. I was not sure what to think, but every one of his memories made me reflect. The music is well placed and this could easily be mistaken as a Common Essential Playlist. Famous for his ode to hip hop, he now has one to his pops!

One decent song

This is an almost endlessly repetitive performance, apart from the beautiful song, “God is Love,” which closes the story. The theology of the song is misguided at best, but the song is lovely. Otherwise, Common is common. Why does so much hip hop sound the same?

Conscience HipHop Revisted

Not for BLM but I am for conscious hiphop, this was articulate and intimate, a sonic spiritual experience.