ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book considers how the aesthetic materials and qualities of popular music are disseminated in urban life and its built environments. It investigates the relational and affective geographies of wellbeing that run through the music and statements of British rock musician Noel Gallagher. The chapter focuses on the adaptation of the central healing Jewish prayer Mi Shebeirach by singer-songwriter Debbie Friedman. It examines the World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) festival of music and global culture. The chapter also focuses on the role of music therapy in proving spiritual and emotional support, a route to expression and communication, and assistance with personal transitions in places of palliative care. It discusses arguments and possibilities for using Critical Hip Hop Pedagogy (CHHP) as a participatory methodology for the investigation of health inequity.
