VS
Bottom Line: I'm going with Monk
That's the Facts
4 years ago
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Monday, August 27, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Top 3 - Artists you should be listening to
3. James Vincent McMorrow - This Irish singer songwriter has the falsetto voice like Bon Iver, but more soulful with better melodies. He also has better meaningful heartfelt songs than "the head and the heart" whom I call, "all head and heartless".
2. Andrew Bird - Dude is a stellar talent who sings, plays guitar, plays violin, and whistles all at the same time. His Noble Beast album is what got me hooked, but he just came out with a new album yesterday. I'm excited to check it out.
1. Allen Stone - This guy is the future of music. His throwback soul style is what the music industry needs to get us through this electronic pop phase. Just watch this video, and if you don't agree with me, please tell me why.
Honorable Mention - The Staves, St. Vincent
Bottom Line - Music can be saved if we put the computers away.
2. Andrew Bird - Dude is a stellar talent who sings, plays guitar, plays violin, and whistles all at the same time. His Noble Beast album is what got me hooked, but he just came out with a new album yesterday. I'm excited to check it out.
1. Allen Stone - This guy is the future of music. His throwback soul style is what the music industry needs to get us through this electronic pop phase. Just watch this video, and if you don't agree with me, please tell me why.
Honorable Mention - The Staves, St. Vincent
Bottom Line - Music can be saved if we put the computers away.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The Civil Wars and The Staves
Last Saturday night Jess and I got rid of the kids, had dinner at Arthur's and then went down to Covington to Madison Theater for a concert. We had missed The Civil Wars last time they were in town because it was a Thursday night (Biggest Mistake of our lives). We redeemed ourselves not only by going, but also by getting a spot way up front.
The show was refreshing for me. The all acoustic show at the large venue was perfect. The crowd was respectful and in control, the sound was amazing, and the bands were even better. The Staves were the opening band. They are 3 sisters from England who harmonize and take turns leading songs while one sister plays guitar, and another sparingly plays ukulele. I thoroughly enjoyed them.
Next up were The Civil Wars. Wow, they were amazing. They had command of the stage and the crowd, they were classy, and humorous. They took it right where The Staves left it and took it to the next level. They played every song that they have ever recorded along with all the covers that they have ever done with the exception of two songs, which equals about an hour and a half of them on stage.
This easily moved into my top 5 concerts of all time, maybe even top 3 (I'll have to review my stubs).
Bottom Line - Great Company + Good Music + Good Food = Great Times
The show was refreshing for me. The all acoustic show at the large venue was perfect. The crowd was respectful and in control, the sound was amazing, and the bands were even better. The Staves were the opening band. They are 3 sisters from England who harmonize and take turns leading songs while one sister plays guitar, and another sparingly plays ukulele. I thoroughly enjoyed them.
Next up were The Civil Wars. Wow, they were amazing. They had command of the stage and the crowd, they were classy, and humorous. They took it right where The Staves left it and took it to the next level. They played every song that they have ever recorded along with all the covers that they have ever done with the exception of two songs, which equals about an hour and a half of them on stage.
This easily moved into my top 5 concerts of all time, maybe even top 3 (I'll have to review my stubs).
Bottom Line - Great Company + Good Music + Good Food = Great Times
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sound Identity
Each human being has a specific set of fingerprints different from every other person on earth. Fingerprints are used to identify people. Sounds also have their own fingerprints in some ways. A bell has a unique sound. There are many types of bells with various pitches, but most people after hearing the noise a bell makes, can be pretty certain that it was a bell.
Music by form of musicians and instruments can also have identities. Mostly the identities are limited to genres and styles. For example if you hear a quickly strummed distorted guitar with a quick heavy drum beat, chances are it is rock or some category of rock music. It is very difficult as a musician to have your own sound identity that stands above all other artists and genres. Having your own sound identity means that after about 3 seconds or listening to music that you have created, you can establish who it came from. This exercise does not count for previously listened to or memorized sounds that the artist has produced in the past. This is hearing something you have never heard before in your life and connecting it to someone seconds into hearing it. That is someone with a Sound Identity.
I watched the movie "The Social Network" a couple days ago and during the first remnance of the movie music score I identified the musician responsible. I did know that Trent Reznor had won an Oscar for best original score of a movie, but I honestly did not remember which movie it was. Once I heard it, I knew immediately. He owns his own sound. No one can replicate it, and it can't be confused with anyone else. Once you hear it, you know that it is him. I have a history of listening to Nine Inch Nails so I was familiar with the sound created by Trent Reznor, but I had never heard any of the music from the movie until I watched it.
I was facinated that I could identify it as Trent Reznor almost immediately and it made me try to think of other artists who have their own musical identity. i could not think of any, but my wife came up with one that I agree on. Enya. She, like Trent, owns her musical identity. I challenge everyone to come up with others who can unmistakeably be identified upon hearing material for the first time.
Bottom Line - Originality is hard to achieve due to the massive population of creative people in this world making art and music.
Music by form of musicians and instruments can also have identities. Mostly the identities are limited to genres and styles. For example if you hear a quickly strummed distorted guitar with a quick heavy drum beat, chances are it is rock or some category of rock music. It is very difficult as a musician to have your own sound identity that stands above all other artists and genres. Having your own sound identity means that after about 3 seconds or listening to music that you have created, you can establish who it came from. This exercise does not count for previously listened to or memorized sounds that the artist has produced in the past. This is hearing something you have never heard before in your life and connecting it to someone seconds into hearing it. That is someone with a Sound Identity.
I watched the movie "The Social Network" a couple days ago and during the first remnance of the movie music score I identified the musician responsible. I did know that Trent Reznor had won an Oscar for best original score of a movie, but I honestly did not remember which movie it was. Once I heard it, I knew immediately. He owns his own sound. No one can replicate it, and it can't be confused with anyone else. Once you hear it, you know that it is him. I have a history of listening to Nine Inch Nails so I was familiar with the sound created by Trent Reznor, but I had never heard any of the music from the movie until I watched it.
I was facinated that I could identify it as Trent Reznor almost immediately and it made me try to think of other artists who have their own musical identity. i could not think of any, but my wife came up with one that I agree on. Enya. She, like Trent, owns her musical identity. I challenge everyone to come up with others who can unmistakeably be identified upon hearing material for the first time.
Bottom Line - Originality is hard to achieve due to the massive population of creative people in this world making art and music.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Currently Listening To
The past week and a half, I have listened to all of these albums. Some new and some old favorites. In alphabetical order.
Adele - itunes Live from SoHo
Adele - 21
Andrew Bird - Noble Beast
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow
The Civil Wars - Live at Eddie's Attic
Entheos - Sense
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
Lady GaGa - The Fame
Lady GaGa - The Fame Monster
Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
Once - Movie Soundtrack
Peter Adams - I Woke with Planets in my Face
Ray LaMontagne - Gossip in the Grain
Sam Phillips - A Boot and A Shoe
Sufjan Stevens - Come on Feel the Illinoise
Sufjan Stevens - Greetings From Michigan
Sufjan Stevens - Seven Swans
The Swell Season - Srict Joy
The Wood Brothers - Up Above My Head
This list does not include the Tuesday Night Jazz sessions with Lydia and Joel.
If you are interested in any of these albums, please contact me. I like exchanging. It is how I discovered most of the albums above.
Bottom Line - Music makes me Tick.
Adele - itunes Live from SoHo
Adele - 21
Andrew Bird - Noble Beast
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow
The Civil Wars - Live at Eddie's Attic
Entheos - Sense
Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
Lady GaGa - The Fame
Lady GaGa - The Fame Monster
Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More
Once - Movie Soundtrack
Peter Adams - I Woke with Planets in my Face
Ray LaMontagne - Gossip in the Grain
Sam Phillips - A Boot and A Shoe
Sufjan Stevens - Come on Feel the Illinoise
Sufjan Stevens - Greetings From Michigan
Sufjan Stevens - Seven Swans
The Swell Season - Srict Joy
The Wood Brothers - Up Above My Head
This list does not include the Tuesday Night Jazz sessions with Lydia and Joel.
If you are interested in any of these albums, please contact me. I like exchanging. It is how I discovered most of the albums above.
Bottom Line - Music makes me Tick.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Album Review - The Swell Season - Strict Joy
Overview
Artist – The Swell Season
Album – Strict Joy
Release Date - October 27, 2009
I got a hold of this album through a Christmas White Elephant game in January this year. I was excited when I unwrapped it and surprised that I retained it without anyone swiping it until the end. I knew of the Swell Season, but never actually heard any of their material under that band name. I am a huge fan of the movie and the soundtrack “Once” which features Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova which happen to also make up the lead components of The Swell Season.
Review
On first listen of the Strict Joy disc, I have to admit that I was greatly disappointed. I was looking for and expecting the sequel album to the Once Soundtrack. It lacked the emotional screaming by Glen. It seems he took a chill pill and dialed it down to the mellow level of Marketa who counterbalanced him in Once. Her songs on Strict Joy are more fitting of the work she did on the Once Soundtrack, and she almost steals the show on this album with the few songs she leads.
I gave it another chance and every time I went from front to back of the album I liked it more and more each time. I started looking at it as a Swell Season album instead of a Once part 2 album and I quickly appreciated it more and more on each listen.
Breakdown Review of Tracks
1. Low Rising – Medium tempo blues song by Glen
2. Feeling the Pull - Up tempo acoustic Irish Jig by Glen
3. In These Arms - Slow acoustic by Glen. Mostly in his low whisper voice.
4. The Rain - Acoustic Rock by Glen similar to the Once style
5. Fantasy Man - Acoustic Ballad by Marketa. Has unique timing and lyric structure.
6. Paper Cup - Slow acoustic by Glen in low whisper voice
7. High Horses - Acoustic Rock by Glen in low whisper voice
8. The Verb - Acoustic Rock by Glen similar to Once style with elements borrowed from Sufjan
9. I Have Loved You Wrong - Slow Acoustic Piano by Marketa ending in acapella harmony bridge
10. Love That Conquers - Swingy Acoustic by Glen and Marketa in Harmony
11. Two Tongues - Slow Acoustic Rock by Glen in low whisper voice
12. Back Broke - Slow Acoustic by Glen in low whisper voice
My top 3 favorite songs on the album
1. I Have Loved You Wrong
2. The Verb
3. The Rain
Conclusion
I would recommend this album to people who have an interest in Indie music, but I would caution them against expecting the sequel to the Once Soundtrack. It will definitely be staying in my rotation for awhile.
Bottom Line – This album is Swell
Artist – The Swell Season
Album – Strict Joy
Release Date - October 27, 2009
I got a hold of this album through a Christmas White Elephant game in January this year. I was excited when I unwrapped it and surprised that I retained it without anyone swiping it until the end. I knew of the Swell Season, but never actually heard any of their material under that band name. I am a huge fan of the movie and the soundtrack “Once” which features Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova which happen to also make up the lead components of The Swell Season.
Review
On first listen of the Strict Joy disc, I have to admit that I was greatly disappointed. I was looking for and expecting the sequel album to the Once Soundtrack. It lacked the emotional screaming by Glen. It seems he took a chill pill and dialed it down to the mellow level of Marketa who counterbalanced him in Once. Her songs on Strict Joy are more fitting of the work she did on the Once Soundtrack, and she almost steals the show on this album with the few songs she leads.
I gave it another chance and every time I went from front to back of the album I liked it more and more each time. I started looking at it as a Swell Season album instead of a Once part 2 album and I quickly appreciated it more and more on each listen.
Breakdown Review of Tracks
1. Low Rising – Medium tempo blues song by Glen
2. Feeling the Pull - Up tempo acoustic Irish Jig by Glen
3. In These Arms - Slow acoustic by Glen. Mostly in his low whisper voice.
4. The Rain - Acoustic Rock by Glen similar to the Once style
5. Fantasy Man - Acoustic Ballad by Marketa. Has unique timing and lyric structure.
6. Paper Cup - Slow acoustic by Glen in low whisper voice
7. High Horses - Acoustic Rock by Glen in low whisper voice
8. The Verb - Acoustic Rock by Glen similar to Once style with elements borrowed from Sufjan
9. I Have Loved You Wrong - Slow Acoustic Piano by Marketa ending in acapella harmony bridge
10. Love That Conquers - Swingy Acoustic by Glen and Marketa in Harmony
11. Two Tongues - Slow Acoustic Rock by Glen in low whisper voice
12. Back Broke - Slow Acoustic by Glen in low whisper voice
My top 3 favorite songs on the album
1. I Have Loved You Wrong
2. The Verb
3. The Rain
Conclusion
I would recommend this album to people who have an interest in Indie music, but I would caution them against expecting the sequel to the Once Soundtrack. It will definitely be staying in my rotation for awhile.
Bottom Line – This album is Swell
Thursday, September 16, 2010
15 Albums
I've seen the 15 Album thing floating around blogs and facebook. My list is not my top 15 albums of all time, but instead the 15 albums that shaped my music life in order of appearance as well as I can remember. These are the tops of the family trees, that spawned interest to dive deeper into the artists in the same genres and so on. Some of these have 20 or so artists below them, but these were the core beginnings that got me started. #'s 2,3, & 4 were simultaneous so they were worth their own individual recognition although they may be in the same tree line and time period.
1. The Beatles - 1962 - 1966
2. Stone Temple Pilots - Core
3. Nirvana - In Utero
4. Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream
5. Gin Blossoms - New Miserable Experience
6. Jars of Clay - Jars of Clay
7. Led Zeppelin - Boxed Set
8. Sublime - Sublime
9. Rage Against the Machine - Rage Against the Machine
10. Miles Davis - Kind of Blue
11. Jeff Buckley - Live at Sine
12. Mohenjo Daro - Baksheesh
13. Incubus - Make Yourself
14. Ray's Music Exchange - Alivexchange
15. Vineyard Music - Dwell
If there was a 16 it would be Sufjan Steven - Come feel the Illinoise
Bottom Line - Life without music would be lame.
1. The Beatles - 1962 - 1966
2. Stone Temple Pilots - Core
3. Nirvana - In Utero
4. Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream
5. Gin Blossoms - New Miserable Experience
6. Jars of Clay - Jars of Clay
7. Led Zeppelin - Boxed Set
8. Sublime - Sublime
9. Rage Against the Machine - Rage Against the Machine
10. Miles Davis - Kind of Blue
11. Jeff Buckley - Live at Sine
12. Mohenjo Daro - Baksheesh
13. Incubus - Make Yourself
14. Ray's Music Exchange - Alivexchange
15. Vineyard Music - Dwell
If there was a 16 it would be Sufjan Steven - Come feel the Illinoise
Bottom Line - Life without music would be lame.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Top 3 - Jazz Albums
3. Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section
Released in 1957, the story of this album is unique. Art Pepper a west coast alto saxophonist and junkie had just recently got out of prison and had been scheduled to record an album with the current rhythm section of Miles Davis' band. Art didn't know about the recording date until that morning, and he had never met Philly Joe Jones, Red Garland, or Paul Chambers, and also he hadn't played his instrument in weeks.
The result of the recording date is amazing. It is a brilliant album showcasing the talent of the east coast jazz rhythm section stepping out beyond the reigns of Miles Davis mixed with the cool west coast sounds of Art Pepper.
2. Thelonious Monk - Monk's Dream
Monk's compositions and melodies are at the top of the jazz world as far as creativity, swing, and catchiness. His own personal recordings of his own music however have always been suspect until this recording. I would describe Thelonious Monk as the Bob Dylan of Jazz. Everyone else was recording his songs and making them sound better than his own recordings. In this album released in 1963, Monk's 1st with Columbia, Monk finally found a horn player that was able to understand his music and complex playing. Most of the songs were previously recorded and written several years earlier. This album swings and takes you away on a finger snapping and toe tapping extravaganza.
1. Miles Davis - Kind of Blue
Released in 1959 is the best selling jazz album of all time. It is hard for anyone not to like this album no matter what kind of music you listen to. Miles set the scene for this album by writing only the introductions of each song, then left the rest up to pure musical improvisation. The results were unforgettable solos that serve more as melodies. I can not recommend this album enough. This will always be my number one album of all time.
Bottom Line - Jazz is for everyone. If you don't like "Kind of Blue" then I'll buy you and ice cream cone.
Released in 1957, the story of this album is unique. Art Pepper a west coast alto saxophonist and junkie had just recently got out of prison and had been scheduled to record an album with the current rhythm section of Miles Davis' band. Art didn't know about the recording date until that morning, and he had never met Philly Joe Jones, Red Garland, or Paul Chambers, and also he hadn't played his instrument in weeks.
The result of the recording date is amazing. It is a brilliant album showcasing the talent of the east coast jazz rhythm section stepping out beyond the reigns of Miles Davis mixed with the cool west coast sounds of Art Pepper.
2. Thelonious Monk - Monk's Dream
Monk's compositions and melodies are at the top of the jazz world as far as creativity, swing, and catchiness. His own personal recordings of his own music however have always been suspect until this recording. I would describe Thelonious Monk as the Bob Dylan of Jazz. Everyone else was recording his songs and making them sound better than his own recordings. In this album released in 1963, Monk's 1st with Columbia, Monk finally found a horn player that was able to understand his music and complex playing. Most of the songs were previously recorded and written several years earlier. This album swings and takes you away on a finger snapping and toe tapping extravaganza.
1. Miles Davis - Kind of Blue
Released in 1959 is the best selling jazz album of all time. It is hard for anyone not to like this album no matter what kind of music you listen to. Miles set the scene for this album by writing only the introductions of each song, then left the rest up to pure musical improvisation. The results were unforgettable solos that serve more as melodies. I can not recommend this album enough. This will always be my number one album of all time.
Bottom Line - Jazz is for everyone. If you don't like "Kind of Blue" then I'll buy you and ice cream cone.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Top 3 - Female Vocalists
Most of my Top 3 entries will most likely be about music. This week it is the female voice in music.
3. Christina Aguilera
I hardly listen to her music at all, but I can't deny her vocal talent. She has the chops that can give me chills on occasion. If I had to provide a song reference, I would go with her version of "Have yourself A merry little Christmas".
2. Lauryn Hill
I have always enjoyed Lauryn Hill's voice. It is unique with a low register and her pronunciation make it even better. When singing she has an undeniable range which gives her access to many different styles of music. I like to hear her talk also.
1. Aretha Franklin
Do I even need to explain? Enough said.
Bottom Line - "If a song's about something I've experienced or that could've happened to me it's good. But if it's alien to me, I couldn't lend anything to it. Because that's what soul is all about." - Aretha Franklin
3. Christina Aguilera
I hardly listen to her music at all, but I can't deny her vocal talent. She has the chops that can give me chills on occasion. If I had to provide a song reference, I would go with her version of "Have yourself A merry little Christmas".
2. Lauryn Hill
I have always enjoyed Lauryn Hill's voice. It is unique with a low register and her pronunciation make it even better. When singing she has an undeniable range which gives her access to many different styles of music. I like to hear her talk also.
1. Aretha Franklin
Do I even need to explain? Enough said.
Bottom Line - "If a song's about something I've experienced or that could've happened to me it's good. But if it's alien to me, I couldn't lend anything to it. Because that's what soul is all about." - Aretha Franklin
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Top 3 - Awkward Concerts
I have decided to take the infamous "Top 5 things" from facebook and adapt it down to 3 things and make the lists to the subjects I like where each thing has an explanation or personal reflection.
Top 3 - Awkward Concerts
3. Travis Meeks - The Mad Frog
Travis Meeks is a highly talented jerk. He fronted the band "Days of the New" then once they made it big, he fired his band saying they were not worthy to play with him. He continued to make 2 more albums and his former band started "Tantric" in which competed with him and became more popular.
He was playing a solo acoustic gig at the Mad Frog. I had seen him at Bogarts with a band a year before and he was stellar. When he came out to play at Mad Frog he sat in a chair with his acoustic guitar and a mic. He was a mess. At one point someone yelled "Play some Tantric" in which Meeks replied "Is that a threat, or a challenge" then he changed the subject and moved on. Between every song he took 5 minutes to re-tune his guitar while people badgered him. It was a disaster show in which obviously he needed to play to get some money for his meth addiction.
2. James Brown - The Taste of Cincinnati
JB was listed and advertised to perform at the "Taste of Cincinnati" so I went down to check it out. There were tons of people crowded around the stage in anticipation. The time in which he was supposed to start came and went. About an hour after his start time, 3 long limos pulled up and several guys in suits got out and stood around for like 45 minutes. Finally one of the suit guys came to the stage to do a mic check. Another 15 minutes later here comes JB to the stage. A loop beat started playing and JB started repeating "Killin is out, School is in" while a hype man would throw in yeahs and uh huhs. It lasted about 2 minutes and then it was over and JB walked off stage got back in the limo and I never saw him again.
1. Wesley Willis - The Southgate House
I went to see this guy in concert after hearing about him from many of the bands that I was currently listening to. The bands listed him as an influence, and I happened to catch a small sample of him in a video that was intriguing enough to make me curious. I went to the show not knowing what to expect. The Southgate House was packed to the max. When the opening bands were playing, there was a long line of people waiting to visit his merch booth to buy his cds and his artwork. Wesley was also hanging out giving people headbutts. I found out that he was paranoid schizophrenic. He had to be walked to the stage which had a keyboard and a mic setup. He then promptly hit buttons in which cheap keyboard loops would play and he would ramble about Batman, or Osama Bin Laden, and many other people using the same keyboard loop over and over. It was utterly horrible, but the crowd went crazy after every song. I didn't get it at all. It seemed to be a huge money scam in which I contributed to by paying to see this guy. I left after the third song.
Bottom Line - Taking risks on thing you don't know much about could turn out to be very benefitial. Then again they could also be a waste of time and money.
Top 3 - Awkward Concerts
3. Travis Meeks - The Mad Frog
Travis Meeks is a highly talented jerk. He fronted the band "Days of the New" then once they made it big, he fired his band saying they were not worthy to play with him. He continued to make 2 more albums and his former band started "Tantric" in which competed with him and became more popular.
He was playing a solo acoustic gig at the Mad Frog. I had seen him at Bogarts with a band a year before and he was stellar. When he came out to play at Mad Frog he sat in a chair with his acoustic guitar and a mic. He was a mess. At one point someone yelled "Play some Tantric" in which Meeks replied "Is that a threat, or a challenge" then he changed the subject and moved on. Between every song he took 5 minutes to re-tune his guitar while people badgered him. It was a disaster show in which obviously he needed to play to get some money for his meth addiction.
2. James Brown - The Taste of Cincinnati
JB was listed and advertised to perform at the "Taste of Cincinnati" so I went down to check it out. There were tons of people crowded around the stage in anticipation. The time in which he was supposed to start came and went. About an hour after his start time, 3 long limos pulled up and several guys in suits got out and stood around for like 45 minutes. Finally one of the suit guys came to the stage to do a mic check. Another 15 minutes later here comes JB to the stage. A loop beat started playing and JB started repeating "Killin is out, School is in" while a hype man would throw in yeahs and uh huhs. It lasted about 2 minutes and then it was over and JB walked off stage got back in the limo and I never saw him again.
1. Wesley Willis - The Southgate House
I went to see this guy in concert after hearing about him from many of the bands that I was currently listening to. The bands listed him as an influence, and I happened to catch a small sample of him in a video that was intriguing enough to make me curious. I went to the show not knowing what to expect. The Southgate House was packed to the max. When the opening bands were playing, there was a long line of people waiting to visit his merch booth to buy his cds and his artwork. Wesley was also hanging out giving people headbutts. I found out that he was paranoid schizophrenic. He had to be walked to the stage which had a keyboard and a mic setup. He then promptly hit buttons in which cheap keyboard loops would play and he would ramble about Batman, or Osama Bin Laden, and many other people using the same keyboard loop over and over. It was utterly horrible, but the crowd went crazy after every song. I didn't get it at all. It seemed to be a huge money scam in which I contributed to by paying to see this guy. I left after the third song.
Bottom Line - Taking risks on thing you don't know much about could turn out to be very benefitial. Then again they could also be a waste of time and money.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Tuesday Night Jazz
It is no secret that I love Jazz music.
It is no secret that I love vinyl records.
It is no secret that I love my daughter Lydia.
It is no secret that I love spending Tuesday nights alone with Lydia.
Put them all together and it is what I call "Tuesday Night Jazz"
Jess has the Beth Moore class on Tuesday nights, therefore I get to stay home with Lydia all by myself. Every Tuesday we usually put on a jazz record and hang out. I am educating her in the ways of the jazz standards. Miles Davis, Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Dave Brubeck, Eric Dolphy, Duke Ellington, and many more jazz records that I own on vinyl. It is perfect hang out music.
When Lydia is ready for bed I put her to sleep to the greatest jazz recording of all time: Miles Davis' Kind of Blue on cd in her little boombox. I've decided that she is going to be a great jazz pianist when she grows up.
Bottom Line - Gotta start them early and often on jazz music.
It is no secret that I love vinyl records.
It is no secret that I love my daughter Lydia.
It is no secret that I love spending Tuesday nights alone with Lydia.
Put them all together and it is what I call "Tuesday Night Jazz"
Jess has the Beth Moore class on Tuesday nights, therefore I get to stay home with Lydia all by myself. Every Tuesday we usually put on a jazz record and hang out. I am educating her in the ways of the jazz standards. Miles Davis, Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Dave Brubeck, Eric Dolphy, Duke Ellington, and many more jazz records that I own on vinyl. It is perfect hang out music.
When Lydia is ready for bed I put her to sleep to the greatest jazz recording of all time: Miles Davis' Kind of Blue on cd in her little boombox. I've decided that she is going to be a great jazz pianist when she grows up.
Bottom Line - Gotta start them early and often on jazz music.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Alivexchange
I recently had a discussion with my wife about live entertainment. I used to go to see a lot bands at various venues. I was never really into going to see movies in a theater, unless it was LOTR or Star Wars or the latest movie containing comic book heroes. I prefer live entertainment. The problem with live entertainment for me is that it starts so late in the evening and often ends the next morning. At most places, the opening band goes on at 10:30 or 11:00PM and the headlining act goes on at 12:30 or 1:00AM. What is up with that, especially on weeknights? Now that I'm an old married man with a kid, I don't do that so much anymore. In fact, I can barely stay up past 10PM on weekends. Why can't live entertainment be scheduled to start in primetime like TV shows. I'd much rather go watch a live performance than a CSI re-run or the new episode of Ugly Betty.
In our conversation, we were dreaming of live shows starting at 8 or 9PM and being done by 10:30PM on weeknights and weekends. The very next day I received an e-vite for a show on a Friday night that starts at 8PM and includes dinner. It was as if our dreams came true in an instant. So tomorrow night my wife and I will be going on a date to eat dinner and see a live improv show from the Q City Players.
Bottom Line - Dreams really do come true.
In our conversation, we were dreaming of live shows starting at 8 or 9PM and being done by 10:30PM on weeknights and weekends. The very next day I received an e-vite for a show on a Friday night that starts at 8PM and includes dinner. It was as if our dreams came true in an instant. So tomorrow night my wife and I will be going on a date to eat dinner and see a live improv show from the Q City Players.
Bottom Line - Dreams really do come true.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Once
Please note that this is not a movie recommendation. I watched this movie over the weekend, but I am not ready to recommend the movie until I see it again and decide, but I am however going to recommend the soundtrack. The movie is a weird plot with an irish guy and a chezch girl and contains some language that is unnecessary, but the music parts of the movie are great. This is an example of one of the great songs from the movie.
The rest of the soundtrack is just as great if you are looking for some passionate independent music.
Bottom Line - A good movie starts with a good soundtrack
The rest of the soundtrack is just as great if you are looking for some passionate independent music.
Bottom Line - A good movie starts with a good soundtrack
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Are you Sirius?
I'm on an out of town work stint at the moment and have the privilege of driving a Crystlar 300 as a rental car. The first thing I noticed was that the car had Sirius satellite radio. I immediately searched for the Jazz station and found it. Real Jazz #72 was now at high volume at all times I was in the car. Then in the middle of day three all of the sudden it goes out and leaves an 800 number to call to become a subscriber. I'm still ticked now on day five. I even tried to call the number to tell them it was a rental car so they should call the rental car company and have them extend the subscription or troubleshoot why it wasn't working. I got nowhere and gave up after being on hold for ten minutes. I can't find anything even close on regular radio that matches the awesomeness of "Real Jazz 72". I'm putting on my car evaluation form that I am dissatisfied.
Bottom Line - When renting a car, always make sure they have paid their Sirius radio subscription bills before you take the keys.
Bottom Line - When renting a car, always make sure they have paid their Sirius radio subscription bills before you take the keys.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
RayMan
In my mind there is an above ordinary talented musician from the late 60's early 70's psychedelic hippie rock woodstock era that is above all of the rest. Its not John Lennon or any other Beatle, not Jimi Hendrix, certainly not Janis Joplin or the Grateful Dead, not the Who or Santana, not Dylan, Crosby, Stills, Nash, Young, Simon or Garfunkel. it was almost Jimmy Page from Zeppelin, and never going to be Ozzy from the Sabbath years. Jim Morrison is close but not even close talent wise. There is only one.
The answer is Ray Manzarek. Ray Manzarek was the keyboardist/bassist/occasional lead singer for The Doors. He was two band members at once. His right hand was the keyboardist for the band, while his left hand was the bass player. He was able to play bass lines with his left hand in different time than the keyboard melodies and solos with his right hand. Alot of the times during live shows when Morrison was too messed up to sing Ray would take over on lead vocals along with keyboard and bass with the band. The guy was a musical genius and talent.
Next time you listen to a Doors song, listen closely to the keyboard and bass parts and try to imagine them played at the same time by one person with two different hands.
Bottom Line - "If the doors of perception were cleansed, every thing would appear to man as it is: infinite." -William Blake
The answer is Ray Manzarek. Ray Manzarek was the keyboardist/bassist/occasional lead singer for The Doors. He was two band members at once. His right hand was the keyboardist for the band, while his left hand was the bass player. He was able to play bass lines with his left hand in different time than the keyboard melodies and solos with his right hand. Alot of the times during live shows when Morrison was too messed up to sing Ray would take over on lead vocals along with keyboard and bass with the band. The guy was a musical genius and talent.
Next time you listen to a Doors song, listen closely to the keyboard and bass parts and try to imagine them played at the same time by one person with two different hands.
Bottom Line - "If the doors of perception were cleansed, every thing would appear to man as it is: infinite." -William Blake
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Ryan Delmore
Music recommendation for Thursday
Ryan Delmore - The Spirit, the Water, and the Blood
I met Ryan Delmore in Estes Park Colorado on a retreat and his wise words changed the direction of my spiritual life for the better. His new cd is solid with great tunes that stir up your insides. Check out the video below for a small preview.
Bottom Line - "Writing songs doesn't happen by sitting around trying to write songs on purpose, true honest songwriting pours out of you through the times of hard work to provide for your family, through tough times, basically through life experiences that are good and sometimes not so good. -Ryan Delmore (Paraphrased from my memory, may not be exact, but you get the message)
Ryan Delmore - The Spirit, the Water, and the Blood
I met Ryan Delmore in Estes Park Colorado on a retreat and his wise words changed the direction of my spiritual life for the better. His new cd is solid with great tunes that stir up your insides. Check out the video below for a small preview.
Bottom Line - "Writing songs doesn't happen by sitting around trying to write songs on purpose, true honest songwriting pours out of you through the times of hard work to provide for your family, through tough times, basically through life experiences that are good and sometimes not so good. -Ryan Delmore (Paraphrased from my memory, may not be exact, but you get the message)
Monday, October 6, 2008
Sufjan
Music Recommendation for Monday
Sufjan Stevens - Come on feel the Illinoise
This particular piece of work by Sufjan has been out for a long time, and I've been a fan for some time, but I recently got this album on vinyl and it has given me a brand new appreciation of his work. If you are looking for music that makes you smile, listen to this album.
Bottom Line - Listening to music that makes you smile extends your lifespan.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Kind of Blue like Jazz
My journey into jazz began with Miles Davis - Kind of Blue on cd. From there I have grown and multiplied my jazz collection. Then my Grandma, who used to work for Capitol records back in the day, heard that I liked jazz and then proceeded to hand me about a dozen classic jazz records. She then got me a record player for Christmas. There were alot of great records she gave me and a bunch of records that I've found at half price books, but I never could find Mile Davis - Kind of Blue in the original record cover. I did find 2 Kind of Blue's on a re-release record album cover which I bought both of course, one to play and one for back up. Then this weekend my dream came true. We were at traders world and I was in this booth that had records, then all of the sudden, there it was. I did not think that it ever existed, and I had been looking for one for years, and there it was Miles Davis - Kind of Blue original 1959 album cover. The dude didn't have the original record, instead he had his greatest hits record in the sleeve, but that was ok, I had two copies of the record at home. Now the 1959 cover is nestled safely in my family room in an album frame on the wall.
Bottom Line - Never give up hope at a search to find something, it just might show up one day when you least expect it.
Bottom Line - Never give up hope at a search to find something, it just might show up one day when you least expect it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
