now, you know the flow...
So, not every Sunday has to be slow going, though they may always begin that way. In Part I, I transitioned from the delicacy of classical, jazz and instrumental and worked my way into the groove. This week, I used Part I’s general flow as my blueprint for the Sunday movements, and while I have fewer selections (about 5 per movement to add to Part I’s already stellar list), feel free to add them to one giant list for your Sunday. I also started the week by celebrating Pat Martino’s birthday, and moving through a journey towards “Spain”. At the end of this list, I have a small blurb called “Context” which can wrap things up nicely inside The Perfect Playlist. Enjoy!
Part One:
Summertime (Jim Hall and Pat Metheny)
...this smooth duo’s take on the standard seems appropriate as August and the summer come to an end...I can get a few more in! And this version is perfect to open those eyes and ears.
Summer Day (Brad Mehldau/Pat Metheny)
...wow, I just even impressed myself...kept “Summer” and “Metheny”, and the beauty and all (though this one has a bit more intensity).
Variations on a Theme of Mozart (Christopher Parkening)
...My father called me once to play this over the phone for me. What can I say, we are passionate about music! For some, classical guitar can be tough to digest (I have no idea why, when for me it is some of the purest sound in the world), but it is nearly impossible not to enjoy this performance.
Mazurka in F Sharp Minor, Op. 59, No.3 (Béla Fleck & John Williams, Bela Fleck: Perpetual Motion)
...some of that guitar work in Parkening’s piece made me think of this Béla Fleck album, and the playing throughout is remarkable.
Emily (Bill Charlap, Gene Bertoncini & Sean Smith)
...this is a gorgeous arrangement. A beautiful name, a beautiful song, and Gene is just firey on that axe!
Mid-Day
Part Two:
Mellow Mood (Bob Marley)
...ahh, Bob. Should be on every Sunday...
I Will (The Beatles)
...I was reminded of this song earlier in the week when I heard a great cover version, what a song..
Please Be With Me (Duane Allman & Cowboy)
...Clapton re-recorded this one, but I love this version...beautiful song
Some Kind of Chill (Arizona)
...sounds like a George Harrison solo, on an all around great tune from these up and comers...
This Sky (Derek Trucks Band)
...it’s like a cool version of the Lion King...
Evening/Night
Part Three:
Band on the Run (Paul McCartney/Wings)
...the transition to “If I ever get out of here” is sort of how I like to take afternoon into my evening...
Cheap Sunglasses (ZZ Top)
...Sunday was a big Classic Rock day growing up, and this tune is just timeless. There are sections that could be dropped into a rave somewhere, and others that make you feel like riding a Harley. Billy Gibbons is the man, and this band needs to stay on everyone’s all time radar as they have done exceptional things in music!
Kamera (Wilco)
...love the production on this tune, so simple, but so well executed...
Say You Will (Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals)
...I love the record this is from, Lifeline...soulful, great tunes, great lyrics, and Ben is singing his butt off on this one (and always), and takes a great solo to boot!
Gulam Sabri (Garaj Mahal, Live Vol.1)
...this last tune is an indication of where this night is headed. It’s going to be more intense, and a good night for reflection, and ambition. World renowned tabla master Zakir Hussein appears with the original line-up to perform a piece that has so many pieces, emotions, and just the right energy to carry you through them. The musicianship and the live energy reaches out from your speakers/headphones/computer/whatever and punches you square in the gut. Takes the breath out of you. Fareed Haque’s sitar-guitar intro, and eventual switch to blazing electric is indicative of the entire band’s transformation through each part. Kai Eckhardt’s moments of melodic, and serene basslines are beautiful. Even in the barrage of culture-fusion, sound, and tempo, there is a beautiful harmonic and melodic component smack in the middle. Check out all the players involved, they know what they are doing!
This is some OLD SKOOL Garaj Mahal to check out!
Context:
Four on Six (Wes Montgomery, Smokin’ a the Half Note)
As one of the highlighted Tracks for Pat Martino’s birthday blog, I used the Wes Montgomery original “Four on Six” from Martino’s recent tribute album to Wes. My favorite version of this tune is a live one, from Wes’ Smokin’ at the Half Note. Pat Metheny has said, "I learned to play listening to Wes Montgomery's Smokin' at The Half Note." I started this Sunday’s set with “Summertime” performed by Metheny and Jim Hall. If you listen to Wes Montgomery’s recorded version of “Summertime”, and then his tune “Four on Six” it is clear that he wrote the tune based on the exact changes for “Summertime”. On Wes’ album Far Wes as he solos, the bass player is playing the exact bassline (different feel, and he begins on the second solo through the verse) to “Four on Six”. And so there is context to the musical steps we all take, whether we realize them or not. Summertime, Metheny, Montgomery, Martino...Four on Six. It’s what makes the playlist perfect.
To extend the journey, here is master, Bill Evans and his trio doing Summertime. A piece I have included on the Perfect Playlist has been "Waltz for Debby" by John McLaughlin, from an all-acoustic guitar tribute to Bill Evans. McLaughlin opened the door to jazz for me, and so, here is more to connect to the road to "Spain" even on a Sunday...
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Was for August 25th, an aside...(for Pat Martino)
August 28th...but let's pretend it's the 25th...
First, to answer your question, "Is this blog going to ALL about jazz?"
Answer: No, definitely not. However jazz is a huge part of my life and musical vocabulary, and so it is important for me to share!
So, I continue...
Larry Coryell told me once in a lesson, and again when talking in front of me, and about me, that when I am confident in what I am playing, and play a run clean (not necessarily clean tone, but clean playing), I sound like Pat Martino. Let me say now, that I was floored by such a comment, and am far from the genius of either of those men. Faaaar.
However, I think I want to bottle that moment up and save it forever. The icing on the cake, is that I was able to tell Pat Martino how that was the single greatest compliment I've received as a guitarist/musician (except for when after a show once some guy told me I sounded like Kirk Hammett from Metallica, which was so strange and so cool! I am a big fan! And once someone said my band sounded like Dream Theater...although I don't know if that's a compliment or not. I suppose it depends on who you ask, and I did NOT tell Mr.Martino either of those...)
Funny, how I just started thinking about that comment in writing this blog and thought, "I should post this around Pat's birthday and highlight some of my favorite recordings of his." I then took a break for a second to go to look up his birthday (which I've never looked up or had any reason to read or know ever) and it was just 3 days ago! Ok, it would have been weirder if it were today, or tomorrow, but...may as well wish the man a Happy Belated and share a little glimpse of this amazing musician!
From http://www.patmartino.com/Articles/ArticleByJudeHibler_frame.htm
"Spending 23 years of his life learning about this instrument and the music was the focus for Pat Martino. A devastating brain aneurysm took that lifestyle away for several years. In 1980, Martino underwent brain surgery to have the aneurysm, an excessive localized enlargement of an artery, removed. The removal of the aneurysm, which saved his life, removed his memory of how to play the guitar.
A temporary paralysis of the mind is a typical outcome for many people experiencing this kind of operation.
For most professional jazz musicians, to lose the ability to make their music is as close to living a walking death as there is. Undergoing any operation always brings with it the potential of not recovering.
Surviving surgery, however, brings forth its own set of unforeseen problems. Even when the surgeon warns the patient of some of the recovery and rehabilitation possibilities, no one person can prepare another person for the actual pain and suffering of relearning how to live.
Basic physical functions: like how to bend your thumb or fingers, how to tie your shoe, how, simply to take a shower, become daily puzzles requiring an energy and problem- solving skill heretofore never imagined by the person in recovery.
Laying a few of these obstacles before you is necessary in order for you to understand the absolutely remarkable story of Pat Martino's courage, resolve, and living testimonial of how strong the human spirit is when it is harmonious with the rest of its world."
Amen. Here are a list of my few favorite Pat Martino tracks and then a video of Pat, Joey Defrancesco and John Scofield doing one of my favorite tunes, "Sunny" (we'll get to "Sunny" on the road to Spain). Interestingly enough, the progression for "Sunny" is quite similar chord-wise to "Black Orpheus" and the solo section to Freddie Hubbard's "Red Clay". Pat, Joey and Sco are just ripping!
First, to answer your question, "Is this blog going to ALL about jazz?"
Answer: No, definitely not. However jazz is a huge part of my life and musical vocabulary, and so it is important for me to share!
So, I continue...
Larry Coryell told me once in a lesson, and again when talking in front of me, and about me, that when I am confident in what I am playing, and play a run clean (not necessarily clean tone, but clean playing), I sound like Pat Martino. Let me say now, that I was floored by such a comment, and am far from the genius of either of those men. Faaaar.
However, I think I want to bottle that moment up and save it forever. The icing on the cake, is that I was able to tell Pat Martino how that was the single greatest compliment I've received as a guitarist/musician (except for when after a show once some guy told me I sounded like Kirk Hammett from Metallica, which was so strange and so cool! I am a big fan! And once someone said my band sounded like Dream Theater...although I don't know if that's a compliment or not. I suppose it depends on who you ask, and I did NOT tell Mr.Martino either of those...)
Funny, how I just started thinking about that comment in writing this blog and thought, "I should post this around Pat's birthday and highlight some of my favorite recordings of his." I then took a break for a second to go to look up his birthday (which I've never looked up or had any reason to read or know ever) and it was just 3 days ago! Ok, it would have been weirder if it were today, or tomorrow, but...may as well wish the man a Happy Belated and share a little glimpse of this amazing musician!
From http://www.patmartino.com/Articles/ArticleByJudeHibler_frame.htm
"Spending 23 years of his life learning about this instrument and the music was the focus for Pat Martino. A devastating brain aneurysm took that lifestyle away for several years. In 1980, Martino underwent brain surgery to have the aneurysm, an excessive localized enlargement of an artery, removed. The removal of the aneurysm, which saved his life, removed his memory of how to play the guitar.
A temporary paralysis of the mind is a typical outcome for many people experiencing this kind of operation.
For most professional jazz musicians, to lose the ability to make their music is as close to living a walking death as there is. Undergoing any operation always brings with it the potential of not recovering.
Surviving surgery, however, brings forth its own set of unforeseen problems. Even when the surgeon warns the patient of some of the recovery and rehabilitation possibilities, no one person can prepare another person for the actual pain and suffering of relearning how to live.
Basic physical functions: like how to bend your thumb or fingers, how to tie your shoe, how, simply to take a shower, become daily puzzles requiring an energy and problem- solving skill heretofore never imagined by the person in recovery.
Laying a few of these obstacles before you is necessary in order for you to understand the absolutely remarkable story of Pat Martino's courage, resolve, and living testimonial of how strong the human spirit is when it is harmonious with the rest of its world."
Amen. Here are a list of my few favorite Pat Martino tracks and then a video of Pat, Joey Defrancesco and John Scofield doing one of my favorite tunes, "Sunny" (we'll get to "Sunny" on the road to Spain). Interestingly enough, the progression for "Sunny" is quite similar chord-wise to "Black Orpheus" and the solo section to Freddie Hubbard's "Red Clay". Pat, Joey and Sco are just ripping!
Pat Martino's Birthday Party:
El Hombre (Pat Martino, El Hombre)
A Blues for Mickey-O (Pat Martino, El Hombre)
Israfel (Pat Martino, Baiyina - The Clear Evidence)
Oleo (Pat Martino, Live at Yoshi's)
All Blues (Pat Martino, Live at Yoshi's)
Welcome to a Prayer (Pat Martino, Live at Yoshi's)
Sunny (The Pat Martino Quartet, Pat Martino: Live!)
Four on Six (Pat Martino, Remember: A Tribute to Wes Montgomery)
Thursday, August 27, 2009
MY road to Spain (Part II)
As I engulfed myself in all things “Black Orpheus”, I found myself on a brief vacation in Puerto Rico, where my steps towards “Spain” evolved. While there, in a small hotel lounge, having an evening cocktail and a bite, a guitarist sat in the corner performing instrumentally. He was playing over bass and drum tracks he had pre-recorded live at home (as bass is his primary instrument), and lo and behold he started serving the music I was "digesting" as I ironically drank and ate.
I smiled as he ran through his own Latin-tinged standards, and really caught my attention with Charlie Parker's "My Little Suede Shoes". He noticed me and could tell I knew what he was playing for sure. In between tunes we started talking about his Godin guitar, the background tracks he pre-recorded, Charlie Parker, Larry Coryell, Dizzy Gillespie, etc and he then told me about his meeting Miles Davis. (This was a huge connection for me, as I had just met Ron Carter, John Scofield, Jack Dejohnette, Herbie Hancock, etc. and was studying a bit with Coryell whenever he came to New York. Furthermore, I was starting to integrate a lot of Miles lines into the music I was writing and working on. Thus, Miles, was a hot button, as always.) He then played a traditional piece that stuck with me called “Saludos, Saludos” and finally, as I expected, “Black Orpheus”. It’s possible at some point he did also play “Spain” and I didn’t know it at the time, or missed it. But, I wasn’t quite ready for that yet. More to come...
Tribute to Charlie Parker’s “My Suede Little Shoes” (great lineup!)
And...Further down the road to Spain...
More to come!
I smiled as he ran through his own Latin-tinged standards, and really caught my attention with Charlie Parker's "My Little Suede Shoes". He noticed me and could tell I knew what he was playing for sure. In between tunes we started talking about his Godin guitar, the background tracks he pre-recorded, Charlie Parker, Larry Coryell, Dizzy Gillespie, etc and he then told me about his meeting Miles Davis. (This was a huge connection for me, as I had just met Ron Carter, John Scofield, Jack Dejohnette, Herbie Hancock, etc. and was studying a bit with Coryell whenever he came to New York. Furthermore, I was starting to integrate a lot of Miles lines into the music I was writing and working on. Thus, Miles, was a hot button, as always.) He then played a traditional piece that stuck with me called “Saludos, Saludos” and finally, as I expected, “Black Orpheus”. It’s possible at some point he did also play “Spain” and I didn’t know it at the time, or missed it. But, I wasn’t quite ready for that yet. More to come...
Tribute to Charlie Parker’s “My Suede Little Shoes” (great lineup!)
And...Further down the road to Spain...
More to come!
Monday, August 24, 2009
MY road to Spain (Part I)
Did you ever have an experience where months, maybe even years after hearing something, you only first realize it’s brilliance? I can revisit tunes, and even complete albums in my collection that find new character, meaning, and connection each time. I recently had a huge experience with one tune, and Chick Corea’s “Spain” was it. Sure, I had heard the tune a few times, but had I really listened?
Note: Really Listening to me, is not just alone with headphones. For me, it can be an extended period of time, up to years even, hearing the same passage of sound, over and over. For me, “really listening” is a multi-step process that begins with the act of listening and digesting the composition or song. It’s learning the emotional content, the expressive value, the harmonic tools, what it evokes for me, how I can get inside it’s structure and turn it into a piece of knowledge for my vocabulary, and then...eventually, how the piece actually came to my attention.
Every piece of music that somehow falls in my lap, never really “falls in my lap”. Well, some have, but most, it’s usually no strange occurrence. These musical excursions are natural stepping stones on my never ending quest! It comes from a series of conscious, unconscious, and coincidental experiences that draw me to an artist or genre.
My road to “Spain” is long, and has taken me from Chick to Miles to Rodrigo to Stevie Wonder and beyond, and still is a moving vehicle in my vocabulary and study. This road, has been an interesting musical journey that started about 3 or so years ago. It didn’t start with “Spain” itself, but with Larry Coryell’s trio arrangement of “Black Orpheus”. The tune, goes by a few names: “Theme from Black Orpheus” “Morning of the Carnival” and perhaps the most often used, “Manha de Carnival”. But however you choose to title it or slice it, the music was composed by the great Brazilian guitarist/composer Luiz Floriano Bonfá for the film “Black Orpheus”, and has become a very well known piece of modern music. It’s been played a million times over – arranged many different ways. For guitarists, it is part of the “bible”, and for all musicians and the listeners, it has become very recognizable.
So, please check this tune out! Check out the various versions, and even more I haven’t listed. Take step one with me...
Black Orpheus (Larry Coryell, The Power Trio Live)
Manha De Carnival (Theme from Orpheus) (Luiz Bonfá)
Manha De Carnival (Paco De Lucia, Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, The Guitar Trio)
Manha De Carnival (Toots Thielemans)
Manha De Carnival (Stan Getz)
Manha De Carnival (Gene Bertoncini & Jack Wilkins)
Morning of the Carnival (Larry Coryell, Spaces Revisited)
And here is some history:
Note: Really Listening to me, is not just alone with headphones. For me, it can be an extended period of time, up to years even, hearing the same passage of sound, over and over. For me, “really listening” is a multi-step process that begins with the act of listening and digesting the composition or song. It’s learning the emotional content, the expressive value, the harmonic tools, what it evokes for me, how I can get inside it’s structure and turn it into a piece of knowledge for my vocabulary, and then...eventually, how the piece actually came to my attention.
Every piece of music that somehow falls in my lap, never really “falls in my lap”. Well, some have, but most, it’s usually no strange occurrence. These musical excursions are natural stepping stones on my never ending quest! It comes from a series of conscious, unconscious, and coincidental experiences that draw me to an artist or genre.
My road to “Spain” is long, and has taken me from Chick to Miles to Rodrigo to Stevie Wonder and beyond, and still is a moving vehicle in my vocabulary and study. This road, has been an interesting musical journey that started about 3 or so years ago. It didn’t start with “Spain” itself, but with Larry Coryell’s trio arrangement of “Black Orpheus”. The tune, goes by a few names: “Theme from Black Orpheus” “Morning of the Carnival” and perhaps the most often used, “Manha de Carnival”. But however you choose to title it or slice it, the music was composed by the great Brazilian guitarist/composer Luiz Floriano Bonfá for the film “Black Orpheus”, and has become a very well known piece of modern music. It’s been played a million times over – arranged many different ways. For guitarists, it is part of the “bible”, and for all musicians and the listeners, it has become very recognizable.
So, please check this tune out! Check out the various versions, and even more I haven’t listed. Take step one with me...
Black Orpheus (Larry Coryell, The Power Trio Live)
Manha De Carnival (Theme from Orpheus) (Luiz Bonfá)
Manha De Carnival (Paco De Lucia, Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, The Guitar Trio)
Manha De Carnival (Toots Thielemans)
Manha De Carnival (Stan Getz)
Manha De Carnival (Gene Bertoncini & Jack Wilkins)
Morning of the Carnival (Larry Coryell, Spaces Revisited)
And here is some history:
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Sunday in 3 (Part I)
Sunday’s Sonic Sensitivity...
As an adolescent I once wrote (in my former blog called “journal” which was a notebook), “Sunday sounds different to me”. It really did, and does still today. Was it mere coincidence, or founding force that every radio station seemed to abandon it’s normal format on Sundays? The day has been and continues to be a listening day for me, even during the busiest times. It is genre-defying, it is mood defying, enhancing and/or altering, and moves together like one giant piece of music through your body, and through the day...
I love this first batch for the snooze time, the initial cup of coffee or juice, the first sign of light, to last just until it’s time to motivate for the first meal...
Part One:
Waltz For Debby (John McLaughlin)
...this one can put me down to rest, or wake my soul first thing with it’s angelic touch. It can even take me someplace else at any given point during my day, but it’s delicate beauty and enriching composition are testament to the great Bill Evans, and to McLaughlin’s genius with this album's creativity and arrangements.
The Swan (Camille Saint-Saëns)
...a beautiful solo piano piece off his random classical compilation record I own called “Master of the Roll”
Spiritual (Charlie Haden & Pat Metheny)
..simple, and off of a beautiful record. Nothing too heady, just straight forward...
Alternate Ending Montage (John Swihart, Napoleon Dynamite Soundtrack)
...another piece of soundtrack work that can work as your own...it’s repetitive, and again simple...
Pure Imagination (Bill Charlap, The Bill Charlap Trio: All Through the Night)
...on his first trio record, Charlap performs this Willy Wonka themed song solo, and turns it into a beautiful crescendo, with passionate harmonies contrasting the dissonance of the Oompa Loompas. It’s possibly part nostalgia, but this piece can give instant chills. So well done!
Flower Power (John Scofield)
...this is really pretty Sco...a tune that somehow just grew on me after the first listen...
No Woman, No Cry (The Charlie Hunter Quarter, Natty Dread)
...one of the best interpretative instrumental records, and a beautiful rendition of this Marley classic...
Julia (Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood, Out Louder)
...the normally funky fusion group dials down to capture the beauty of this classic Beatles piece...
The Suspension Bridge At Iguazú Falls (Tortoise)
...some of the greatest sounds in the world to bubble you up and keep you afloat...beautiful sections...
Universal Traveler (Air)
...it’s almost as if Air picked up where Tortoise left off, and started to leak vocals into your day...
This is one way to ease your light morning into a smooth and relaxing Sunday afternoon...can bring sunshine if there is none, and make the sun shine brighter when it’s out...
(note: also could be used partially for great mid-day or evening cocktail music!)
Mid-day
Part Two:
Dub Latina (Calexico)
...a friend passed me this record, and this tune just stuck right away. So simple, it works all the time...
O Pato (Charlie Byrd)
...classic, catchy, and just keeps you groovin’...
Cariba (Wes Montgomery)
...Wes can be an entire Sunday....Cariba is a cool slinky tune that fits this bill perfectly..
Bluesette (Toots Thielamans, The Brazil Project)
...ok, so maybe there are like 4 solos too many on this recorded version, but it’s a cool tune, and Toots is not to be messed with.
Maiden Voyage/Everything in it’s Right Place (Robert Glasper)
...this is the very moment the day eases from the subtle beauty into a bit more intensity – while still not getting too heavy. Glasper is def a pianist to watch out for, and this fusion of Herbie Hancock and Radiohead is just one of his many tricks to note...
Watching the Wheels (John Lennon, Home Recording)
...this solo acoustic version of this tune is inspiring. It’s a timeless song, and the rawness is more exciting than the final polished production, which isn’t too shabby itself...
So Close So Far Away (The Derek Trucks Band)
...this R&B instrumental exemplifies Trucks’ soulful maturity that goes so beyond his years, with a beautiful major peak in his solo...
Tive Razão (I Was Right) - Seu Jorge
...Sundays can go right back down to this mini-Brazilian vacation...
Every Moment – Rogue Wave
...enunciation, rhythm, clear, and simple beauty....great song.....
Breakdown (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)
...go ahead and give it to me, a heavy groove for your mood...
You're the One (Paul Simon)
...one of his better in the later years, rejoin Paul's afrobeat introspective and reflective percussive train
(Nothing But) Flowers (Talking Heads)
...Byrne's post-apocolyptic paradise makes for a fine celebration
Afro Blue (John McLaughlin with Joey DeFrancesco, and Elvin Jones, After the Rain)
...and finally arriving at this interpretation of Coltrane’s “Afro Blue”...great trio record, and killer band!
Evening/Night
Part Three:
Freddy Freeloader (Wes Montgomery Trio)
...this rare version of Miles’ tune is a great way to sink into the night. You don’t have to come out screaming, and this is some exciting Wes!
Strawberry Letter 23 (Shuggie Otis)
...this obscure record needs more attention. Otis is an unsung hero with a hidden hit record that missed it's time and place but influenced an entire generation to come. Solo genius...
Soul Rebel (Bob Marley, Bustin' Out of Trenchtown)
...this is a great time to insert your gratuitous Bob Marley block for the week. I personally love to rotate origins, and have been listening to “Bustin’ Out of Trenchtown” set for the past few days. The next two selections are also from the same set...
Mr.Brown (Bob Marley)
...on your way up, and feelin’ good...
It’s Alright (Bob Marley)
...ridin’ high, feeling like a King perhaps?
Kingpin (Wilco)
...spinal taps and hand claps...
It's Good to be King (Tom Petty)
...stayin' on top of the swingin' world with the King theme...
Anyday (Derek & The Dominos, The Layla Sessions)
...anyday is Sunday...smile...
I wonder (Mahavishnu Orchestra, The Lost Trident Sessions)
...this is some screaming McLaughlin...Carlos who? Starts simple, like the day did but then hits hard...
Enceuentros (John McLaughlin with Joey DeFrancesco, and Elvin Jones, After the Rain)
...quite possibly one of the greatest keyboard solos ever. And I couldn’t resist back to back Johnny Mac..Perfect and epic, Joey D for you and for me...
Morning Bell (Radiohead)
...motion, and motion forward as you hit the evening – maybe should be evening bell?
Snooks (Progress Report) (Elbow)
...this was my first introduction to this amazing band. I can not and will not get enough of their sound. Don’t get caught off guard!
Impossible Germany (Wilco)
...the more guitars the better! Cline rages on the end is his perfectly unique style and this tune wreaks of Steely Dan...in a good way...
Neighborhood #3 (Power Out) (The Arcade Fire)
...off their debut “Funeral”, this is a rager!
The rest is YOUR Sunday night..so you can drop the blues, the funk, or keep the eclectic mix moving....or if you like, you can drop some chill house vibe if you aren’t on your tv...I try not to be...
...so, maybe Sunday can sound different to you too?
Send your comments! What do you feel like listening to on Sundays?
As an adolescent I once wrote (in my former blog called “journal” which was a notebook), “Sunday sounds different to me”. It really did, and does still today. Was it mere coincidence, or founding force that every radio station seemed to abandon it’s normal format on Sundays? The day has been and continues to be a listening day for me, even during the busiest times. It is genre-defying, it is mood defying, enhancing and/or altering, and moves together like one giant piece of music through your body, and through the day...
I love this first batch for the snooze time, the initial cup of coffee or juice, the first sign of light, to last just until it’s time to motivate for the first meal...
Part One:
Waltz For Debby (John McLaughlin)
...this one can put me down to rest, or wake my soul first thing with it’s angelic touch. It can even take me someplace else at any given point during my day, but it’s delicate beauty and enriching composition are testament to the great Bill Evans, and to McLaughlin’s genius with this album's creativity and arrangements.
The Swan (Camille Saint-Saëns)
...a beautiful solo piano piece off his random classical compilation record I own called “Master of the Roll”
Spiritual (Charlie Haden & Pat Metheny)
..simple, and off of a beautiful record. Nothing too heady, just straight forward...
Alternate Ending Montage (John Swihart, Napoleon Dynamite Soundtrack)
...another piece of soundtrack work that can work as your own...it’s repetitive, and again simple...
Pure Imagination (Bill Charlap, The Bill Charlap Trio: All Through the Night)
...on his first trio record, Charlap performs this Willy Wonka themed song solo, and turns it into a beautiful crescendo, with passionate harmonies contrasting the dissonance of the Oompa Loompas. It’s possibly part nostalgia, but this piece can give instant chills. So well done!
Flower Power (John Scofield)
...this is really pretty Sco...a tune that somehow just grew on me after the first listen...
No Woman, No Cry (The Charlie Hunter Quarter, Natty Dread)
...one of the best interpretative instrumental records, and a beautiful rendition of this Marley classic...
Julia (Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood, Out Louder)
...the normally funky fusion group dials down to capture the beauty of this classic Beatles piece...
The Suspension Bridge At Iguazú Falls (Tortoise)
...some of the greatest sounds in the world to bubble you up and keep you afloat...beautiful sections...
Universal Traveler (Air)
...it’s almost as if Air picked up where Tortoise left off, and started to leak vocals into your day...
This is one way to ease your light morning into a smooth and relaxing Sunday afternoon...can bring sunshine if there is none, and make the sun shine brighter when it’s out...
(note: also could be used partially for great mid-day or evening cocktail music!)
Mid-day
Part Two:
Dub Latina (Calexico)
...a friend passed me this record, and this tune just stuck right away. So simple, it works all the time...
O Pato (Charlie Byrd)
...classic, catchy, and just keeps you groovin’...
Cariba (Wes Montgomery)
...Wes can be an entire Sunday....Cariba is a cool slinky tune that fits this bill perfectly..
Bluesette (Toots Thielamans, The Brazil Project)
...ok, so maybe there are like 4 solos too many on this recorded version, but it’s a cool tune, and Toots is not to be messed with.
Maiden Voyage/Everything in it’s Right Place (Robert Glasper)
...this is the very moment the day eases from the subtle beauty into a bit more intensity – while still not getting too heavy. Glasper is def a pianist to watch out for, and this fusion of Herbie Hancock and Radiohead is just one of his many tricks to note...
Watching the Wheels (John Lennon, Home Recording)
...this solo acoustic version of this tune is inspiring. It’s a timeless song, and the rawness is more exciting than the final polished production, which isn’t too shabby itself...
So Close So Far Away (The Derek Trucks Band)
...this R&B instrumental exemplifies Trucks’ soulful maturity that goes so beyond his years, with a beautiful major peak in his solo...
Tive Razão (I Was Right) - Seu Jorge
...Sundays can go right back down to this mini-Brazilian vacation...
Every Moment – Rogue Wave
...enunciation, rhythm, clear, and simple beauty....great song.....
Breakdown (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)
...go ahead and give it to me, a heavy groove for your mood...
You're the One (Paul Simon)
...one of his better in the later years, rejoin Paul's afrobeat introspective and reflective percussive train
(Nothing But) Flowers (Talking Heads)
...Byrne's post-apocolyptic paradise makes for a fine celebration
Afro Blue (John McLaughlin with Joey DeFrancesco, and Elvin Jones, After the Rain)
...and finally arriving at this interpretation of Coltrane’s “Afro Blue”...great trio record, and killer band!
Evening/Night
Part Three:
Freddy Freeloader (Wes Montgomery Trio)
...this rare version of Miles’ tune is a great way to sink into the night. You don’t have to come out screaming, and this is some exciting Wes!
Strawberry Letter 23 (Shuggie Otis)
...this obscure record needs more attention. Otis is an unsung hero with a hidden hit record that missed it's time and place but influenced an entire generation to come. Solo genius...
Soul Rebel (Bob Marley, Bustin' Out of Trenchtown)
...this is a great time to insert your gratuitous Bob Marley block for the week. I personally love to rotate origins, and have been listening to “Bustin’ Out of Trenchtown” set for the past few days. The next two selections are also from the same set...
Mr.Brown (Bob Marley)
...on your way up, and feelin’ good...
It’s Alright (Bob Marley)
...ridin’ high, feeling like a King perhaps?
Kingpin (Wilco)
...spinal taps and hand claps...
It's Good to be King (Tom Petty)
...stayin' on top of the swingin' world with the King theme...
Anyday (Derek & The Dominos, The Layla Sessions)
...anyday is Sunday...smile...
I wonder (Mahavishnu Orchestra, The Lost Trident Sessions)
...this is some screaming McLaughlin...Carlos who? Starts simple, like the day did but then hits hard...
Enceuentros (John McLaughlin with Joey DeFrancesco, and Elvin Jones, After the Rain)
...quite possibly one of the greatest keyboard solos ever. And I couldn’t resist back to back Johnny Mac..Perfect and epic, Joey D for you and for me...
Morning Bell (Radiohead)
...motion, and motion forward as you hit the evening – maybe should be evening bell?
Snooks (Progress Report) (Elbow)
...this was my first introduction to this amazing band. I can not and will not get enough of their sound. Don’t get caught off guard!
Impossible Germany (Wilco)
...the more guitars the better! Cline rages on the end is his perfectly unique style and this tune wreaks of Steely Dan...in a good way...
Neighborhood #3 (Power Out) (The Arcade Fire)
...off their debut “Funeral”, this is a rager!
The rest is YOUR Sunday night..so you can drop the blues, the funk, or keep the eclectic mix moving....or if you like, you can drop some chill house vibe if you aren’t on your tv...I try not to be...
...so, maybe Sunday can sound different to you too?
Send your comments! What do you feel like listening to on Sundays?
Friday, August 21, 2009
80’s nightmares or are Sweet Dreams made of these?
When the buzzer of the alarm clock enters your fresh auditory space, so should the song of “the morning”. Thus, the invention of mp3 player alarm clocks, 'ihomes', etc are genius. Back in the day, it was whatever song was on the biggest morning radio show, and it either kept you rocking in bed, or forced an immediate slam on the alarm (to kill whatever horrific sound startled you).
Wise men speak of the importance of sound, and how it is the first sense we recognize in life and the last as well. We come into the world first with sound, and leave the same. Such is the cycle of each day for me.
However, in the past few months, I’ve awoken startled to music already inside my head! Not the type of creative epiphany that drives me straight towards a notepad or instrument for clarity, but somehow a regurgitation of some tune I somehow ingested while growing up...80’s music. Straight UP.
What do you mean? Well, the following is an actual list of a dozen songs that I HAD to hear in the past month before doing anything in the morning...
Cursed? Maybe, but a good time when all is said and done....and quite an interesting 80’s playlist...
Something about you (Level 42)
...bass, bass, bass line..
Heart and Soul (T’Pau)
....big chorus...
I Want a New Drug (Huey Lewis)
...this tune would do well as a slow, deep, blues, but still does it like it did it in the 80’s...
Throwing It All Away (Genesis)
....Oh Phil...
Eyes Without a Face (Billy Idol)
...co-written with Idol’s guitarist, this is one of his legit songs...no snarling necessary....
Like to Get To Know You Well (Howard Jones)
...he may as well make all the lists recently...
Would I Lie To You (Eurythmics)
...yeah, I thought of “One Crazy Summer” but then how badass Annie Lennox is...
Don’t You Know What the Night Can Do (Steve Winwood)
...Winwood does everything well...
Lay Your Hands on Me (Bon Jovi)
....This day, I just woke up ready to fire up my day with those organ swelling intros!
However Do You Want Me/Back to Life (Soul II Soul)
...the a capella intro is full of anticipation, and then drops the beat...
Oh Sherrie (Steve Perry)
...sure, I may have been reliving some carpool or moment riding in a parent’s car, but this man is singing his heart out. I hope Sherrie responded well, I mean, it rhymes with Perry...
House of Pain (Van Halen, off of “1984” and possibly one of Eddie’s funkiest riffs on the outro)
...every note of “1984” is brilliant....but get to this outro...you’ll hum that just like Diamond Dave....
The era still def had some great music! Enjoy your Fried-day!
Wise men speak of the importance of sound, and how it is the first sense we recognize in life and the last as well. We come into the world first with sound, and leave the same. Such is the cycle of each day for me.
However, in the past few months, I’ve awoken startled to music already inside my head! Not the type of creative epiphany that drives me straight towards a notepad or instrument for clarity, but somehow a regurgitation of some tune I somehow ingested while growing up...80’s music. Straight UP.
What do you mean? Well, the following is an actual list of a dozen songs that I HAD to hear in the past month before doing anything in the morning...
Cursed? Maybe, but a good time when all is said and done....and quite an interesting 80’s playlist...
Something about you (Level 42)
...bass, bass, bass line..
Heart and Soul (T’Pau)
....big chorus...
I Want a New Drug (Huey Lewis)
...this tune would do well as a slow, deep, blues, but still does it like it did it in the 80’s...
Throwing It All Away (Genesis)
....Oh Phil...
Eyes Without a Face (Billy Idol)
...co-written with Idol’s guitarist, this is one of his legit songs...no snarling necessary....
Like to Get To Know You Well (Howard Jones)
...he may as well make all the lists recently...
Would I Lie To You (Eurythmics)
...yeah, I thought of “One Crazy Summer” but then how badass Annie Lennox is...
Don’t You Know What the Night Can Do (Steve Winwood)
...Winwood does everything well...
Lay Your Hands on Me (Bon Jovi)
....This day, I just woke up ready to fire up my day with those organ swelling intros!
However Do You Want Me/Back to Life (Soul II Soul)
...the a capella intro is full of anticipation, and then drops the beat...
Oh Sherrie (Steve Perry)
...sure, I may have been reliving some carpool or moment riding in a parent’s car, but this man is singing his heart out. I hope Sherrie responded well, I mean, it rhymes with Perry...
House of Pain (Van Halen, off of “1984” and possibly one of Eddie’s funkiest riffs on the outro)
...every note of “1984” is brilliant....but get to this outro...you’ll hum that just like Diamond Dave....
The era still def had some great music! Enjoy your Fried-day!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
GET OUT OF MY HEAD!
Top 5 guilty pleasures of recent, and some that have come back to haunt...
I Miss You (Blink-182)
...maybe because they’re back?
Don’t Trust Me (3OH!3)
...probably because it’s hilarious and poptastic?
That’s Not My Name (Ting Tings)
...I mean, it’s hard to NOT have this song still in your head.
Wait (White Lion...what a solo..)
...sorry, some of the purest blood in me flows from the edge of poofy-haired metal guitars...
Feel Good, Inc. (We the Kings version)
..these kids throw down, and rage this tune....
And the top 5 which will probably make it back into my head at some point, because they are just so infectious!
Click, Click, Click (Bishop Allen)
...The Broken String is just an amazing EP! (Flight 180, also another killer)
Again & Again (The Bird and the Bee)
....Lowell George’s daughter...this song is what life would be like in a giant commercial
How We Operate (Gomez)
....caught this tune live on television to then seek out the studio version. Clicks and pops and chorus galore...
Such Great Heights (Postal Service’s version)
....one of the most beautiful songs Iron & Wine contributed to the Garden State soundtrack turned into electronic bubbles and beauty by the Postal Service...rain, sleet, or snow..
One Day Like This (Elbow)
...can’t say enough about this band, and this tune...well it’s as big as it gets.
Try them. Get hooked.
I Miss You (Blink-182)
...maybe because they’re back?
Don’t Trust Me (3OH!3)
...probably because it’s hilarious and poptastic?
That’s Not My Name (Ting Tings)
...I mean, it’s hard to NOT have this song still in your head.
Wait (White Lion...what a solo..)
...sorry, some of the purest blood in me flows from the edge of poofy-haired metal guitars...
Feel Good, Inc. (We the Kings version)
..these kids throw down, and rage this tune....
And the top 5 which will probably make it back into my head at some point, because they are just so infectious!
Click, Click, Click (Bishop Allen)
...The Broken String is just an amazing EP! (Flight 180, also another killer)
Again & Again (The Bird and the Bee)
....Lowell George’s daughter...this song is what life would be like in a giant commercial
How We Operate (Gomez)
....caught this tune live on television to then seek out the studio version. Clicks and pops and chorus galore...
Such Great Heights (Postal Service’s version)
....one of the most beautiful songs Iron & Wine contributed to the Garden State soundtrack turned into electronic bubbles and beauty by the Postal Service...rain, sleet, or snow..
One Day Like This (Elbow)
...can’t say enough about this band, and this tune...well it’s as big as it gets.
Try them. Get hooked.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
For My Parent's Anniversary, 18th of August...
The short list:
My Funny Valentine (Miles Davis)
Overjoyed (Stevie Wonder)
To Life (Zero Mostel)
I've Got You Under My Skin (Ella Fitzgerald)
Why do fools fall in love (Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers)
Dream a Little Dream of Me (Mamas & the Papas)
Let's Stay Together (Al Green)
All I really wanna do (Dylan)
Tupelo Honey (Van Morrison)
Something (Beatles)
Happy Together (The Turtles)
Someone to Watch Over Me (Benny Green)
Everybody Needs Somebody to Love (Solomon Burke)
I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever) (Stevie Wonder)
Naive Melody (This Must Be the Place) (Talking Heads)
If Not For You (George Harrison and Bob Dylan)
You're the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly (Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty)
Here, There and Everywhere (The Beatles)
Still Crazy After All These Years (Paul Simon)
..Happy Anniversary, and enjoy the list of love!
My Funny Valentine (Miles Davis)
Overjoyed (Stevie Wonder)
To Life (Zero Mostel)
I've Got You Under My Skin (Ella Fitzgerald)
Why do fools fall in love (Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers)
Dream a Little Dream of Me (Mamas & the Papas)
Let's Stay Together (Al Green)
All I really wanna do (Dylan)
Tupelo Honey (Van Morrison)
Something (Beatles)
Happy Together (The Turtles)
Someone to Watch Over Me (Benny Green)
Everybody Needs Somebody to Love (Solomon Burke)
I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever) (Stevie Wonder)
Naive Melody (This Must Be the Place) (Talking Heads)
If Not For You (George Harrison and Bob Dylan)
You're the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly (Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty)
Here, There and Everywhere (The Beatles)
Still Crazy After All These Years (Paul Simon)
..Happy Anniversary, and enjoy the list of love!
My first blog...
...being my first "blog" I will simply start with what seems tonight like the perfect playlist..
it's 'chill' - as I like to ease into things - but finds a thread musically...and the point of this, well, is to see if it finds a thread with you? Go ahead, make tonight's perfect list...if you don't own it, buy it! Support the artists you love and the ones you will one day love...
List Numero Uno:
Everything That Happens (David Byrne & Brian Eno)
Neon Bible (Arcade Fire)
Under African Skies (Paul Simon)
Take Me Home (Phil Collins Live)
Weather to Fly (Elbow)
House of Cards (Radiohead)
Don’t Give Up (Peter Gabriel)
Novignon (Lionel Loueke)
Watching the Wheels (Lennon)
Flower Power (John Scofield)
The Best of Everything (Tom Petty)
Let 'em In (Paul McCartney)
Never Can Say Goodbye (Jackson 5)
One fine day (David Byrne & Brian Eno)
Old Shoes (& Picture Postcards) (Tom Waits)
Ashes of American Flags (Wilco)
Maiden Voyage/Everything in It’s Right Place (Robert Glasper)
Waltz for Debby (John McLaughlin)
Miss Ohio (Gillian Welch)
Mirrorball (Elbow)
Please be Patient With Me (Wilco)
Dream (Priscilla Ahn)
Mercy Street (Peter Gabriel)
Nude (Radiohead)
Mr.Bojangles (Neil Diamond)
Book of Love (Peter Gabriel)
No One is to Blame (Howard Jones)
Some Kind of Death (Birdlips)
Will You Be There (MJ)
...enjoy!
notes about The Perfect Playlist:
-Grammar is not applicable, nor warranted
-The opinions reflect this single blogger's given state of being during said blog, maybe not later...
-some playlists are gonna be funny, some may look like paragraphs and have thoughts organized in them, others may be some of the most intense compilations your portable gigabyte itune zune loon pda can handle
-and last, The Tone goes over The Edge...
it's 'chill' - as I like to ease into things - but finds a thread musically...and the point of this, well, is to see if it finds a thread with you? Go ahead, make tonight's perfect list...if you don't own it, buy it! Support the artists you love and the ones you will one day love...
List Numero Uno:
Everything That Happens (David Byrne & Brian Eno)
Neon Bible (Arcade Fire)
Under African Skies (Paul Simon)
Take Me Home (Phil Collins Live)
Weather to Fly (Elbow)
House of Cards (Radiohead)
Don’t Give Up (Peter Gabriel)
Novignon (Lionel Loueke)
Watching the Wheels (Lennon)
Flower Power (John Scofield)
The Best of Everything (Tom Petty)
Let 'em In (Paul McCartney)
Never Can Say Goodbye (Jackson 5)
One fine day (David Byrne & Brian Eno)
Old Shoes (& Picture Postcards) (Tom Waits)
Ashes of American Flags (Wilco)
Maiden Voyage/Everything in It’s Right Place (Robert Glasper)
Waltz for Debby (John McLaughlin)
Miss Ohio (Gillian Welch)
Mirrorball (Elbow)
Please be Patient With Me (Wilco)
Dream (Priscilla Ahn)
Mercy Street (Peter Gabriel)
Nude (Radiohead)
Mr.Bojangles (Neil Diamond)
Book of Love (Peter Gabriel)
No One is to Blame (Howard Jones)
Some Kind of Death (Birdlips)
Will You Be There (MJ)
...enjoy!
notes about The Perfect Playlist:
-Grammar is not applicable, nor warranted
-The opinions reflect this single blogger's given state of being during said blog, maybe not later...
-some playlists are gonna be funny, some may look like paragraphs and have thoughts organized in them, others may be some of the most intense compilations your portable gigabyte itune zune loon pda can handle
-and last, The Tone goes over The Edge...
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