2014 – A Bigger Palette – Year in Music
Once again, for the end of 2014, I’d like to make note of some of my favorite music that will leave a very important mark in my life.
The following, in no particular order, are musicians/albums/songs/pieces from 2014 that I would encourage others to try out.
Coffee shop playing, but with wine.
I am sitting here in my room, before my monitor and keyboard writing for concert band. There is a disheveled pile of paper with thematic notes I can’t understand, underneath old coffee. I wrote the damn notes… As I take a break from trying to make sure I don’t anger my flute and piccolo players for whom I’m writing a whole lot of movement, I have become suddenly grateful for the music communities with which I associate myself. (more…)
2013 – Late to the Game, So Much Great Music – Year in Music
This is always fun. Here are my 12 favorite artists/album/songs/pieces of music that have helped define 2013 for me.
Another year in Texas, the first full one, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve found I’m good at other things, my interests have changed dramatically, and I bought a violin. I cannot play it well. So, that.
1. Gabriel Kahane makes my list every year. Or every day. Everything, really. I had devoured his Craiglistlieder song cycle, February House musical, and his second album Where Are the Arms, among other gems along the way. I only THIS year listened to his FIRST self-titled album, from 2008. **head.desk.** (more…)
What Does Music Mean to You? – Art Campaign
I want to finally share what is in my art collection — and why you should support the arts.
I have been fortunate enough to be able to financially afford this sort of thing, so I have been commissioning works of art.
The following are 4 commissioned pieces of art from artists I knew. The premise was that the artists would make whatever they wanted as long as they were responding to the question, “What does music mean to me?” (more…)
What Music Changed You?
I’d like to make this post an interactive one. I’ll explain the music that made a significant change in my life, and I’d like to hear yours. Comment below this post, or even in an e-mail (musicjoeyoung@gmail.com).
What Music Changed You?
I have two major answers to the question: one band changed entirely what I consider “good” music to be, and another composer saved me. (more…)
O’Pioneering.
We accept the success we think we deserve.
Boy, am I going to live up to that.
As it would happen I spent another 4 days in NYC. This time it was upon gracious invitation of Eli Zoller, to play for his show. I arrived 2 days prior to the shindig, having never heard his music. (more…)
2012 – Everything’s the Same Size in Texas – Year in Music
I did this last year: make a list of 12 songs for each month that really encompassed a part of the year for me. I’m treating this, again, like a journal for myself, but if anyone reads this and has thoughts, please share them.
January was the last month of 2012 that I was in Indiana. Once February hit, I moved to Texas. Here are the songs that had the most impact on me, may it be cerebral or otherwise. (more…)
A Circus, a Phil, and an Apple
A Circus in Winter – in the Big Apple
I was fortunate enough to have spent this past week in New York City, performing for the “Circus in Winter” musical. I have been a part of the Circus team for the past year and a half.
I was excited to see two of my best friends Ben Clark (the composer for Circus) and Nick Rapley (the percussionist extraordinaire) but was not prepared for how many more emotions I would have towards the musical than before. (more…)
Texas, an album, & a finished? string quintet
I have arrived to Texas. And it has only been GREAT so far. Here’s what I’ve accomplished:
1. Spent necessary, great time with a necessary, great person.
2. Recorded some new things and as a result have the final lineup for my forthcoming full-length album. (Planning stages)
3. Designed the booklet for aforementioned album.
4. OFFICIALLY FINISHED my string quartet, “A Man’s Will to a Woman.” The music, lyrics, and edits are ALL FINISHED. Nope. That’s not true. (more…)
Living as a musician
Many good things happening musically. I have the 3rd movement to my piece almost done!! **mad applause!** **chaotic uproar!** **fireworks and confetti and other hootenany-esque parading!!** **overuse of celebratory italics!!**
BUT–I am definitely re-thinking the instrumentation. THAT is a major change, I am aware. (more…)
At least there’s Radiohead…
This entry is more of an outward rant for myself. And it’s about my third movement. First off I should say, minus the fine tuning and editing I have to do I am happy with what I have for movement 1 & 2. I think there is sufficient honesty in them, and musically I like them–that’s not to say what I have will be the final product. I’m sure I will think of stuff to add or reorganize without jeopardizing my original ideas. (more…)
A Man’s Will to a Woman
The title above is the name of a 3 movement string quintet piece I’m writing. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t completely influenced by the approaches of the Punch Brothers. I suppose I’ve always loved bluegrass, and the standard instrumentation. But upon hearing them over a year ago they are absolutely my favorite band for life.
Finally, I’ve found a band that has music that moves me intellectually and physically. (more…)
Music should move you intellectually & physically 