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…)
Album Review: Timo Andres’ “Home Stretch”
This is my first time (in)formally reviewing an album. My immediate disclaimer is that I am reviewing this solely from the point-of-view of a music lover. This will not be a scholarly response to one’s music (if the reader expects that.)
moving on…*ahem*
It is with great conviction that I attempt to review (commend and praise) this album in the hopes that others will want to give it a go.
My review’s thesis statement: this album rocks. (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…)
Luckier and Better For It, After All I Have a Job, Right?
I have a job. This job pays well. There are fleeting moments where I am proud of my job. I work with some folk, some of whom are tremendous musicians, that have been real close friends. They’re affable and mostly intelligent fellows, who always want what we all want: happiness.
I have a job. This job is “technically” in the field to which I intend(ed) to belong: music. Defining one’s self by one’s occupation can be motivating & narcissistic or motivating & centripetal. I suppose I lean to the latter.
I have a job. This job drives me properly bonkers. I concentrate daily to keep my resting heart rate down. I thought I signed up for one thing, and I got another. I have equal complaints and praises for what I do. (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…)
Music should move you intellectually & physically 