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…)
Genre-Labeling + a rant.
By calling yourself a genre-specific musician, are you limiting yourself as a musician?
By describing music with a genre-label, are you setting the music up to be assumed by listeners?
Perhaps the better question is, “Is there a need for genre-distinction?” Perhaps it’s best left at “good music is good music, and bad music is bad music.” I’ll try and address both of these. (And then per the title, a small rant.) (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…)
2011 – Goodbye Indiana, Hello Texas
**Totally taking my buddy Ben’s idea as using playlists as a sort of journal, here goes 2011 and last of being in Indiana, in musical memory. (The songs aren’t necessarily from 2011) Also, I realize most of my nostalgia-stricken songs are driving songs–because that’s when I really do my best listening. (more…)
Music should move you intellectually & physically 