Did you know Wynton Marsalis’ Harvard lecture series, “Hidden in Plain View” is on YouTube? I didn't. Get some music. Get some philosophy. Get some of that Marsalis magic in your soul. I was lucky enough to see him give a masterclass circa 2004. Now, I’ve seen my share of music masterclasses and most of them … Continue reading Sunday Music: Jazz At Harvard with Wynton Marsalis
Tag: jazz
How A Lost Wallet Led To A Hit Song
The story behind the hit song “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” is better than the song itself. That’s not intended to be a hot take, but it is intended to remind us to look for silver linings, because when the world starts throwing funny twists and turns under our feet, following the path of our own … Continue reading How A Lost Wallet Led To A Hit Song
Sunday Music: Mele Kalikimaka
It's a sound of my childhood - not just the whole White Christmas album (the movie AND the Bing album), but this particular song. One part Bing's crooning, another part The Andrews Sisters harmonizing, and a dash of non-northeastern cold, bright and warm Hawaaiin magic. Happy holidays, thanks for being here with me. https://youtu.be/FezVApPddqU
Button Up Your Overcoat (Thanksgiving Music From Grandma)
Thanksgiving was my Grandmother's holiday. Every year, for about half of my life, we’d congregate around the kitchen table in Williamsport, PA. It’s one of the places I learned the loving craziness of family. It’s one of the places I can directly trace the roots of my sense of humor came from. It’s one of … Continue reading Button Up Your Overcoat (Thanksgiving Music From Grandma)
Sunday Music: Grapefruit Moon
It’s good to have a reason to stop and stare at the sky. The moon has been putting in some serious work this week (at least over me in New England). “Harvest Moon” would be the obvious song to sing, but I’ve been subjecting my dogs on our evening walks to renditions of “Grapefruit Moon” … Continue reading Sunday Music: Grapefruit Moon
Sunday Music: My Baby Just Cares For Me
It’s such a simple looping phrase. But that’s what love is too, right? Simple. It might not be one of Nina Simone’s most complex or intricate performances, but it’s one of my favorites. Here’s “My Baby Just Cares For Me” (with a lovely 80’s claymation video too): https://youtu.be/eYSbUOoq4Vg
Sunday Music: Ain’t It The Truth
When you’re a PA kid and a bunch of home-state legends drop an album together - you pay attention. Way back in 2001, The Philadelphia Experiment dropped their one and only record. I just heard Christian McBride talk about it with Cory Wong and I had to throw it on for old time's sake. It's … Continue reading Sunday Music: Ain’t It The Truth
Sunday Music: Cause You’ve Got Soul, And Everybody Knows, And It’s All Right
How we talk to ourselves, how we think of our purpose, why we think we do or do not belong - these are the heavy, weighty, and extraordinarily beautiful concepts Soul wrestles with. I don’t care if you don’t have little kids in your life. I don’t care if you’re “too old for cartoons.” I … Continue reading Sunday Music: Cause You’ve Got Soul, And Everybody Knows, And It’s All Right
Sunday Music: “Call Me A Fool” By Valerie June
There’s a sensitivity in the drawl of Valerie June’s voice that’s mesmerizing to me. Lots of people have unique voices, but few of them have the mastery over their instrument that she does. June’s got an ability to pull tones, sounds, and emotions out of songs that are unique to her. She’s got a new … Continue reading Sunday Music: “Call Me A Fool” By Valerie June
Sunday Music: Maybe We Ought To Think Twice
J Dilla’s classic, Welcome 2 Detroit, turns 20 this week. The reissue pulls out all of the stops with instrumentals, remixes, and even a book. The original songs are still well worth a revisit. Sure, there’s some dated sounding stuff, but this album is so full of vibe it still can melt a room. His … Continue reading Sunday Music: Maybe We Ought To Think Twice