First I heard a version of it while watching the new season of The Boys. Then, it came back again watching the latest season of Stranger Things. Apparently, I’m not the only person obsessed with this song. My favorite cut - Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong (which was featured in Stranger Things). https://youtu.be/gxrws7omOHQ Ps. you … Continue reading Sunday Music: Dream A Little Dream Of Me
Tag: jazz
Sunday Music: ATCQ
I finally made a playlist with The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders on it so they play through back to back. I can put this on and drive, cook, putz around with my dogs, etc. and I don’t think it gets better than that. The samples. The sounds. The lyrics (oh, Phife. Really? Sighs. … Continue reading Sunday Music: ATCQ
Sunday Music: Dilla Time
Dilla changed music. But don’t listen to me, listen to Don Charnas. Start with this incredible interview he just did with Jesse Thorn on the Bullseye podcast, and then check out his new book, Dilla Time. And, if you’re like me, spend the next few days revisiting Donuts and his other stuff. I wrote about … Continue reading Sunday Music: Dilla Time
Sunday Music: More Kendrick Thoughts
I’m a few weeks into processing Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. Here’s what I’m thinking. Kendrick’s the closest thing we’ve got to a modern Miles Davis. He’s going to push boundaries. We shouldn’t be surprised by him, we should expect to be surprised. And that means not loving everything he does. What we should … Continue reading Sunday Music: More Kendrick Thoughts
Sunday Music: Jazz At Harvard with Wynton Marsalis
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
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