As we are nearing the anniversary of Django’s death I stumbled upon a photo of him coming down the steps of his small “caravan”. He was dapper and happy and it was obviously early in the day following a late night at a gig or a party. The small trailer he so proudly stepped out into daylight from looked very […]
Since I had already played guitar since the age of ten it was only natural to form a rock band in my early teens. To my mind (and that of about ten thousand other adolescent males with screaming hormones) a guitar was like a fishing pole for catching girls. One of the first songs I wrote (I have since written
My history as a musician (first installment) Read More »
I listen to music every day quite intently. On my iPod during my one hour daily jog and on CD in my car. My recent favorites come from very different sources and styles. 1) “Prokofiev Piano Concertos One, Two and Three.”All great and full of invention. My favorite recording of these Concertos is the one by pianist Michael Beroff and
Recent listening (Prokofiev, Martino, XTC and Ravel) Read More »
This is the central question I have pondered my entire life. It is (in my opinion) the central theme behind all theology, science and physics as well. Brevity and concision (my main two rules of musical construction) also derive from my drilling down on this essential and existential question. I am certain that my life’s vocation as a musician and
September marked the 50th anniversary of the recording of jazz pianist Erroll Garner‘s classic album Concert By the Sea. Sony Records celebrates the anniversary of this classic record with the two-CD set called The Complete Concert By the Sea. The entire concert is now available which includes many previously unreleased tracks plus a rare interview with Garner. A recent documentary
Erroll Garner (1921-1977) Read More »
I have been reading the new autobiography by Declan MacManus or, as he is better known, Elvis Costello. It is called “Unfaithful Music and Disappearing Ink”. It is well written but that is hardly surprising given his skill with words as exhibited in many of his songs. I am not a fan of all of his stuff. His voice can
Elvis Costello (new autobiography) Read More »