 My last article about Esperanza Spalding hasn't even fallen off the front page and here she is again.
I don't really have a lot to say about my newest favorite artist (still) other than she's awesome. And that her band keeps getting bigger. You can catch up with the growing chronicle of Esperanza on my site by checking out article one and article two (although don't bother with article one, just go to my Music Video page and watch her performance of "Precious").
Click the image to watch her (and the new, larger band) performing "Radio Song" from her new album Radio Music Society. And then you should go buy your own copy. Line forms in the rear! |
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My Chinese dinner (oh Wah Yuen, what makes your egg rolls so good?) included this fortune: "The universe without music would be madness." While I agree, this reminds me of The Chaste Planet by John Updike in which the reverse is true.
In the story, humans encounter the Minervans, creatures living within the planet Jupiter on a hidden planet dubbed Minerva. The humans eventually discover the Minervan's hidden intense musical life. The Minervan's word for "music" is the same as for "life", as "silence" is the same as "death".
When humans bring Minervans to Earth, they are so inundated with music that they experience a type of insanity. Sometimes I think I know exactly how they feel.
I encourage you to visit your local library and read Mr. Updike's short story for yourself. And while you're there, check out the millions of other great stories they have there. |
 Freek Johnson recently appeared on our local PBS station. The boys are in fine shape, delivering a couple of tunes with enough action they could easily be five or six.
 I don't have much to say, the Freek speaks for itself. Enjoy the show!
Click to enlarge, or watch them on the big player on my Music Video page with more Freek Johnson and gobs of other cool stuff. |
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 When I find these kinds of things I get a little giddy but also a bit jolted that I hadn't seen it sooner. Frank Robinson is 73 years old now and I had never heard of him before a couple of days ago. What's the matter with me?
Frank "Sugar Chile" Robinson was a child prodigy, winning talent shows at the age of three, playing for President Truman at seven, and appearing with Count Basie at age eleven among other impressive accomplishments.
Mr. Robinson eventually gave up his musical career to earn degrees in history and psychology. While I applaud furthering one's education in any case, I am always dismayed when a true talent strays from music. It seems such a shame.
Fortunately, Robinson didn't stray far for long. He helped set up small labels in Detroit and also opened a recording studio during the 1960s. He has been making a comeback as a musician during the last decade, appearing at a few special concerts.
The song is "Caldonia" by Louis Jordan, one of my all-time favorite jump blues songs and also one of the first compositions to be labeled "rock and roll". Click the image to play or watch it and all the other cool videos I have accumulated on my Music Video page. |
 When I first saw Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside on David Letterman I thought, "Here's something for my page." Then I sat on it for weeks.
I couldn't quite put my finger on why I liked it. There are no blazing guitar solos, no overwhelming performances. But I kept coming back to the video and watching it over and over again.
There is a lot here that appeals to me. I like the retro-y look and sound of the group. I really like the way they combine a minimalistic approach with some smart arrangement to make the most of what's there. Sallie does a great job belting out the vocals. The overall effect is a solid and fresh performance of a really good tune.
The pop music world could certainly use a lot more music like this - real musicians playing real instruments making some interesting and fun music.
I hope we get to hear lots more from Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside. Check out their website here. Click the image to pop up a player or watch them in the big player on my Music Video page. |
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