Music for October

Here are some new albums which are helping me keep cool and inspired.  Each album is fantastic in its own way.  What is even more cool?  In less than a month my ten years of part time study will be over.  I can't wait!  It only means good things; more life, more fun, more music and perhaps even more importantly, healthy amounts of sleep!

July Music

       

Here are some albums that we are listening to on high rotation at the moment:  Teen Dream by Beach House, The Optimist by Stan Harrison and Au milieu des autres by Calogero.  I'm particularly digging Stan Harrison's album right now.  It has some smooth grooves with a bit of that retro 80's sax flavour.

Espresso Del Lago

Currently listening to Yeki.  It's a little electronic for a Sunday morning however it does flow well.  Anyway, it's just what I need to get the ideas flowing here at our makeshift home office (our living room).  Pens out, lines to be drawn, a design to emerge.  Now I feel like a coffee...

Serge v Françoise

I decided to pick up some Serge Gainsbourg and Françoise Hardy records to help us keep cool over the weekend.  A couple of weeks ago I purchased a copy of the film Gainsbourg.  We haven't had a chance to watch it yet so this was the prefect opportunity to brush up on his style.


Image source unknown

Version Symphonique

While in Paris I wanted to pick up some local music.  I came across Calogero's Version Symphonique in a Virgin store while moving from headset to headset, sampling various artists.  It was a very fortunate find because it turned out to be the perfect soundtrack for our drive through the Luberon.  Now it will always remind us of being en vacances.

Herbie Visits Australia

In music news: Herbie Hancock is touring Australia next month!  We're booked in for the QPAC show on April 28!
Image source: http://www.onion.com.au/article/2796

I also just picked up d&k's album Lost & Found.  This recently released album has plenty of cool beats.  It seems to blend their newer pop sound with the format of their earlier electronic records.

The Nutcracker

With our holidays coming to an end today I have been reflecting on the events of the past month and trying not to get too down by the thought of returning to work.  What am I saying, I enjoy my work. Anyway, for me the festive season began on Friday 17 December when we attended an evening performance of The Nutcracker by the Queensland Ballet, accompanied by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.  Dad, Leonie, Anton and Oi Lai joined us in celebrating the arrival of the festive season, the coming holidays and my birthday.  The performance, the athleticism and of course Tchaikovsky's score all magnificent.


Image source:
http://awhitecarousel.com/

Riding with the King

Riding with the King, the soundtrack to our morning.  My neighbour gave me this album when I was a teen.  I used to play my saxophone dayly and my bedroom was along side their house so they had no way of blocking out the sound.  Learning jazz and blues at the time it was a fitting present though I wasn't a big fan of the album until more recently.  A cruisy and polished blues record.

Sparrow Music

I'm currently listening to Sam Sparrow. I've had his self titled album on my to-buy-list for a while now. Upbeat noughties fun music.

More Jazz...

While on the jazz theme I thought I'd mention this Herbie Hancock/Joni Mitchell album.  We've been listen through a number of my jazz records today.  I picked up River shortly after it's release and of course it is another of my favourite albums.  I first heard Herbie as a kid and played his stuff in jazz combos in my teens.  The second track Edith and the Kingpin with Tina Turner is a particular favourite.  It gets me grooving every time I hear it.  If Tina was to come to Brisbane performing an all jazz set I'd be there in a shot.

Kurt Elling Plays the Powerhouse

From the first note this evening we knew we were in for a treat.  Kurt and his rhythm section put on a solid and fun show.  One vocal solo sounded as if here were playing a saxophone.  Gob smacking good if you ask me!  Definitely worth all the excitement.

Dedicated to You

With Kurt Elling performing in Brisbane tonight it's no coincidence that I'm currently listening to Kurt's album Dedicated to You.  I am soo looking forward to this gig.

Kurt Elling is coming to town

I just heard that Kurt Elling is performing at the Brisbane Powerhouse in October!  If you ask me this is the must see jazz gig of the year.  I picked up his Nightmoves album last year.  Brilliant.  Thank you Anton, I cannot wait!


Image source:
http://eyeshotjazz.wordpress.com/2009/05/

Swan Lake

We attended a Saturday evening performance of Swan Lake by the Queensland Ballet on a recent weekend.  We invited Dad and Leonie to join us for our first ballet experience.  Last year I read Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin and was inspired to see a production.  I was also very keen to see this ballet classic set famously to Tchaikovsky's music.  A number of the dancers were especially charismatic and very enjoyable to watch.  We are now looking forward to seeing The Nutcracker at Christmas.

Funk This

Some funky music for August.  A couple years back Tom pointed me to a very cool clip of Chaka Khan performing with Rufus in 1974.  Way into this.

Madita

This month's music offering is yet another album produced by dZihan!  We've been enjoying this nu-jazz record as well as Madita's second record Too.

Continuum

Currently listening to Continuum.  A fluid, uplifting record.  This purchase was inspired by Ben's visit in January.

JS Bach: Jazz Versions

I've been meaning to purchase this album for over ten years.  My sister Cathryn once gave me a jazz sampler CD which included the final track 'Ave', a beautiful rendition of a Bach prelude arranged by Kevin Hunt for his jazz trio.  Finally I remembered to seek out this album and while it came at a price, I have not been disappointed.

Up All Night

Today I rediscovered Up All Night,  an album which has sat in my CD stack for six years or so.  I had forgotten how much I really like this album.  A well balanced modern jazz fusion record.  This would have been my first Scofield purchase having been introduced to his music by Dave during our threeminorgroove days.

Music Matters

Again this duo features on my current listening list...  Music Matters is far more pop than previous dZihan & Kamien records.  Without having seen their name on the cover I wouldn't have recognised it as being d&K.  Having said that, it is still crafted with the same goodness.  dZihan & Kamien have successfully crossed into the mainstream pop song realm and for me this album will stay fresh for a long while.  Thanks Anton.