Moving Right Along (addendum)

Here are a few songs that I meant to add to this week's post including the first suggestion sent by Fred Raudat.

Jefferson Airplane  - "Comin' Back To Me" - Marty Balin (pictured left), one of the co-founder of the San Francisco-based 1960s psychedelic rock the Jefferson Airplane, died this past September 27th.  He possessed one of the lovelier voices in rock music, a fine counterpoint to the harder voices of Grace Slick and Paul Kantner.  Palin stayed with the band even after they morphed in to Jefferson Starship in 1975. This particular song comes from their second album "Surrealistic Pillow."  (F. Raudat with notes supplied by the editor)

The Beatles - "Here, There, and Everywhere" - Suggested by Daniele Dugre-Martin, this lovely Paul McCartney tune comes from the band's 1966 "Revolver" album, the predecessor to "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club".  In the various biographies and histories of the Fab Four, John Lennon is quoted as saying this was his favorite McCartney song and that he had little to do with writing the gem. Note the lovely harmonies and the composer's delicate double-tracked vocals.  (RBK)

Photo: Carl F. Hager

Lorraine Feather - "You're Outta Here" - Ms. Feather, the daughter of the acclaimed jazz writer and composer Leonard Feather, is one of the more creative artists who sings jazz. Over the past two decades, she has released albums based on the music of Duke Ellington, of classic and original "stride piano" music, and her own delightful compositions.  The tune I chose today is based on a Fats Waller piece, "A Minor Drag" - note how the singer deals with the syncopation and the rhythms, plays with language and generally has a delightful time.  To her credit, Ms Feather also composes thoughtful "adult" pieces, ballads that make you think and ponder personal relationships.

However, this track is pure fun! It features the great Dick Hyman on piano (who's still "tickling the ivories" at the age of 91!)

Moving Right Along

As I write this, it's 80 degrees in Middletown and muggy, perhaps the final day of this temperature we will see in 2018 (although nothing should or could surprise save for three beautiful Fall days in a row).

Today, we welcome a new contributor Dr. Kyle Saulnier.  Saulnier may be a familiar name to some at QU as his dad Bruce has been on the faculty since 1972 and is a Professor  of Computer Information Services.  Just this past year, Kyle earned his Doctorate in Music. He currently serves as the Ensembles Coordinator at QU.  But I first heard of him as a musician and composer who leads the Awakening Orchestra, a 19-member ensemble whose music often takes on contemporary social issues, is brash, often loud, but not without its thoughtful and gracious moments. Find out more by going to www.kylesaulnier.com.

Sarah Kirkland Snider - "The Lotus Eaters" from "Penelope" - This is a 14-movement song cycle by Sarah Kirkland Snider that’s simultaneously art song and indie rock. I love hearing modern takes on art song that are so clearly influenced by the popular music and industrial palettes I grew up with, and the minimalist wall of sound that she gets out of the ensemble is so beautifully expansive. Shout out to Shara Worden, the vocalist, who's one of the most powerful indie rock voices of my generation (she used to perform as My Brightest Diamond, and is now making music under the name Shara Nova). (K. Saulnier)

To find out more, go to penelope-music.com/#.

Tomas Luis de Victoria - excerpt from "Requiem Mass" (1605) - I've been sketching out a new painting and needed calming, meditative music. (T. Williams)

de Victoria, born c. 1548, near Avila, Spain—died Aug. 27, 1611, Madrid), Spanish composer who ranks with Palestrina and Orlando di Lasso among the greatest composers of the 16th century.  Find out more at www.britannica.com/biography/Tomas-Luis-de-Victoria.

Don Henley - "Not Enough Love in the World" -  A classic 80s song on a terrific album. The song is wistful and fun with great lyrics. It’s rare to find a song that is a love song that is also honest. (C. Hakala)

Don Henley’s band the Eagles had two top 10 singles—"Take It Easy" and "Witchy Woman"—with their first album. The Eagles then became one of the most popular bands of the 1970s. Their next three albums—Desperado, On the Border and One of These Nights—were all huge hits. Henley went on to a huge solo career after the Eagles broke up, with singles such as “Dirty Laundry” and “Boys of Summer.” (Biography.com)

The original videos for the song have been removed due to the singer's "bad blood" against Geffen Records. You can hear excerpts on iTunes on on Spotify.

Half Alive - "Still Feel" - I recently discovered Half Alive and was surprised to find that they have only released 4 songs. Each song has a surprisingly unique sound, intriguing me where the group is going to continue to move in the future. Still Feel is their most recent song and was the first one I found (as well as my favorite) which is why I chose it. (M. Winslow)

New alternative rock band, half•alive, is a product of a 50 song challenge that was carried out by band's frontman, Josh Taylor in 2016.  half•alive consists of frontman Josh Taylor, drummer Brett Kramer, and GRAMMY nominated producer James Krausse, who came together in 2016 to help with Josh's challenge. (spinorbinmusic.com)

Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper - "Shallow" - The newly released remake of "A Star is Born" stars Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. The trailers are very enticing and places the movie as a ‘must see’ on anyone’s list, mine included. Coincidentally, one of the previous remakes was on television this Sunday morning starring Judy Garland and James Mason, which also is a must see. Here is the synopsis of the movie.
The gist of the movie, just released this week on October 5, 2018, is that a seasoned musician, Jackson Maine, discovers -- and falls in love with -- struggling artist Ally. She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer until Jackson coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally's career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jackson fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons. (J Gaffney)

Roger Miller - "Chug-a-lug" and "England Swings" - I may be the last person you'd expect to like Country Music but, heck, Roger Miller was a true original.  Born in Oklahoma in 1936, he started out as a writer in Nashville, Tennessee, in the late 1950s and had a few Top Country singles. In the midst of The Beatles Invasion, Miller decided he want to be a movie actor, recorded a pair of tunes for SMASH Records and, while he was in Hollywood auditioning and playing bit parts, both songs - "Dang Me" and "Chug-a-lug" - became huge hits on the pop charts.  For the next two years, everything he recorded turned to gold including "King of the Road" and "England Swings".  Top Forty geek that I was in those days, I loved the fact you could sing along with these short yet sweet tunes. Not much to them but, sometimes, they just need silly and loopy tunes. (RBK)

Autumn in the Air

Keeping with my Saturday morning ritual, today I was up and out early, ahead of the traffic, lines, noise and the like, to do errands and hit the gym. It was beautiful. This song by The Rascals captures it well.

From Wikipedia: The Rascals (initially known as The Young Rascals) were an American rock band, formed in Garfield, NJ in 1965.  Between 1966 and 1968 the New Jersey act reached the top 20 of the billboard Hot 100 with nine singles, including the #1s “Good Lovin’”  (1966),  “Groovin’ (1967), and “People Got to Be Free" (1968), as well as big radio hits such as the much-covered “How Can I Be Sure” (#4 1967) and “ A Beautiful Mornin’ (#3 1968), plus another critical favorite "A Girl Like You" (#10 1967). The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. (J. Gaffney)

Donovan - "Season of the Witch" - I dropped some stitches while knitting and the song popped into my head...I picked up every stitch, have no fear. (D. Martin-Dugre)

Donovan Philips Leitch is a Scottish singer, songwriter and guitarist. He developed an eclectic and distinctive style that blended folk, jazz, pop, psychedelia, and world music. He has lived in Scotland, Hertfordshire, London, California, and since at least 2008 in County Cork, Ireland, with his family. Emerging from the British folk scene, Donovan reached fame in the United Kingdom in early 1965 with live performances on the pop TV series Ready Steady Go! (Editor's Note: This song was released in the US in September of 1966, marking the beginning of the singer's switch from acoustic folk music to electric rock.)

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The Youngbloods - "Get Together" - Seems right... (T Williams) 

I won't pretend to know Professor Williams's mind but his choice may be in response to the craziness that swirls around us 24/7.  This particular song was first issued as a 45 rpm single in 1967, "The Summer of Love", but barely dented the Top 100.  Two years later, a DeeJay at WABC-AM used the song as a promo for his show and then the National Council of Christians and Jews picked the song for a promotional push and the 45, rereleased, shot up the charts to the Top 5.  It was the only hit for the group but kept them touring in one form or another for a number of years. (RBK)

Gloria Gaynor - "I Will Survive" - Good time of year for this song! (C Hakala).
(Editor's Note) - Ms. Gaynor had a number of popular songs in the late 1970s-early 1980s, right at the end of the "Disco Craze."  This song, her biggest hit, started its slow climb to the charts in 1978 when it was released as a B-side of a 45 that barely was noticed. A Deejay in Boston, MA, flipped the record over and his audience kept calling to find out more. The record label re-pressed the 45 with "I Will Survive" as the A-side and the rest is history.

Joni Mitchell - "Free Man in Paris" - This cut was the second Joni Mitchell song I truly liked ("Big Yellow Taxi" was the first) from the first album of hers that I liked (1974's "Court and Spark").  Ms. Mitchell had begun to expand her sound, moving from her early acoustic pieces to a more fluid rhythm section.  Over the next decade, her move towards jazz and jazz-rock alienated a good part of her original audience but those of us who enjoyed Weather Report (the band), guitarist Pat Metheny, and, especially, bassist Jaco Pastorius, became smitten. This version comes from her 1980 live album "Shadow and Light" with a band that featured Metheny, Pastorius, keyboard whiz Lyle Mays, drummer Don Alias, and saxophonist Michael Brecker.  Listening to the amazing bass work is bittersweet as Pastorius sunk into depression, alcoholism, and schizophrenia brought on by what many people claimed was bi-polar disorder.  He died in 1987 at the age of 35.  When he was healthy, Jaco Pastorius was not just an amazing musician but a loving husband and father.  As for Joni Mitchell, she has retired from the music business because of the rare disease known as Morgellons.  (R Kamins)

I decided to post the live version - not a great video but you'll get the idea.

Moving Right Along

Looking at my back yard this morning, I noticed that there were leaves on the ground where just two days ago all I saw was green grass.  Yes, the times they are a'changin'.  But, our quest for music is ongoing.

George Harrison - "Got My Mind Set On You" - This song is complete pop by one of the original fab four. it's catchy, upbeat, makes little sense, but is really fun. And, the music still sounds current and could be a hit now if it was on the radio currently. Some might not agree, but I think that it has that feeling of being a bit eternal. (C Hakala) (Editor's note - The original version of the song was released in 1963 and featured vocalist James Ray (see below).

James Ray - "If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody" - The afore-mentioned James Ray released three 45s in his short lifetime (1941-1964).  This one came out in late 1962 and is unique for the use of tuba and harmonica and its waltz tempo (shadows of Burt Bacharach).  Over in England, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison were listening to American pop and saw all these different possibilities.  Note Lennon's use of harmonica on several of the earlier recordings (for instance, "From Me To You").  But this song, fleeting as it is (2:00), was Ray's biggest hit and has been recorded numerous times (a sped-up version by Freddie & The Dreamers and a dramatic reading by a very young Bonnie Raitt in 1972). (RBK)

The Who - "Magic Bus" - English rock band formed in 1964 known as one of the most popular and influential bands of the 60s and 70s.  They originated Rock Opera and were (sadly) the only rock band I even walked out on...ok, granted I went out to the parking lot with half of the audience and we followed the concert outside.  They were and are still amazingly loud (which might explain why the members are partially deaf).  "Magic Bus" is my choice this week because of the interesting rhythm played on wood blocks (?) or drum sticks. (D. Dugre-Martin)

U2 - "One" - I can’t help but listen to this song many times while driving, relaxing on the deck or doing some cardio exercise at the gym. It gives me hope. In its lyrics, I hear that our fractured world doesn’t have to come together on all fronts and that diversity should not be divisive; instead, it should and must be celebrated so that goodness can exist.

"One" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the third track from their 1991 album Achtung Baby and it was released as the record's third single in February 1992. The lyrics, written by lead singer Bono, were inspired by the band members' fractured relationships and the German Reunification. Although the lyrics ostensibly describe "disunity", they have been interpreted in other ways. Bono described the song's theme as such: "It is a song about coming together, but it's not the old hippie idea of 'Let's all live together.' It is, in fact, the opposite. It's saying, “We are one, but we're not the same. It's not saying we even want to get along, but that we have to get along together in this world if it is to survive. It's a reminder that we have no choice".  The Edge, the band’s guitarist, described it…on another level. He suggested that the line "we get to carry each other" introduces "grace" to the song and that the wording "get to" (instead of "got to") is essential, as it suggests that it is a privilege to help one another, not an obligation. (J Gaffney)

Harry Chapin - "Cat's In The Cradle" - As I don't hear from my children very much, nor do I call my mother for weeks at a time, I have had Harry Chapin's 1974 hit on my mind, "Cat's in the Cradle."  (T Williams)  (Editor's note - Those of us who have children knows how much this song resonates. While many of my music "buddies" were listening to Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, songs like this were reminding me how much my Father sacrificed to put a roof over our heads. That sacrifice meant we hardly had a relationship until close to the end of his life.)

Chicago Classical Review

Miguel Zenón & Spektral Quartet - "Promesa" - (Editor's note - I had planned to post this but the George Harrison tune led me back to James Ray - and I could not resist).  As many of you know, I have been reviewing music since my college days and continue to do that on my blog Step Tempest.  Earlier this week, I posted a review of "Yo Soy La Tradición", a fascinating new recording by alto saxophonist, composer, and arranger Miguel Zenón.  He's been active on the contemporary jazz scene for nearly two decades and, since the beginning of his career, made it a point to investigate music from his native Puerto Rico.  His quartet has recorded albums with added percussionists, strings, and large horn sections, illustrating how melody and rhythm are tied together the way the Roman Catholic Church and secular music are in Central and Latin America.

Photo: Jimmy Katz

This new recording is a series of compositions based on traditional Puerto Rican folk tunes as well as steeped in particular church rituals.  Zenón write these pieces for his alto saxophone and a string quartet. The blend of rhythmic movement and lengthy melodic lines is so appealing to me.  "Promesa" is based on the tradition of Three Kings Day, celebrated every year on January 6 - in his liner notes, the composer writes that "the celebration of "El Dia de Reyes" supersedes Christmas, both in importance and fervor."  (RBK)



More to follow but, for now, have fun with these pieces.

Listening Closely

I do so enjoy the variety of entries that we then post on this blog. Today's collection includes a number of singer-songwriters, pieces inspired by classical music or poetry, and fun stuff!

Barry Manilow - "Could It Be Magic" - Based on Chopin's "Prelude in C Minor", this is one of a number of songs that entered the "pop" charts over the years based on classical melodies. (T. Williams) (Editor's note - say what you wish about Barry Manilow's career, but this song is truly quite lovely - RBK)

Harry Chapin - "Mr. Tanner" - A hauntingly beautiful song about a man chasing his dreams and what happens when he almost gets there. It’s beautifully written and sung by Harry Chapin and delivered with great emotion. The song always gets me thinking about taking chances and trying even if you might fail. (C. Hakala)

Harry Chapin (1942 - 1981) wrote a number of songs that people remember not only for their melodies but also the empathy he has towards his subjects.  His legacy continues on with the Harry Chapin Foundation whose mission is "...to support organizations that have demonstrated their ability to dramatically improve the lives and livelihood of people by helping them to become self-sufficient."

Ted Hawkins - "Strange Conversation" -

A great singer who was discovered while playing on the street. He was a homeless man with a gift!! I used to listen to him a lot in the late 80s/early 90s. I know all of his songs by heart. He's gone now. (S. Nystrom) (Editor's note - Mr. Hawkins was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1936 and passed in 1995 in Venice Beach, California, in 1995. His life story is fascinating and his experiences color his music. Go to www.allmusic.com/artist/ted-hawkins-mn0000023982/biography for more.)

Pink Floyd - "Comfortably Numb" - Michael's favorite song of all time. It explains who he was in exquisite detail many decades ago. (B Rosenblum) - (Editor's note - One of the most popular albums of the early 1980s (released in November of 1979), the album told of the alienation of the British underclasses and created quite a stir.  Pink Floyd had already moved away from the psychedelia of its early years (1965-1970) especially with the release of 1973's "The Dark Side of the Moon" - bassist/songwriter Roger Waters was in charge of the material while guitarist David Gilmour handled the icon guitar playing.  The band had a falling out in the mid-1980s with Waters going his own way and Gilmour now fronting a revised lineup.  Both are still extremely popular and busy.)

Wild Party - "OutRight" - Wild Party has been around for a few years, but I just found them and have been enjoying quite of few of their songs. (M. Winslow) - (Editor's note - This San Antonio, Texas, quartet plays what they call "face-melting pop music."  One can certainly the influences of Elvis Costello (especially his early albums with the Attractions) and Green Day.  Such fun!)

Stu Mindeman - "Peace" - I first heard this young pianist's name late last year as a member of vocalist Kurt Elling's touring band.  Then, just last month I reviewed his new album "Woven Threads", a collection of songs inspired by the years he spent in Argentina as a young boy (click here to read the review).  In my research for that article, I came across his first album, 2014's "In Your Waking Eyes: Poems by Langston Hughes."  Instead of treating the Hughes poems as "ancient relics", Minuteman creates a program that blends elements of African and African American music with Chicago-based vocalist Sarah-Marie Young singing the lyrics with power and passion.  Timeless yet modern, the album appeals to my love of rhythm and textures. (RBK)



Enjoy and please share!

Labor Day Listening & Beyond

Post #2 for the Fall (sure doesn't feel like Fall - soon enough).

Aretha Franklin - "Think" - This is a very early version of a woman empowerment song. Aretha's vocals are powerful, but the message is even more powerful, as it speaks to making a stand about how she feels she is being treated. This song, and songs like this, led the way to songs now that speak of strong, powerful women who know that they have OPTIONS in the world and they are only limited by the artificial limits they may place on themselves (or by society, sadly). (Chris Hakala)

Alicia Keys - "Girl on Fire" -  There is ENERGY and FIRE in this song. (Betsy Rosenblum) - Ms. Keys, while not sounding much like Aretha Franklin, also is a fine pianist and possessed of quite the pliable voice. This is certainly a 21st century Pop tune mining the social commentary of other songs such as "Brave" (Sara Bareilles) and "Roar" (Katy Perry) plus it sounds great really loud. (Editor)

BTS - "Fire" - BTS is a South Korean group that gained a lot of popularity worldwide and was the first South Korean group to make it to both the Billboard top 200 and perform at the AMAs. This is an older song of theirs but it's one of their more popular "classics". (Megan Winslow)
 (Editor's note - you'll notice the heavy influence of American music on this and other "foreign" songs/videos.)

The Who - "Pinball Wizard" - Daniele Dugre-Martin suggested this song from the Rock Opera "Tommy." Peter Townsend, leader and main songwriter of the British quartet, has been playing around with the idea of an extended song cycle since the early days of the band. In fact, his first attempt appeared on the band's second album "A Quick One".  "Tommy" is a fascinating experiment and one could argue endlessly whether Townsend succeeded  (his 1973 opera "Quadrophenia" was much better realized).  This song however is classic Who.  The percussive acoustic guitar opening, John Entwistle's thundering yet melodic bass and Keith Moon's explosive drumming, all frame one of Roger Daltrey's more articulate vocals.  (Editor)

Simon & Garfunkel - "The Boxer" - Thomas Williams chose this song and I concur.  By the time the duo recorded this song (late 1968 - released as a 45 rpm in March 1969), Paul Simon was well on his way to being one of the finest songwriters/storytellers of his generation.  On top of that, his partnership with producer Roy Halee taught him the joys of the studio.  Note the use of several acoustic guitars, the bass harmonica, the firecracker sound from the drums on the chorus (supposedly recorded in an empty New York City church), and the layered vocals.  Shout out to the amazing harmonies of Art Garfunkel, one of the prettiest voices in "folk-rock." While we may not understand the intent of Simon's story, the power of the music makes us pay closer attention. (RBK)

Paul Simon - "Can't Run But" - First move forward to 1990. Paul Simon has just struck worldwide gold with "Graceland", his wonderful if controversial that began life in the townships of South Africa before the death of apartheid. His next album "The Rhythm of the Saints" took to Brazil to record many fine Brazilian musicians including vocalist Milton Nascimento and the "roots" ensemble Uakti. He brought the songs home and added a number of  other musicians, from jazz soloists to the South African musicians who had become part of his touring ensemble.  While not as "popular" as its predecessor, the album remains my favorite Simon to this day.

Here we go to present day - on Friday September 7, Paul Simon releases "In The Blue Light", a collection of 10 songs from throughout his career, pieces he felt the need to reinvestigate, to re-record with new arrangements and personnel.  "Can't Run But" first appeared on the 1990 album and, as you will hear below, moves at quite a pace with percussion of all sorts pushing the music forward.  The song is on the new album as well - here, the majority of the percussion instruments are replaced by the musicians from the "new music" chamber ensemble yMusic.  Listen to how they replicate the rhythms of the original with delightful melodic twists throughout.  (RBK)

First, the 1990 version:



And now we move to 2018:



Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!

Welcome to the Fall 18 Semester

Summer has zipped on by and it's time to get back to the fun at QU. This blog started in the Spring of the year with the hope that people of all different backgrounds would chat about what they are listening (and why).  Here we go!

Today (8/25) is the Centennial Celebration of Leonard Bernstein who wrote the music for "West Side Story". "Maria" is one of those songs with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and was published in 1956. In the movie, the song is sung by the lead character Tony when he learns the name of the girl he's fallen in love with is "Maria". The name "Maria" is spoken or sung in the song 29 times. It begins in B major and then modulates to E-flat major. (Wikipedia)
The song is widely known for its use of the melodic interval of a tritone in the main theme. The song is an example of the use of Lydian mode, which is the same as the major scale but with a raised 4th, giving the tritone characteristic of this piece. (Joe Gaffney)

Don McLean - "Vincent" - This is such a hauntingly beautiful song. The main theme is of understanding and acceptance. Makes me think when I hear it! (Chris Hakala - Happy first full year at Springfield College!)

Need I tell you that this song is about Vincent Van Gogh, the brilliant 19th Century painter who led such a tortured life?  I agree with Chris that this is such lovely song plus it has held up well over the decades. (Editor)

Neil Cicierega - "Wow Wow" -  (And now for something completely different) - Neil Cicierega is an individual of interest to me. Most of his music is mashing two songs together that are of completely different styles (many of which sound quite strange). However, this mashup I quite enjoy to listen to. He gave a TED Talk, and that is when I really started to appreciate his work as a creator. I also learned that he was the creator of Harry Potter Puppet Pals, which was an extremely popular video (at least for kids) when it came out. (Megan Winslow)

Aretha Franklin - "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" - It’s a tribute to my husband Michael. Aretha sings what my heart feels. And I know she sings what’s in the heart of every woman who loves. (Betsy Rosenblum)

Ms. Franklin left a body of work second to few.  Most people forget how important her piano was to her performances as sitting there for even one song settled her down and allowed her to open up that amazing voice.  She had there ability to take a song associated with another singer and make it her own ("Spanish Harlem", "Respect") - I can not think of any modern singer who can do that. (Editor)

Owl Jensen - "I Love to Singa" - (and something else completely different) - We are nothing if not equal opportunity people here at the blog: when Siggy Nystrom suggested this song, I looked it up on Youtube and, of course, it was there.  One (especially your patient and accepting editor) would love to believe that this sweet little tune will carry you through the first week of classes with a smile on your face and the melody stuck in your head.  Walk past her classroom and belt it out at the top of your lungs - then scram because security is bound to come and take you away (ha! ha!)

Lara Downes and Kevin "K.O." Olusola - "Something's Coming" -  Back to "West Side Story" to close out this post. Earlier this year, classical pianist Lara Downes released a tribute to Maestro/Composer Bernstein titled "For Lenny." A collection of solo dedications from different composers as well as selected works by him, the album also featured several duets.  The one posted here opens the album.  "K.O." is the "beat box" person in the a cappella quintet Pentatonix - he's also an accomplished rapper, vocalist, and cellist.  As a human drummer, he's flat-out amazing.  Ms. Downes is not only is an delightful pianist but also an essayist and activist. She tours throughout the US and Europe playing several different programs of pieces by American composers. Take a look and a listen.  (RBK)



I'll have more to post later this week; in the meantime, enjoy this pastiche!