I listen to instrumental music as I write. Words from vocalists and rappers disrupt my already tenuous ability to concentrate. Dramatic orchestral works are also out of the question. While I can’t focus as Hélène Grimaud plays a stirring rendition of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s flashy Piano Concerto No. 2, her unusual new album Water provides ideal accompaniment to my typing. A thought-provoking and creativity-inducing combination of solo piano compositions by the likes of Leoš Janáček and electronic “transition” pieces, Water will likely provide me with conducive workplace inspiration for the remainder of 2016.
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I reviewed a concert by Mark Chesnutt, Joe Diffie and Lorrie Morgan.
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I contribute the weekly Local Listen segment to KCUR. Your Friend was featured last week.
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I write weekly music and event previews for The Kansas City Star and Ink magazine.
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The lineup for Rockfest will be revealed on February 8. I’ve set odds on the most likely headliners: Five Finger Death Punch (6/4), Megadeth (9/4) and Volbeat (9/1). Bet at your own discretion.
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I look forward to spending quality time with Westend Recording Presents: "Amplify KC" Vol. 1, a collection of “heavy music” by Kansas City bands.
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Paul Kantner of Jefferson Airplane has died.
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Reading about the Fat White Family’s antics is more enjoyable than listening to the music created by the band of British hooligans. Songs for Our Mothers is RIYL: exhaustion, the Brian Jonestown Massacre, hangovers. The video for ”Whitest Boy on the Beach” is suitably messed up.
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I like Kevin Gates’ Islah in spite of myself. Here’s 2 Phones.
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Boosie has ”Cancer”.
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I don’t particularly care for elaborate high-concept musical humor, but the David Gordon Trio’s Alexander Scriabin’s Ragtime Band is both amusing and impressive. RIYL: P.D.Q. Bach, music school, André Previn.
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When You Wish Upon a Star, Bill Frisell’s new album of film music, is RIYL: Ennio Morricone, hillbilly jazz, Nino Rota. I highlighted Frisell's forthcoming Kansas City show at Plastic Sax.
(Original image by There Stands the Glass.)
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