I find that the older I get, the less likely I am to risk wasting time on newer music. But I know how much time you spend on this, so I will let you be my guide.
BTW, thanks for this. I know this has been a tumultuous year fro you, but you seem to have come out of it stronger and more independent. I hope you are able to build on the success you've earned by taking these risks.
Thanks, Mark. For whatever reason, the thing where most people fixate on the music they were listening to when they were 17 and decide it's the soundtrack for their lives, that part of my brain never worked. I mean, I'll always love Let's Dance and Synchronicity, but I keep hearing new stuff too. Thanks for your support this year.
A good year in many ways, a horrific one in others (mainly Ukraine). Hope 2023 has more of the highs and less of the lows, both musically and politically. All the best, Jim
Your music selections are new to me but I like the first few and will work my way through. I enjoy your posts very much and am always pleased when you are on Power and Politics panel. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and continued success in 2023.
Thanks for this! Looking forward working through it while sitting by the fire, with an excellent coffee, on this snow globe of a morning. Happy holidays to you and yours! Please pass on my best.
Really enjoying the many long reads you have been posting Paul, including how you write about music that I am unfamiliar with. It means you make time to listen and search, something we should do more of. And yes, your “pivot” this year is remarkable - congratulations. Be merry and may 2023 be good to you.
So Fridays are when new music hits the streaming services, and most Thursdays I'm up past midnight so I can hear everything as it arrives. An old habit I can't shake and don't much want to. All the best in 2023.
Just a note to welcome myself into middle-agery, when you finally come
around to read music columns from Paul Wells At 5:51am and you think “wow Sarnia eh, I’ll give all 10 of these a listen” which ties in nicely to my subconscious secretly hoping for a miracle hair lose cream in my stocking and I dropped 2 menu items from the réveillon dinner because of potential heartburn leading to not a good nights sleep. And it’s time to finally time give KD Lang a chance after all these years of mum singing her praises, but I’ll do it with a Pearl Jam shirt on and another long sleeve shirt over that and my hat on backwards because I was born in Ottawa after all and that’s the once cool uniform that now just says Dad who’s musical taste never evolved. Thanks for the tips, I’m barreling into 2023 with these now permanent love handles. With love from Montreal.
With the exception of Cécile McLorin Salvant, I can't say I'm on board with your musical choices...but it's okay, I don't expect you to be perfect. Still admiring your writing and sending you a wish for a magical Christmas. Your friends are probably right...take some time off and try to enjoy it rather than feel like your being tortured ;)
Extreme yes to Cecile McLorin Salvant. And what she's doing now with her Ogresse project (creating words, music, costumes, pictures, font etc) is completely in another galaxy of creativity.
I'm afraid I'm hardly aware of what's popular. I very much liked Taylor Swift this year and, in the last few years, Brandi Carlile and your man Jason Isbell, who I'll actually go see in Calgary if a window in my schedule stays open. But I also want to shine a light on artists who could maybe use the help.
i think the only place liebman had a quartet or trio with sorey was at the jazz gallery. i saw the trio there on thursday. apparently the album that was the basis for the music last week was as noteworthy as the concert music was.
a caveat, it occurred to me that the album you commented on was built on standards. just to say that the musicians i was suggesting for consideration normally do not play standards. sorey's effort was considered rare.
I find that the older I get, the less likely I am to risk wasting time on newer music. But I know how much time you spend on this, so I will let you be my guide.
BTW, thanks for this. I know this has been a tumultuous year fro you, but you seem to have come out of it stronger and more independent. I hope you are able to build on the success you've earned by taking these risks.
Thanks, Mark. For whatever reason, the thing where most people fixate on the music they were listening to when they were 17 and decide it's the soundtrack for their lives, that part of my brain never worked. I mean, I'll always love Let's Dance and Synchronicity, but I keep hearing new stuff too. Thanks for your support this year.
A good year in many ways, a horrific one in others (mainly Ukraine). Hope 2023 has more of the highs and less of the lows, both musically and politically. All the best, Jim
Thanks, Doc. Hope our paths cross. pw
Your music selections are new to me but I like the first few and will work my way through. I enjoy your posts very much and am always pleased when you are on Power and Politics panel. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and continued success in 2023.
Erudite, witty and knowledgeable (could be the names of the three kings!) as always. Thanks, Paul.
where do you find the time & energy?
Shoulders of giants, brother.
People who show you new music are important... Thanks You!
A note of gratitude for all of your free-wheeling, high-spirited pieces about music, art, politics, life. They are a treat and a tonic.
Thanks Liz. It means a lot to see you here adding to the fun.
Thanks for this! Looking forward working through it while sitting by the fire, with an excellent coffee, on this snow globe of a morning. Happy holidays to you and yours! Please pass on my best.
Thanks to you! Our people are doing well as the year ends. Have passed along your greetings.
Looking forward to going through the list. It looks great!
Really enjoying the many long reads you have been posting Paul, including how you write about music that I am unfamiliar with. It means you make time to listen and search, something we should do more of. And yes, your “pivot” this year is remarkable - congratulations. Be merry and may 2023 be good to you.
So Fridays are when new music hits the streaming services, and most Thursdays I'm up past midnight so I can hear everything as it arrives. An old habit I can't shake and don't much want to. All the best in 2023.
Just a note to welcome myself into middle-agery, when you finally come
around to read music columns from Paul Wells At 5:51am and you think “wow Sarnia eh, I’ll give all 10 of these a listen” which ties in nicely to my subconscious secretly hoping for a miracle hair lose cream in my stocking and I dropped 2 menu items from the réveillon dinner because of potential heartburn leading to not a good nights sleep. And it’s time to finally time give KD Lang a chance after all these years of mum singing her praises, but I’ll do it with a Pearl Jam shirt on and another long sleeve shirt over that and my hat on backwards because I was born in Ottawa after all and that’s the once cool uniform that now just says Dad who’s musical taste never evolved. Thanks for the tips, I’m barreling into 2023 with these now permanent love handles. With love from Montreal.
Best wishes, Paul. See you in the New Year.
With the exception of Cécile McLorin Salvant, I can't say I'm on board with your musical choices...but it's okay, I don't expect you to be perfect. Still admiring your writing and sending you a wish for a magical Christmas. Your friends are probably right...take some time off and try to enjoy it rather than feel like your being tortured ;)
Extreme yes to Cecile McLorin Salvant. And what she's doing now with her Ogresse project (creating words, music, costumes, pictures, font etc) is completely in another galaxy of creativity.
She was set to go on a big Ogresse tour when the lockdown happened. Glad it's starting to get out. I'm curious to hear what she's come up with.
Do you exclude popular music because there is no need for you to draw attention to it or because it is inferior to music that is largely unknown?
I'm afraid I'm hardly aware of what's popular. I very much liked Taylor Swift this year and, in the last few years, Brandi Carlile and your man Jason Isbell, who I'll actually go see in Calgary if a window in my schedule stays open. But I also want to shine a light on artists who could maybe use the help.
i think the only place liebman had a quartet or trio with sorey was at the jazz gallery. i saw the trio there on thursday. apparently the album that was the basis for the music last week was as noteworthy as the concert music was.
a caveat, it occurred to me that the album you commented on was built on standards. just to say that the musicians i was suggesting for consideration normally do not play standards. sorey's effort was considered rare.