Monday’s Music Box: House of Waters

Posted on February 4, 2019 by J. Alex Pan

…Live at Paste Studios

Such a unique trio.

Hammer dulcimer played by a gentleman with classical Indian musical training, a Japanese six-string bassist and a drummer/percussionist from Argentina.

Such a blend of sounds and traditions.

In a mesmerizing (and informative!) live performance.

Never have I heard such a style played on hammer dulcimer.

Such a versatility of sound produced on that six-string bass.

Such contra-punctuality (Yes. I totally just made that up.) between the drummer and the dulcimerist (Yes, I made that up too….).

~~~

Sunday’s Soundtrack for Surfing: Baden Powell

Posted on February 3, 2019 by J. Alex Pan

Solitude On Guitar

Because…

…Baden Powell

~~~

You know the drill.

Press play.

Go on about your day.

(Happy Sunday!)

Sunday’s Soundtrack for Surfing: Miles…

Posted on February 3, 2019 by J. Alex Pan

…Bitches Brew

Truly a groundbreaking milestone of jazz fusion.

A touchstone really.

The Touchstone, even.

It changed the landscape.

Permanently.

It set the stage for what jazz would become in the next two decades and beyond.

(And yes, I know that there are many very vocal critics that would very vocally disagree with me but….)

Its ripples are still being felt today in jazz, fusion, funk and rock.

The list of players that Miles fostered on this one album is itself stunning:

Wayne Shorter, Bennie Maupin, Joe Zawinul, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Dave Holland, Lenny White, Jack DeJohnette, Don Alias, Harvey Brooks, Billy Cobham, Airto Moreira and….and….and….

~~~

You know the drill.

Press play.

Go on about your day.

(I recommend playing this, like, REALLY loud. This is one that the whole house wants to listen to. Even the spiders…)