What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol. XIII)

Edgy Becker summer grooves...slick.

G

On 1970s orange label RCA vinyl. The Dame's second best album, after "Low." Never needs a reason to get a spin, it's just great!

Kevin-W posted:

On vinyl. Thankfully the black stuff is way more dynamic than the CD:

I have Hi Res files of the set.

Jorge Bolet - Listz

Sonata in B Minor.

Little Feat - Sailin Shoes 

Good Saturday morning music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdb6o4hu8t4

Matt Bianco - just bought. 

EJS posted:

---

Pollini's Chopin remains about precision, with limited fluctuations to the basic tempo, a steady left hand and a calculated, deliberate right,  and virtually no rubato. He is nowadays letting some freedom creeping into his playing yet even after weeks of listening to try and 'get it', I find all the performance here sound somewhat samey and unvaried. Hate to say this - as an admirer - but I find this to be a somewhat dull record.

EJ

Thanks EJ for your usual insightful candor that I can always trust and rely on.  After struggling with this one too I feel somewhat better knowing it was not just my ears that came to the same conclusion.

No judgement from me on Pollini.  I am sure that some people want Chopin played in this way and that is fine.  Variety is a good thing.  For me to hear the extremes and everything in between plus interpretations that I never could have imagined on my own is educational.  It allows me to grow as well as become more sure and grounded in what I believe in.

Unfortunately, for my own views in how I feel currently, I would use this recording as an example of how not to play Chopin.  Music for me has to have some emotional value and speak to me.  I guess this automatically puts me at odds with the view of those that believe you (as a player) should only let the notes/music speak for themselves and not inject anything (artificial) further in to the interpretation.  Sometimes this is appropriate but certainly not in this case. 

Now on vinyl. 

So far this morning - 

Tennis - Yours Conditionally

(2017) CD

Real Estate - In Mind

(2017)  CD 

First listens.  Indie Pop that always seems to suit Summer.   Nice progressions for both bands.  They have their unique sounds and stick with them (not in a bad way).  

Florestan posted:

EJS posted:

---

Pollini's Chopin remains about precision, with limited fluctuations to the basic tempo, a steady left hand and a calculated, deliberate right,  and virtually no rubato. He is nowadays letting some freedom creeping into his playing yet even after weeks of listening to try and 'get it', I find all the performance here sound somewhat samey and unvaried. Hate to say this - as an admirer - but I find this to be a somewhat dull record.

EJ

Thanks EJ for your usual insightful candor that I can always trust and rely on.  After struggling with this one too I feel somewhat better knowing it was not just my ears that came to the same conclusion.

No judgement from me on Pollini.  I am sure that some people want Chopin played in this way and that is fine.  Variety is a good thing.  For me to hear the extremes and everything in between plus interpretations that I never could have imagined on my own is educational.  It allows me to grow as well as become more sure and grounded in what I believe in.

Unfortunately, for my own views in how I feel currently, I would use this recording as an example of how not to play Chopin.  Music for me has to have some emotional value and speak to me.  I guess this automatically puts me at odds with the view of those that believe you (as a player) should only let the notes/music speak for themselves and not inject anything (artificial) further in to the interpretation.  Sometimes this is appropriate but certainly not in this case. 

Which recording of the late Chopin would you two EJ and Florestan recommend.

The Associates.  Sulk.

80s synth pop at its most inspiring  ?

Thar rare thing - a compilation which the Naim app lookup actually finds.

First listen:  

(2017) CD 

Another excellent forum recommendation.  

Lets start the day with.........

The Traveling Wilburys

The group consists of George Harrison (The Beatles), Tom Petty (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), Jeff Lynne (Electric Light Orchestra), Roy Orbison and Bob Dylan.

.....I would of loved to see them play live, one hell of a lineup. I always enjoy listening to their music.

A + 3 | WAV

(2004)

Bit of a while since I played this one which is reason enough to get it cranked up. 

On vynil. I just like this kind of soul. Today is my vynil time Several albums in a raw. Streaming is much easier but there is some special charm in LPs. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm6Qtf6qzB8

Michel Petrucciani - Au theatre des Champs-Elysees

This is a recording of a live concert by Michel Petrucciani (solo piano). I think it is amazing.

From Allmusic.com

Michel Petrucciani worked long and hard to come up with some of the extensive medleys heard in this brilliant solo piano concert, Au Theatre des Champs-Elysees. Much like the intriguing medley "Potpourri" heard on his American debut (100 Hearts), Petrucciani blends a number of recurring themes into a smoldering performance; the 40-plus-minute opening medley includes numerous songs, including "Maiden Voyage," "On Green Dolphin Street" and more. A breakaway run through Monk's "I Mean You" unfolds into a very dramatic arrangement of "'Round About Midnight." His original waltz "Even Mice Dance" is segued into a startling virtuoso adaptation of "Caravan." Two original ballads, "Night Sun in Blois" and "Love Letter," add to the rich texture of this live date. The two-CD set closes with a dazzling rendition of "Bésame Mucho," which he restores to grace by bringing out the lyricism of this very sad ballad, which is often destroyed when played by less talented musicians.

Jack White - Lazaretto

And some more vynil soul. 

Next up

Johnny Mathis - Better Together - The Duet Album

Johnny was a favorite of my older sister 'Maggie' who listened to constantly in the late 50's early 60's......

Easy listening, Jonny and his guests on the album have beautiful voices and listening brings back memories of my parents dancing in the living room in a bygone era.......