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

Made it a Van Zweden morning, will be interested to see what he can do with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra...

Frisell and Metheny.

on ECM

Continued the journey with Jaap van Zweden and Brückner ...

To now arrive at the beautiful 4th of Brückner ...

Bert Schurink posted:

To now arrive at the beautiful 4th of Brückner ...

 

Almost nothing is as nice as putting the volume knob on 10, sit down and listen to the opening of the 4th symphony of Bruckner. I use it as a listening example to show people what good hifi can do.

The 7th comes close.

There is more to say about the 4th, but my work calls ...

Now Playing......

Neil Young - Harvest

A mention of the 'Harvest Moon' album yesterday put Neil on my mind and thought I would start the day by taking 'Harvest' out for a spin.   Going back in the time machine, 45+ years since its release......

Streaming from TIDAL.

On CD:-

Beck - Colors

Imogen Heap  -  "Speak For Yourself"  (2005)

Ardbeg10y posted:

Bert Schurink posted:

To now arrive at the beautiful 4th of Brückner ...

 

Almost nothing is as nice as putting the volume knob on 10, sit down and listen to the opening of the 4th symphony of Bruckner. I use it as a listening example to show people what good hifi can do.

The 7th comes close.

There is more to say about the 4th, but my work calls ...

10 is a bit much for a 500 even in the big room I have, but I know what you are trying to express

After a nice walk in the sun, some more contemporary music...

Andras Schiff - Bach partitas.

One of my favorite versions.

From allmusic.com:

András Schiff has recorded Bach's six partitas twice, first for Decca in 1985 and then for ECM in 2009, and both are superlative in their own ways. Schiff was then and is now a pianist possessing a fluent technique, an agile tone, and a sense of phrasing that makes counterpoint sing, but his interpretations of the Partitas have changed over 25 years. His later performances are more pointed and more poised, thoughtful, and ardent than his earlier one, but they are also less mellow and much less pedaled, with no less drive, but perhaps less lyricism. Whether Schiff's earlier or later performance appeals more will be a matter of personal taste. Less significant, perhaps, but still striking, is the difference in the quality of the sound. Decca's early digital sound, like its late stereo sound, was rich, deep, detailed, and atmospheric. ECM's late digital sound, like its early digital sound, is extremely clear and enormously immediate. With Decca, one is sitting a few rows in front of the pianist. With ECM, one is sitting on the bench with the pianist.

Joe Henry  -  "Civilians"  (2007)

Listening while working and on a bit of an anathema jaunt at the moment (spurred by Bert I think) - really enjoying streaming these via Tidal:

Now Playing.......

BJARTE EIKE / THE IMAGE OF MELANCHOLY

Bjarte Eike (violin, artistic director), Jon Balke (keyboards), Judith Maria Blomsterberg (cello), Fredrik Bock (archlute, guitar), 
Mime Brinkmann (cello), Per T Buhre (viola), Alison Luthmers Teyssler (violin), Milos Valent (violin), Berit Norbakken Solset (vocals), Hans Knut Sveen (organ, harpsichord).

I was doing some reading regarding Jon Balke and came across this album which peaked my interest and decided to take it out for a spin.  Through a few tracks and it is very pleasant......

From the Barokksolistene website:  

This programme reflects Bjarte Eike’s very personal image of melancholy:

“For me, melancholy is not only synonymous with sadness and despair, it is a state also harbouring reflection, meditation and relief.”

The connection between music and melancholy is far from new – at least since the time of the ancient Greeks, and probably long before them, there has been a belief that music has the power to influence our mood, to alleviate sadness or melancholy – or to induce it. Melancholy has at various times been the height of fashion – think of John Dowland, whose motto was: “Semper Dowland, semper dolens” (‘always Dowland, always mourning’). Dowland is of course included here, as is his near-contemporary Anthony Holborne – but there are also a number of later pieces, as well as folk music from Eike’s native Norway and elsewhere.

“This music does not belong to any particular style, nationality or period in time; it’s rather a string of tunes that have all had a personal significance to me, and that together form a musical matrimony between a Nordic melancholy, the rich sounds of the Elizabethan consort and a modern approach to music-making.”

In 2015, the album ”The Image of Melancholy” was released on BIS Records. It got rave reviews from all over the world and won the Danish Radio P2’s award “Best International CD release of the Year”. The project motto is a quote by Victor Hugo: “Melancholy is the pleasure of being sad”.

Clive B posted:

I know that many of the contributors on here seem to rate this album, but although I've had it in my collection for many years, it still does nothing for me. Thought I'd give it another try though. Maybe it's too much pop for my tastes; too 'fluffy', perhaps?

I seem to remember having a similar reaction to 'Fires' when I first heard it but recently I gave 'Stay Lucky' a go and liked it very much.

Thought I would try something completely different for me this afternoon - Really enjoyed them !!!

1996 - Double vinyl first released  2012...

Ani DiFranco - Dilate..

Chris Stapleton - From A Room: Volume 1

I desperately try not to play this too often for fear of getting bored with it. No fear of that. Each time I play it I am blown away with this guy's voice and his music. Bonkers good!

Lizz Wright - Dreaming Wide Awake

Such a sweet, silky voice. Loverly. 

John Mayer  -  "Battle Studies"  (2009)

I actually prefer this live performance of Brave (in Holland) to the '94 original studio album, the audience are certainly well up for it. One of those albums that always manages to give me goosebumps.

Kate York  -  "Sadlylove"  (2005)

Now Playing.......

Marc Johnson - The Sound of Summer Running

Marc Johnson (bass), Bill Frisell (acoustic & electric guitar), Pat Metheny (acoustic & electric guitars, 42-string pikasso guitar) Joey Baron (drums)

I saw this mentioned above by RICHARD MORRIS and when I saw the mention of Bill Frisell and Pat Metheny I needed to take this album out for a spin.