A Tord Affair

 I know I haven't posted in ages and I apologize. Painting has consumed a good deal of my free time. But I went to a concert last weekend and heard this group and was totally blown away. It's a jazz trio, but I don't think you have to be a jazz nut to appreciate it. The music is gentle, provocative, and puts a smile on your face. The group is from Norway and just released their 10th album. I'd describe their music as Nordic Gospel with a hint of the fjords mixed in. If you ever get a chance to se them live, don't miss them!

Khruangbin. That's easy for you to say!

Here's another one of those groups that's hard to describe. This Houston-based trio's name is the Thai word for "airplane" and their music is said to be inspired by Thai rock and funk from the 60's and 70's. I'd call it slack-key guitar with a mixture of salsa and slow funk and...well, you just have to give them a listen and decide for yourself. They've been around for roughly ten years and have several recordings out. All of them are guaranteed to put you in a god mood. It's just plain happy music!

A Ry comment

Not sure how I found out about Ry X, but he's a pleasant discovery. Born Ry Coming in Australia, he now lives in L.A. Ry's voice reminds me of a cross between Jeff Buckley and James Blake. His music is dreamy and atmospheric, and his live recordings are sensational. They're a bit dancy, and he encourages his audience to get up off their seats and do just that. I'd love to hear him live in concert! Sound like he puts on a great show. There are several live concert videos on Youtube that are worth checking out.

The Singing Nun

I was a Medieval History major in college and hence, I'm a sucker for anything to do with the middle ages. And that includes music. The music of the 12th Century abbess and mystic, Hildegard von Bingen is almost other worldly. If you're in the mood for come contemplative and truly relaxing music (and in these trying times, it's especially welcoming), give this a listen. If you enjoy it, you'll find plenty of it on youtube. Peace be unto you!

 

How slow can you go?

Slowdive is an interesting dive. The New Yorker said recently that they were everything but a quiet. slow band. Boy did they get it wrong. They are a total shoe gazer band I haven't posted much in the last year on this blog, but I invite you to check out this band from England; I'll try to post more in the future.

To the Max!

Max Richter's music is a blend of classical, electronica, and rock. He called his music "post classical. Richter was born in Germany and moved to the U.K. with his parents when he was you. He has recorded numerous albums, which include film scores and a ballet. He also did a score for an episode of the tv show, "Black Mirror."

Ole, Ola!

This was a driveway moment. The song I heard on our local classical music station just blew me away. It was by someone I'd never heard of and totally misheard his name. So I went to the station's website and looked him up. I'm glad I did because this composer is amazing. Instead of giving you a long background of the artist, I'll just share a couple samples of his music. His hame is Ola Gjeilo and he's originally from Norway, but he lives in New York. Enjoy!