Craig's List

Craig Armstrong is a Scottish composer and onetime jazz pianist. He originally made his mark in composing for films such as Moulin Rouge and Simon West and has also done scores for popular tv show like Six Feet Under. More recently he has devoted himself to contemporary classical music, which has a bit of a contemplative, new-age feel to it. (And I mean that in a good way. I heard a piece by him on a local (Detroit) classical radio station and was bowled over by it subtle beauty.

What's New?

If you live in the Greater Detroit area, I encourage you to check out the group New Music Detroit. The don't perform nearly as often as I'd like, but when they do, they always draw a good crowd. NMD is mainly made up of current and ex members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. They're devoted to performing music of modern classical composers. Most of their music is quite assessable and will open up your ears to just how good modern classical music can be. The group presents a whole day of music titled "Strange Beautiful Music, once a year at the Music Box at Orchestra Hall in additional to other concerts throughout the year. To find out more, be sure to visit their website: http://www.newmusicdetroit.com

Making Majic

Majical Cloudz is the Canadian duo of Devon Walsh and Matthew Otto. They perform simple, low-fi synth pop that's minimalist yet quite catchy. Devon has a beautiful voice. And it's refreshing that he's pretty average looking--unlike all the beautiful young stars these days. They won the Polaris Prize in 2013 and were invited to join Lorde on her 2014 tour. Majical Cloudz have 2 CDs out, both worth a listen.

Part time genius

Argo Part

Argo Part, is an amazing composer from Estonia. He writes mostly sacred  music, but his music has been used in soundtracks for several movies. Check these out. Some very powerful musical scores.

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby!

Ruby Amanfu has had an interesting life to say the least. She was born in Ghana but was raised in Nashville since the age of three. She was encouraged by a couple of locals to record an album, which she did in 1988. Since then she's toured extensively and she's recorded several cds including one with Jack White. She does an amazing job with covers, making them her own. Enjoy!

Widow's peak or widow speak?

Not sure how to pronounce the name of the group Widowspeak. Interesting group. Their music is psychedelia mixed dreamy vocals. The band is originally from Tacoma, Washington, and formed in 2010 but has relocated to New York. They remind me of Mazzy Star and have 3 CDs out.

Okay, another heaven reference. Sorry

Sigur Ros
I know many of the followers of my music blog are familiar with this group. But for those who aren't, let me introduce them to them. They're from Iceland, which produces some of the most amazing bands in the world, for such a tiny country. The group is led by Jonsi, who has an angelic voice. I've tried to see them live for several years, but their shows sell out in a matter of hours. I finally got to see them last year and the experience was other-worldly. If heaven was as beautiful as a Sigur Ros concert, sign me up. Listen to these music videos and you'll be hooked.