See What You Hear
Every once in a while I like to highlight the interactive nature of blogging by opening things up for your input and interaction. Sometimes this takes the form of reader-response lists (see here and here for books listes and here for a music list example). Today I just want to know what music you’ve been loving lately and why. Please share with the rest of us what you’ve been listening to a lot and what draws you to that artist. If possible, please offer a brief description if people might not be familiar with the particular artist. I’ll try to compile everything as responses come in. Thanks for participating! I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone else is hearing.
As you’ll see from my playlist, I love melody, American styles that are grounded in the past, and masterful instrumentation.
Wilco
Particularly the past few albums that include Nels Cline. Finally, an American rock band!
Bill Frisell
Albums: East/West & Further East/Further West. Stripped down instrumental trio, with bass, guitar, and drums. These live albums are so amazing that the first time you listen, you are shocked to realize it’s live at the end when the audience applauds. Frisell’s ability to do American melody with jazz is really something special. He doesn’t play all the notes, just the right notes. I didn’t know about him until I saw a link in the Town Crier. Thanks Brent!
Freddie King
In King, I get insight into the playing of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Texas blues at its finest! Listen to “Going Down”. See the man in action.
Jonny Lang
To look at Lang, you’d never guess that he’s capable of this “coming apart at the seams” type of blues voice. That’s what I love about him. His playing and voice have great intensity.
Sharay Reed
I just saw this video the other day and have been diggin’ on it.
Andrew Gouche
Gospel bassist extraordinaire. He and Sharay want to make me play my bass! Check out this video. I’m really finding myself drawn to gospel music from the African-American church (not the old-time southern gospel style). What a wonderful palette of texture and sound! Is there a better style fitted to the joy of salvation and crying out to the Lord? I think not.
Great idea — I love your music links on Fridays and look forward to what others are listening too.
I just got introduced to Romantica. Indie / Folk Rock / Pop from Minneapolis, MN. For those who like Ryan Adams, Damien Rice, Wilco, Nick Drake, Elliott Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Iron & Wine, Van Morrison. Find more Romantica here.
Also loving these artists on virb.com:
Mattew Perryman Jones
Paper Route
Rosie Thomas
Tyler James