It was really easy to rattle off lists of favorites. This one though is
much harder. I admire the way so many on this list have opened and
allowed the rest of us to see what moves them. I'm on a couple of
"music industry" lists and NONE of them talk about music this much and
what it really means to them - they're all stuck on redefining copyright
and why major labels suck. (to quote Joni - "Boring!") At the end of the
day, we all listen because music makes us feel, think or do SOMETHING.
To that end,
"Send In The Clowns" - Sarah Vaughan - The one and only time I saw her
was at Boston's Symphony Hall. I always disliked this song (as songs
go) but there was one particular note that she hit that caused me to cry
spontaneously. I had never felt anything like that before and haven't
felt anything like that since. (To me, smoking didn't really seem to
effect her voice; her range seemed to continue to expand as the years
went on. However, smoking did take her life.)
"Two Grey Rooms" - Joni - Reminds me of a friend who was so devastated
by a lack of love that he tried to destroy himself with drugs. He's
still fighting for his life.
"Ava Maria" - Dianne Reeves - Another live experience in Boston (I think
the club was called Centerstage - near Central Square.) She is truly a
great singer.
"Every Time We Say Goodbye" - John Coltrane, My Favorite Things - IMO
Cole Porter is one of the greatest writers. Ever.
"I Can Let Go Now" - Michael McDonald - There's so much sadness in his
voice and in his songs.
"Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" - Rachmaninov
Other Joni songs - River, Blue, Jericho, Woman of Heart and Mind.
Other non-Joni songs - Almost anything thing performed by Sarah from the
Duke Ellington songbook.
Brenda
n.p. MSNBC
