Forgive me while I gush about some great new music that's been keeping me
company the past couple of weeks...I'll start with the Joni content...
1. Christopher Grener, whose interpretation of "Night In The City" appeared
on Volume 5, sent me a copy of his "20th Century Instrumentals" CD. This disc
is really sweet! I've listened to it every night, just to sort of chill with.
The opening track is "Joni's Smile", an instrumental inspired by Joni. Sounds
like something from FTR-era "Barangrill"-ish light airy jazzy sounds...his
wife Martha plays flute and Christopher plays guitar.
There are really interesting acoustic instruments throughout, like Bouzouki
and Harmonium. Christopher is a man of varied and amazing talent! I suppose
he is a luthier as well, as he plays one of David Wilcox's guitars and also
one of John Sebastian's. He plays a song called "Magik" which is 'based' on
Sebastian's "Do You Believe in Magic", and does the same with Stills'
"Bluebird", calling it 'Bluebyrd". The disc is more of an EP, running about
25 mins with 7 tracks, but it's very lovely. I'm guessing you won't find this
in stores, so if you want a copy, contact Christopher @ [EMAIL PROTECTED]
2. The disc that's REALLY blown me out of the water is this instrumental CD
by Rob Jackson. I got an advance copy so I don't think it's out there for
sale yet, but it will be. It is nothing but SWEET! The only thing I've ever
heard like it is Daniel Lanois' work on the "Slingblade" soundtrack. It's
also got some Michael Hedges edges to it. The tracks are more "textures" than
songs, but they are ALL accessibly melodic, with hooks that stay with you.
Most of the tracks feature an acoustic soloist palying against an electric
guitar counter/support melody, with these gorgeous synth washes in the
background. You can use it as background music, but so far both times when I
have done it, my guests stopped their conversation and asked "Who is this?
It's beautiful!"...and if you practice, you can use the track "dreaming of
Nashville" as Karaoke for "Unchained Melody"! :~)
Anyway, this is a disc I'll never tire of. Look for it to pop up again when I
compile my Best of 2001 roster...
3. Jonatha - Steady Pull: If you don't have this one yet, get it! In another
life, Linger, Digging, & the title track would be MAJOR hits, this CD would
sell about 10 million copies, and Jonatha would be the toast of the town. I
certainly wish that for her, but not until I get to see her in a small club
just one more time! ;~)
Bob
NP: Rob Jackson, "no secrets"
