Thawing Out With Live Music & Kittens!
Sleepless Nights • Strata East is Back • Oh Canada • New Playlist
I was excited to see some great live shows this past week: Early James and Nicholas Payton. Both were tremendous, and each played to a packed house. 🎶
Early James is a singer, songwriter, and fantastic guitar player from Alabama. Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys produced his new album, Medium Raw, and it's a great one. It's raw blues, emotional, and full of energy. It reminds me of a few Tom Waits records from back in the day. Each song ebbs and flows with changing tempos and moods, a testament to Early James’s ever-evolving style and magnetic stage presence—a must-see when he comes to your town.
Nicholas Payton lit up the stage on a chilly winter evening. Sharing the spotlight with his incredible trio—Vincente Archer on bass and Bill Stewart on drums—Payton showcased his versatility by effortlessly switching between the piano, electric piano, and his signature trumpet and, sometimes, playing both simultaneously! The night was a vibrant tapestry of sound, featuring everything from infectious, groovy tunes that got the audience tapping their feet, to soulful ballads. A Quincy Jones dedication added a personal touch, making the performance feel intimate and heartfelt. He’s one of the best trumpet players in Jazz and an impressive songwriter.
Next week, I’ll see Los Lobos (acoustic), and then I’ll go to London to see Nubya Garcia. I can’t wait!
This week, Strata-East Records released The Legacy Begins, a 33-track collection available for digital download on Bandcamp and streaming on QoBuz, Apple Music, and Spotify. This label was founded by Charles Tolliver in 1971. It’s an audio anthology transferred from the original master tapes and available digitally for the first time.
Whether you’re a longtime fan rediscovering beloved classics or a newcomer experiencing these timeless sounds for the first time, this collection offers a unique and enriching musical journey. With its blend of soulful rhythms and insightful messages, the anthology invites listeners to immerse themselves in a musical legacy that bridges the past and the present.
This compilation stands as a testament to the lasting impact of this music and an invitation for everyone to explore and appreciate the rich heritage of spiritual jazz. The first four titles to be reissued on vinyl will be available this April.
Please allow me a non-music story…
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a huge fan of hockey. I learned to skate when I was three in a small pond on my grandfather’s property — I had double runner ice skates that my dad tied extra tight. He gave me a hockey stick for additional balance, which after a few laps wasn’t needed, at least for balance… Other than football or soccer for us Americans, hockey is my favorite sport to play and watch. It requires a lot of skill. Not only do you have to keep your head up, pass, shoot, and check — but you also have to be a great skater, forward and backward. It’s not easy. My favorite teams are Les Canadiens de Montréal, The Edmonton Oilers, and the Boston Fleet.
I was very excited to watch The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, and the championship game was a thrilling display of skill and determination from start to finish. Did you watch it? Team Canada showcased exceptional teamwork and strategy, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory that kept everyone on the edge of their seats for 3+ periods of hockey. Their star player, Connor McDavid, proved once again why he is considered the most talented player in hockey, mesmerizing the crowd with his speed, agility, and precision on the ice.
On the other side, Team USA demonstrated impressive strength and resilience. Known for their tough, hard-hitting style, they brought an undeniable grit to the game. Although they faced challenges with finesse compared to their Canadian counterparts, their determination was evident throughout the match.
Ultimately, it was a day when Canada's refined play and strategic execution shone brightly, earning them a well-deserved OT win. The match was not just a contest of which country would win, it was also a celebration of sportsmanship and the passion for ice hockey. Some trolling and manufactured attacks on our great neighbors to the north by the president made this an extra special win for all of Canada to celebrate. Fans in both countries, both hockey and non-hockey fans, were inspired and eagerly anticipating future encounters on the ice — perhaps next year in the Winter Olympic games?
KITTIES!
Please say hello to Leonardo and Élodie, our newly adopted four-month-old kittens. Their first week has been great! They’re both full of energy and charm but have unique traits. He’s more of a lap cat and talker, while she’s more independent. Both love to play and sit in the sun. It brings a smile to my face each time I look at them. It’s been over a year since we last had a cat in this house and it’s time. Oh, and their favorite music seems to be big band jazz and doo-wop so far. 😂
This Week’s Playlist
Next week, I’ll return with a shorter post as I prepare for my trip to Liverpool and London, where I’ll try to capture some great moments in record stores, music clubs, and at the football match. Thanks for reading!
