Super Ma to the Rescue

ART and LIFE are inseparable, both needing nourishment for a functional, thriving society. Yo-Yo Ma is a real life superman trying to change the world for the better, by advocating for the place of the arts in our country.

NPR Article on Yo-Yo Ma

An Interesting Read

I referenced J Dilla before, on my blog last month. An NPR music blog, A Blog Supreme, published an article a few days ago echoing the enthusiasm for the late talent of Dilla. But besides that, the article tells of his musical and life history.  It also explains the significance of his music and how it continues to reach, change, and influence several music scenes, especially jazz. It's a good read.



Also, Happy Belated Dilla Day (February 9).

Why J Dilla May Be Jazz's Latest Great Innovator

When You Hate Music

That whole saying that goes, "I'll try anything twice," really resonates with me. But it's not really true in any aspect of my life with the exception of music; well maybe beer.

I love all kinds of music. And I'm not lame like many people when they say, "I like everything except country and rap." For one, there are new music styles being created all the time. It would be a feat to listen to all of them and then be able to say you "like everything except for country and rap." What most people mean by that statement is that they like most popular music except for country and rap. I still think it's a stupid answer. But I also know a lot of stupid people, myself included.

I truly enjoy a huge variety of music. If I don't enjoy it the first time, I'll try again; maybe a different album from the same artist or when I'm in a different time in life (while in school vs. while on vacation). If you looked through my iTunes you'd find people and songs played multiple times-country, electronic (a personal favorite), Harry Connick Jr.,  a slew of "indie" artists, 'classical,' gospel, Chicago, heavy metal... For me, I generally have to find the right situation for the kind of music it is. Some is danceable or is for working out. Other music is for road trips, contemplating, or venting. But there is some music that just doesn't fit my life.

Some music I just plain don't like.

Who makes this sad list?

The Beatles.

They are my own personal--and boring--hell. I've tried so many times to like them, to hear them, to love them. I respect them, no doubt. But it's nothing I enjoy. I especially couldn't stand it when two high school marching bands I was teaching in the same summer had "MUSIC OF THE BEATLES" as their shows.

Not when sharing a beer
Not when I'm sad.
Not when I'm happy.
Not when I'm mad.
Not even with green eggs and ham.
I don't like The Beatles, Sam I am.

Enough of my rambling. I just read an article in NPR Music about this very idea. The article (Stephen Thompson) is posted below:

Loved By Millions, Hated By You - What To Do?

Tiny Desk Concerts

Never been into podcasts until now. And excuse my tardiness, but this is awesome. It's free and it's totally diverse in the artists. I mean, what else would you expect from NPR? If you don't know, now you know.