It's been a year since my last installment in the Episodes In Virtuosity series. Let's rectify this with the magnificent Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli performing Frédéric Chopin's Marche Funèbre from his Piano Sonata Op.35 No.2.
The word virtuoso is defined as, "a musician who is a consummate master of technique and artistry." or "... an individual who possesses outstanding technical ability at singing or playing a musical instrument."
When I decided that I was going to be a serious (classical) musician, I regarded this word with esteem and respect. I saw the aspiration for virtuosity as a means of achieving self-actualization, and decided to dedicate my life towards this realization. However, like so many things, after six years of conservatory training the shine wore off this word and I fear that I have lost my reverence for the beautiful. After all, art is the habit of the artist. Nevertheless, it is my intent to use this platform to (re)discover, admire, and share music/musicians of the highest caliber, in any and all genres, strictly for the purpose of listening to Music worth listening to.
Read on for my full thoughts on the command performance. You dig?
A little while ago, I saw the film Gimme The Loot, the debut feature from director Adam Leon. It’s an impressive first work. You may recognize the title as a Notorious B.I.G. song, which was a conscious choice by Adam. This got me thinking about what other hip-hop songs could be good movie titles. Here are ten other songs with films I made up that I would go see.
It's no secret we are big fans of Hey Anna here at Those Who Dig. Simply put, they are great. If you haven't heard them yet, get acquainted via their awesome new EP Pompette. Also, you can go see them live tonight at Rockwood Music Hall.
Jacob Miller and the Bridge City Crooners is a five piece band that is as steeped in whiskey as they are old-timey Americana. They are: JacobMiller on guitar,vocals, and kazoo. BenBailey on washboard, snare, and vocals KyleNeumann on harmonica, tenor banjo, and dobro. JoyPearson on vocals, tenor banjo and kazoo, and finally, MikeTeam on the upright bass.
Their album, East Side Drag, was released in June of 2012 and boasts eight tracks of the finest pickin' and singin' that Portland Oregon has to offer. However, beyond a slick brand and a niche market, Jocob Miller and the Bridge City Crooners are bringing real musical talent and authenticity to bear. For my taste, HesitationBlues and the BelmontStrut are the high points of the album. I love the combination of Jacob Miller's tenor warble alongside his enviable guitar impersonation of Mississippi John Hurt. Furthermore, the subtly Ben Bailey's washboard percussion amplifies the song's interesting texture.
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