Daniel Lanois

Just ran across these clips when surfing a U2 blog. As many of you know, Daniel Lanois is the masterful producer behind such greats as Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, Aaron Neville, the Slingblade soundtrack, U2, Peter Gabriel and many more.

What I like so much about these clips is Lanois’ demonstration of his deep connection with the emotional and spiritual current that runs through music and sound. You can see this especially in his coaching of the drummer in the first clip. Plus, his parting comment at the end of each clip really makes you think about what music and performance is all about. Well said Mr. Lanois.

Werewolph

For Ryan Adams fans out there, this is worth checking out. “Werewolph” appears to be one of his many alter ego projects. Great for a laugh. Although I must say, “Mega Wizards” (track 3) is kinda growing on me…

http://www.werewolph.com/

eSession Member

You can now see my profile on eSession, an online musical collaboration community.

Hire me on eSession.com

Do Something, Anything!

http://www.43folders.com/2009/03/11/kutiman

A thought provoking article with a very cool vid. I especially like the wrap-up:

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“And, that prospect should buoy and energize anybody with a scintilla of artistic entrepreneurship or the drive to just try making and offering their own stuff in their own way.

Man. What an exciting time this is. Seriously. We may not each have Kutiman-level talent and vision, but there’s absolutely never been a better time to at least give it a throw.

Remember: the only person who can sit on your a** is you.”

—–

I’m definitely guilty of sitting on my backside when I should be making something happen. Anything. This article is a good kick in the pants. Thanks MG for turning me on to it.

Thoughts?

So Long for Now Ryan Adams

Ryan Adams from RollingStone.com

Ryan Adams from RollingStone.com

I’m really glad I got to see The Cardinals this past September, because it may be my last time. It may even be a long time before I see/hear anything from Ryan Adams himself. He’s apparently calling it quits. For now. He’s citing mainly physical health issues, but I have to imagine his emotional issues are at play as well. Regardless, the man deserves a rest. After two stellar releases within the past few years (2007’s Easy Tiger and 2008’s Cardinology, as well as a number of long tours in support, the man certainly deserves a break. According to RollingStone.com:

In fact, Adams blames his ear problems for “false” reports that he’s been intoxicated during concerts. “People accusing me of not being sober when i am suffering tremendous pain and nausea from my inner ear symptoms,” Adams blogs, stating all the reasons why he’s going on hiatus for a little bit. “I am excited to step away. i lost more than anyone will ever know (hearing, someone i loved, my sense of dignity, a never ending losing battle with stage fright.” Adams also promises not to blog anymore, as he needs a private life that is his own.

Thanks for the awesome music Mr. Adams. Hope to see and hear you again soon.

Highlights from this Morning’s Commute/iPod Trance

This morning was a Peter Gabriel morning. “Up” from 2002 to be precise. I picked up this CD a while ago, but never really gave it the time it needs until recently. It is an amazing piece of work. What’s interesting is that several of the tunes sound like they could have been written during Genesis’ “Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” era. Dark, gritty, heavy. Great stuff.

Gary Louris – True Blue [MPR/The Current]

What an awesome tune. The shift in and out of falsetto is classic Louris. The song sounds like it coulda fit very nicely on “Tomorrow the Green Grass” or “Smile”. Ya know what I’m pretty sure that’s Jim Boquist on 12-string and bvox. He used to play bass in the original Son Volt line-up. From 4 strings to 12–impressive!

Nickel Creek

OK, so I’ve totally fallen in love all over again with Nickel Creek. “Why Should the Fire Die?” is brilliant. What sucks is I’m also bummed all over again that they’re on indefinite hiatus. Come back Nickel Creek!