Most High, Most High
In the music store on Tuesday (Other Music, NYC---great shop!), John Savlove recommended that I buy "Heart Food," a reissue CD by an artist from the 1970's, Judee Sill. He really talked it up, and I'm not one to look down my nose at such a resounding endorsement by this man with his deep knowledge of music, and also of me.... That's what friends are for, I'd say. So I bought it, along with some other Brazilian artists, and we returned to Sav's sublet (Billy D's place) for a little listening session. Hearing this record for the first time was like being made love to for the first time by the most amazing lover you've ever been with: It just redefines everything, from that moment on. I've listened to that CD at least 20 times since then, and it gets better and better. Co-produced by Sill and Henry Lewy (a close friend of my Mom's since the 50's, and a dear dear person, and amazing producer and engineer); composed, arranged, orchestrated and played by Judee Sill in Los Angeles, this is a stunning achievement in music. It is inspiring beyond words. It is unique beyond words. It is timeless music of a very high level, and like that lover who redefines the whole act of lovemaking, once you've listened to this music, you can't go back to what you were before. The melodies are Bach-like much of the time, underpinned by beautiful four-part Bach-chorale-type harmony with beautiful bass lines, suspensions, foreshadowings.... Songs such as "The Kiss" haunt me, and songs such as "Soldier of the Heart" rock me....
Last night, needing some major soul soothing (the wine I brought to a cutthroat wine tasting got voted down and I had to buy dinner!!) I stopped off at Amoeba a minute before closing and bought Sill's first album "Judee Sill" and the recently issued collection of unfinished/unreleased pieces called "Dreams Come True"... Listened until I couldn't stay awake any longer. God bless the people who decided that these three records, two of them obscure for nearly 30 years, and one never released, needed to be brought to people. How fortunate we are/I am/you will be to be bathed in the beauty, excellence, poetry, contour, force, intensity, depth, and focus of this singular music.
Say no to mediocre lovers, forever.
Last night, needing some major soul soothing (the wine I brought to a cutthroat wine tasting got voted down and I had to buy dinner!!) I stopped off at Amoeba a minute before closing and bought Sill's first album "Judee Sill" and the recently issued collection of unfinished/unreleased pieces called "Dreams Come True"... Listened until I couldn't stay awake any longer. God bless the people who decided that these three records, two of them obscure for nearly 30 years, and one never released, needed to be brought to people. How fortunate we are/I am/you will be to be bathed in the beauty, excellence, poetry, contour, force, intensity, depth, and focus of this singular music.
Say no to mediocre lovers, forever.
4 Comments:
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I am very sorry for that nonsense of a comment. I have been having some problems sending a comment through and I was testing if for the hundredth time and that one actually went through. My two previous trys were such well written posts that I'm scared to try again for fear of somthing so meaningless and ignorant. I will try to combine the two and compress them. I basically kissed butt in the begining: you've heard the usual; but really you are a very gifted jazz guitarist and one of my musical heroes! (honestly). Anyway I really want to write about your blogs!..i find your blogs (thoughts) to be of great interest. I check out people, music, movies and whatever else you mention. I love indie films, documentaries, foreign, yada, yada, yada, and was just dying to see Me & You & Everyone We Know!! I was out christmas shopping and there was the movie right in front of my face (i wasn't even searching for it) so I bought it. I have to agree whole heartedly with your feelings about the film. It was a bit disturbing in some parts but that's what I liked about because life is a bit disturbing and in most cases very disturbing! I also have just seen The Squid And The Whale...hilariously funny!..if you haven't seen it I recommend it! Your recent post about Judee Sill was mind opening! I have yet to go out and buy her work but I have heard some clips on the web. I'm pretty sure that those clips don't do her actual albums justice! I know you're very busy and I hope this post was not a waste of your time. Best Wishes on your musical quest!!
Hey Anthony,
I am a big fan of your music both solo work and accompanying Diana Krall and others. I Live in Brisbane, Australia and am about to begin studies in jazz at the conservatory here. I play jazz guitar and sing in a few jazz and funk duo's and bands. Im playing my first music festival this coming april,(Australian Gospel Music Festival) im rather excitied as its a big festival. Do you have any tips on how to get started as a musician and on how to progress on guitar? Also Which Jazz Guitarists do you sight as being your biggest influences?
sincerely,
Zac
A Dead Alcoholic with a Boner wants you to know: Apple Slicy Mumble Sable.
I caught a glimpse of you on some food network show eating dinner in the background and felt like googling you.
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