Jake Shimabukuro – In My Life The ukulele is an instrument that is often looked at and thought of as a toy despite it’s capability of functioning exactly like many other instruments. It’s capable of harmony, melody, and dynamics and also requires practiced techniques like all other instruments. Jake Shimabukuro is an ambassador for the …
Vitamin String Quartet – Royals You may notice I select more instrumental versions of popular songs than original versions. This is because something about a creative or clever arrangement tickles me more. The Vitamin String Quartet has an extensive catalogue of skillfully executed covers. These instrumental versions help me appreciate the composition of popular songs. …
The whole world looked on today as the cathedral of Notre Dame burned in a violent fire that has destroyed the roof and its 150 year old spire. Notre-Dame de Paris; meaning (“Our Lady of Paris”), also known as Notre-Dame Cathedral or simply Notre-Dame, is a medieval catholic cathedral on the Île de la Cité in the fourth arrondissement of Paris, France. The …
Herbie Hancock – Cantaloupe Island In celebration of his birthday this past Friday, we start off this week with “Cantaloupe Island”. This piece has become a standard in the jazz community and may be heard in academic and professional settings. The piano and bass have repeating patterns known as a vamps, which allow the horn …
Joanna Wang – Wild World We start off this week’s playlist with a smooth cover of a classic by Cat Stevens. Half of the time when I’m listening to music it’s on an artist radio and songs just play one after another. Every now and then a song catches me and I add that song …
Balkan Beat Box – Bulgarian Chicks The first time I heard this group was through one of my favorite bands, Galactic. I was listening to a live performance and heard this Middle Eastern influenced jam mixed with their funky New Orleans style. I tried to find another live performance of the same song and that’s …
