Jon Batiste, Steve Tibbetts

This Sunday Music Muse Day, finds me recovering from a bout of the flu this week, with today being the first day I feel it's ending.  Suffering the general stress of the horrible deaths caused by ICE and insane actions of the Commander-In-Tweets overseas, has me angry and concerned as everyone else.  So, in effort to self-help, for my mental health, I'm picking two music picks to sooth the inner tensions.  First up, is Jon Batiste Beethoven Blues, of his Batiste Piano Series Vol. 1.  I heard one of the tunes, the 7th Symphony Elegy played on Jazz90.1 lasted week and immediately bought a copy. It's Batiste playing some familiar classical pieces, adding his unique favor.  Well worth a listen. 

Next, is Steve Tibbetts Hellbound Train - An Anthology. This is a collection of tunes from eight of his albums.  Tibbetts is eclectic guitarist with blend of jazz fusion and world music.  I've been fan of work from his 1984 ECM release "Safe Journey". Although, one of my favorite tune "Test" is missing from the collection. Still, It's nice to visit his music, again.

So, hope for better days and positive resolution of national trouble.  Stay safe, stay warm. Peace.

Celebrating John McLaughlin 84th Birthday.

Wishing a Happy Birthday to John McLaughlin on his 84th birthday.  I won't even attempt to add to the expert commentary others have offered on his amazing and pioneering musical career. Personally, he was my pathfinder in the music beyond the guitar rock of  Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and others, into the realm of Miles Davis Bitch Brew and beyond. With Mahavishu Orchestra, and his many paths of the music he explored, I was eager to travel with him. I was excited to have seen him perform several times over the years starting with an early 1970's  Mahavishu Orchestra concert at the Felt Forum at Madison Square Garden, an early Shakti (his acoustic India music group),  acoustic guitar trio dates with Paco De Lucia and Al DiMeola, and finally his US Farewell Tour in a Buffalo, NY in 2017.  I sold my vinyl collection years ago, but replaced and added more of John's music on CD.

My version of the Birds of Fire Cover.

A Drawing inspired my John McLaughlin scalloped neck guitar used with Shakti.

Fortunately, for all of us, John is still playing and touring. What a long great trip it's been, and continues to be. Enjoy.