Happy Music Monday!
This was the first Leonard Cohen song I ever heard. It was on my campus radio station and I thought WHAT THE HELL IS THIS WONDERFUL THING and I waited for three more songs to hear the artist's name. And then I walked to the record store and bought the record, and another, and another. It's not everyday music, but when it's the right time, it's perfect. I hope the man rests in peace, but I'm glad the music remains.
Still more RIP. Sadly. What a hell of a year.
Leon Russell was one of those guys who was all over the place, and knowing his name meant you had crossed a musical threshold. This particular song was a huge hit for The Carpenters, but it was in no way his high point. Honestly, when you look at his career as a session musician, I'm not sure he HAD a high point. I think it was just a plateau of glory.
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights
Like Leon Russell, Sharon Jones was a powerhouse that not everyone noticed while she was alive. But if you were a fan of independent radio or record collecting, she was impossible to avoid. I myself saw her live six or seven times without even really trying! Almost every radio station I enjoy had a Sharon Jones tribute this weekend in one form or another.
The Max Roach +4 (Bob Cranshaw) - Stella By Starlight
Bob Cranshaw was a bass player. Like many jazz musicians, he wasn't just limited to one band. But I'm a fan of Max Roach so I picked this one for completely selfish reasons.
Jean-Jacques Perry - The Mexican Cactus
Don't feel bad if you don't know Mr. Perry's name. But feel bad if you don't at least try out his music. As a fan of electronica and fun, stuff like this is right up my alley. Maybe it'll be up your alley too.
RIP to all these musicians, musicians like Greg Lake who passed after I wrote this post, all the musicians I already mentioned, all the musicians who passed in 2016 that I just couldn't keep up with, and any musicians who pass between now and the end of the year. Head over to Facebook and see what's waiting for you to win. And let us just remind you: some images come from the corresponding Wikipedia page and are here under fair use. See you next week, for a best tunes of 2016 recap with the majestic ADQ herself!