What would the holiday season be without the modern day counterpart to Bing, Andy, and Frank? I label Harry Connick, Jr. as a contemporary counterpart to those classic three because he tends to create in a timeless style. He’s not as present-day-centric as Arcade Fire, Bright Eyes, or Sufjan. He plays jazz with some swing {and swagger} and he doesn’t care who knows it. Personally I find some of his songs a bit too much, and I prefer Harry’s acting career to his music, but it still wouldn’t be a true holiday season without some of Harry for the Holidays (iTunes).
mp3 : Harry Connick Jr - Frosty The Snowman
mp3 : Harry Connick Jr - Jingle Bells
mp3 : Harry Connick Jr - The Christmas Waltz
I chose these three tracks because they showcase the breadth of Harry’s trademark swing. This will be one of the last remaining Christmas posts I do as I’m working on BOTM vol 3, BOTR vol 1, and my year ending list of best albums {you’ll probably be surprised what my top ten are} for next week.
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On this dreary Monday morning I bring to you the High Priestess of Soul, Nina Simone. She was an amazing artist as well as an amazing human being and her music will stand the test of time. Often dabbling in a style of Jazz music Nina herself always referred to her sound as simply Black Classical. In reality it is as innovative as it sounds familiar. At one moment sounding fresh and new while at the same time calling up memories of eras of music long past. Simply put her sound is gorgeous and there is a quality to her voice and composure that would serve well for many burgeoning young artists today.
This track here clocks in at a scant ten minutes and nineteen seconds and is not for the faint of heart. It rambles and lingers, it rocks and moves, and has a certain tinge of classic jazz styling without falling off completely into the esoteric ramblings of pure jazz improvisation. You also might recognize this tune as it’s been remixed by Felix Da Housecat and Moby, and has been featured in such films as Miami Vice, the Bourne series, and the HBO show Entourage. And for those of you who are hearing this for the first time be glad that you’re hearing the original before the remix. It’s sort of like reading the book before seeing the movie; it always leaves you with a greater appreciation for the original artist.
mp3 : Nina Simone - Sinnerman
With the repeated phrase of “power Lord,” ubiquitous hand claps, plinked piano, and a lot of syncopation what’s not to like here?
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