Enough ... a Playlist for Grace

I noticed a post on Facebook this morning where Johnny Baker spoke about a playlist he had curated for Grace.

"... the theme of bread, Elijah, lack of rain, enough."

There were a number of tracks that I wasn't familiar with ... so I pulled together some of the tracks into an Rdio playlist (below). There are a few tracks that are missing ... they include:

• "Spirit Fade" by Kwabs
• "Without You" by Lapalux
• "Portrait Gallery" by Luke Howard
• "Held" by Holy Other

Enjoy.

- Tx

Five 6Music live sessions coming up this week

It's been a busy few weeks for me ... and I finally have some down time to look forward to.

I'm off work this week coming ... along with Olly and the we'ans ... and am hoping to take things easy. BBC 6Music are doing their best to help me chill with five very special live sessions to look forward to.

From Poliça on Monday to the mighty Sigur Rós on Friday ... my DAB radio (and iPhone) will be locked on 6 between the hours of 10 and 1.

For more ... go here >> http://www.bbc.co.uk/events/r358q9

Tx


*U*P*D*A*T*E*
According to the 6Music Live website ... you can WATCH the gigs via the 6 Music website ... or via the BBC Red Button from any BBC television channel.

Sign Painters ... official trailer

SIGN PAINTERS (OFFICIAL TRAILER) from samuel j macon on Vimeo.

I really like the look of this film ... but, unfortunately, I missed the screening in Dundee in September. Next showing is in Leeds on the 9th of November.

About the project...

There was a time, as recently as the 1980s, when storefronts, murals, banners, barn signs, billboards, and even street signs were all hand-lettered with brush and paint. But, like many skilled trades, the sign industry has been overrun by the techno-fueled promise of quicker and cheaper. The resulting proliferation of computer-designed, die-cut vinyl lettering and inkjet printers has ushered a creeping sameness into our landscape. Fortunately, there is a growing trend to seek out traditional sign painters and a renaissance in the trade. 

In 2010 Directors Faythe Levine and Sam Macon, with Cinematographer Travis Auclair, began documenting these dedicated practitioners, their time-honored methods, and their appreciation for quality and craftsmanship. Sign Painters, the first anecdotal history of the craft, features the stories of more than two dozen sign painters working in cities throughout the United States. The documentary and book profiles sign painters young and old, from the new vanguard working solo to collaborative shops such as San Francisco’s New Bohemia Signs and New York’s Colossal Media’s Sky High Murals.

http://signpaintermovie.blogspot.co.uk/

Iconic: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation

Iconic: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation from Kevin Taylor on Vimeo.

With a breathtaking collection of unique photography, Iconic: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation takes the reader on a tour of the most visually stunning and important products produced by the world's most innovative company — Apple®. Follow Apple's journey through a photographic collection of their most important desktops, portables, peripherals, prototypes, iDevices (iPad, iPod and iPhone) and packaging. 

Iconic uses vivid color and detail to document Apple's journey in design, form and function — and looks back at over 35 years of Apple innovation. Four years in the making, the author captured over 150,000 photos of nearly every product Apple has made, including rare prototypes and even packaging. Complementing the photography are forewords and essays from an impressive group of luminaries, commentators and influencers in the Apple community. See the progression of more than three decades of product design that has made Apple the brand it is today.

Wow! This book looks amazing ... my thanks to Stuart for sending me the link.

Tx

This is a cool looking book! @headphonaught http://t.co/LSYoQIjvRt
— Stuart Breckenridge (@stuarticus) October 5, 2013

http://iconicbook.com/

Two split releases of note ... Umber / Drops + Apta / Row Boat

First up we have the split between Umber & Drops ... a truly delightful four-track release that features Umber's trademark laid-back approach & Drops' jaunty feel-good soulfulness.

Whilst the split is noticeable (as it should) their styles really complement each other ... bring an overall acoustic-guitar vibe to the EP.

The EP opens with "Clemence" by Umber ... a delightful downtempo piece that is underpinned by acoustic guitar ... then overlaid with further guitar and (I think) accordion or melodeon. These layers really work for me.

Next up is "Too Far Far Away", again by Umber, which follows a similar path as before but with the inclusion of some glockenspiel to further enhance the sound.

Both tracks demonstrate the talent of Umber ... and would be well suited on a ’single’ release on their own. However, we have the added joy of two tracks from Drops.

"Flying Colours" is a celebration of life in all it's fullness. It features a field recording of a bustling market that underpins a jaunty beat and equally jaunty guitar riff. In addition, the acoustic guitar is an equalising force that levels everything out. I really loved this track from the first listen ... it just screams life and a full, vibrant life at that. Lovely!

The last track - "Together" - has a similar vibe. It is an utterly engaging wall of sound with some subtle guitar drones, glockenspiel & vocal harmonies included in the mix.



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We then have a split entitled "Fracture" from Apta and Row Boat … out on the 8th of October on Bottled Imp.

Where this split is different from the Umber / Drops EP is that both Apta and Row Boat have remixed the other's original track … so you get one original track each and a remix.

Apta kicks off with a track called "Slowly, Home" … a delightful slow-burner that builds up before his trademark electronics kicks in. I am seriously biased towards Apta's music … and this track demonstrates why: a post-rock expression that has an ebb and flow that really captivates me … that sits nicely with Apta's choice of instrumentation.

We then have Row Boat's remix of "Slowly, Home". In this remix Row Boat manages to capture the essence of Apta's original whilst putting his particularly ethereal spin on it … retaining Apta's vibrant melody. It is an utter delight in a very post-rock manner … not better than the original but definitely on an equivalent footing. Its like Apta but with live instrumentation rather than synths and electronics … I especially love it when the drums kick in!

From there we move to Row Boat's original release - "Kämpaglöd" - a driving, vibrant, head-noddingly upbeat post-rock wall-of-sound that simply captivates me … as most truly cinematic music does. I particularly love the melody played on what sounds like a melodeon … as well as the immersive percussion that gives real breadth to the piece.

Up last is Apta's remix of "Kämpaglöd" … where, again, something new has been created that references the original but takes its own direction. The track is more melancholic in places but counteracted with meaningful glimpses of Apta's vibrance: skittering percussive elements, crunchy beats, repeating electronic motifs; Apta really makes this track his own whilst retaining the spirit of the original.

http://www.bottle-imp.com/

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What really spoke to me with both splits is the creativity and imagination on offer … independent music has never sounded so good!

Tx

Seven Questions with ... Bruno Bavota

Earlier today I posted some thoughts on  “La casa sulla Luna” by Bruno Bavota. I found the album utterly captivating. In fact, I referred to it a 'my kind of lovely'.

As is my way, I wanted to find out more about the person behind such beauty ... so I asked Bruno if he'd answer my wee blog interview ... he kindly obliged and this is what he had to say:

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1) Who are you and what do you do?
Hi Thomas and good afternoon. I’m Bruno Bavota, a modern classical composer , a man who tries to find love by music.

2) What are you working on at the moment?
I’m working at my third album “The Secret of the Sea”, that will be released on March 2014 for Psychonavigation. New album will be different from “La casa sulla Luna”, I’m working on ambient sounds surrounding piano.

3) Who/what inspires you?
First of all my inspirations comes from all things that happened to me day by day: love, dreams, tears, smiles. So in my music you can find all my deepest emotions, my heart and my soul. Artists that inspires me are Olafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm, Balmorhea, Ludovico Einaudi, The National ... they are also my favourite artists.
Naples, my town, his first place that inspires me, i’m linked with the sea in particular. Sometimes i ride my bicycle to go near the sea and play my acoustic guitar or read a book, alone…unfortunately I can’t bring my upright piano with me! ☺

4) What drives you to do what you do?
It’s really simple, I believe that if i find myself in a place without music, I’ll be in a wrong place. People hurry so fast in their lives and often they don’t remember why we live, why we cry, why we smile. Music is my naturally link with existence, so I’m naturally do what I love to do and I hope I can live for the music and by music.




5) What values do you wish your creativity to express?
Simply my heart Thomas, I believe I must give the real myself to people who listen to my music.

6) What role does community play in what you do?
Community is wonderful, every day some people send me messages and talking about my music. Now I can reach people worldwide and hear stories and how music can change people’s lives. I feel my fans here to me and often they are my strength.

7) What is next for what you do?
In the end of October I’ll fly to Iceland to be part of Iceland Airwaves 2013, a wonderful music festival and I’m really so glad to play in a wonderful festival in a one of most beautiful place in the world. I’ll have 5 gigs round Reykjavik and really, I can’t wait!

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Thanks Bruno! I've included the flyer for your shows below. I hope to go to Iceland for this festival one day ... anyone want to pay me to go???

Two posters I designed for church events

I thought I'd show a couple of posters I did recently for my church in Airdrie.

First up, we have the Corps Anniversary (above) ... an evening of music and song featuring, amongst others, my very own Miriam.

We then have a poster for Harvest (below) ...



I really appreciate the opportunity given me to make these posters ... and hope they brighten up the hall, if nothing else.

Tx

Loving ... La casa Sulla Luna by Bruno Bavota

I'll be honest, I always get a wee bit nervous when I receive an email from a PR person asking me to review some music ... I'm not sure why and, in the case of, "La casa Sulla Luna" by Bruno Bavota my anxiety was completely unjustified. This is due to "La casa Sulla Luna" being an utter delight.

Bruno Bavota is a talented pianist who creates utterly delightful piano-orientated compositions.
These compositions are split in two: solo piano or piano with strings ... both styles really, really work for me ... this is melodic neo-classicism at its very best.

I can't really downplay this album ... I have been captivated with it from the first few bars & have had it on my iPhone & stereo regularly since I received it from the anxiety-inducing PR person.

The opening track - "Amour" - is an upbeat, vivacious & wonderfully melodic solo piano piece that really captures the spring in the step of someone in love. It really sets the scene for the remainder of the album.

The next track - "L’uomo che rubï la Luna" - is a delightful midtempo solo piece. Similar vivacious with an elegance that demonstrates  Bavota’s touch.

Following on we have the delightful piano and strings (cello & violin) of "Il ditto si muove sul vetro app". This track is a great example of melodic neoclassicism ... a warm & engaging piece that gives me a thrill every time I hear it.

The fourth track - "C’ä un cinema laggió" - starts of as another delightful solo piano piece ... a piece with a rather pronounced cinematic quality. It feels like it belongs on the soundtrack one of the late Nora Ephron’s romantic classics. It then changes near the end with the introduction of the cello ... where the piano becomes the accompaniment for some seriously heartfelt strings.

"Seguimi, amore" brings more solo piano to the listener's ear ... it is a piece that grows in stature and intensity over its 3 minute life ... again demonstrating Bavota's deftness of touch.

"Buongiorno, buonanotte" is a gentler piece, a piece that highlights the power of melody ... with cello includes to underpin this melody.

The seventh track - "Cielo blu notte" - is a more melancholic piece with the piano & a deep, growling cello working together to express Bavota's mood.

"Il sole di Domenica" is a wonderfully piece that starts of gentle then grows in tempo. It is something beautiful indeed ... reminiscent of the great pianists of old.

The penultimate track - "Arrivederci signora Luna" - is sheer class ... a gracious melody that is so appropriate for Signora Luna. It has a lullaby  quality that is heartbreakingly gorgeous.

The last track - "Ghost Track" - was recorded live & has the atmosphere of Bavota's creative space. It demonstrates all that's great about the piano-playing on the release - powerful yet graceful, full-on yet reserved, warm & melodic, accessible & captivating, truly enthralling! It is a fitting end to a very special release.

I would highly recommend "La casa Sulla Luna" by Bruno Bavota. It is my kind of lovely ... and if you like piano and strings, it may be yours too!

Tx

Seven Questions with ... Mark Wardale aka Row Boat

"Ett" by Row Boat is one of my recent *secret* pleasures ... an album of intense beauty that I bought and kind of don't want to talk about because I worry I may spoil it somehow. I know it is silly but ... it makes sense to me too. I want to keep "Ett" pure ... untainted by the expression of my opinion.

Row Boat aka Mark Wardale is a recent friend ... he's connected to Apta ... and I am glad to have made his acquaintance.

As is my want ... I asked him my wee interview ... this is what he had to say:

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1) Who are you and what do you do?
I am Mark Wardale and I'm a songwriter, composer, producer and also go under the pseudonym of Ambient/Post-Rock artist 'Row Boat'.

2) What are you working on at the moment?
Currently I've just started to write a new EP to follow up the recent release of my album 'Ett'. It's going to be a more ambient style EP as I'm looking at a Winter release (for me that's when my ambient side comes out!)

3) Who inspires you?
I can't deny that my biggest inspiration to date is Sigur Ros.  The way the these guys create sounds and atmospheres from literally nothing is incredible. You almost feel like your say next to them watching and feeling every note being played. Although some of the most inspiring work for me is Frakkur AKA jonsi from a few years back. My music is I would say 50% inspired geographically. I was interested in Scandinavia since about 16 when I started learning Norwegian. I don't know why, but I felt drawn to it. The landscape, the food, the people and of corse the music. There was something very liberal about Scandinavia and there is alot of respect in being creative. I'm also inspired by my family. My wife is of Swedish decent and that has helped fuel the Row Boat music to what has been achieved so far. Now we have a little boy in the mix which changes your perception and outlook on life hugely. I'm very proud of this part of my life and I try to convey this within my music.

4) What drives you to do what you do? 
Passion. Without it, I'm pretty sure that any success made in life is impossible. I certainly don't do what I do for money, but for pure love for the music and what it stands for. The style of music I write and listen to is driven by the respect that most of us look for, and the musicians I have had the pleasure of meeting or working with take pride in the creative rights they have been given and the people they touch by what they write about.

5) What values do you wish your creativity to express?
I would say its more about expressing emotion. I always look at ambient and post-rock music as an open book with blank pages. Of corse you have to have an idea of what your message is, but I would prefer the listener to hear the music and evoke an emotion that relates to there own story in life.

6) What role does community play in what you do?
I think that there is a very close relationship with the community of writers and listeners within this genre of music. It's very unique. I don't believe there is anything else like it out there. You can reach out to a society or community in a different part of the world and still connect with them on a very personal level without even knowing their background. It's not always about lyrical content, it's about a connection through chords and notes.

7) What is next for what you do?
Next up is a collaboration between myself and the very talented Apta called 'Fracture' which I'm extremely honoured and proud of. Its due out in October though Bottle Imp Productions who have been extremely supportive with the release. We decided to get together to remix each others tracks and see how it would turn out. We're both really happy with the process and its quite different to anything out there at the moment.

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Thanks Mark ... I've heard 'Fracture' and can confirm - it is very good indeed! Until then, however, here is "Ett" for you to listen to:



... and yes, I know ... it is something beautiful indeed.

Tx

Dunfermline Live Music Festival 2013

One of my colleagues at work shared this flyer with me today ... Carolyn is one of the organisers for the 'Dunfermline Live' music festival and thought I may be interested in some diverse grass roots Scottish music.

Whilst there are a number of bands I am not familiar with ... one particular gig really interested me: The Lost Map records showcase with The Pictish Trail, Rozi Plain, and Monoganon. Their collective lo-fi psyche-folk is my kind of thing ... and their gig at PJMolloy's on the 18th October looks like it will be a belter.

Take a look at the line up >> here << and if you are in the area, pop round and check out some grass roots talent.

Tx

http://thepictishtrail.com/



http://roziplain.co.uk/



http://monoganon.com/