Hello all! I’ve been trying to spend more time listening to the influences that helped shape musicians whose music and career trajectories I admire. I’m most drawn to references that introduce me to more jazz and classical composers and compositions.

I was reading this New Yorker interview with Jonny Greenwood regarding his film scores and musical background and upbringing. I am a fan of Jonny’s (I am using his first name like I know him; I do not) work with Radiohead and really love his film scores.

Olivier Messiaen and Krysztof Penderecki feature prominently.

I’m starting here with Olivier Messiaen:

And here with Krysztof Penderecki:

ALSO:

I really appreciate Mixtape Memoir, a podcast seriest hosted by Carmel Holt, where artists remember songs that helped shaped their lives and musical identities. I’m not plugging this program just because I was a recent guest.

This week’s guest is Esperanza Spalding, a musician I greatly admire. I’m very excited to check out her mixtape and hear her share more about her influences and musical memories. At the end of my own Mixtape Memoir interview I grew quite emotional, pausing to recognize what a vital solace music has always been for me. I teared up remembering how certain songs have been my life companions. During many moments, they felt like the only things I had to keep me company. In the ways they inspired me to become a musician and songwriter, they helped raise me. Carmel creates a lovely space in which musicians can really honor and love music and I can’t wait to hear how and what Esperanza (again, I’m being overly familiar) remembers, and how she pays tribute to songs from her life.

Happy listening, whatever you’re listening to.

Thank you music.

t