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he wasn't even looking at me and he found me
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JBB: An Artblog!
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TVSTRANGERTHINGS
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@ponderingrandomthings
The Meshuggah song Nostrum ‘explained’ with overdubbed Konnakol (vocals) by BC Manjunath!
Konnakol: The South Indian Classical art of performing percussion syllables vocally.
Amazing music (time signature) educator - Mr Yogev Gabay.
(Interestingly, Mr Manjunath asked Yogev if he had heard Meshuggah!)
- The band:
BC Manjunath: Konnakol
Alon "Tewl" Tamir - Guitar
Lior Ozeri - Bass
Yogev Gabay - Drums
This was an accidental find!
The Wind in the Willows was an American psych-folk band.
This is the first song from their only album (1968).
The band disbanded and one of the singers formed her next band The Stillettoes in 1973.
The same singer, Deborah Harry, formed the successful band Blondie in 1974 with guitarist Chris Stein.
So - yay!
Artists:
Wayne Kirby – vocals, double bass, piano, harpsichord, organ, vibes
Deborah Harry – vocals, acoustic guitar, tamboura, tambourine, finger cymbals
Ida Andrews – flute, bassoon, piccolo, chimes, vocals
Peter Brittain – lead guitar, vocals
Paul Klein – vocals, guitar
Anton Carysforth – drums
Steve "Marvello" DePhillips – bass, vocals
Freddy – spiritual advisor (this is fascinating)
Another example of how a slow song can hit deep.
(For those unfamiliar with Porcupine Tree, I hope the cover doesn't intimidate - the music is mellow/slow. Read Steven Wilson's explanation in italics below to understand the imagery.)
(The previous example I used was Dream Theater's Space Dye Vest.)
Google tells me this is an example of '...deep melancholia, profound regret, and eerie isolation' (since the argument with his significant other will never get resolved).
Again, a friendly suggestion: Do not over-indulge in this song - it has a strong pull.
From the 2002 album In Absentia.
Artists:
Steven Wilson – vocals, acoustic & electric guitar, piano, keyboards, banjo
Richard Barbieri – analog synths, mellotron, hammond organ, keyboards
Colin Edwin – bass
Gavin Harrison – drums, percussion
Trivia:
This was when Steven Wilson rediscovered heavy metal, and listening to extreme metal such as Meshuggah and Opeth.
This album also had the influences of Avi Geffen, hence a change in sound over the previous album, Lightbulb Sun.
The previous drummer, Chris Maitland, was not available, and the replacement was Gavin Harrison.
On the In Absentia title: It is Latin for "in absence" or "in one's absence", a term often used in relation to criminal proceedings that occur despite the absence of the defendant. Steven Wilson's explanation: "It comes from... It's related to some of the lyrics. It's about people on the fringes, on the edges of humanity and society. I have an interest in serial killers, child molesters, and wife beaters... Not in what they did, but in the psychology of why. What caused them to become unhinged and twisted? Why are they unable to empathise? It's [In Absentia] sort of a metaphor - there's something missing, a black hole, a cancer in their soul. It's an absence in the soul."
(Now, that is dark! Another such song that comes to my mind is Lazarus - beautiful music, haunting theme.)
Nick Menza's documentary is out!
In case you want to see the trailer before the full documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPo_elqi-6Y
These are 6 book recommendations on music from Ravdeep Anand.
Posted by some serious jazz appreciators in a jazz (WhatsApp) group.
For those who are interested in a deeper study of music and not just saying 'that was a good song'.
Do comment on this video if you want the links he said he will send.
Another feelgood song from a very talented musician.
Did you know, he was Alan Parsons' choice for a touring guitarist? He's that good! Though he may be mostly known for 'Yacht Rock' and soft songs.
Admittedly, this song isn't spectacular in exemplary musicianship - and yet, when those keyboards kick in, it gives such a great vibe, that you want to hear the song just one more time.
This was a good accidental discovery (since I do not understand German).
This soft song is about deep connection, accepting of flaws, and finding solace in a partner.
The video is very strong.
Song opening: A request to get close ("Willst du mir nicht ans Herz geh'n?"), asking for warmth and connection.
The chorus: If both partners let each other be who they are, they will never let each other down (mutual acceptance).
Other parts of the song: Navigate the "streit und das versöhnen" (arguments and making up) and understand each other's quirks ("Schrägen und die Schönen").
The Rework: The 2025 rework emphasizes this message, often described as an emotional, warm song for the cold season.
Impressive. All this (djent) music comes from a blind person.
This is Andromida's 2020 album Timeless.
(Not to be confused with the Swedish progressive metal band Andromeda.)
From the video description of this album:
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Andromida is a one man progressive metalcore project by composer and producer, Ramon Gutierrez.
Diagnosed as legally blind at a young age, Ramon naturally felt a strong connection with music. At the age of 3, he began learning the violin. While learning the violin, it quickly became apparent that he was unable to read sheet music provided by his teachers, but that didn’t stop him. He went on to learn the instrument by ear, eventually playing pieces well known composers at a very young age. At the age of 11, Ramon decided to take on the guitar. Just like the violin, he learned completely by ear, only this time he did not have any help from teachers.
Ramon is entirely self-taught on guitar. Eventually he became fascinated with the idea of writing and producing music, so he began teaching himself how to arrange songs, produce, and mix and master his own music in his late high school years. During his time in college, Ramon began taking steps to start pursuing music. After trying and failing several times to form a band, he eventually decided to take on the endeavor by himself, thus starting Andromida in 2016.
--
This is an ear-friendly album. (You won't have to struggle with your attention while listening to it.)
Another stunning performance by Donald O' Connor in Singin' in the Rain.
Trivia:
Hospital Bed Rest: O'Connor had to take a week off after filming the scene due to severe exhaustion, bruises from stunts (running up walls and somersaulting), carpet burns.
A "Murderous" Routine: O'Connor said, "Getting up those walls was murder," referencing the stunt where he ran up a banked wall and did a somersault.
No Original Idea: The "Make 'em Laugh" routine was actually a direct revival of a trick O'Connor had previously done as a young dancer. Gene Kelly specifically asked O'Connor to bring back that specific move—running up a wall to complete a backflip somersault—because the production needed a show-stopping solo for his character.
Daily Smoker: Despite the immense physical activity, O'Connor smoked four packs of cigarettes a day during the production.
Filmed More Than Once: Because the footage for the original "Make 'em Laugh" scene was lost due to a technical error, O'Connor had to do it all over again.
Physical Dread: Despite having done the trick as a child, O'Connor reportedly dreaded performing it again at age 27, especially since he was a heavy smoker at the time. He had to consult with his brother, Jack, to figure out the best way to execute the wall run for the cameras.
The Songwriter: The music and lyrics for the song were composed by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed.
A beautiful song.
Feels so fresh, clean and pure to indulge in these old-time songs!
(Debbie Reynolds - Star Wars' Princess Leia's real-life mom)
And there are many many long takes in this song!
This is good life advice from Mr Daniel Pink.
If you can bring yourself to do it. 😐
(Thinkers will think about this more than doers.)
Trigger Warning: Small Animal Loss
Less than one hour back, we lost a kitten - the one on the right (this is a 20-day old photo).
A kitten of a stray mumma cat who sometimes brings her kittens here. Whenever she brings some of her kittens, we try to keep a section of the house barricaded against tomcats (who come from across boundary walls, and try to kill if they can). Odd as it may sound to someone from another culture, with pets.
She was mauled 5 days back, by 4 dogs (presumably when she was crossing the road with her mumma). The initial dog barks only got some of my attention at 11PM (not unusual here). But when I heard sharp tiny meowing yelps, I freaked out and ran out - and usually it is too late.
After 4 full days of running in and out of the veterinary clinic - twice a day, and watching her endure her treatment and discomfort, she finally passed away at home, after the 4th day (today, 16 April). It was when she was to now only take oral medicines.
Honestly: Feels lousy, we could not save her. (One will always feel lousy. No matter how hard you give - knowing it will not be the 110% care you think you should/could have given.)
In spite of all these days of treatment and effort (very physically and emotionally exhausting) for me (49 years old) but also my dad (84 years old), and the rest of the family.
For these few days, it feels like the love given to her was still less than what such an innocent small cat child should have received. It always feels like an innocent life should never have such an experience.
Prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed for her with tears during these days, besides all the medical attention and running around.
Those tiny meows of discomfort in treatment, and my constant reassuring her with "my baby," "it's all right, beta (child)" and "I love you beta" "you are a good baby" "you are a strong baby" "you are a beautiful child" felt like an odd privileged role I had in taking care of her as a quasi-father.
Thankfully, she did not pass away in pain. Just a slowing down, till it stopped.
We just buried her.
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One month back, we buried her one month old brother, who was attacked by male cat.
That one (male) also needed a lot of veterinary clinic visits, physiotherapy on his tiny paralysed hind paws. After three days of improvement in movement, he suddenly passed way too.
(Ironically, the attacker was a child/cat of the same mother - one we tried our best to protect as well, because he was also attacked by a dog inside our compound. That time, a dog managed to get inside our compound and kill his elder brother, while this little one managed to scamper away and hide behind flower pots.)
(Maybe this will sound very odd/unrelateable. Trying to protect strays and not adopting because we can't - with asthma and other health issues of other family members.)
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This is also when such art hits deep!
missing you
If you have had a pet loss (or any loss), I think I understand.
And I wish I could sit with you and talk about your pet, as your (and maybe my) tears fall. (It will have to be virtual talk, since I am in India.)
It seems like Brandon Toews was put in a spot to play the hardest arrangement of the jazz standard “A Night In Tunisia” written by @Jesusmolinamusic.
And he must be actually grateful to be made to play such a difficult piece.
Skip directly to 13:34 if you want to see only the final take.
Musicians We Lost in Air Crashes
This is a list of musicians who passed away in air crashes, often at the heights of their careers. (Numbers next to the names indicate their age.)
"The Day the Music Died" (Feb 3, 1959)
Buddy Holly (22), Ritchie Valens (17), and The Big Bopper (28)
The Crash: Their chartered Beechcraft Bonanza crashed into an Iowa cornfield shortly after taking off in a snowstorm. The pilot, also killed, was not qualified for instrument-only flight.
Trivia:
The flight was a last-minute decision to avoid a freezing tour bus with a broken heater.
Waylon Jennings (Holly’s bassist) gave his seat to The Big Bopper, who had the flu. Valens won his seat from guitarist Tommy Allsup on a fateful coin toss.
Holly’s last words to Jennings were a joke: "I hope your ol' bus freezes up!" Jennings replied, "I hope your ol' plane crashes"—a joke that haunted him for life.
The tragedy was memorialized in the lyrics of the song “American Pie” (1971), written by Don McLean.
The R&B Icon (Aug 25, 2001)
Aaliyah (22)
The Crash: Her Cessna 402B crashed and burst into flames moments after takeoff in the Bahamas. It was overloaded by roughly 700–900 lbsand carrying one extra passenger beyond its limit.
Trivia:
Aaliyah reportedly didn't want to get on the small plane. One account claims she was given a sedative for a headache and carried on while unconscious.
The pilot was later found to have had cocaine and alcohol in his system and had falsified his flight hours to get his license.
The Soul Legend (Dec 10, 1967)
Otis Redding (26)
The Crash: His private Beechcraft H18 plunged into the freezing waters of Lake Monona, Wisconsin, just four miles from the runway in heavy fog and rain.
Trivia:
Redding died just three days after recording his masterpiece, "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay".
Four members of his backing band, The Bar-Kays, also died. Trumpeter Ben Cauley was the sole survivor; he woke up as the plane spun and survived by clinging to a seat cushion in the icy water.
The Guitar Virtuoso (Aug 27, 1990)
Stevie Ray Vaughan (35)
The Crash: His helicopter crashed into a ski hill in dense fog shortly after departing a concert at Alpine Valley Music Theatre in Wisconsin.
Trivia:
Vaughan had just performed an encore with Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy.
He took the seat originally intended for Clapton's tour manager.
The Folk & Country Legends
John Denver (53) — Oct 12, 1997
The Crash: His experimental Rutan Long-EZ plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean. He was unable to reach the fuel selector valve to switch tanks.
Trivia: Ironically, his first major songwriting hit was "Leaving on a Jet Plane".
Jim Croce (30) — Sep 20, 1973
The Crash: His plane clipped the only large pecan tree in the area during takeoff in Louisiana.
Trivia: He died just as his career was exploding; his song "Time in a Bottle" became a #1 hit only after his death.
Patsy Cline (30) — Mar 5, 1963
The Crash: Her private plane crashed in severe weather in a Tennessee forest while returning from a benefit concert.
Trivia: She was the first female solo artist inducted into the Country
Southern Rock Tragedy (Oct 20, 1977)
Ronnie Van Zant (29), Steve Gaines (28), and Cassie Gaines (29) (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
The Crash: Their Convair CV-240 ran out of fuel and crashed in a Mississippi swamp.
Trivia: Lead singer Ronnie Van Zant frequently told friends he didn't expect to live to see 30. He died 87 days before his 30th birthday.
Steve and Cassie Gaines were brother and sister.
The Teen Idol (Dec 31, 1985)
Ricky Nelson (45)
The Crash: His chartered Douglas DC-3 caught fire in-flight and crashed in a cow pasture in Texas while traveling to a New Year's Eve concert.
Trivia:
The fire was caused by a faulty cabin heater.
Initial rumors falsely claimed the fire was started by passengers freebasing cocaine; these were later debunked by investigators.
Nelson was the first child star to successfully transition into a massive rock and roll career, famously performing on his family’s TV show, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.
The King of Tango (June 24, 1935)
Carlos Gardel (44)
The Crash: Two Ford Trimotor planes collided on the runway during takeoff in Medellín, Colombia.
Trivia:
Gardel is a near-mythical figure in Argentina; fans often say, "Gardel sings better every day," implying his recordings only improve with age.
He was allegedly shot in the chest during a street brawl in 1915; the bullet remained in his lung for the rest of his life.
The Swing Era Giant (Dec 15, 1944)
Glenn Miller (40)
The Crash: His plane disappeared over the English Channel during WWII while traveling to entertain troops in Paris.
Trivia:
Because no wreckage was ever found, his disappearance remains one of the great mysteries of the 20th century.
He was a Major in the U.S. Army and was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star.
La Diva de la Banda (Dec 9, 2012)
Jenni Rivera (43)
The Crash: Her private Learjet 25 plummeted 28,000 feet in 30 seconds, crashing into a mountain in northern Mexico.
Trivia:
The last photo of Rivera was a "selfie" taken by her makeup artist inside the plane just minutes before the crash.
She was the first female voice in the male-dominated "Banda" genre to speak openly about domestic violence and single motherhood.
The Eurodance Voice (Nov 24, 2001)
Melanie Thornton (34)
The Crash: Her flight crashed into a forest near Zurich during a landing attempt in poor weather.
Trivia:
As the lead singer of La Bouche, she voiced the 90s hits "Sweet Dreams" and "Be My Lover."
Two members of the pop group Passion Fruit were also killed in the same accident.
Gentleman Jim (July 31, 1964)
Jim Reeves (40)
The Crash: Reeves was piloting his own plane when he encountered a violent thunderstorm and crashed just outside Nashville.
Trivia:
It took a two-day search by fellow country stars like Chet Atkins and Ernest Tubb to find the wreckage.
Reeves actually hated the accordion; it only appears on one of his songs because his producer convinced him a polka "wouldn't be a polka without it."
The Cinematic Master (June 22, 2015)
James Horner (61)
The Crash: An experienced pilot, Horner crashed his private turboprop plane while performing low-level maneuvers in a remote California forest.
Trivia:
He won two Oscars for Titanic—one for the score and one for the song "My Heart Will Go On."
Horner often integrated Celtic musical elements and wordless female vocals into his world-famous scores.
Crystal Gayle's cover of the song One Less Set Of Footsteps is so different from the original by Jim Croce.
From her 1992 album Three Good Reasons.
It is a good album!. YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_Ti6lmi5RY&list=OLAK5uy_lgMhx-Gq42DzIpHlgX9GZdxPjslp80BxE&index=1
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Just for reference: This is Jim Croce's version.
It's a pity Jim Croce only released five albums (four in his lifetime, one posthumously) before he passed away in an air crash (1973).
Oh, this turned out interesting.
A free movie on YouTube that makes you laugh.
Dancer is Billy Gardell's screen name - Rick Dancer, the policeman.
Dame is the police dog assigned to him (fussy).
Some of the scenes may seem plain/boring, but the humour (and delivery) are very well timed.
Billy Gardell is also a standup comedian. Makes sense...
Random Quiz.
What is the most suitable word for this tune?:
A. Iconic
B. Eye-conic
C. I-conic
D. Aye-conic
E. Aye-Cow-Nick