At the end of a long day

Subject: At the end of a long day
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 27 Apr 04 - 10:18 PM

Today was one of those long days... a good one, when you feel like you got something done, and maybe did something worthwhile. Tonight, I just felt like unwinding, sinking down into a comfortable armchair to listen to some music. I'd been listening to a variety of music during the day while I was working, but I wanted something that would
fit my mood... tired, but feeling good. I chose Let It Go, a CD by a wonderful jazz saxophonist, Stanley Turrentine. I could just as easily have chosen Brazilliance by Bud Shank and Laurindo Almeida.

Now, if the day had been messed up, I might have slipped Something Cool by June Christy into my CD player, or maybe Lightning Hopkins. Or maybe Stevie Ray Vaughn.

What are you likely to put on the turntable, in the cassette player or the CD deck? How does the music fit the mood for you?

Just wondering.

Jerry

Subject: RE: At the end of a long day
From: Jeanie
Date: 01 May 04 - 03:45 AM

I haven't been able to spend so much time on Mudcat lately, so I hadn't got round to reading this until today, Jerry. Great idea for a thread.

My choice, strangely enough, is also jazz for end-of-a-long-day listening - and singing ! I have a wonderful CD "In Session with Ella Fitzgerald". It has a book with it, with all the lyrics and music. Each sung track alternates with a track of only the backing, so that you can sing it yourself, and the book has all kinds of tips and exercises on phrasing, jazz improvising and so on. I love it.

During the day, when I'm working on translations, I find I can only listen to instrumental music, because I have English and German words flying around in my head, and any extra words floating around the room would get in the way. One of my favourites then is a CD "The Devil's Fiddler", Nick Pynn, which describes itself as "18 furiously fast fiddle tracks". Helps to keep me typing away furiously fast along with it. Another one I often listen to is Gordon Giltrap guitar instrumentals, and I also like working along to Klezmer and Cajun.

I used to listen to Klezmer in the car (Gregori Schechter) but I found it positively dangerous ! I found myself adjusting my speed to the speed of the music - fine when they go into a slow section, but not such a good idea when they suddenly speed up again. One of the favourites for listening and singing along to in the car (for me and my daughter) is a tape sent to us by a certain Mr. Rasmussen of the US of A, singing about such strange things as davenports, knickers and high-cut boots.

I certainly never restrict my listening or playing solely to what could be classified as "folk" (however that can be defined). To me, music is music. Classifications and categories can so easily get in the way. If I like it and it goes along with what I am doing/feeling or helps to lift me out of not-so-good feelings, that's what is important, and that's why I could never do without it.

Looking forward to hearing what other people listen to and when.

- jeanie

Subject: RE: At the end of a long day
From: fat B****rd
Date: 01 May 04 - 03:55 AM

Miles Davis "Knd of Blue", The Beatles, Tom Waits, Warren Zevon after a long day. I'm going to be busy in the house and garden today, so a lively compilation of R'N'R, Blues, Folk and oldie pop. Usually does the trick. Also of course not being my usual idle self.