I wish you everyone a very good new year 2015.
Frank Sinatra - It Was A Very Good Year
miércoles, 31 de diciembre de 2014
Frank Sinatra - It Was A Very Good Year
Espero que el próximo 2015 sea un muy buen año para todos/as.
I wish you everyone a very good new year 2015.
I wish you everyone a very good new year 2015.
viernes, 12 de diciembre de 2014
James Brown - Cold Sweat + Payback + Damn Right I Am Somebody
La palabra "groove" se usa para referirse a la sensación de propulsión rítmica o sentido del "swing" creado por la interacción de la música interpretada por la sección rítmica de una banda (batería, bajo eléctrico o contrabajo, guitarra y teclados). El groove es un factor importante en los distintos subgéneros del jazz, y de ahí a otros géneros como salsa, funk, rock, fusión y soul. El término suele utilizarse, también, para describir un tipo de música que incita al movimiento o al baile. Con todos ustedes: El Sr. James Brown. Resistiros a moveros, si podéis.
"Groove" is the sense of propulsive rhythmic feel or sense of "swing" created by the interaction of the music played by a band's rhythm section (drums, electric bass or double bass, guitar, and keyboards). Ubiquitous in popular music, groove is a consideration in genres such as salsa, funk, rock, fusion, and soul. The word is often used to describe the aspect of certain music that makes one want to move, dance, or "groove". Ladies and gentlemen: Mr. James Brown. Resist groove, if you are able.
Y de regalo: unos pasos de baile. Para que practiquéis.
"Groove" is the sense of propulsive rhythmic feel or sense of "swing" created by the interaction of the music played by a band's rhythm section (drums, electric bass or double bass, guitar, and keyboards). Ubiquitous in popular music, groove is a consideration in genres such as salsa, funk, rock, fusion, and soul. The word is often used to describe the aspect of certain music that makes one want to move, dance, or "groove". Ladies and gentlemen: Mr. James Brown. Resist groove, if you are able.
James Brown - Cold Sweat + Payback + Damn Right I Am Somebody
Y de regalo: unos pasos de baile. Para que practiquéis.
Some dance moves for free. For you to practise.
James Brown's Dance Moves
domingo, 7 de diciembre de 2014
Debussy - Clair de lune (Freire)
La luna llena brilla intensamente esta noche. No es la primera vez que traigo a Debussy a este blog y probablemente no será la última. Escuchad "Clair de lune" (Claro de luna), el delicioso tercer movimiento de la suite para piano "Bergamasque". El vídeo viene ilustrado con pinturas de Monet.
The full moon shines bright tonight. This is not the first time that I mention Debussy in this blog, and this will not be the last one probably. Listen to "Clair de lune" (Moonlight), the delightful third movement of the piano suite "Bergamasque". The video is illustrated with paintings by Monet.
The full moon shines bright tonight. This is not the first time that I mention Debussy in this blog, and this will not be the last one probably. Listen to "Clair de lune" (Moonlight), the delightful third movement of the piano suite "Bergamasque". The video is illustrated with paintings by Monet.
Debussy - Clair de lune (Freire)
martes, 2 de diciembre de 2014
Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen es, sin duda, una de las mejores bandas de rock del siglo XX. Y Freddie Mercury, probablemente uno de los mejores cantantes. Hicieron una interesante mezcla de rock duro, pop, rock sinfónico y otros muchos ingredientes. A pesar de la originalidad y complejidad de algunos de sus temas, cosecharon un gran éxito comercial entre el público general. Os dejo con una obra de arte: Bohemian Rhapsody.
Queen is undoubtedly one of the best rock bands of the twentieth century. And Freddie Mercury is probably one of the best singers. They mixed hard rock, pop, symphonic rock and many other ingredients in a very interesting way. Despite the originality and complexity of many of their compositions, they reaped a great commercial success among the general public. Bohemian Rhapsody is a masterpiece. Here you are.
Queen is undoubtedly one of the best rock bands of the twentieth century. And Freddie Mercury is probably one of the best singers. They mixed hard rock, pop, symphonic rock and many other ingredients in a very interesting way. Despite the originality and complexity of many of their compositions, they reaped a great commercial success among the general public. Bohemian Rhapsody is a masterpiece. Here you are.
Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
sábado, 8 de noviembre de 2014
Roger Waters - Comfortably Numb + The Wall (full concert)
El Muro de Berlín cayó un 9 de Noviembre de 1989. A los pocos meses de este acontecimiento, Roger Waters lideró la organización de un macro concierto en el que se interpretaría "The Wall", álbum que compuso en su etapa en Pink Floyd. Contó con artistas invitados como Van Morrison, Scorpions, Joni Mitchell, Marianne Faithfull, The Band, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Carrack, Bryan Adams, etc. Veamos la interpretación del tema "Comfortably Numb".
The Berlin Wall fell on November 9, 1989. A few months after this happening, Roger Waters led the organization of a super concert based on "The Wall": the album he composed during his time as a member of Pink Floyd. The concert featured guest artists such as Van Morrison, Scorpions, Joni Mitchell, Marianne Faithfull, The Band, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Carrack, Bryan Adams, etc. Let's see the performance of "Comfortably Numb".
The Berlin Wall fell on November 9, 1989. A few months after this happening, Roger Waters led the organization of a super concert based on "The Wall": the album he composed during his time as a member of Pink Floyd. The concert featured guest artists such as Van Morrison, Scorpions, Joni Mitchell, Marianne Faithfull, The Band, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Carrack, Bryan Adams, etc. Let's see the performance of "Comfortably Numb".
Roger Waters - Comfortably Numb
Si no puedes ver el vídeo en tu dispositivo, haz click aquí para verlo en Youtube
If you can not watch the video on your device, click here to watch it on Youtube
If you can not watch the video on your device, click here to watch it on Youtube
viernes, 31 de octubre de 2014
Ozzy Osbourne - Mr. Crowley
Aleister Crowley fue un ocultista y mago inglés que escandalizó a la sociedad victoriana. No han sido pocos los músicos que han rendido tributo a este personaje en sus canciones o en las portadas de sus discos (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Ian Guillan...). Ozzy Osbourne le dedicó la canción "Mr. Crowley" en su primer disco en solitario. El solo de guitarra de Randy Rhoads está considerado uno de los mejores solos de guitarra de la historia del heavy metal. El final del tema es puro barroco. Os traigo una curiosa versión en directo.
Aleister Crowley was an English occultist and magician that scandalized Victorian society. Many musicians have paid tribute to Crowley in their songs or their album covers (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Ian Guillan...). Ozzy Osbourne recorded the song "Mr. Crowley" on his first solo album. Randy Rhoads's guitar solo in this song is considered one of the greatest guitar solos in the history of heavy metal. The ending is genuine Baroque. I bring a rare live version.
Aleister Crowley was an English occultist and magician that scandalized Victorian society. Many musicians have paid tribute to Crowley in their songs or their album covers (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Ian Guillan...). Ozzy Osbourne recorded the song "Mr. Crowley" on his first solo album. Randy Rhoads's guitar solo in this song is considered one of the greatest guitar solos in the history of heavy metal. The ending is genuine Baroque. I bring a rare live version.
Ozzy Osbourne - Mr. Crowley
viernes, 24 de octubre de 2014
Gus Kahn, Matt Melneck & Fud Livingston - I'm Thru With Love (Everyone Says I Love You Soundtrack)
Woody Allen es uno de los mejores directores de todos los tiempos. Pero además es un melómano. La música es una de las grandes protagonistas en sus películas. Hoy traigo la escena final de la película "Todos dicen I Love You" (así que, si no has visto la película, cuidado, porque te desvela el desenlace). La actriz Goldie Hawn interpreta a orillas del Sena un standard de jazz de los años 30: I'm Thru With Love. Un momento mágico de la historia de cine.
Woody Allen is one of the best directors of all time. But he is also a music-lover. Music is one of the main characters in his films. Today I bring you the final scene of the movie "Everyone Says I Love You" (so if you have not seen the film, be careful: video spoiler alert). Goldie Hawn sings a 30s jazz standard on the banks of the Senna River: "I'm Thru With Love". A magical moment in the history of cinema.
Woody Allen is one of the best directors of all time. But he is also a music-lover. Music is one of the main characters in his films. Today I bring you the final scene of the movie "Everyone Says I Love You" (so if you have not seen the film, be careful: video spoiler alert). Goldie Hawn sings a 30s jazz standard on the banks of the Senna River: "I'm Thru With Love". A magical moment in the history of cinema.
Gus Kahn, Matt Melneck & Fud Livingston - I'm Thru With Love
(Everyone Says I Love You Soundtrack)
viernes, 17 de octubre de 2014
Beethoven - Symphony No.7 (Bernstein + graph bar score)
Día de gala en "la oreja feliz". Pónganse en pie, porque llega Beethoven. Hoy traigo una de mis piezas favoritas: el 2º movimiento de la 7ª Sinfonía. Y además en una versión de lujo. Leonard Bernstein (Lenny para los amigos) fue, en mi humilde opinión, un director irregular. Pero la interpretación que traigo hoy es uno de sus momentos cumbres en, para mi, el mejor momento de su carrera: las colaboraciones con la Orquesta Sinfónica de Viena en los 70. Además, también os dejo otra interesante versión de propina.
Gala Day on "the happy ear". Stand up, because Beethoven is coming. Today I offer you one of my favorite pieces: the 2nd movement of the Symphony No.7. Furthermore we will listen to a deluxe version. In my humble opinion Leonard Bernstein (AKA Lenny) was an irregular conductor. But the interpretation that I bring you today is one of his highlights in his finest moment (IMHO): the collaborations with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra in the 70s. In addition, I also leave an interesting extra version.
Gala Day on "the happy ear". Stand up, because Beethoven is coming. Today I offer you one of my favorite pieces: the 2nd movement of the Symphony No.7. Furthermore we will listen to a deluxe version. In my humble opinion Leonard Bernstein (AKA Lenny) was an irregular conductor. But the interpretation that I bring you today is one of his highlights in his finest moment (IMHO): the collaborations with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra in the 70s. In addition, I also leave an interesting extra version.
Beethoven - Symphony No.7 (Bernstein)
De propina, un regalo para los que no sabemos leer partituras. Una representación gráfica en tiempo real de la misma pieza de Beethoven. Los diferentes instrumentos tienen asignados colores diferentes.
An encore. A gift for those who can't read a score. A real-time graphical representation of the same piece of Beethoven. Each instrument has a color assigned.
Beethoven - Symphony No.7 (bar-graph score)
domingo, 12 de octubre de 2014
Bebo Valdés + Chucho Valdés - Tres palabras
Bebo y Chucho Valdés. Padre e hijo. Dos referentes de la música afrocubana y del jazz latino. Ved dos genios del piano divietiéndose juntos. Feliz día de la Hispanidad, o de España, o Día del respeto a la Diversidad Cultural, o Día de las Américas, o como lo llames en tu país.
Bebo and Chucho Valdés. Father and son. Both of them are two references of Afro-Cuban music and Latin jazz. Look at two piano geniuses having fun togheter. Have a happy Hispanic Day, or Spain Day, or Columbus Day, or Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity, or Day of the Americas, or whatever you call it in your country.
Bebo and Chucho Valdés. Father and son. Both of them are two references of Afro-Cuban music and Latin jazz. Look at two piano geniuses having fun togheter. Have a happy Hispanic Day, or Spain Day, or Columbus Day, or Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity, or Day of the Americas, or whatever you call it in your country.
Bebo Valdés + Chucho Valdés - Tres palabras
sábado, 4 de octubre de 2014
Django Reinhardt + Stéphane Grappelli - J'attendrai
Hoy traigo un maravilloso vídeo que nos muestra a Django Reinhardt y Stéphane Grappelli interpretando música en directo. Es impresionante ver a Djiango tocando la guitarra con sólo dos dedos de la mano izquierda (sufrió graves heridas en el resto de sus dedos en un incendio durante su juventud). A partir del minuto 2:10 las imágenes son espectaculares.
Today I bring a wonderful video that shows Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli playing live music. It's amazing to see Djiango playing guitar using only two fingers in his solos (he suffered serious injuries in the rest of his fingers in a fire when hi was young). The film is spectacular from the 2:10 minute.
Today I bring a wonderful video that shows Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli playing live music. It's amazing to see Djiango playing guitar using only two fingers in his solos (he suffered serious injuries in the rest of his fingers in a fire when hi was young). The film is spectacular from the 2:10 minute.
Django Reinhardt + Stéphane Grappelli - J'attendrai
sábado, 27 de septiembre de 2014
Dio - The Last In Line
Ronnie James Dio ocupa un lugar de honor en el Olimpo de los cantantes del heavy. Fue cantante en Rainbow y en Black Sabbath. Posteriormente tuvo una reconocida carrera en solitario. Si bien me gustan todos los discos de Dio, mis favoritos son los primeros, en los toca la guitarra el genial Vivian Campbell. Esta actuación en directo pertenece a esa época. Canción: The Last In Line. Por cierto, ¿sabíais que Ronnie James Dio fue quien popularizó el signo de los cuernos con los dedos en el heavy?
Ronnie James Dio earned a place in the Olympus of heavy metal singers. He was a singer with Rainbow and Black Sabbath. Afterwards he started a successful solo career. Although I like all Dio's albums, the first ones are my favorites. Those in which the great Vivian Campbell plays guitar. This live performance belongs to that period. Song: The Last In Line. By the way, did you know that Ronnie James Dio was the one who popularized the hand sign of the horns within the heavy?
Ronnie James Dio earned a place in the Olympus of heavy metal singers. He was a singer with Rainbow and Black Sabbath. Afterwards he started a successful solo career. Although I like all Dio's albums, the first ones are my favorites. Those in which the great Vivian Campbell plays guitar. This live performance belongs to that period. Song: The Last In Line. By the way, did you know that Ronnie James Dio was the one who popularized the hand sign of the horns within the heavy?
Dio - The Last In Line
Si no puedes ver el vídeo en tu dispositivo, haz click aquí para verlo en Youtube
If you can not watch the video on your device, click here to watch it on Youtube
If you can not watch the video on your device, click here to watch it on Youtube
Más Ronnie James Dio en La oreja feliz:
More about Ronnie James Dio in The happy ear:
sábado, 20 de septiembre de 2014
Santana - Oye como va
El mejicano Carlos Santana es una de las leyendas de la guitarra y seguramente el padre del rock latino. Saltó a la fama a partir de su actuación en el festival de Woodstock en 1969. Desde entonces no ha parado de regalarnos canciones meomorables, mezclando el blues, el rock, el jazz y la música latina. Hoy traigo uno de sus temas más célebres (compuesto por Tito Puente): Oye como va.
The Mexican Carlos Santana is one of the guitar legends and probably the father of Latin Rock. He rose to fame after his performance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969. Since then he has given us many meomorables songs, mixing blues, rock, jazz and latin music. Today I bring one of his most famous songs (composed by Tito Puente): Oye como va.
The Mexican Carlos Santana is one of the guitar legends and probably the father of Latin Rock. He rose to fame after his performance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969. Since then he has given us many meomorables songs, mixing blues, rock, jazz and latin music. Today I bring one of his most famous songs (composed by Tito Puente): Oye como va.
Santana - Oye como va
miércoles, 10 de septiembre de 2014
Ten Years After - Love Like A Man
Ten Years After fue otro de esos fantásticos grupos británicos que a finales de los 60 y principios de los 70 mezcló el blues y el naciente rock duro. Siempre me impresionó la manera de pulsar las cuerdas del bajista (Leo Lyons) y, sobre todo, el virtuosismo y la fuerza del sensacional Alvin Lee (guitarra y voz).
Ten Years After was another of those fantastic British bands that mixed the blues and the emerging hard-rock in the late 60s and early 70s. I was always impressed by the way in which the bassist (Leo Lyons) struck the strings and, above all, by the mastery and energy of Alvin Lee (guitar and vocals).
Ten Years After was another of those fantastic British bands that mixed the blues and the emerging hard-rock in the late 60s and early 70s. I was always impressed by the way in which the bassist (Leo Lyons) struck the strings and, above all, by the mastery and energy of Alvin Lee (guitar and vocals).
Ten Years After - Love Like A Man
domingo, 27 de julio de 2014
Muse - Stockholm Syndrome
Muse se ha convertido en una banda digna de mi admiración. Composiciones de altísima calidad (me encanta jugar a buscar influencias en sus canciones: rock duro, música clásica, pop, música electrónica, rock sinfónico, etc.). Además, como intérpretes son espectaculares (con los instrumentos y con las voces). No pienso morirme sin verlos en concierto.
Muse has become a band worthy of my admiration. High quality compositions (I love playing to find influences in their songs: hard rock, classical music, pop, electronic music, progressive rock, etc.). In addition, they are spectacular as instrumentalists and singers. I refuse to die without seeing them live.
Muse has become a band worthy of my admiration. High quality compositions (I love playing to find influences in their songs: hard rock, classical music, pop, electronic music, progressive rock, etc.). In addition, they are spectacular as instrumentalists and singers. I refuse to die without seeing them live.
Muse - Stockholm Syndrome
sábado, 12 de julio de 2014
Rachmaninov - Piano Concerto No. 3 (Argerich + Matsuev)
Siempre he oído que el concierto nº3 para piano de Rachmaninov (conocido por los fans como Rach 3) es una de las obras más difíciles de interpretar al piano. Este hecho ha dado lugar a numerosas leyendas y anécdotas. La del pianista David Helfgott que sufrió un colapso neurológico en plena interpretación (realmente no fue así, pero así lo cuenta la película "Shine" de 1996). O la del tejano Van Cliburn, que ganó en plena guerra fría el Concurso Tchaikovsky de piano provocando la ovación del público de Moscú (el jurado soviético tuvo que pedir permiso a Kruschev para premiar al estadounidense).
Hay versiones estupendas, como las de Horowitz en 1951 (mi favorita), Ashkenazi, Janys, Orozco, etc. Pero hoy traigo una versión mítica: la versión supersónica de Martha Argerich. Con muchos errores técnicos, pero insuperable en el sentimiento.
Más abajo, una propina.
I've always heard that Rachmaninov's Piano Concert No. 3 (known by fans as Rach 3) is one of the most difficult piano works to play. This fact has led to many legends and anecdotes. For example, is said that the pianist David Helfgott suffered a neurological collapse in the middle of a performance (actually that did not happen this way, but thus is told in the 1996 film "Shine"). Another example is the story of the Texan Van Cliburn, who won (during the Cold War) the Tchaikovsky Piano Competition causing a standing ovation from Moscow audience (Soviet jury had to ask permission from Kruschev to give the award to the american young).
There are wonderful versions, such as those of Horowitz in 1951 (my favorite one), Ashkenazi, Janys, Orozco, etc. But today I bring a mythical version: the supersonic version by Martha Argerich. It has many technical mistakes, but the feeling is unsurpassed.
An encore below.
Rachmaninov - Piano Concerto No. 3 - "Cadenza Ossia" (Matsuev)
Hay versiones estupendas, como las de Horowitz en 1951 (mi favorita), Ashkenazi, Janys, Orozco, etc. Pero hoy traigo una versión mítica: la versión supersónica de Martha Argerich. Con muchos errores técnicos, pero insuperable en el sentimiento.
Más abajo, una propina.
I've always heard that Rachmaninov's Piano Concert No. 3 (known by fans as Rach 3) is one of the most difficult piano works to play. This fact has led to many legends and anecdotes. For example, is said that the pianist David Helfgott suffered a neurological collapse in the middle of a performance (actually that did not happen this way, but thus is told in the 1996 film "Shine"). Another example is the story of the Texan Van Cliburn, who won (during the Cold War) the Tchaikovsky Piano Competition causing a standing ovation from Moscow audience (Soviet jury had to ask permission from Kruschev to give the award to the american young).
There are wonderful versions, such as those of Horowitz in 1951 (my favorite one), Ashkenazi, Janys, Orozco, etc. But today I bring a mythical version: the supersonic version by Martha Argerich. It has many technical mistakes, but the feeling is unsurpassed.
An encore below.
Rachmaninov - Piano Concerto No. 3 (Argerich)
De propina, Matsuev interpreta la cadenza del primer movimiento en su versión difícil. Rachmaninov escribió dos versiones de este fragmento, para que los pianistas eligiesen: la versión sencilla o la difícil (se encuentra entre los minutos 3:00 y 5:40).
An encore. Matsuev performing the cadenza of the first movement in the difficult version. Rachmaninov wrote two versions of this passage, for pianists chose: the simple one or the difficult one (located between minutes 3:00 and 5:40).
Rachmaninov - Piano Concerto No. 3 - "Cadenza Ossia" (Matsuev)
lunes, 7 de julio de 2014
King Crimson - Starless
King Crimson fue probablemente una de las primeras bandas de rock sinfónico que escuché (después de Pink Floyd). El primer álbum que escuché fue el mítico "In The Court Of The Crimson King", con aquella impactante portada que representaba la cara desencajada del "hombre esquizoide". Sin embargo, hoy traigo un tema de una etapa posterior (álbum "Red", 1974). La canción se llama "Starless". Se pueden distinguir tres pasajes. La cancíón empieza con un tema melódico y vocal. En la parte intermedia (mi favorita) el grupo parece entrar en trance: Robert Fripp mantiene impasible las dos mismas notas en la guitarra, mientras el bajo y la batería se encargan de ir haciendo el tema progresivamente más salvaje, hasta llevarnos al tercer pasaje. Esta última parte es un trepidante pasaje blues-jazz que termina retomando el tema inicial. Toda una obra de arte.
King Crimson was probably one of the first progressive-rock bands I've ever heard (after Pink Floyd). The first album I've ever heard by them was the legendary "In The Court Of The Crimson King", with that stunning cover depicting the unhinged face of "Schizoid Man". However, today I bring a song of a later stage (1974 album "Red" ). The song is called "Starless". There are three passages. The song begins with a melodic and vocal theme. In the second part (my favorite one) the band seems to go into a trance: Robert Fripp keeps the same two notes on the guitar, while the theme becomes progressively wilder thanks to bass and drums evolutions, taking us up to the third passage. This last part is a frenetic blues-jazz theme which ends returning to the opening theme. An artwork.
King Crimson was probably one of the first progressive-rock bands I've ever heard (after Pink Floyd). The first album I've ever heard by them was the legendary "In The Court Of The Crimson King", with that stunning cover depicting the unhinged face of "Schizoid Man". However, today I bring a song of a later stage (1974 album "Red" ). The song is called "Starless". There are three passages. The song begins with a melodic and vocal theme. In the second part (my favorite one) the band seems to go into a trance: Robert Fripp keeps the same two notes on the guitar, while the theme becomes progressively wilder thanks to bass and drums evolutions, taking us up to the third passage. This last part is a frenetic blues-jazz theme which ends returning to the opening theme. An artwork.
King Crimson - Starless
sábado, 28 de junio de 2014
Lee Morgan - Totem Pole
Hacía tres meses que no ponía nada de jazz en el blog. Hoy le toca el turno a uno de mis trompetistas favoritos: Lee Morgan. En su día os hablé de él, como miembro de la banda del gran Art Blakey. Hoy lo disfrutaremos como líder de su propio quinteto (que incluye a Joe Henderson al saxo). Si bien "Sidewinder" es el tema más famoso del álbum del mismo nombre, yo tengo predilección por "Totem Pole". Una concatenación de maravillosos solos de trompeta, saxo y piano a lo largo de 10 minutos. Impresionante.
I didn't play jazz on this blog for three months. Today it's the turn of one of my favorite trumpet players: Lee Morgan. A long time ago I talked to you about him as a sideman with the great Art Blakey. This time we are going to enjoy his music as a frontman with his own quintet (featuring Joe Henderson on sax). Although "Sidewinder" is the best known song from the album of the same name, I have a predilection for "Totem Pole". A chain of wonderful trumpet, sax and piano solos along 10 minutes. Awesome.
I didn't play jazz on this blog for three months. Today it's the turn of one of my favorite trumpet players: Lee Morgan. A long time ago I talked to you about him as a sideman with the great Art Blakey. This time we are going to enjoy his music as a frontman with his own quintet (featuring Joe Henderson on sax). Although "Sidewinder" is the best known song from the album of the same name, I have a predilection for "Totem Pole". A chain of wonderful trumpet, sax and piano solos along 10 minutes. Awesome.
Lee Morgan - Totem Pole
miércoles, 25 de junio de 2014
Metallica - Sad But True
Metallica lanzó en 1991 "el álbum negro" (que en realidad se llamaba "Metallica"). Para muchos de sus fans de toda la vida, el álbum supuso una traición al genuino estilo Trash Metal de la banda. Para otros, sin embargo, fue uno de los discos más revolucionarios y admirados de la banda. Disfrutemos de los pesados riffs de "Sad But True". En la batería, en mi opinión, Lars Ulrich homenajea en este tema a Bonham (Led Zeppelin).
Metallica released in 1991 "the black album" (actually titled "Metallica"). For many of his longtime fans, the album betrayed the genuine Trash Metal style of the band. For others, it was one of the most revolutionary and admired albums of the band. Enjoy the heavy riffs of "Sad But True". On drums, in my opinion, Lars Ulrich pays tribute to Bonham (Led Zeppelin).
Metallica released in 1991 "the black album" (actually titled "Metallica"). For many of his longtime fans, the album betrayed the genuine Trash Metal style of the band. For others, it was one of the most revolutionary and admired albums of the band. Enjoy the heavy riffs of "Sad But True". On drums, in my opinion, Lars Ulrich pays tribute to Bonham (Led Zeppelin).
Metallica - Sad But True
lunes, 9 de junio de 2014
Yves Montand - Les feuilles mortes
Recuerdo que me resultó muy difícil aprender francés en el colegio y en el instituto. Al final no se me dio mal. Tal vez fue gracias a una profesora del instituto que consiguió engancharnos a la "chanson". Recuerdo que incluso me prestó algunos discos que pude llevarme a casa: Léo Ferré, Juliette Gréco, Jacques Brel, etc. Aun me sé de memoria "Les feuilles mortes" (Las hojas secas), tal vez en su versión más famosa: la de Yves Montand. Aquí traigo una actuación en el mítico Olympia de Paris, con un Montand ya mayor.
I remember it was very difficult for me to learn French at school and high school. In the end I wasn't bad at it. Maybe I learned thanks to a secondary school teacher who managed we got hooked on "chanson". I remember she even lent me some records that I could take home: Léo Ferré, Juliette Gréco, Jacques Brel, etc. I still know "Les feuilles mortes" (Autumn Leaves) by heart, in the most famous version: Yves Montand's. I bring today a mature Montand live performance at the legendary Olympia in Paris.
I remember it was very difficult for me to learn French at school and high school. In the end I wasn't bad at it. Maybe I learned thanks to a secondary school teacher who managed we got hooked on "chanson". I remember she even lent me some records that I could take home: Léo Ferré, Juliette Gréco, Jacques Brel, etc. I still know "Les feuilles mortes" (Autumn Leaves) by heart, in the most famous version: Yves Montand's. I bring today a mature Montand live performance at the legendary Olympia in Paris.
Yves Montand - Les feuilles mortes
jueves, 29 de mayo de 2014
Kansas - Mysteries And Mayhem + Point Of Know Return
En la portada del primer álbum de Kansas aparecía un dibujo que representaba una escena de la guerra civil norteamericana. Cuando la vi pensé que probablemente se trataría de un grupo de Kansas que haría rock sureño o música country. Efectivamente, los músicos eran de Kansas, pero hacían un espectacular rock sinfónico con toques de rock duro. Si la flauta es la seña de identidad de Jethro Tull, en Kansas es el violín el que hace peculiar al grupo. Mis discos favoritos de Kansas son los primeros, hasta que a finales de los 70 empiezan a hacer una música más comercial. Son instrumentistas virtuosos (como casi todos los grupos de rock sinfónico), pero además tienen unas voces impresionantes.
On the cover of the first album of Kansas you could see a drawing representing a scene from the American Civil War. When I saw it I thought it probably would be a band from Kansas playing southern rock or country music. Indeed, the musicians were from Kansas, but they played a spectacular symphonic rock with a touch of hard rock. Whether the flute is the hallmark of Jethro Tull, the violin makes Kansas unique. My favorite Kansas albums are the first ones, because in the late 70 they started writing a more commercial music. They are virtuoso instrumentalists (like almost all symphonic rock bands), but Kansas also has amazing vocals.
On the cover of the first album of Kansas you could see a drawing representing a scene from the American Civil War. When I saw it I thought it probably would be a band from Kansas playing southern rock or country music. Indeed, the musicians were from Kansas, but they played a spectacular symphonic rock with a touch of hard rock. Whether the flute is the hallmark of Jethro Tull, the violin makes Kansas unique. My favorite Kansas albums are the first ones, because in the late 70 they started writing a more commercial music. They are virtuoso instrumentalists (like almost all symphonic rock bands), but Kansas also has amazing vocals.
Kansas - Mysteries And Mayhem
jueves, 8 de mayo de 2014
The Beatles - I Am The Walrus
"I am the walrus" es uno de mis temas favoritos de los Beatles. La música, la letra, ellos mismos, son una auténtica chaladura. Los efectos del té de las cinco, supongo. Espero que lo disfrutéis.
"I am the walrus" is one of my favorite Beatles songs. The music, the lyrics, they themselves are a real craziness. The effects of afternoon tea, I guess. I hope you enjoy it.
"I am the walrus" is one of my favorite Beatles songs. The music, the lyrics, they themselves are a real craziness. The effects of afternoon tea, I guess. I hope you enjoy it.
The Beatles - I Am The Walrus
miércoles, 23 de abril de 2014
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Couldn't Stand The Weather
Stevie Ray Vaughan es otra leyenda de la guitarra que nos dejó en trágicas circunstancias. Hizo un blues-rock eléctrico muy inspirado en Hendrix y el blues-rock británico de los 70. Os dejo con una interpretación en directo de su espectacular tema "Couldn't Stand The Weather" (de su segundo álbum del mismo título). En este concierto no aparece con su famosa y desgastada Stratocaster "Number One".
Stevie Ray Vaughan is another guitar legend who died in tragic circumstances. He composed and played electric blues-rock, very inspired by Hendrix and '70s British blues-rock. Listen to a live performance of his great song "Couldn't Stand The Weather" (from his second album with the same title). In this concert he uses his famous and worn down Stratocaster "Number One".
Stevie Ray Vaughan is another guitar legend who died in tragic circumstances. He composed and played electric blues-rock, very inspired by Hendrix and '70s British blues-rock. Listen to a live performance of his great song "Couldn't Stand The Weather" (from his second album with the same title). In this concert he uses his famous and worn down Stratocaster "Number One".
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Couldn't Stand The Weather
lunes, 14 de abril de 2014
Handel - Sarabande (Barry Lyndon Soundtrack)
Georg Friedrich Händel murió un 14 de abril. Como homenaje, hoy traigo un poco de su música. La famosa pieza "Sarabande" es parte de una suite para clavicordio. A partir de esta música, Leonard Rosenman hizo un arreglo orquestal para una de las bandas sonoras más maravillosas de la historia del cine. Una banda sonora a la altura de una de mis películas favoritas: Barry Lyndon, de Stanley Kubrick.
George Frideric Handel died on April 14. As a tribute, I bring a little of his music. The famous piece "Sarabande" is a part of a suite for harpsichord. Based on this music, Leonard Rosenman composed an orchestral arrangement for one of the most wonderful soundtracks in film history. A soundtrack on a par with one of my favorite movies: Stanley Kubrick's Barry Lyndon.
El vídeo puede desvelar parte de la trama.
Video spoiler alert.
George Frideric Handel died on April 14. As a tribute, I bring a little of his music. The famous piece "Sarabande" is a part of a suite for harpsichord. Based on this music, Leonard Rosenman composed an orchestral arrangement for one of the most wonderful soundtracks in film history. A soundtrack on a par with one of my favorite movies: Stanley Kubrick's Barry Lyndon.
El vídeo puede desvelar parte de la trama.
Video spoiler alert.
Handel - Sarabande (Barry Lyndon Soundtrack)
miércoles, 2 de abril de 2014
Falla - Nights in the Gardens of Spain (Larrocha)
Alicia de Larrocha ha sido probablemente la pianista española más reconocida. Sus grabaciones de obras para piano de Falla, Albéniz, Granados o Turina se siguen considerando hoy en día las grabaciones de referencia entre los coleccionistas de música clásica de todo el mundo. Traigo "Noches en los Jardines de España" de Manuel de Falla. Dirige Dutoit.
Alicia de Larrocha has probably been the most renowned Spanish pianist. Her recordings of piano works by Falla, Albeniz, Granados or Turina are still considered as the reference recordings among collectors of classical music all around the world. I bring you "Nights in the Gardens of Spain" by Manuel de Falla. Dutoit conducts the orchestra.
Alicia de Larrocha has probably been the most renowned Spanish pianist. Her recordings of piano works by Falla, Albeniz, Granados or Turina are still considered as the reference recordings among collectors of classical music all around the world. I bring you "Nights in the Gardens of Spain" by Manuel de Falla. Dutoit conducts the orchestra.
Falla - Nights in the Gardens of Spain (Larrocha) - Part 1
Falla - Nights in the Gardens of Spain (Larrocha) - Part 2
martes, 25 de marzo de 2014
John Coltrane - Naima
John Coltrane es uno de los grandes mitos del jazz y probablemente uno de los mejores saxofonistas de la historia (a Charly Parker ya le hice un homenaje en este blog). Hoy traigo Naima. En la primera parte disfrutaremos de unos pasajes llenos de calidez y ternura, que irán derivando en pasión. En la segunda parte disfrutaremos del vanguardismo y libertad interpretativa de Coltrane. En los solos de Coltrane no existían reglas. Se sabía cómo y cuando empezaba el solo, pero nunca se podía saber cómo y cuando terminaría.
John Coltrane is one of the great myths of jazz and probably one of the best saxophonists in history (I already paid tribute to Charly Parker in this blog). Today I bring Naima. At the first part we will enjoy passages full of warmth and tenderness that will change to passion. At the second part we will enjoy Coltrane's avant-garde and interpretive freedom. No rules in Coltrane's solos. You could know how and when he started the solo, but no one could know how and when he would end.
John Coltrane is one of the great myths of jazz and probably one of the best saxophonists in history (I already paid tribute to Charly Parker in this blog). Today I bring Naima. At the first part we will enjoy passages full of warmth and tenderness that will change to passion. At the second part we will enjoy Coltrane's avant-garde and interpretive freedom. No rules in Coltrane's solos. You could know how and when he started the solo, but no one could know how and when he would end.
John Coltrane - Naima
jueves, 20 de marzo de 2014
Jethro Tull - No lullaby
"Jethro Tull" es uno de los grandes del rock progresivo británico, y tal vez de los más populares entre personas no aficionadas a este estilo musical. Uno de los motivos por los que es tan reconocido y reconocible es por su flautista (y además excepcional vocalista, guitarrista, teclista, etc.) Ian Anderson. Aparte de tener muchísimos temas míticos, Jethro Tull roza la perfección como conjunto de instrumentistas. Sus directos son espectaculares, sobre todo por la energía que desprende el majareta de Ian Anderson: un personaje digno de estudio.
Como hemos celebrado el día del padre, me he decidido por la canción "No lullaby" ("Ninguna canción de cuna"). No os perdáis el solo de flauta.
"Jethro Tull" is one of the giants of British progressive rock, and perhaps one of the most popular bands among people not fond of this musical style. Ian Anderson, the flute player (besides exceptional vocalist, guitarist, keyboardist, etc..) is one of the reasons why this band is so recognized and recognizable. As well as composing many mythic songs, Jethro Tull close to perfection as instrumental ensemble. Jethro Tull's live shows are spectacular, especially because of the energy released by the head case Ian Anderson: quite a character.
As we celebrated Father's Day, I decided on the song "No lullaby". Do not miss the flute solo.
Como hemos celebrado el día del padre, me he decidido por la canción "No lullaby" ("Ninguna canción de cuna"). No os perdáis el solo de flauta.
"Jethro Tull" is one of the giants of British progressive rock, and perhaps one of the most popular bands among people not fond of this musical style. Ian Anderson, the flute player (besides exceptional vocalist, guitarist, keyboardist, etc..) is one of the reasons why this band is so recognized and recognizable. As well as composing many mythic songs, Jethro Tull close to perfection as instrumental ensemble. Jethro Tull's live shows are spectacular, especially because of the energy released by the head case Ian Anderson: quite a character.
As we celebrated Father's Day, I decided on the song "No lullaby". Do not miss the flute solo.
Jethro Tull - No lullaby
jueves, 27 de febrero de 2014
Paco de Lucía - Mediterranean Sundance + Antonia + documentary
El reconocido guitarrista de talla mundial Paco de Lucía ha fallecido esta mañana. Hoy leí en un periódico estas palabras sobre él: "De vez en cuando aparece alguien en una disciplina musical que lo cambia todo, que ve cosas que otros no han visto hasta ese momento, y Paco de Lucía era una de esas personas. Después de él, el flamenco cambió radicalmente y la prueba es que muchos jóvenes han seguido su ejemplo y ahora el flamenco está lleno de ese virtuosismo". Cualquier selección musical de Paco de Lucía que yo intente hoy será imperfecta y pobre. Lo sé. Así que seleccionaré la música que más me apetezca en este momento.
World-renowned Spanish guitarist Paco de Lucía passed away this morning. Today I read in a newspaper these words about him: "Once in a while someone comes along in a musical discipline who changes everything, who sees things that others have not seen up to that point, and Paco de Lucia was one of these people. After him, flamenco radically changed and the proof is that so many young people have taken his lead and now flamenco is full of that virtuosity". Any Paco de Lucía's music selection that I try today will be imperfect and poor. I know. So I will select the music that I feel like at this time.
Después del legendario concierto de San Francisco en 1978, Paco de Lucía, Al Di Meola y John McLaughlin se volvieron a reunir en muchas ocasiones.
After the legendary San Francisco concert in 1978, Paco de Lucía, Al Di Meola and John McLaughlin met again many times.
Uno de los conciertos de su última gira mundial.
One of the concerts of his last world tour.
Un documental.
A documentary.
Más Paco de Lucía en este blog:
More about Paco de Lucia in this blog:
http://orejafeliz.blogspot.com.es/2012/10/chick-corea-spain-tv-show-paco-de-lucia.html
World-renowned Spanish guitarist Paco de Lucía passed away this morning. Today I read in a newspaper these words about him: "Once in a while someone comes along in a musical discipline who changes everything, who sees things that others have not seen up to that point, and Paco de Lucia was one of these people. After him, flamenco radically changed and the proof is that so many young people have taken his lead and now flamenco is full of that virtuosity". Any Paco de Lucía's music selection that I try today will be imperfect and poor. I know. So I will select the music that I feel like at this time.
Después del legendario concierto de San Francisco en 1978, Paco de Lucía, Al Di Meola y John McLaughlin se volvieron a reunir en muchas ocasiones.
After the legendary San Francisco concert in 1978, Paco de Lucía, Al Di Meola and John McLaughlin met again many times.
Paco De Lucia, Al Di Meola & John McLaughlin - Mediterranian Sundance
Uno de los conciertos de su última gira mundial.
One of the concerts of his last world tour.
Paco de Lucía - Antonia (Buleria por Soleá)
Un documental.
A documentary.
Paco de Lucia - Light and Shade (documentary)
Más Paco de Lucía en este blog:
More about Paco de Lucia in this blog:
http://orejafeliz.blogspot.com.es/2012/10/chick-corea-spain-tv-show-paco-de-lucia.html
viernes, 21 de febrero de 2014
Storm - Un señor llamado Fernández de Córdoba
¿Recordáis la serie que hice sobre el Rock Andaluz? Hoy traigo un grupo que no se puede incluir en este estilo (que dijimos se caracterizaba por unir rock sinfónico y folk andaluz). Storm es, más bien, un grupo andaluz que hizo rock, ¡y qué rock! Rock duro de primer nivel. Si en lugar de ser españoles (y andaluces, para mayor handicap) hubiesen sido norteamericanos o británicos, habrían tenido repercusión mundial. Disfrutad con la caña de STORM.
Do you remember the series I published about Andalusian Rock? Let me introduce a band that should not be included within this style (given this style was characterized by the fussion of progressive rock and Andalusian folk). Storm is, rather, an Andalusian band that played rock. What rock! High-level Hard Rock. If, instead of being Spanish (Andalusian for the greater handicap), they had been American or British, they would have had worldwide impact. Enjoy Storm's hard-hitting music.
Do you remember the series I published about Andalusian Rock? Let me introduce a band that should not be included within this style (given this style was characterized by the fussion of progressive rock and Andalusian folk). Storm is, rather, an Andalusian band that played rock. What rock! High-level Hard Rock. If, instead of being Spanish (Andalusian for the greater handicap), they had been American or British, they would have had worldwide impact. Enjoy Storm's hard-hitting music.
Storm - Un señor llamado Fernández de Córdoba
miércoles, 12 de febrero de 2014
Stone Temple Pilots - Meatplow
Stone Temple Pilots fue otro de aquellos grupos que metieron en el saco sin fondo del grunge. De verdad que lo siento por Nirvana (los que más trascendieron), pero Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, etc. eran un millón de veces mejores músicos. Véase por ejemplo el temazo que se marcan los Stone Temple Pilots en este concierto. De todas formas, el rock es mucho más que música. Es un fenómeno sociológico más complejo, y hay grupos que se han ganado merecidamente su lugar en el salón de la fama por otras cualidades: tal vez, en el caso de Nirvana, por convertirse en un icono, en un símbolo de cierta gente en cierta época, personas que alzaron su voz de una forma diferente y tuvieron repercusión. Casi ná.
Stone Temple Pilots was another of those bands that were included in the broad heading of grunge. I really feel sorry for Nirvana (the most famous band), but Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, etc.. were better musicians in my opinion. See for example the great song that Stone Temple Pilots play in this concert. Anyway, rock is more than music. It is a more complex sociological phenomenon, and there are bands that are deservedly inducted into the Hall of Fame thanks to other qualities: perhaps, in the case of Nirvana, thanks to having become an icon, a symbol of certain people in a certain time, people who raised their voices in a different way and had impact. No less no more.
Stone Temple Pilots was another of those bands that were included in the broad heading of grunge. I really feel sorry for Nirvana (the most famous band), but Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, etc.. were better musicians in my opinion. See for example the great song that Stone Temple Pilots play in this concert. Anyway, rock is more than music. It is a more complex sociological phenomenon, and there are bands that are deservedly inducted into the Hall of Fame thanks to other qualities: perhaps, in the case of Nirvana, thanks to having become an icon, a symbol of certain people in a certain time, people who raised their voices in a different way and had impact. No less no more.
Stone Temple Pilots - Meatplow
martes, 21 de enero de 2014
Mahler - Symphonies Nr. 1 & 5 (Abbado + Berlin Phlilarmonic Orchestra + Lucerne Festival Orchestra)
Ayer murió Claudio Abbado. Uno de los directores de orquesta más importantes de los últimos tiempos. Dentro de su repertorio me gustan especialmente sus sinfonías de Mahler. Memorable es la grabación de la Primera Sinfonía con la Filarmónica de Berlín (donde suplió como titular a Karajan). También me encanta la Séptima con la Sinfónica de Chicago. Hoy traigo dos videos en los que se podrá apreciar la grandeza de Mahler y de Abbado: fuerza, intensidad y delicadeza en la Sinfonía nº 1 (en el debut de Abbado con la Filarmónica de Berlín) y en el Adagietto de la Sinfonía nº5 (en el Festival de Lucerna, tan querido por Abbado).
Claudio Abbado died yesterday. One of the most important conductors of recent times. Among his repertoire I especially like Mahler's Symphonies. The recording of the Symphony Nr.1 with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (where he supplied Karajan as a Chief) is memorable. I also love Nr.7 conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Today I bring two videos in which you will appreciate the greatness of Mahler and Abbado: on the one hand, strength and intensity in the Symphony Nr. 1 (debut of Abbado as the BPO Chief Conductor) and, on the other hand, delicacy in the Adagietto of the Symphony No. 5 (at the so dear to Abbado Lucerne Festival).
Mahler - Symphony Nr.1 (Abbado + Berlin Phlilarmonic Orchestra)
Mahler - Symphony Nr.5 (Abbado + Lucerne Festival Orchestra)
lunes, 13 de enero de 2014
The Black Crowes - My morning song
The Black Crowes es una de mis bandas favoritas de los últimos tiempos. Para los que conocéis mis gustos musicales no será ninguna sorpresa, ya que este grupo transpira influencias del rock de los 70 por los cuatro costados: The Faces, The Allman Brothers, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, etc. Os traigo una interpretación en directo de su "My morning song", extraída de uno de sus mejores discos: The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion (1992).
The Black Crowes is one of my favorite bands of recent times. This is not a surprise to those who know my musical tastes, as this group exudes influences from 70's rock: The Faces, The Allman Brothers, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, etc.. Listen to a live performance of "My Morning Song", excerpted from one of their best albums: The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion (1992).
The Black Crowes is one of my favorite bands of recent times. This is not a surprise to those who know my musical tastes, as this group exudes influences from 70's rock: The Faces, The Allman Brothers, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, etc.. Listen to a live performance of "My Morning Song", excerpted from one of their best albums: The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion (1992).
The Black Crowes - My morning song
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