Both Sides Now

Every once in a while, I offer a song from my past–a long distance request and dedication to my family.
I first heard this song on a music box my mother gave me. She gave my two sisters and me a music box for every birthday growing up. What interested me more than [...]

I Was the One Worth Leaving

I won’t lie–I got nothing this week. It’s finals time, and I’ve got a long way to go on grading. The last few brain cells are fizzling out. It’s cold and damp in our apartment. I just finished a decent glass of wine and ought to go to bed.
I had [...]

From the End of the World

We`re biding our time in Porvenir, Chile, in Tierra del Fuego. Nearly at the end of the world in Patagonia. Getting away from the water, the smell of wild sweet clover permeates the streets.
The evening boat back to Punta Arenas leaves at 8:00. I´m hoping to see a mini dolphin riding in the side [...]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

We are on the road to Santiago, Chile.
Here’s another long distance request and dedication to all of my family and friends. I wish the happiest of holidays for you. I miss you.

Seeing Córdoba

Photo Credit: nyluke
The cathedral at Plaza San Martín is the jewel of Córdoba, Argentina. On a Sunday morning, E. and I quietly entered the cathedral and listened to mass. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be a religious person, it would be a treat to listen to mass in this spectacular building and feel [...]

From the Record Shelf

Back in high school, a good friend introduced me to the music of Klaatu, a Canadian pop group who in the 70’s was widely believed to be the reincarnation of the Beatles. Klaatu’s production sounds like a combination of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band, Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra, and the Bee Gees.
“Routine Day,” above, is such a [...]

Long Way From Home

My father owned some records I latched onto when I was young. The albums included Sam Cooke, The Beatles, Patsy Cline, and Peter, Paul, and Mary. These musicians were my musical heritage from both my parents and grandparents along with Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young; Jim Croce; Connie Francis; The Ink [...]

Tanghetto

I’ve been obsessed with the accordion for months now, particularly after seeing a Django Reinhardt tribute concert at the Kennedy Center last November with gypsy guitar masters Dorado and Samson Schmitt and co-starring accordionist Ludovic Beier. The accordion reminds me of the romance and allure of Paris and the “hot jazz” of the ’20s.
Through another [...]