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Monday, November 20, 2006

"So, what music do you like?"

I'm a musical polyglot in that I find it difficult to answer the question -  "So, what music do you like?"
Truth is, if it's Classical music, I like listening to piano or 'cello pieces, like Baroque music for example.
But, for modern stuff, I like H.Metal, Rock, Blues, high energy bands, Indie stuff, etc.

I do like songs with guitar and piano/keyboard, especially with lyrics that tell a story or paint a mood.
I really listen to lyrics. So, if the music moves me and the lyrics capture a mood, then I like it.

An example:
I keep hearing this plaintive track recently which is playing a lot on several radio stations.
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"; but not like Judy Garland.  More Eva Cassidy, but less pure.

A man sings it.....  mellow, plaintive, almost raw voicing.... 
And, here's the strange thing; it's accompanied by a ukelele!
Not the most obvious pairing.  But for this track, it really works.

But who is it?  No idea.  Can't find it in iTunes search. 
Google not immediately helpful, but after a few amended searches.
Got it.  The singer is called - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

The back story to this singer is almost a repeat of the Eva Cassidy story.
An Hawaiian guy.  He released this record back in 1993 called "Facing  Future". 
Sadly, he died in 1997 at the early age of 38 yrs.
You can read more about his life here on Wikipedia

So, I listen again to this compelling rendition. 
Strange, but this week, I really like this version of  - Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
Makes me go to my own guitar and noodle a few chords. 
Seems to work in G. D. Em. and C. but barred up the keyboard at 5th. fret.

And I wonder - why the sudden airtime for Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - who died nearly 9 years ago?
But, what a great track.
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Comments:
Strange but deserving it sounds like?

What a name though.
 
Indeed. But apparently his brother was called Skippy, so...!
 
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