Category: Vinyl / Tunes Blog

12-22-25

IT’S ALL UP TO WHAT YOU VALUE IN YOUR MOTOR CAR

“It all swings on the pain you’ve gone through getting where you are” – George Harrison

Nobody would confuse me for fragile. Growing up around Alaskan commercial fishing, my resilience and confidence can be somewhat intimidating to some. It’s not something I can control. It’s just who I am.

George Harrison’s individualism and creativity was an inspiration to millions. The Porsche above was passed on to George’s son Dhani. He still has it.

R.I.P. Chris Rea, another well-known UK guitarist and songwriter with a passion for racing cars passed away today.

R.I.P. Jon Ham of the UK group Renaissance, was one of the best lead bassists in all of rock/pop. He died last week.

(Photo: Unknown)

LATEST RECORD REVIEW

Somehow I still find time to review the latest audiophile-oriented LPs that I have an interest in. This new Craft reissue of a ’50s jazz recording on Savoy by Art Pepper is not audiophile in a modern sense, but a unique look back at the first album by one of the best jazz saxophonist of the 20th Century. Check out my review of this reissue of Art Pepper’s Surf Ride in Tracking Angle:

SURF RIDE RECORD REVIEW

NO DRAMA PLEASE

Yes, I collect vinyl. Going to record stores and flipping through LPs helps me relax from the jealousy, pettiness and drama that I sometimes have to deal with in my line of work. Browsing the racks is a chance for me to unplug from digital distractions and feed my soul. When life’s not fair, I try to solve problems, not make them.

Here I am at my favorite store in Seattle, Easy Street Records. Fantastic selection. Great service. Pub food in house. Go upstairs for the collectible section. Jive Time is also recommended. Good Stuff!

(Photo: Andrea Wells)

SING A SONG FOR DEPRESSED ANGELS FALLING FROM ABOVE

“I won’t retire, but I might retread. Seems like that guy singin’ this song been doing it for a long time. Is there anything he knows that he ain’t said?
Sing a song for Freedom. Sing a song for Love. Sing a song for depressed angels falling from above.”

When it comes to folk-rock music, something I’ve been into for most of my life, Neil is still tops in my book, especially on Classic Records vinyl. He’s been saying it since the ’60s. Here’s one from 2002. Spin it with a little love and affection in every thing you do…

R.I.P JOHN PREGNALL

An old friend of mine and my high school friends passed away today. My condolences to all.

I hope this tune by George Harrison from 1970 (around the time John and I became good friends) is appropriate.

R.I.P BRIAN WILSON

The passing of the Beach Boy’s spiritual and musical leader Brian Wilson is the latest of society’s losses.

Sometimes, simpler is better, especially when it comes to day to day mental health. The songs he wrote reflected that.

No one is in a position to plan for what’s next in today’s world. Why not make your life simpler with a simple mantra? It is written.

Listening to Surf’s Up and Pet Sounds now

VISIT IRELAND – VAN’S HOMAGE TO INNOCENT DUBLIN

If I could choose one country to visit in June it would be Ireland. I’d listen to Van Morrison on the plane and look forward in eager anticipation to the photographs I could make in his hometown. If I could choose one state to visit in August it would be Alaska. I’d spend two weeks filming my home town of Cordova with the hopes of creating something as good as this video (song from his new album to be released soon).

BILL EVANS TRIO – MOONBEAMS – LP MUSIC REVIEW

Everybody Digs Bill Evans was a popular jazz album title in the late ’50s and 60s. I certainly would’ve dug it too, if my parents were listening to jazz back then. Today, Bill Evans is without a doubt my favorite jazz pianist, and has been for the last three decades. I just reviewed a poignant vinyl reissue by Craft Recordings of a 1962 record of his called Moon Beams. See links below for the full text and videos.

I was so inspired that I wrote the following:

“When I first discovered the music of Bill Evans had a sensitive approach and artistic sensibility that spoke to me. Later I learned that he was a gifted perfectionists, yet humble and aware of the importance of the music he was creating. He embraced his connection with the instrument and nurtured it with endless practice to the exclusion of pretty much everything else. In the process, he created art that overcame (some say destroyed) his mortal self. I suppose, whatever the genre, there will always be a need for contemplative and meditative music for healing the soul. Creation and destruction can make for strange bedfellows in the heart of the sensitive artist. Perhaps, by bravely going deep within themselves and playing only for their own redemption, these artists touch upon a universal chord that resonates within our collective consciousness.”

Bill Evans Music Review Part 1

Bill Evans Music Review Part 2

MUSIC REVIEW OF THE INCREDIBLE JAZZ GUITAR OF WES MONTGOMERY

Some of you may remember my reviewing original and reissue LPs for Tracking Angle and Analog Planet (Stereophile and The Absolute Sound music review sites).

I decided to do this review since I have a rare copy of the original stereo LP of this famous Wes Montgomery LP from 1960. In this review I compare it to Craft Recordings new reissue on vinyl. Looks like I might be doing more of these. Enjoy!

Tracking Angle Wes Montgomery LP Review

WHO SAYS YOU’RE TOO OLD TO ROCK AND ROLL?

The Rolling Stones and their latest album Hackney Diamonds just won Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards. I get that, because it is a great album (their best in decades), but what’s with the award for “Now and Then” by The Beatles? Hey, I’m a huge fan, but that’s just an old song put together with AI. It does sound good though. 😉

(Photo: Mark Seliger)

AMERICAN TUNE

Paul Simon performed this song at the pre-inaugural concert for Jimmy Carter, held at the Kennedy Center, the evening before Carter’s swearing-in as president. That was a long time ago, and the signs were already there. By 2014, the die was cast. I hope today is not the last chapter in the book on America.

BBC News