I would be forced to buy everything.
Category: Music
Music is a huge part of my life so it’s almost certain that this category will have a lot of stuff in it.
A bit live at WOMAD
This is from way back in the summer, but we did manage a couple of songs on one of the open mic stages at WOMAD, which was great fun actually. In fact, we should do it more often I think.
Lo’Jo at WOMAD
This was an interesting band that I ended up watching late night at WOMAD. Quite a cool live presence. I’ve located them on spotify now and so I plan to give them a proper listen.
The Manganiyar Seduction by Roysten Abel
This was certainly one of the most visually stimulating shows at WOMAD this year. Even if you didn’t enjoy the music (which I did), just the set design on it’s own was really impressive. As you can see, all of the musicians were sitting or sometimes standing in these cubes with lights around them, and as they performed the lights around their box came on. When they weren’t performing their lights went off. There were 40 musicians involved in this performance which lasted about an hour and a half.
Aside from the visual spectacle the music was amazing too and included some really incredible performances. But the thing needed to be seen and heard as a whole really. It was made to be experienced as a package, and so I think it’s difficult to explain or convey just how good it was.
The Arboretum at WOMAD
One thing that I perhaps don’t mention to much about WOMAD is about what a lovely location and environment it is. The Arboretum at WOMAD is a good example of this. It is probably most impressive at night when the installations and displays are lit up and really make the environment come alive.
Though even through the day it’s a lovely place to amble through in between watching great music and finding interesting food. I think I spent more time there this year than in past years. Perhaps I had to spend more time reflecting this year.
The Portico Quartet Live
This was the most inspiring performance of WOMAD this year. The Portico Quartet were amazing, their ability to improvise and produce intricate cross rhythms was absolutely brilliant.
It was great to see them and it made me rethink what I’m doing musically.
A QR code on a frame drum?
I went along to a workshop at WOMAD this year and I had to get a shot of this frame drum with a QR code on it. What a great idea!
Laurie Anderson “Dirtday” at the RHF
My ticket for Laurie Anderson’s amazing show on Friday. It was everything that I’ve come to expect from a Laurie Anderson show. Amusing, emotional, political and personal, it was a great performance on every level. I’m so glad I went along.
I wish she’d release another album. I know it hasn’t been long since her last, but the material from her last few shows is so good I’d like to hear it again.
In any case, it was a superb show and I’m glad I made the effort to get along to it.
Still thinking about integrating Romo into music making
I’m not sure how, but I think it needs to be done!
Music day at Exhibition Road
I was around Exhibition Road for part of Music day this year. I missed it the last time it was on, so I was glad to be able to go this year. I managed to catch a few musical moments, one of which was a performance of a piece that was inspired by the hall of the modern world in the Science Museum.
It wasn’t bad at all. Quite ponderous and slow and thoughtful, but I enjoyed it a lot in the end. I’m glad I went, and I hope that music day keeps going, it certainly made it a more interesting trip.
I am Ashley Elsdon 