#35 The Complete Artie Shaw - Volume III, 1939-1940

Bluebird, 1978

Big Band Jazz

Artie Shaw was a revelation for me. I developed a love of Big Band in my tweens, which is also when I started playing the clarinet. I quickly learned about Benny Goodman and Glen Miller, and Jimmy Dorsey, but somehow Artie Shaw eluded me until I was a fair bit older. I now know that I played some Artie Shaw tunes as part of Jazz Band and Wing Band medleys; as such, when I did find these records, they felt like old friends. I bought all three volumes of the complete collection at a thrift store somewhere - I can't remember which one, but I remember the excitement of finding these albums, and for a very decent price. I've been a fan ever since.

All three of these collections are excellent, and suitable to many occasions. They warm you up and make you feel cosy and nostalgic all at once. Solid buy, would buy again.

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#32 Prokofieff, Strauss - Peter and the Wolf, Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks

Camden, year unknown Genre: Classical Performed by the Boston Symphony conducted by Serge Koussevitzky, narrated by Richard Hale This lp is in terrible condition---even after cleaning, it's crackling and hiccoughing, even skipping. It's tough, because I LOVE this recording, but this one will have to be purged. Let it be known, however, that this lp has been loved. It was a formative education piece for me, teaching me both about music and about narrative. It also taught me that you should always watch you back in unfamiliar places, and not underestimate the unknowns in your surroundings. It also taught me that representing animals with instruments is hilarious. Dad listened to it when he was a kid, and played it for us when we were kids. Maybe I'll make some kind of art with this one.

#59 Geoff Berner - Victory Party

Mint Records, 2011 Canadiana Klezmer Punk I bought this record, along with Berner's book "Festival Man", when he played at the Company House (RIP) on Gottingen Street. That's another show/artist I was made aware of thanks to Peter, so thanks pal! This show was wicked awesome, and "Victory Party" is equally so. It's barely contained, but perfectly contained, klezmer infused chaos; each song a story that pulls your strings like a puppet. Geoff Berner is a Canadian gem. Oh, and Festival Man is a great read.

Shout Out to Jampy

I got this sweet record stand for Christmas from Stu. Created by Jampy (my excellent birthday twin) and featuring Dartmouth's own Three Sisters (Tuft's Cove smokestacks), it helps me display whatever wicked wax I'm spinning. Very cool.

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