The Fredösphere

A friend is at the age where his hair is getting a bit thin on top.  The other day I was able to spot a "616" tattooed on his scalp.  It didn't bother me at the time, but after reading this, I'm starting to worry.

Frank La Rocca let me know about a new chamber choir called the Ensemble of the North.  They've recorded his choral work O Magnum Mysterium (don't miss the sound file).  A felicitous confluence of performers, text, and composition.  How come Minneapolis gets all the good music?  A pact with the devil, I'll bet.  Check their scalps.

Forrest Covington's Anagoge CD came in the mail yesterday.  I'd describe its mood as dreamy and a bit spooky.  His staccato base lines and judicious use of a vibraphone are key elements making that happen.  Anyway, that's my first impression; I'd like to spend more time with the piece.  Forrest has more information at his blog.  Nice work, Fo-Co!*

Why did it take me so long to notice a music blog called In the Wings?

We're saved!  We're saved!  Ring the bells, shout it from the housetops:  classical music is saved!

*Many of you now know "Fo-Co" is Forrest's nickname from Nam.  Later, when he and I were doing black-opsy type work in Afghanistan, he was called other things, like "Freelancer" and "Mountaineer," but I'm really not supposed to tell you that.