Rodrigo and Steely Dan 'Aja'

We listen to a lot of music here at Hillhouse.
Currently we are alternating between two very different styles.
As I have mentioned, Robin is performing the 'Concierto de Aranjuez' next year.
Part of the preparation involves listening to many different interpretations.
So when I can't hear Robin playing through the piece himself, or working on parts of it, then I frequently hear recordings by various artists.
Robin does, of course, have his own interpretation, but it's always good to hear others performances.

But it's not all work.
We are also revisiting one of the best albums ever made, 'Aja' by Steely Dan.
We have listened to this album for many years, but on one of Robin's recent trips abroad, he happened to come across a documentary about the making of Aja, which offered a wonderful insight into this remarkable recording.

Although released in 1977, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker created a classic album which sounds as fresh today as it did 31 years ago.

This is due not only to the incredible quality of composition and intelligent lyrics, but also to featuring some of the greatest session players around.
Joe Sample, Wayne Shorter , Steve Gadd and Tom Scott, to name but a few.

If you are unfamiliar with the 'Aja' album, then I strongly recommend that you get yourself a copy immediately.
Meanwhile, we shall continue to alternate between Rodrigo and Steely Dan. Not a bad backdrop to my work.

Donald Fagen - The Nightfly

Prompted by my title yesterday, 'The Goodbye Look', we have been listening to Donald Fagen's 'The Nightfly'. We have both known this album for years, but as is often the case, you listen to something endlessly for a while, and it can be some months/years before you return.
I'm glad we did I'd forgotten just how great it is.

This was his first solo album after leaving Steely Dan and it was released in 1982.
I can't believe how fresh it still sounds.
Apart from the music being fantastic, and some of the coolest grooves around, the lyrics are also incredible.

Most of the tracks are a retrospective tribute to his youth in the 50's and 60's, with 'I.G.Y' taken from a news report that in the future it would be possible to travel by underground train from New York to Paris.
The whole concept is a wonderful one, and rather than tell you all about it, I suggest you buy it, sit back, and enjoy the journey.