Music for our new year
The start of our journey into this bright new year needs a soundtrack.
I don’t know about you, but music gets a hold of me and has the ability to point the way, shine a light, be a reminder of what’s good, right, real, and empathic. It’s always been a buoy for me, especially in the dark of winter, where the future feels less than certain.
As we step into this new year, here are a few recommendations for music that just might be the soundtrack for staying on your path, keeping your flame lit, and inspiring something that we can now only imagine the promise of.
These 5 collections of tunes are not your typical “latest” or “best of”. Think of them as “best light.” Enjoy!
There Is No Calamity, Peter Himmelman
The name says it. An honest, fervent collection of songs about life and love in our times; from a man who always writes from the heart. Check out the eternal hope of Fear Is Our Undoing, 245th Peace Song and the brooding, prescient Rich Men Rule The World. These songs will stick with you. (Full disclosure, Peter is a collaborator and dear friend)
Out Of Silence, Neil Finn
Forgetting that the rehearsals for this were live-streamed over four Friday’s in August and the tunes were recorded live over a final three hour stretch; this is an album of gorgeous, introspective pop from the genius of Neil Finn. (For the uninitiated, he gave us the wonderful Crowded House.) They capture just the right blend of melancholy, world-wise yearning and a feeling that it will all be ok in the end.
Let Me Get By, Tedeschi Trucks Band
This music swings. It swings through rock, jazz, soul, gospel in ways that most bands can only aspire to. Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi and their masterful band keep the Allman Brothers heritage alive and so much more. Guaranteed to lift you up and plant you in a safe new place. Turn this up and dance around the house.
Thrum, Joe Henry
There’s a tone here that’s not often heard. Acoustic, humming, live in the studio, beautifully recorded, you can almost hear them breathe. Perfect for a winter afternoon. Songs about strength, love, the light and the dark. All sounding incredibly rich, honest, righteous and ultimately hopeful.
Body And Shadow, Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band
Jazz that fits the winter mood. Studies in the contrast of lightness and darkness (a recurring theme here as you can see). Spiritual and subtly uplifting as music played by a band with New Orleans roots and impeccable chops can only be.
“I hope it keeps people leaning in to hear their own story within the song.” — Brian Blade
Enjoy this music, share it with your loved ones, sing along, let it ring through your homes.
…And of course chime in with your thoughts and suggestions.
