Podcasts

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'Ab-gasms!'

You'd only get a beautifully made up word like this from the Nerdist.  Podcasts have quickly become a regular for me.  Instead of half listening/half watching free shows on Hulu, I now opt for the Podcasts.  Here are a few I adore, the Nerdist being first on the list:

The Nerdist - This one is hilarious - most of the time, to say the least.  It's hosted by Chris Hardwich, you might know from Talking Dead - he's joined by Jonah Ray and Matt Mira.  All have a ton of production experience in comedy and bring on the greatest guests.  No spoilers - just listen.  The word Ab-gasm comes from this podcast. Enough said.

Reasonably Sound - A friend of mind got me hooked on this one.  Mike Rugnetto is the host, exploring and celebrating the complexities of sound.  I think this one is great for audiophiles that don't consider themselves audiophiles (ugh, self-proclaimed audiophiles - personal pet peeve).  He has a great one on eaves dropping.

Slate's Culture Gabfest - Which I enjoy more than the political gabfest.  That one depresses me a bit.  The culture gabfest touches on some political issues but talks about things on a more global basis.  And, for me - has a bit more humor to it. 

Pensado's Place - Since I am an audio engineer, of course this is on my list.  Dave Pensado interviews some of the best engineers, producers and people in the industry.  The interviewing - not always the best, but there is always a mixing and/or producing gem worth tuning in for.

Bret Easton Ellis - Ellis isn't producing any new podcasts, but so many of these are timeless - aside from the current events they talk about, obviously.  But that's one of the greatest things about the podcast.  Bret Easton Ellis (author of American Psycho) always starts with a long winded, beautifully written diatribe and has guests (major guests!) on to talk about everything BUT; BUT - what they are working on, new projects - things like that.  His intention is t to ouch on the things he cares about.  Love it - and his attitude.

WTF - hosted by Marc Maron.  Of course this is on the list.  Anyone that is anyone following the podcast world listens to this one.  Marc Maron is great - not always the best interviewer in my opinion, much more a Nerdist fan, but he has the greatest guests on.  I still dig it.

 

 

Recording - Currently...

Fan girl moment.

1.  I had sessions with Dom Flemmons yesterday.  

Yay!  I do so much live recording, I'd almost forgotten what studio sessions felt like!  So, so good.  And Dom - what a blast to work with.  THE American Songster.  So much style and so much flare.  

photo borrowed from city winery, in Chicago, Il.  

I was accompanied by producer, Elaine Martone and Sam Strater (both equally brilliant in different ways!) and the infamous John Morris Russell (you may know him simply as JMR).  We had a blast and regret not snagging pics.  Sorry!

2.  The LumenSessions

Which is how I refer to them as of yet.  I am not at liberty to talk about this too much.  But basically - I did some sessions, with this really great orchestra of amazing material with a brilliant conductor.  It was a grueling 3 hours, but an incredibly fun adrenaline rush.  As always.

3.  Joe Henry

So I recorded this brilliant human being.  Oh. My. Goodness.  Please tap on the link below.  Joe will be featured on the American Originals recording we did in January (live in Music Hall.  Thank you Yamaha and Audinate for your brilliant, sexy cat5 systems).  He's not just a music man, he's a philosopher.  

4.  MusicNow

Coming up next week!  I will be recording the Music Hall performances (as of yet) for archive and local broadcast.  Let me just mention briefly who is involved and proceed to leave you with a Spotify playlist.  Echem - Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Bryce Dessner, Sufjan Stevens, Nico Muhly, So Percussion, The National, Caroline Shaw and Mina Tindle.  I am so pumped about this festival for so many reasons.  Thank you Bryce, for curating something so wonderful.

... and a beautiful video of Sufjan Stevens, Nico Muhly and Bryce Dessner's collaboration on Planetarium.  Also being performed!

Oh, Cincinnati.  You keep me busy and my babysitter employed.  But thank you for keeping this culture alive so my son can one day revel in it's beauty!

Soren Says...

These may become a regular thing around here.  I will do my best to keep them within the context of the hilarity and loving nature they are delivered.  Not in the typical 'that's what all kids say - but since my kid said it, it's cuter' sort of way.  I hope these bring laughter and warm smiles. 

That's how they make me feel.  This is a space for me to keep them forever. 

Soren said...

Context: Soren is a sleep walker - which means he is a sleep talker.  So the other night, August (our trusty pit bull) wakes up alarmed.  I get up and she is staring into Soren's bedroom.  Creepy. Even creepier?  I don't notice Soren standing next to the window by the table.  

As I walk over, I finally noticed him there - just blankly staring out the window.  Um - whoa (more context - we live in a notoriously haunted neighborhood.  Soren on several occasions has told us about his 'sister' that 'lives outside his window and stays in the tree - right there!' followed by 'she tells me everything is going to be alright'  Um...)

So I gently scoop him up and he immediately falls back asleep.  Whew - no night terror (we get those too sometimes...).  I stayed with him while he fell back asleep.  Then he cuddles in really close and says:

'Momma, I love you so much, as much as....' 

And zonks out.  Melt.

09/52

'A portrait a week of my children, once a week, every week, in 2015'

Soren gets very serious about fighting crime.  He stores his sword of truth ('I point it at villains to tell me the truth! Then I freeze them for the police to pick up and take to jail where they learn to use their powers for good!'  no - I am NOT making this up) on his back and is on the look out to save the world from crime.  Boys.  This face and that eyebrow!  So sincere.

Insta-lately

It's been pretty nutty around here since the New Year and I've come to miss this space.  Here's a quick update with instagram!

Between work, Pre-School and teaching life has been a whirlwind.  And this little man? - doesn't stop for anything.  

At work - I've been pumping out American Original edits, mixes - you name it.  Had another session this week and another next week.  Whew!

Soren begged me for shrimp at the grocery store.  He was super pumped to try it - but still on the fence.  That spinach salad was toast though.  Put Provel cheese on anything (my Lou natives feel me) and he will scarf it.  

Speaking of Lou!  Friends came in town for a quick night from STL.  We celebrated our reunion with wine, beer and yep! Scrabble.  Soren got to hang with their wee one as well.  He is soooo pumped to hang with her again at the end of March.

Valentines day was spent with my favorite Valentine at school.  The next week we celebrated good health with a Donna's cookie.  My thyroid biopsy (yep - another reason I've been quiet around here) came back benign!!!  

Snowed in! All last week.  To say Soren was an amazing little helper is a considerable understatement.  Not just with the snow, but house chores too!  After dinner, he told me 'momma, I've got the dishes.  I'm much better at it.  You can go vacuum. Ok?'.  Wow.  Seriously.  I could fill this blog space with the things he's said lately.

Did I mention we were snowed in all last week?!  We were able to escape to the Cincinnati Art Museum for a scavenger hunt.  I love this city.

And last.  Today - gazing at the Great Wall of Flights.  Slinging darts has quickly become a favorite past time, but flights get eaten up faster than I thought possible!  So Soren helped me pick up a few pretty righteous ones.  And yes, I now owe him a magnet dart board.  Yeah!

That's a wrap!  Hope to be back soon!