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This week I have chosen some of my favorite instrumental pieces composed and /or performed by some of my musical heroes.

Song #1 Title Adagio for Strings Artist Leonard Bernstein, conducting the New York Philharmonic Orchestra Composer Samuel Barber Date(s) composed, 1936, 2004 Album - Barber's Adagio and other Romantic Favorites for Strings Genre Classical - 20th Century Why does this song make your list?

For me, this is one of the greatest compositions of the 20th century. The first time I heard it was life changing. In his book Shake Hands with the Devil, Lieutenant- General Romeo Dallaire writes of Barber's music as "the purest expression in music of the suffering . . . of 800 000 Rawandans." And while the music is heart wrenching, Barber gives is hope by ending on the major dominant chord.

Song #2 Title Last Train Home Artist Group Composer Pat Metheny Date(s) 1987 - Album, Still (Life Talking) Genre Why does this song make your list?

Still Life (Talking) was my first experience with the music of Pat Metheny. Since then I have seen him live whenever possible. The steady brushes on the snare drum creating the sound of train in motion underneath the flowing melody on the solo guitar is always soothing.

Song #3 Title October Artist Eugene Corporon, Conducting The North Texas Wind Symphony, Composer Eric Whitacre Date(s) composed 2000, 2005 Album - Passions Genre Classical, Wind Ensemble Why does this song make your list?

I first heard this piece in November 2002 when the Wind Ensemble from the University of Victoria came to perform at Seaquam. While listening to the UVic Wind Ensemble warm up on this piece, turned around and said "We want to play that!" It bought the piece immediately and took with me to the Mid-West Reading Clinic in that year where Eric Whitacre autographed my score.

Song #4 Title Miss Otis Regrets Artist Ellis Marsalis Composer Cole Porter Date(s) composed 1934, 1996 Album - Loved Ones Genre Jazz Why does this song make your list?

I bought the album Loved Ones on our first trip to the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow Idaho. Ellis' interpretation of this standard is absolutely haunting and to this day it is one of the albums I play most often. Ellis is the patriarch of the Marsalis Family also known as America's First Family of Jazz. Seeing him perform live at Snug Harbour in New Orleans was one of the most memorable of many live performances I have seen (photo below). Sadly, Ellis Marsalis passed away on April 1 of COVID19.

Song #5 Title Stella by Starlight Artist Branford Marsalis Composed Victor Young Date(s) composed 1944, 2014 Album - In My Solitude: Live at Grace Cathedral Genre Jazz Why does this song make your list?

Branford, Marsalis, the oldest of Ellis' six sons, is my favorite saxophonist. He has performed and recorded Stella by Starlight on a number of occasions. This unaccompanied version is stunning.

After a good walk on the sunny day with Ace, this week’s playlist I decided to center the theme on Spring/ sunny days. Song #1 Title: April in Paris Artist: Sarah Vaughan (1954 Version) Composer: Vernon Duke Date(s): 1932 (original) Genre: Jazz Why does this song make your list? This song talks about the beautiful scenery of Paris in the springtime. This is perfect since we are in the middle of April. This song transports me to Paris and I imagine strolling down avenues in Paris. My jazz band also played this song during my practicum.

Song #2 Title Spring Can Really Hang You up the Most Artist: Ella Fitzgerald Composer: Tommy Wolf on music and Fran Landesman on lyrics Date(s): 1955 Genre: Jazz Why does this song make your list? Ella Fitzgerald’s voice is always hypnotizing. Listening to the song with a cup of tea in my hand also relaxes me.

Song #3 Title Put Your Record on Artist: Corinne Bailey Composer: Corinne Bailey, John , Steve Chrisanthou Date(s): 2005 Genre: pop Why does this song make your list? Right at the beginning of the lyrics said it all, “Three little birds sat on my window And they told me I don't need to worry”. It is important during this time to remind us that everything will pass one day.

Song #4 Title Here Comes the Sun Artist: Beatles Composer: Geroge Harrison Date(s): Summer 1969 Genre: Pop Why does this song make your list? It’s one of Beatle’s classic song. During the time this song was composed, Harrison and the group was going through a difficult time and changes. In one of the interview Harrison mentioned, “It seems as if winter in England goes on forever, by the time spring comes you really deserve it.” This song contains the group’s relief for the arrival of the spring. It also reflects my hope that winter will pass, and spring will soon come.

Song #5 Title Butterflies Artist Composer: Kacey Musgraves, , Date(s) 2018 Genre Country Why does this song make your list? Let’s end with a good note here. Spring is definitely a season for lovers. Kacey’s song talks about how she finally met someone who treats her right. I hope that all of my students already found or will find someone who loves them as who they are and “lift me up instead of pressing me down”.

After a good walk on the sunny day with Ace, this week’s playlist I decided to center the theme on Spring/ sunny days. Song #1 Title: April in Paris Artist: Sarah Vaughan (1954 Version) Composer: Vernon Duke Date(s): 1932 (original) Genre: Jazz Why does this song make your list? This song talks about the beautiful scenery of Paris in the springtime. This is perfect since we are in the middle of April. This song transport me to Paris and I imagine strolling down avenues in Paris. My jazz band also played this song during my practicum.

Song #2 Title Spring Can Really Hang You up the Most Artist: Ella Fitzgerald Composer: Tommy Wolf on music and Fran Landesman on lyrics Date(s): 1955 Genre: Jazz Why does this song make your list? Ella Fitzgerald’s voice is always hypnotizing. Listening to the song with a cup of tea in my hand also relaxes me.

Song #3 Title Put Your Record on Artist: Corinne Bailey Composer: Corinne Bailey, John Beck, Steve Chrisanthou Date(s): 2005 Genre: pop Why does this song make your list? Right at the beginning of the lyrics said it all, “Three little birds sat on my window And they told me I don't need to worry”. It is important during this time to remind us that everything will pass one day.

Song #4 Title Here Comes the Sun Artist: Beatles Composer: Geroge Harrison Date(s): Summer 1969 Genre: Pop Why does this song make your list? It’s one of Beatle’s classic song. During the time this song was composed, Harrison and the group was going through a difficult time and changes. In one of the interview Harrison mentioned, “It seems as if winter in England goes on forever, by the time spring comes you really deserve it.” This song contains the group’s relief for the arrival of the spring. It also reflects my hope that winter will pass, and spring will soon come.

Song #5 Title Butterflies Artist Kacey Musgraves Composer: Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird, Natalie Hemby Date(s) 2018 Genre Country Why does this song make your list? Let’s end with a good note here. Spring is definitely a season for lovers. Kacey’s song talks about how she finally met someone who treats her right. I hope that all of my students already found or will find someone who love them as who they are and “lift me up instead of pressing me down”.