Emilia Ilke is an artist – she paints, draws, makes. This is what she plays softly when she does what she does.
Plays Softly has been around for almost three years now, which by my – and my team’s – calculations means roughly 24 000 Fridays. Every calendar would agree: quite a lot of Fridays. So for this Friday, we’re making a slight change in schedule.
Instead of every Friday, Plays Softly will appear every other Friday.
On the other hand, expect more frequent Plays Further and of course the monthly recap. And perhaps some other new ways of sharing the complete joy that is music. So, no new Plays Softly today, but next week – and then two weeks after that, and two weeks after that, and two weeks after that, ad infinitum.
The reason for the change is simple: I want to.
Until next time,
Jacob
P.S. what a morning: new albums from Kacey Musgraves, Tierra Whack and Four Tet. And I love the trip Vampire Weekend are on.
Mike Paré is an artist who makes drawings, paintings and incense. Here are seven songs that he plays softly while doing that; songs that are »especially good for evening listening«.
»In 2023 I bought a turntable so I could listen to records in the studio. I thought it would be a distraction, but I like the experience of listening to 20 minutes of something and then I'm faced with the choice to play the same album side, flip the album, or change the album entirely. Maybe put on a tape? Sometimes I space out on what I'm working on and do nothing at all, and just have a few quiet moments before I put on the next song. This rhythm of listening and acting is different than the streaming experience. I love streaming music too, but I don't always want something on. This playlist is especially good for evening listening.«
Nighttime by The Strangeloves
I work a lot in the nighttime and this song is like a second cup of coffee after dark.
Gary McFarland - Bloop Bleep
Another evening groover. I've been listening to a lot of jazz vocals recently and this one jams. High production value.
Betty Carter - By the Bend in the River (live at the Village Vanguard)
Of all the jazz vocalists I've been listening to this past year, Betty Carter is my new favorite. What an amazing singular voice she has. Her 70's- early 80's live LP’s are especially good.
Brian Belott - Meditation
Brian Belott's recent album Sound Scribbles is a real great studio listen, every track is a different experiment in vocal doodles. It reminds me of the joy of singing and making sounds while doing random tasks; bathing, playing. It celebrates the freedom of singing to an audience of one or less.
Alejandro Bravo - Always Something There To Remind Me
The whole Alejandro Bravo LP is a gem. Simple guitar playing and witty interpretations.
Little Wings - Paradise (live)
This track from the Rosie's Own album is a favorite. On it, Kyle Field records a number of his songs live at home accompanied by his pet bird Rosie. This song about Hawaii is capable of evoking my ancestral memories. Field's lyrics resonate with me on so many levels and his voice and guitar playing is uniquely musical and personal. He's also a great drawer who knows the value of keeping the brushes wet.
Nico Georis - Sundog
Lovely piano and organ sounds on the recent Cloud Suites LP. This album, unlike so many other experimental / new agey albums, holds up to repeated listens which reveal an expansive musical experience with sweet hooks.
All pieces by Mike Paré
… bonus section! The full list of contenders from Mike, including the songs above, and 24 more – songs »that can evoke a feeling or lead to new discoveries, both visual and musical. They are all starting points for further musical and creative spaces.«
Welcome to the seventh season of Plays Softly. If you’ve been around for a while, you know what to expect. If you’re new, let me a) say welcome and b) explain.
Every week, I ask a friend, acquaintance or non-random stranger I am curious about for seven songs that [plays softly] when they do what they do. On Friday mornings, I share their answers, here, as a playlist. Sometimes I invite someone back to put together a longer list. Sometimes I do one myself. And sometimes I forget.
Welcome back, and I hope you enjoy today’s new addition to the Plays Softly Cinematic Universe.
• • •
January and February came and went, and here we are – March; the promise of spring, as I’m sure many have sung before. To start this new season off, I’m introducing a new thing: the first of every month, I’ll share a few songs that I have been enjoying during the previous month. In case it was unclear, the last sentence was a link. In other words, you’ll find the playlist by clicking on it. Or by clicking here. Sometimes, like today, it’s seven songs. I’m sure other times there will be more. And sometimes fewer. Who knows?
Either way, this is still Plays Softly, you will still get an e-mail with music every Friday – and whatever day of the week the 1st ends up being – and I’m still so happy that you’re here.
Man, time. It waits for no one. So here we are, at the end of all things – or at least the end of the sixth season of Plays Softly. I love tending this little garden here with all of you, and I am so thankful that you want to spend some of your precious time with my guests and their music recommendations. So: thank you. And: let’s end the year with music. Here are 34 songs from 2023 that I’ve enjoyed listening to, and think you will, too.
See you again in January, 2024.
Until then — take care, and Merry Chrimbus.
Your constant gardener,
Jacob
Loading more posts…