Mike Paré Plays Softly
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.«