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Dear Music Insiders,
When Gustavo Dudamel was nine years old in Venezuela, his father, a trombone player, would play the music of Herb Alpert around the house. During an interview with Press Play’s Madeleine Brand, the legendary trumpet virtuoso and music business impresario, Herb Alpert, reflected on his influence on Dudamel. According to Dudamel, it was while listening to Alpert’s music that it dawned on him that you can “make music to make people feel good.”
Now, to be very clear, I am in NO way about to compare myself to Gustavo Dudamel, other than when, as a nine-year-old, I remember many times before my Dad got home from work, my Mom would put on Whipped Cream & Other Delights by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass. I felt so much elation and joy when the music came on, and when Dad got home, and the dancing began (no doubt including a gin & tonic or two), I knew it was going to be a fun evening at home. To me, that feeling is the magic of his music.
Even his Burt Bacharach-maligned version of “Close To You” is a fixture in my DJ sets. I don’t care what Burt says, that version is perfection.
To this day, those albums (and moments) are impossible to forget. That's why I’ll be as close to the stage as I possibly can when the 91-year-old legend takes the stage at the Hollywood Bowl on July 5th.
For me, that is the night I’ll really see the fireworks. Throw on any one of his exquisite albums — Whipped Cream & Other Delights,The Lonely Bull, or his latest, 50 — and a dance party and a great holiday weekend will follow!
xx, Anne
Now Spinning On My Turntable Flea – Honora
Photo by Tohar Zamir
I’d say we’re off to a good start when listening to Flea’s debut solo release, Honora (named for his great, great grandmother), tees up the music of Jimmy Webb, Frank Ocean, and George Clinton. And it’s even more of a solid start if your guests include Nick Cave and Thom Yorke, not to mention a collection of original pieces as well.
And, fellow Music Insiders, there seems to be a theme this week! Trumpets, jazz, feels, passion, soul, and, frankly, sex. Red Hot Chili Peppers’ bassist, Flea, who is also a trumpeter, is feeling all of it on this expressive, seductive, and smart performance. KCRW’s own Tohar Zamir was front row at the Fonda (check the pics!) at his show.
PLUS, and I put this in CAPS because it’s worth noting that they included two songs from their 2002 EP There Is No Beginning to the Story. These are rarities for sure, and it’s entirely possible that Bright Eyes hasn’t performed these songs live in decades (don’t quote me on dates). “Amy In The White Coat” and "Messenger Bird’s Song” were a true surprise for our tiny audience gathered that day. And who knows what will happen this weekend at their Hollywood Bowl shows?!
Also this week, in his sit-down with Sam Sanders, Jimmy O. Yang talks about emigrating to America when he was 13 and how he taught himself English with BET Rap City, MTV Jams, and music videos. The first music video that he remembers is Sisqó’s “Thong Song”. They chat more about how music videos are now considered long form, and attention spans are decreasing for them. He also mentions he has a karaoke room in his house and shares his go-to karaoke songs.
Now, if you read up here regularly, you know I’ve become a bit of a Metro devotee. I just think I never truly realized how easy it is to get around sans auto. Admittedly, Metro doesn’t go everywhere yet, but now that I’ve tried it on, it fits. And I’d rather not drive.
KCRW teamed up with Metro for four months of mixes, and this go around, it’s DJ SiLVA’s turn for her new set for Metro Soundtrips grooves. “My mix for Soundtrips was inspired by the city landscape of LA. Every corner of Los Angeles is full of life and experiences that are unique and unlike each other. What better way to create a soundtrack for the everyday commute in LA.”
And finally... From the KCRW Archives, courtesy our in-house Archivist, Myke Dodge Weiskopf: Mighty Lemon Drops
This week marks the 40th anniversary of UK jangle-pop pioneers The Mighty Lemon Drops' debut album, Happy Head. As usual, KCRW's Deirdre O'Donoghue was an early adopter, spinning tracks from the album when it was still only available on import from the UK. The MLDs quickly became a SNAP staple, stopping by to celebrate the album's US release in 1987, and returning for a full-band performance the following year. (When we launched our Bent By Nature podcast about Deirdre in 2021, the band's guitarist, Dave Newton, appeared with his wife Bekki in their very own episode.) If you should happen to tune into SNAP on air this Friday night at midnight (into Saturday), you'll hear excerpts from the band's SNAP set, alongside two hours of the greatest underground music from May 23rd, 1988.
Three virtuosos of their individual fields come together for an unforgettable show. This trio has a combined resume that includes D'Angelo, John Mayer, Patti LaBelle, Justin Bieber, Robert Glasper, Adele, and many many more.
You have the unique chance to see them together in an intimate setting at the Blue Note LA. Don't miss it!
Weekend Plans!!! Arroyo Secodelic Festival. How about a three-day, multimedia, multi-venue immersion into the finest of SoCal first-wave punk bands? The festival marks a return to guitars, and more guitars. The bill includes Lee Ving’s FEAR, OC royalty Adolescents, and pioneering punk bassist Mike Watt, alongside Bay power-pop icons Flamin’ Groovies and L.A. psych-rockers The Warlocks. Oh, and it’s all ages too! May 22nd–24th.
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Photo by Tohar Zamir
