Quincy Jones, Giant of American Music, Dies at 91

Quincy Jones, the multi-talented music titan who produced Michael Jackson's iconic "Thriller" album, wrote award-winning film and television scores, collaborated with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and hundreds of other recording artists, has died at 91.



What do you think of someone like this, whose career spanned over 70 years? Quincy Jones was a powerhouse of creativity, whose remarkable talent and relentless pursuit of excellence left an indelible mark on music and culture. His career was a symphony of groundbreaking achievements, blending jazz, soul, pop, and film scores into a tapestry that spoke to audiences around the world. Beyond his unmatched skill, he was a champion for diversity and innovation, bringing people together through music and pushing others to rise to their fullest potential. A true visionary, his influence radiated beyond notes and rhythms, shaping the very soul of modern music for over seven decades.

He is impressively chronicled in all of the articles I've read today; stories about his life and how he met people in the music and film industries are also told. Please check out the links below.

Sources: https://apnews.com/article/quincy-jones-dead-a9e31c7e39c448d8971519f47a22dd21?fbclid=IwY2xjawGWCxtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVB6OGMoRWMDwQT0t2czkeulEXOnE85NHCGOo2MX6j97ZPtZaKr9cyDb4A_aem_-f_ts_AFfL-mLqcjsfqXwg

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2024-11-04/quincy-jones-dead

The Cure Play Marathon 31-Song Record Release Show Celebrating Songs of a Lost World

In celebration of the release of Songs of a Lost World, The Cure played a three-hour record release show at London's Troxy that was streamed live online. The show is available to watch below in full.

The evening began with a full performance of Songs of a Lost World, the band's first album in 16 years. The band continued with classic hits and fan favorites, including "Plainsong," "Pictures of You," "Lovesong," "Fascination Street," "Just Like Heaven," and "Disintegration."

A surprise five-song mini-set from Seventeen Seconds was played next in celebration of the album's 45th anniversary, followed by an encore featuring “Lullaby,” “Friday I'm in Love,” and “Boys Don't Cry.”

The Cure's record release show at London’s Troxy:



Source: https://consequence.net/2024/11/the-cure-songs-of-a-lost-world-troxy-youtube-stream/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGTv-dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfDgOXiuq3RXsSe1ps9JiSRhgriZuXUZuEkG8pWedwe8x17Red--LxRXjQ_aem_jIzD3fUVfRvo-uBP07EKsQ

Ghostbusters and other films live in concert

I didn't discover this until last year, but I find it very cool! Ghostbusters Live features a live performance of the movie's score and theme song along with a screening of the 1980s classic film Ghostbusters. Orchestras such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and National Symphony Orchestra perform the concert. There are a number of venues worldwide where Ghostbusters Live is performed, including the Kennedy Center and the Royal Albert Hall.



"Ghostbusters Theme" performed by The San Francisco Symphony:



"Ghostbusters Theme" performed by WDR Funkhaus Orchestra:



Wow, this is awesome! I never knew WDR broadcasting had their own orchestra, but I love this performance. The conductor and his orchestra are clearly enjoying themselves. It's nice to see them all smiling through it. A must-see event for me!

Orchestra performance of Harold Faltermeyer's "Axel F" theme for Beverly Hills Cop:



There are quite a few films being done like this. If one can hear the orchestra of their favorite movie at these events, it can be especially enjoyable.

The Lion King performed by The Józef Marcin Żebrowski Music School in Częstochowa, Poland:



This one is neat!  The Lion King was huge in the 90s.  The soundtrack was just wonderful.  It's nice to hear those songs played by an orchestra.  "I Just Cant Wait to Be King," "Hakuna Matata," and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" were among my favorites performed.  I remember those days dearly. The 90s were a time of vibrant pop culture, with animated classics, iconic music, and a sense of excitement about the future. Everything felt fresh and new, from movies and TV shows to video games and fashion. It was a time of innocence, but also of innovation, where we connected through shared experiences like The Lion King.

The same can be said about the 80s, or any decade we lived through. Each era brings its own unforgettable moments, cultural milestones, and personal memories that shape who we are. Whether it's the music, the fashion, or the events of the time, there's always something special to look back on with fondness, a reminder of the way we experienced life at that moment.

I Googled "Ghostbusters live tour dates" and pulled up these dates:

November 1, 2024 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Symphony Hall
November 2, 2024 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Symphony Hall



If you arrive early, you can meet the Atlanta Ghostbusters! Featuring movie-inspired gear, uniforms, and vehicles from the hit Ghostbusters media franchise, this costume and prop group loves to showcase their collection. On October 26th, another show will be held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. These Ghostbusters events seem to be scattered. It just takes a little searching to find them.🎃👻

Where to buy tickets: https://www.aso.org/events/detail/ghostbusters-live-in-concert

Joe Jackson: Heaven & Hell live in the TV studio (with stereo sound)

Heaven & Hell by Joe Jackson is a musical interpretation and song cycle depicting the seven deadly sins. The piece was subsequently performed on tour with Jackson on vocals, piano, accordion, melodica, among other instruments; Valerie Vigoda on violin and vocals; and Elise Morris on keyboards, glockenspiel, and vocals. All drums were programmed except for "Right (Anger)," in which drummers Dan Hickey and Kenny Aronoff played opposite speakers throughout, and Jared Crawford of the musical Stomp played plastic buckets in Times Square during the bridge.​

Please check out the remastered recording below from Sessions at West 54th if you missed Joe Jackson's Heaven & Hell tour in 1997, or if you just want to relive it. Perhaps Joe Jackson's most experimental live performance to date. A perfect display of his showmanship. This album and tour pushed the boundaries of music!

The new version of 'Sessions at West 54th' with stereo sound is now ready and online. Unfortunately, YouTube said that it will block the video in one territory (not sure which) due to a copyright conflict regarding "Angel (Lust) [Edited version]" during 10:21 - 14:47. There are even fun, short clips taken from an interview before each live song.

The rise of focus music and Simply Red's 2023 Time album

What is focus music? It is a type of music that helps people concentrate and keep productive. It typically features steady rhythms, soothing melodies, and a consistent tempo, and it often includes instrumental tracks to avoid distractions. This will foster sustained attention and help block out distracting background noises.

Some common types of focus music: ambient, classical, lo-fi, and binaural. A lot of jazz music keeps me focused, and certain albums of course. Simply Red's latest album, Time, has been in constant rotation on my turntable and iPod. It's a masterclass in pop-soul music that's inspired by classic funk, blues, and R&B. Lead singer, Mick Hucknull, wrote the album during the Covid lockdown. The result was something introspective and with a lo-fi, ambient sound.

“When we were in lockdown, I went, well, jeez, who am I actually? What makes me tick?” Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall shares. “And I realized, you are a songwriter. So why don’t you write some songs about who you are? That’s really the essence of this album.”

It is a highly recommended album, not just for focus music. It is a thoughtfully crafted, timeless sentimental work that touches your heart. This album also has joyful moments.





Taken from Fastcompany.com:

"The genre was also well aligned for musicians who weren’t able to get into studios. As more people were tuning in to focus music, it paved the way for more artists to create it. The styles of music typically found in these playlists are instrumental and often lo-fi. Since there were no tours happening, there was no need to fill large venues and festivals with vocal-fueled anthems. Many artists found opportunities to experiment with these instrumental soundscapes from the comfort of a socially-distanced studio."

What about nature sounds and white noise? White noise and nature sounds are not music, but they are soothing and can help you relax, which in turn makes you more productive. Also, these sounds facilitate mental health by easing anxiety symptoms. Moreover, these sounds and focus music can ease overall job stress. A majority of Americans also admit to regularly checking their emails, texts, and social media accounts, which leads to higher levels of stress. UC Irvine researchers found that it takes people on average 23 minutes to refocus after an interruption, illustrating the negative effects of digital interruptions.

People are turning to music as a way to combat technological distractions. Recent statistics demonstrate the ascent of the focus genre. Focus music playlist listening time increased 50% on Spotify in their 2023 Wrapped report, and Pandora created 47% more focus music stations in 2023 than previously.​ I find that very interesting! The link to this Fastmoney.com article is below.

Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91173682/the-rise-of-focus-music

Willie Nelson maintains impressive career with 153rd upcoming album

Willie Nelson announced that 'Last Leaf on the Tree', his 153rd album, will be released on November 1. With this project, Nelson will release his 76th solo studio album and his 153rd overall. His son, Micah, would lead the musician's endeavors for the first time. He has previously performed with his father, and worked on their family-oriented albums, Willie and the Boys in 2017 and The Willie Nelson Family in 2021.



I never realized Willie Nelson produced so many albums. Impressive! It is admirable that Nelson dedicates his entire life to his craft. Willie Nelson is a national treasure. Watching these steam trains travel to Nelson's version of "City of New Orleans" is so beautiful to see. ♪♫

Source: https://www.geo.tv/latest/559593-willie-nelson-maintains-impressive-career-with-153rd-upcoming-album