Two good concerts during the last couple of days: first Maria Schneider playing at Brosella Folk & Jazz, and then Paul Simon at Forest National. The former I’ve seen before in Finland many years ago, but the latter never. Paul Simon, glad you came to the cold, humid Brussels.
Next year, 2008, is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Olivier Messiaen, a French composer, organist, and ornithologist. He must have been one of the most original composers of the 20th century: by mixing his own modes of limited transposition, birdsong transcriptions, exotic rhythms, religious ideas, and colourful instrumentation and orchestration (see ondes Martenot, for example), he created some truly original and inspiring music.
During the last week or so, I’ve heard three good concerts here in Belgium: first The Chemical Brothers in Antwerp, then SoundCheck at Beurskafee in Brussels, and finally Meshell Ndegeocello in Leuven. Some weeks ago, Bobo Stenson Trio played in St Truiden (too bad I missed that).
Radiohead’s new album, In Rainbows, has become available for download from Radiohead website. It’s up to you to decide how much you pay for it! Now, this is a brilliant idea which I hope will carry on to other people and change the way music business currently works.
Joe Zawinul, one of the greatest musicians and composers of all time, has passed away in Vienna.