Heaven in Pasadena
As a vocalist, the internet is my best friend…and my worst enemy. To put it plainly, we are frenemies. I love being able to download music from iTunes, I like watching videos of Whitney and Wunderlich sing their faces off on youtube and I even enjoy downloading and printing sheet music (however limited the selection) without leaving my home.
Yes, it seems with each new day my good frenemy the internet is harder, better, faster, stronger (apologies to mr. west and daft punk) However, there are just some things that you can’t download. Today for instance, I decided to purchase an opera score I need for an upcoming performance. Having previously recognized the internet as the not-so-silent killer of the brick and mortar stores of yesteryear, I decided to try my luck at online shopping. I went (and I use to the word “went” loosely as I never actually moved during the entire “trip”) to amazon.com and searched for the score. I sat stunned in front of my computer as I read the results…”not in stock” WHAT?!?! are you kidding me? You mean I will have to GO to an actual store and PICK UP a copy??? After checking to make sure this wasn’t a sign of the apocalypse, I headed out into the vast wasteland of understocked, poorly staffed music stores in Los Angeles.
Two hours and three stores later, I pulled over to the side of the road, got my cell phone and ashamedly, I began searching the internet for music stores in LA that don’t totally suck. I could almost feel the schadenfreude my frenemy internet was expiriencing as I came crawling back to it like a crack head looking for another hit. Just as I was about to give up and go on a bloody, murderous rampage through the streets of the city, I stumbled across information on a music store in Pasadena called “Old Town Music”
I arrived in Pasadena a little less than an hour later tired, hot, and hungry but I knew I was in good shape as I descended the stairs into this basement level store. I was greeted by fellow music nerds poring over copies of Schubert, Mozart and Wolf in the glorious vocal music section. I quickly found my way to the healthy selection of opera vocal scores (many titles available from various publishers) and found the scores I needed! I even ran into a friend from LA Opera who was also doing some shopping. I highly recommend this store to all my musically inclined friends in LA, and wish to thank the people of Old Town Music for saving the city of Los Angeles from my impending meltdown. As I walked back to my car I had only one thought in my head “take THAT internet”
LOVE|ash.
Julian and I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Mr. Ashley Faatoalia on his new album “Steppin’ Out”. Julian shot the photos and I designed the album, bringing it all together as the perfect piece!
Steppin’ Out is Ashley Faatoalia’s debut album. Produced by John Bisharat for Din Music, this collection of Jazz standards and vocal tunes features the musical styling of Matt Harris, Trey Henry and Ray Brinker. Guest artists include: Songa Lee, Wayne Bergeron, Brandon Fields and more. From Jazz to Pop and Blues, Ashley delivers a memorable and enjoyable performance on each and every track solidifying his place as a new and exciting young vocalist in the industry.
The official release of his album was yesterday, release party last night! So bummed we couldn’t make it! Check out this clip from the show, hear his amazing voice and be sure to LIKE him on Facebook! Also, check out the entire album and buy it here!
Be sure to get in touch if you are in need of photography or design of any kind! lace@julianmurrayphoto.com
America Tropical
Just started looking over the score for the opera I’ll be doing in the fall. It’s a great work by David Conte and the subject is awesome! It’s all about the history of Los Angeles as told through the controversial mural “America Tropical” by David Siqueiros. My character, Moreno, was one of the pobladores that founded the original pueblo that became Los Angeles. I will have more later on, but for now it’s back to work!
LOVE|ash.
I’m Here
Bravo Spike Jonze! A terrific short film about a lonely robot…well it’s about a lot more than that, but you can see for yourself!
I’m in Love With an Android
…The Archandroid. Janelle Monae’s newest release has me captivated. Once again the young singer delivers a wonderful narrative of love and life against a background of neo-soul, r&b, hip-hop, funk, and rock. It’s catchy, it’s deep, it’s hot, it’s mellow, it’s…what in the world is this?!?! Where other concept albums fall short with self absorbed or cryptic material, The Archandroid succeeds with an endearing and playful quality that is spellbinding.To say it is cinematic is an understatement; Monae glides and spins her voice around orchestral arrangements more evocative than anything hip-hop has ever seen.
Coming in at a lengthy 18 tracks, The Archandroid tempts fate (and your attention span) yet it remains consistent and solid throughout. Multiple listens are required to fully experience and delight in each nuance and genre-bending moment. With so much on its plate, The Archandroid may appear to be all over the place, but it is Monae’s fresh delivery and charisma that threads this work together into what will surely place her at the top of her game. I am not speaking merely of a black audience, but rather a very large group of fans as diverse and beautiful as The Archandroid! Check it out here.
LOVE|ash.
