How are you guys holding up? Every day of this year brings more chaos and carnage. It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by everything that’s going on. As ever, I am relying on the power of music and literature as a balm for the soul.
Recently, we’ve been watching David Simon’s show ‘Treme’ (aired 2010-2013) about a New Orleans community rebuilding after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Several of the characters are musicians, writers, or chefs. The show is a slower burn than Simon’s other brilliant TV shows, though it shares some themes (and actors) with his masterpiece, ‘The Wire’ (aired 2002-2008). I’ve never visited New Orleans, but in the show, the music—and the food culture—seem to be the glue that holds the city together, in the wake of the cataclysmic storm.
My new piece was recorded before we started watching this show, so I’m afraid it bears no resemblance to the electrifying music of NOLA. But I hope you’ll find something of interest within it nonetheless.
This is another ambient piece recorded recently on my nylon string acoustic. Again, I’ve been messing about with the reverb effects on the Valhalla Supermassive plugin. To my ear, this gives an otherwise gentle piece a slight hint of unease.
Speaking of unease, I am currently reading Fernando Pessoa’s ‘The Book of Disquiet’ (written 1913-1935 (!)) - the Portuguese author’s fragmentary “factless autobiography”—written, as many of his works were, under a pseudonym. It’s an astonishing piece of writing, full of wisdom, angst, humour, melancholy, and, well, disquiet. A perfect read for these times.
Take care out there.
Until next time.
JCV
