[NAMM 2009] Native Instruments Maschine

I have just ordered Maschine and hope to get it in a few days. I'm really excited about this new instrument. I like working with loops and grooves but using a mouse is tedious and not very musical. Maschine is an instrument which will allow my creativity to flow rather than being obstructed by mouse clicking and dragging. I'm hoping to build mixes with it that I can use live with guitar, flute and EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument). It comes with a library of over 14,000 high quality sounds. It opens up a whole new world of possibilities for my music! RR

Kaori Muraji - Danza Del Molinero - Manuel de Falla

I just recently became acquainted with the performance of Kaori Muraji. Many of her videos are on YouTube and I recommend them highly. This performance is "The Miller's Dance" by Manuel de Falla. When I think about Spanish Guitar, I think of this piece. Her interpretation is powerful and actually quite masculine, in my opinion. I really do think that she plays it the way it is supposed to be played! I am now a huge fan! RR

Hoyewaye, I am sending my voice so the People May Live

Denise Giago, the maker of this film, is a gifted Lakota woman who I had the pleasure of working with many years ago when she was attending the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM. She impressed me with the depth of her heart and soul. She is a beautiful woman and a treasure. This is a beautiful film with poetry that speaks to the feelings of a young woman of mixed blood heritage longing for a deeper connection to all her relations. Her smile at the end is simply wonderful! RR

Susan Boyle sings "Cry Me a River" on a 1999 Charity CD

Susan Boyle is the singer discovered on 'Britain's Got Talent'. This is a recording she made for a community benefit CD. It is the most moving rendition of this classic that I have ever heard and this includes Streisand and Julie London. I wish she would have recorded more when she was younger. It would be great if more material from this time period surfaced! RR

Chief Dan George in The Outlaw Josey Wales

This scene from 'The Outlaw Josey Wales' is a classic and is one of my favorite scenes from one of my favorite movies. Chief Dan George was a treasure. He steals scene after scene with his dignified, yet good natured portrayal. By the end of the movie, his role had become an icon for the all but forgotten Indian. This role broke ground with his representation of a thinking, feeling man who happens to be an Indian with a compelling story. 'Endeavor to persevere!' RR

Bach - Adagio, Oster-Oratorium BWV 249

This is the Adagio from the Easter Oratorio by Maestro J.S. Bach. The oboe performance by Marcel Ponseele is sublime! Happy Easter! RR

Augustíne Carlevaro - Guitar - Verano porteño by Astor Piazzolla

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This is the performance of a transcription by A. Carlevaro of Astor Piazzolla's 'Verano porteno' that I am currently working on. I prefer this transcription as it is a solid, straightforward interpretation of the work. It's not overly flashy and relies on the interpretive skill of the guitarist to bring out its sensuality. I want to develop it as a regular performance piece. It's a fun and challenging tango that I know I will eventually play well! RR

CHRISTOPHER PARKENING PLAYS RODRIGO'S FANTASIA

Rodrigo, the composer of "Concierto de Aranjuez", was inspired to compose this Fantasia by the music of the Spanish Baroque composer, Gaspar Sanz. The guitar part is masterfully performed by Christopher Parkening. It is a beautiful escape into the world of Spanish heritage. I never tire of listening to this kind of music. I can imagine the castles, the garden walks and the street dances! RR

S.L.Weiss, Passacaglia-Sven Lundestad, Guitar

I really like Sven's interpretation of this Baroque masterpiece by Sylvius Weiss. Sven has really captured this style of performance. The sound of a lute can be heard in his playing! This piece is one of Weiss' best compositions. It soars higher with each measure. I have had spiritual experiences listening to this piece of music throughout the years. I haven't yet learned to play it but it is on my short list of 'to do' projects. I'll keep you posted! RR

Maurice Jarre - Greatest Hits

Maurice Jarre passed away this weekend. He was 84. Maestro Jarre left a legacy of great movie scores including Dr. Zhivago, Ryan's Daughter, The Man Who Would Be King and Lawrence of Arabia. Movie scores are some of my favorite listening material and Maurice Jarre was a master of the form. Lawrence of Arabia is one of my favorite movies and the score made a great movie even greater! RIP Maestro! RR