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Random music, things and thoughts

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  • MusicThis is where you might find recording or general information about music and brass playing.
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  • ThoughtsThis category gives my personal point of view.
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  • I Tend To Reminisce

    Now and again I tend to reminisce about my youth, and luckily what comes up most for me is the music I listened to. Lately I’ve been spending my time totally enamored with two specific groups, The New York Voices and the Pat Metheny Group. I listened to these pieces often and I fell in…

    Ed Castro

    June 28, 2016
    Music, Thoughts
    art, artist, chamber music, Classical, classical music, Husband, jazz, music, New York Voices, Pat Metheny, performer, Teenager, Wife
  • Bjork + Bigband = Bjorkestra

     Lately I’ve been enamored with experimental covers of pop musicians. My latest object of affection is the intersection of modern big-band and Bjork. The result is Travis Sullivan’s Bjorkestra. An incredible collection of jazz interpretations of music written and performed by Bjork. Take a listen, buy their albums…or go see them live.

    Ed Castro

    June 7, 2016
    Music
    artist, Bjork, Bjorkestra, chamber music, jazz, Modern Jazz, modern music, music, performer, Travis Sullivan
  • Latest Ear-worm

    Somehow I can’t seem to shake two seemingly and completely different ear-worms.  For those who don’t know what an ear-worms is, the best I can say is it’s a song or a piece of music that has worked it’s self into you mind and deep into the very fabric of your being. In any case…

    Ed Castro

    May 10, 2016
    Music, Thoughts
    art, artist, Beach Boys, Earworm, Hip Hop, London Grime, music, performer, Thoughts
  • Prince and 4 Square

    I’m Getting Old and We Lost An Icon This week I spent time stretching before going out to do recess duty with middle school kids. Why do you ask, well that’s simple I tried playing “four square” with my students. Anyhow, it’s clear I don’t move like I used to…I’ve been limping since Tuesday. Today…

    Ed Castro

    April 21, 2016
    Music, Thoughts
    American Popular Music, Classroom, education, Funk, Hip Hop, independent school, music education, musician, Musicology, performer, Pop, Prince, Teaching
  • Classic Vibe and Martini’s

    Recently I had the opportunity to be on stage with an orchestra and a very charismatic performer. The performance revolved around some famous Frank Sinatra arrangements we don’t all know, but really love. This concert was a collection of “feel good music” that make you want to snap your finger and drink a martini… followed…

    Ed Castro

    April 9, 2016
    Music, Thoughts
    Concert, Frank Sinatra, jazz, Martini, orchestra, Swing, Symphony Orchestras, The Rat Pack
  • Woody’s Organ Grinder — Sound the Trumpet: How to Blow Your Own Horn

    The great Woody Shaw’s take on Organ Grinder. via Woody’s Organ Grinder — Sound the Trumpet: How to Blow Your Own Horn

    Ed Castro

    April 6, 2016
    Music
  • Music and Spaces

    Recently I played a concert in concert recital hall. The space was very intimate and the concert was around mid-day. At first I thought this was an odd time for a chamber music concert featuring the Stravinsky Octet and a few other works for the era. Odd until I listened to the New York Times…

    Ed Castro

    March 29, 2016
    Music, Things
    art, artist, jazz, Jazz at The Kennedy Center, music, music education, musician, New York Times, performer, Popcast
  • Reminders Of Good Music

    Sometimes I forget why I like certain composers and then I am reminded of how important some were to me as a young musician. I ran across this on NPR and once again I am reminded of why I love Aaron Copland’s music.

    Ed Castro

    March 16, 2016
    Music, Thoughts
    Aaron Copland, artist, brass instruments, classical music, Colbert, composer, L.A. Philharmonic, music, NPR, performer, trumpet
  • New Food

    Sometimes when you’re looking for something to eat, you just need to take a chance and try something new. Recently my wife and I found ourselves with an opportunity to enjoy each others company for a meal without our kid. Unlike most nights out for a meal in which we deliberate where we should go,…

    Ed Castro

    February 22, 2016
    Thoughts
    food, kid, Wife
  • Sia is my kid’s spirit animal

    The idea of a spirit animal is a cool concept. If you look online you might find a test that might match you with a creature which may best represent you. However, the topic at the moment is Sia and how my daughter has committed every song in her catalog to memory. I can’t explain why…

    Ed Castro

    February 8, 2016
    Music, Thoughts
    art, Dad, kid, Parent, performer, Sia, Wife
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