Terye's Picks
Movies are great for making the blues go away, and a good classic comedy keeps those blues from even thinking of returning. In Kanopy you will find some great choices. One that I especially like is Kind Hearts and Coronets, an early comedy starring Alex Guinness.
Now here’s a great song, On The Sunny Side of the Street, performed by Lonnie Johnson and Elmer Snowden found on his album Blues, Ballads and Jumpin Jazz Vol. 2. on Alexander Street.
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RL's Picks
Beat the blues with some Gumby short films at Kanopy Kids.
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Debra's Picks
Nessun Dorma...alla Corona by Daniel Emmet
I have two playlists, one is popular and one is classical.
If I have to pick one from each, I'll pick the first one on each list.
Ode to Joy: Lift your spirits with this piece from the final movement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. It's so inspiring it became the European Union's international anthem.
Jai Ho: Even if you didn't see everyone dancing during the end credits of Slumdog Millionaire, you'll want to get up and dance as soon as the music starts.
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Diane's Picks
FINDING JOY
This Irish comedy-drama series on Acorn* was just the medicine for my stay-at-home blues. It follows a phase of Joy's life when she is challenged at work with an-out-of the-ordinary assignment (hmmm, does that sound familiar?). Meanwhile, her canine companion (a total show stealer), is right by her side as she deals with a messy relationship breakup. It's altogether a fun and life-affirming series, easily binge-able with only 6 episodes that are a half-hour long each. Now I can hardly wait for season 2 which is set to release this fall 2020.
Acorn TV is no longer available as of May 14, 2021.
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Adrienne's Picks
Marvel at the energy, the creativity, the peculiarity that is Childish Gambino’s 3.15.20. The album is available to stream/download on Freegal.
One of my favorite NPR Tiny Desk Concerts, Paramore brings the feels with the sad-but-happy tunes “Hard Times” and “Fake Happy.”
The only thing I could possibly love more than the song “Adore You” by Harry Styles is a cover of “Adore You” by Lizzo (and Sasha Flute).
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Anne's Picks
Electric Light Orchestra's Mr. Blue Sky
Such a happy song!
Bob Dylan's Subterranean Homesick Blues
A classic...
Lady Sings the Blues (eBook)
Billie Holiday's autobiography. It's fascinating!
Tamara's Picks
Could your family benefit from a Little Bitta Joy right about now? Of course! Have a listen to the latest Ear Snacks podcast from one of my favorite children's music duos, Andrew & Polly. This dance party is sure to bring joy and comfort to you and your little ones.
Don's Picks
Some random things helped me beat the blues this week!
Have you ever wondered how it would sound if a Lithuanian Boys Choir sang "The Lion Sleeps Tonight?" Me neither but when I saw this performance, it gave me a big grin.
I've always loved Cecil McLoren's beautiful phrasing and gorgeous tone and her spare and gorgeous rendition of "I Didn't Know What Time It Was" is sublime. You can check out many of her award winning recordings on Freegal.
A dose of Pharrell always makes me Happy on Freegal.
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Jeff's Picks
Celebrate the lives and indelible music of the musicians we have lost Covid-19 by streaming or downloading their songs or albums from Freegal.
Those lost include singer songwriter John Prine, country star Joe Diffie, African bandleader Manu Dibango, Dave Greenfield of The Stranglers, and Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne. Jazz players who have died from the virus include Ellis Marsalis, Lee Konitz and Wallace Roney.
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Kay's Picks
This week I'd like to recommend a few things:
St Vincent - Overdrive*
I had been meaning to watch this movie for years, and now is the perfect time to work on my to-watch list. This movie was darkly humorous and heartwarming.
OverDrive Streaming Video is no longer available. Please visit Kanopy instead.
The 1987 Dave Brubeck Quartet: Blue Rondo - Alexander Street
For some upbeat music, Dave Brubeck is always a good bet. I especially enjoyed the first track, How Does Your Garden Grow? and Dizzy's Dream, which has riffs of a lot of the quartet's well known songs. A great album to listen to during a walk around the neighborhood, now that the weather is getting warmer and yards are teeming with flowers.
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Movies & Music - Question of the Week
The Three Kings of Blues—so named for their status as blues guitar royalty as well as their shared surname—are:
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Elmore, Buddy & Johnny0
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Bo, Muddy & Jimmy0
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B.B., Albert & Freddie0
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B.B., C.C. & D.D.0
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John Lee, Robert & T-Bone0
Last week's trivia answer was: Rosemary & Thyme
Our Video Pick
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