Transports of Delight

I meant to write this a while ago, but other things intervened. It’s a shame that the emotional upheaval of the last week has overshadowed one of the most memorable musical experiences I have ever had.

Anyway - about two years ago I signed up as a subscriber to Maria Schneider’s Sky Blue project. This is a scheme to finance the production of an album, effectively purchasing it before it is recorded, and a great way to support musicians not in the mainstream. When I received the album a year ago, I was amazed at the sheer exhilarating beauty of the music, and I’ve been listening to it regularly since.

And do you know, it was even better live at the Barbican the other day. It’s not just me - read the Guardian review. The main piece, Cerulean Skies, with bird calls and the most extraordinary accordeon playing, was just the best I have heard in a very long time.

I have become such a fan that I queued up to get my CD signed!

Maria Schneider’s music is available from her website, and (as far as I know) is not in shops. The website has a player, so you can hear for yourself. I hope you like it too.