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Jacques T’s Desert Island Disks

Vladimir Horowitz–The Last Recording

One of the greatest pianists of all time has chosen a program that takes us on an unforgettable journey, and a lifetime of love and practice culminates in a performance that exhibits wisdom, tenderness, finesse, and humor bordering on perfection.

Led Zeppelin–BBC Sessions

Some great live performances captured in crisp, clean recordings.  “Immigrant Song,” “What Is and What Should Never Be,” and “That’s the Way” are some of the highlights.

Joni Mitchell–Hejira

For me, Mitchell’s voice, lyrics, atmospheric melodies, and the unity of the album come together in a way that none of her other work approaches.

Stan Getz–The Best of Two Worlds

With Joao Gilberto and Heloisa Buarque deHollanda.  Sit back under the palm tree, crack open a coconut, and let your troubles melt away…

Frank Zappa

Take your pick.  Scattered among the debris of silliness are numerous musical gems that span–and blend–classical, jazz, and rock in a way nobody else has, before or since.  “The Yellow Shark” is classical in spirit and approach and will surely surprise and delight.  “Zappa in New York” has a number of forgettable tracks, but also numerous excellent ones such as Black Page II, Approximate/Purple Lagoon, Sofa, and Pound for a Brown.  Other favorites include Inca Roads from “You Can’t Do That on Stage Anymore Vol. 2,” “Outside Now” from Ahoy Rotterdam, and Cruisin’for Burgers from “Make a Jazz Noise Here.”

Rembetika

This describes a genre of Greek music that had its origins in Asia Minor in the early years of the 20th century.  It’s an acquired taste, much as olives are; but once you’re hooked…  My favorite collection is a compilation that unfortunately has not (yet) been released on CD.  It is called “Ta Fthisika” and is an anthology featuring many of rembetika’s greatest singers and musicians all performing songs on the theme of tuberculosis.  It is music that somehow captures all the stark beauty and harshness of the eastern Mediterranean, the sound of cicadas, a herd of goats, a burning sun.  It is as if the earth itself cracks open and out comes these haunting pieces.

Pharoah Sanders–Wisdom through Music

Unfortunately very difficult to find.  Some of Pharoah’s most lyrical work, opening the heart and unfolding the soul.  You might also try “Live at the East” and “Rejoice” which have similarly moving passages.

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