by Steven Blier | Mar 12, 2015 | Blier's Blog
DAY 4, March 12, 2015 The atmosphere was, as I expected, a little different today. No guest coaches, just Michael and me—and our first work-through in concert order. Michael, Chris, and I decided who would be playing which songs on Sunday (with some possibilities of...
by Steven Blier | Mar 11, 2015 | Blier's Blog
DAY 3, March 11, 2015 Wednesday is usually when we start to see where the glories and the rough spots of the program are. It is also the last day when we permit ourselves to feel carefree and pleasantly exploratory about it all. “What key did you decide on for that...
by Steven Blier | Mar 10, 2015 | Blier's Blog
DAY 2, March 10, 2015 The day started with the usual drive from Manhattan up to Caramoor with Michael. Uncharacteristically he’d kept radio on: WKCR, the Columbia University station, was doing its annual birthday tribute to jazz cornet legend Bix Beiderbecke and he...
by Steven Blier | Mar 9, 2015 | Blier's Blog
DAY 1, March 9, 2015 I greet the Caramoor residency with a tangle of emotions drawn from my rich reservoir of neurotic complexity. I am very excited because the unique spell of the Music Room brings forth memories of powerful artistic connections in my life. I have...
by Steven Blier | Aug 25, 2014 | Blier's Blog
August 25, 2014 There is a certain excitement to playing in big cities and legendary halls. But there is an equal thrill, and sometimes a deeper pleasure, making music in intimate spaces. In big places, you sense you are there to impress people. This weekend in...
by Steven Blier | Aug 21, 2014 | Blier's Blog
Day 5: August 21, 2014 Officially Thursday is the second-last rehearsal, but since it is the day before dress rehearsal it is really the last time I can tinker with the songs. What does tinkering mean? A short sampling: 1. With William, working on the approach to a...
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