Every generation needs a torch singer to call its own. I’m happy for the teens who’ve latched on to Laufey. I’ve attended multiple performances by the all-time greats Tony Bennett and Marilyn Maye, but the premiere chanteuse of my generation is k.d. lang. I’ll always love Ingénue. In merging the elegant chilliness of Julie London with the delicious sadness of Lana Del Rey, Laufey is an unlikely star among people born in this millennium. Bewitched is an entirely convincing genre exercise. Nice job, kids!
November 2020 Recap: A Monthly Exercise in Critical Transparency
Screenshot of Levi Hernandez in Bard SummerScape Opera’s production of Antonín Dvořák’s Dimitrij by There Stands the Glass.
Top Five Albums
1. William Basinski- Lamentations
Pandemic vibes.
2. Susan Alcorn Quintet- Pedernal
3. Nick Cave- Idiot Prayer: Alone at Alexandra Palace, 2020
A troubadour for end times.
4. Raheem DeVaughn- What a Time to Be In Love
Looks like another love T.K.O.
5. Megan Thee Stallion- Good News
Who shot ya?
Top Five Songs
1. Chris Stapleton- “You Should Probably Leave”
Tempted.
2. 2 Chainz- “Wait For You to Die”
Cold hard facts.
3. Future and Lil Uzi Vert- "Marni On Me"
Fancy.
4. Jazmine Sullivan- "Pick Up Your Feelings"
Grown folks music.
5. Mariza- “Foi Deus”
Amália Rodrigues lives.
Top Five Livestreams
1. Lakecia Benjamin- Jazzfest Berlin
2. Marilyn Maye- Gem Theater
3. OneBeat Marathon (Alexander Arkincheev, Ladama, Kyungso Park, etc.)
4. Sheila Jordan’s 92nd birthday celebration- Smalls
5. The St. Cecilia Festival- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Opus 76 String Quartet, Sean Holland, Paul Turner, etc.
I conducted the same exercise in October, September, August, July, June, May, April, March, February and January.