Brandt Brauer Frick - Bop

My wake up song this week is from the German trio of Brandt Brauer Frick and the track 'Bop'. I have a real weakness for this kind of repetitive rhythm (and this kind of video which makes the instruments look almost edible !!). hope you enjoy, love tt

Sophie Sarin / Hotel Djenne Djenno

Recently I mentioned a blog that I enjoyed during the holiday season written by a Swedish woman Sophie Sarin [link]. The stories of her running a hotel in the not entirely hospitable historical city of Djenne in Mali (the hotel is made of mud like many of the buildings in Djenne and is quite vulnerable to the extremes of weather) and also adapting to a different culture & way of life make this a really interesting read. I'm very happy that Sophie has found the time to answer this week’s TT Test and I think if you ever find yourself in Djenne Hotel Djenne Djenno is an essential stopover !! Lots of love tt. What is your wake up song at the moment ? The music I listen to is Kar-Kar (Boubakar Traore) Very simple, very moving. The very essence of Mali itself; this dry, vast, gentle land, which I love in spite of it all. A good point of departure is the album ‘Sa Golo’. Which work of art or single event has most influenced you in your chosen profession? Perhaps Bach’s Brandenburg concertos, the first piece of classical music I knew and loved. I used to play it with my next door neighbour Britta when we played chess as twelve year olds, a brief moment of seriousness before we discovered boys and rock n’ roll - nothing wrong with that either of course… If you could travel back in time, which period would you most like to visit and why ? A frivolous part of me would have liked to have lived at the court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette before the revolution (and then managed to escape) Such beautiful clothes! And such fun - all those masked balls! Otherwise I am quite happy to be here and now. I love eating out and discovering new restaurants, can you please recommend one to me? My favourite restaurant is ‘Rules’ in London [link]. It claims to be the oldest restaurant in London and is romantic and beautiful with great service and great traditional British food such as grouse etc. that is fabulous if well prepared and enjoyed with a good claret. What is the best advice you ever been given relating to your professional / creative life? Don’t worry what people think of you. BONUS QUESTION: What is the most challenging and most satisfying thing about running the Hotel Djenne Djenno? Most challenging thing here in Djenne: Definitely to be patient and understanding to my staff and the people around me, although I lose my temper most of the time. Most satisfying thing in my life here: the limitless scope of things. Wherever I turn there are new things to discover or to set in motion, whether investigating the Djenne manuscripts or managing to grow dill in the garden and trying out other crops. Life is never ever dull.

Covers !

I met up with Mark my guitarist recently, and we decided to look at covers. Apart from being enjoyable just to sing other people's songs it is a good discipline to sing something you have not written, hopefully you learn a new way of thinking about a melody or a phrase or constructing a song. It is interesting to me, how difficult it is to actually make a song your own and I am in awe of singers who, not being writers, do that habitually. I'm also surprised at which songs end up suiting your voice or temperament. With my voice, maybe one would think I would suit quite dark,rather serious songs but actually my temperament draws me towards very melodic,poppy songs and because of this I probably sound more convincing in them. And singing standards ( or trying to ! ) demands a technical prowess which I don't really possess... anyway, I'm really enjoying the learning process... and maybe one day I'll be able to conquer one of those Cole Porter classics :) lots of love tt

Claudia Colonna / Marilou Chabert / Anna Mimouni

A friend recently sent me this video directed by two very talented artists : Marilou Chabert [link] and Anna Mimouni [link]. It's a French singer Claudia Colonna who I'm not familiar with, and I'm not really sure what the song is called but the song & video are irresistibly silly and funny, hope you enjoy ! love tt

The Royal Institution

I'm in the mood to explore London & visit places that are new for me. So on Tuesday evening I went with a few friends to a talk at the Royal Institution [link] whose impressive building houses a museum & charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. When I was a child I was strangely fixated - given that I have no aptitude for the sciences at all - with a Ladybird book about the scientist Michael Faraday most famous for his work with electricity and magnetism. He was a member of the Royal Institution & I was thrilled to find, on the lower ground floor, Faraday's magnetic laboratory as it was in the 1850s. The talk was also interesting. It was given by Philip Ball the science writer [link] and based on his new book 'Unnatural'. The Heretical Idea of 'Making People' [link] and just made me want to read this and a hundred other books! At the end of the talk, when the audience were invited to ask questions, a couple of my friends did have great ones but were too shy to ask ! However, we did spill out in to a mild February evening continuing our own lively debate. There is a whole season of talks at The Royal Institution and if you are in London I think it's well worth a visit ! Love tt

John Barry

Very sad to hear that John Barry has passed away, his music is truly awe-inspiring. It's near impossible to choose one song to post by Barry, he wrote so many great songs, but as I've been listening a lot to Matt Monroe recently I will choose one that also features his beautiful voice, 'From Russia with Love'. Hope you enjoy, lots of love tt

Mariem Hassan - Haiyu

I'm mostly an arm chair traveller and during the holiday period I spent most of my time in Mali, hooked on a blog by a Swedish woman, Sophie keita, [link]. It documents her experience of living in Djenne, & opening & running a hotel there [link]. I don't think this is an easy decision, the hotel is made of mud like most of the building in this historic town and needs constant attention. There is also a different culture to adapt to and some personal challenges she has to face... maybe you should just read the blog ! Despite the difficulties, my overwhelming impression is of someone living in a romantic & free spirited way... and when I'm feeling romantic & free spirited I plan trips to exotic places and now Djenne is on my list somewhere between Bhutan & the Galapagos Islands! All this to say that my wake up song this week is an artist mentioned on her blog, Mariem Hassan. A new discovery for me, she is a singer from Western Sahara. I've chosen the song 'Haiyu', I think it is a protest song that calls for the separation of Sahara from Morocco and the establishment of an independent country... and it's a wonderful & funky piece of music, I hope you enjoy it as much as me, lotsoflove tanita

Podcast 15

Podcast 15 has been added !! If you haven't already just sign up to the mailing list to gain access to the Attic to listen to the podcast. Hope you enjoy, lot's of love, tt

Happy New Year !

Happy New Year everyone ! I hope this is a vintage year with lots of great music, friendship and good fortune. I hope to record some new podcasts soon, as well as introducing you to some new songs ( the album is nearly finished I promise !!! ) Lots of love tt

Photo (c) Sylvie Bardet

Vince Guaraldi Trio - "Skating ("A Charlie Brown Christmas")"

My wake up song this week is 'Skating' from a Charlie Brown Christmas. Vince Guaraldi provided some of the coolest music ever for a children's show ( my other favourite children's show with great music is 'Bod' ) and it's very difficult to choose just one track. However, 'Skating' is suitably joyous ! I'd also like to wish you all a Happy Christmas ! Eat, Drink & Be Merry !! Lots of Love tanita

H.G. Wells, Tracie Bennett & End of the Rainbow

I've begun reading H.G.Wells so I was curious to see a production of 'The Invisible Man' at the Menier Chocolate factory [link]. It was enjoyable, and I loved the re-creation of an evening of good old-fashioned Victorian entertainment but the pace could have been faster. Also saw 'End of the Rainbow' at another charming small theatre the Trafalgar Studios [link]. Tracie Bennett gives a truly thrilling performance as Judy Garland during the the final months of her life shared with her last husband Micky Deans. I marvel at the energy of such a performance and the audience gave Tracie Bennett and the rest of the cast a deserved standing ovation. This production also gives me a good excuse to post a video of Judy Garland and Peggy Lee singing together. I don't want to be overly nostalgic but I think it's rare to find singers today who can sing so effortlessly. I hope you enjoy Love tt

Captain Beefheart

Captain Beefheart has sadly passed away. He is considered a great musical revolutionary & critics often cite his most avant-garde work as influencing notable musicians like Tom Waits & Johnny Rotten but when I was in LA recently the Captain Beefheart song I was most drawn to was the more conventional ' Observatory Crest' - it's a song that makes sense when you are driving around with aimless contentment in the late afternoon sun... and it has one of those awesome bass lines that's busy but so laid back that it's perfect ! Love tanita

Mina - Amor Mio

This week's wake up song 'Amor Mio' is performed by the legendary Italian singer Mina & written by the legendary Italian songwriting partnership of Battisti and Mogol. I've never properly understood the song - in my wobbly Italian Mina seems to be saying 'My Love, Who has loved you in this world ? only me. Me, on the other hand, have always been loved too much...but together, we can make it, you can reach me...' and emotionally I've always thought Mina was singing 'My Love, I'm enough !' but without the slightly strange suggestion of a Romantic popularity contest. Either way, I'm sure it's madness to pit my imagined scenario against my dodgy Italian translation. Simply this song contains everything I love best in Italian music, passion & wonderful melody. I hope you enjoy, lots of love tt

Langhorne Slim / Singer-Songwriter

This week's TT Test is taken by American singer-songwriter Langhorne Slim [link] who I enthusiastically blogged about last December [link]. Langhorne's last album 'Be Set Free' remains one of my favourites from recent years, I'm thrilled to hear that he is working on some new songs & also that he has found the time to answer the TT Test ! What is your wake up song at the moment ? I recently got a copy of 'Bill Withers Live at Carnegie Hall'. Even the way he thanks the audience at the end of a song gives me the chills. The song 'Hope she'll be Happier with him' blows me away. Which work of art or single event has most influenced you in your chosen profession ? My mother and Grandparents took my brother and I to see a Broadway play when we were very young. I don't even remember which one but I remember how magical New York felt coming just a couple of hours from our small hometown in Pennsylvania. And I remember sitting in my seat and feeling so moved. I knew then that there was a world beyond what I knew, the world that I didn't relate to and that I was going to be alright. That was a pretty heavy feeling. If you could travel back in time, which period would you most like to visit and why ? 1957-Redhead. I love eating out and discovering new restaurants, can you please recommend one to me ? The Bye and Bye in Portland Oregon. It's down the street from where I live and is awesome! [link] What is the best advice you ever been given relating to your professional / creative life ? Go back to the cabin. BONUS QUESTION 'Langhorne Slim' is a stage name, can you explain a little about how you chose this name & what it refers to ? Langhorne is the name of the town that i'm from. I used it before I had a band and it stuck. I have always been a fan of nick names from my grandfather's stories of when they were young. All of their friends had cool names like Whistle or Lefty. All names are made up so you might as well grab one you like. When people talk about your music they often reference blues & gospel & American roots music in general , I also hear a bit of Cat Stevens from the classic early 70s period , would I be way off in thinking that? Not at all, I love that man. Harold and Maude forever !

Les Tee-Shirts sont arrivés !! Das T-Shirts sind Eingetroffen !! Le magliette sono arrivati !! Las camisetas han Ilegado !!

The new TT tee-shirts have arrived, Hurrah !! They have been designed by Sylvie Bardet who also designed this blog and my website and they are based on four of my song titles : 'Out on The Town', 'Sun Face', 'Happy Taxi ' & 'Leaving the Party'. They are really cool, 100% organic, Fairtrade & funky... what's not to love ?!! Please check them out here :) Lots of Love tttt

Tami Lynn - I'm Gonna Run Away From You

My wake up song this week is Tami Lynn's 'I'm Gonna Run Away from You'. This Northern Soul classic was recorded in the mid 60s but did not become a hit until it was re-issued in England in the early 70s. I love the bass line, it's groovy and also quite formal. I still hear an echo of an earlier kind of dance band in it. The lyrics are wonderful, Tami Lynn's voice mighty, and recently when I heard it again after many years I had to put it on repeat as I was so knocked out by it ! Love tt

Katerina Athanasopoulou - Engine Angelic

My friend katerina Athanasopoulou is a very talented animator [link] this is her new short 'Engine Angelic' [watch here]. I'm really impressed by it but also a bit disturbed ! To find out more about the different processes that were used to construct the film just follow this link [link]. Hope you enjoy ! love tt

Shun-kin / The kids are alright

Spent a nice evening in the Barbican centre [link] last night (this has to be my favourite arts centre !), quickly browsed the 'Future Beauty: 30 years of Japanese Fashion' exhibition. At this kind of event the crowd is actually more interesting than the exhibition. I think they all secretly want to be spotted by photographer Scot Schuman and posted on 'The Sartorialist' ! And saw another wonderful production from the theatre company Complicitie [link]. 'Shun-kin' is the second production I've seen by them and even though the play may deal with adult themes I always feel as engrossed as a child by the magical way they tell stories. Earlier in the week I saw ' The Kids are Alright' which I loved. A few friends were less enthusiastic, maybe it comes down to whether you think characters in films should be exemplary representatives of a particular group or rather flawed like most of us... anyways, lots of great stuff to see & think about ! love tt

Grant Lee Phillips / Singer-Songwriter

This week's TT Test is taken by Grant Lee Phillips whose musicianship as writer,vocalist and multi-instrumentalist is inspiring. He first came to notice with the band 'Grant Lee Buffalo' and has continued to make great music as a solo artist, with highly acclaimed records, writing music for independent movies as well as appearing regularly on the TV show 'Gilmore Girls' as the town troubadour. I'm delighted that he has found time to answer the TT Test! What is your wake up song at the moment ? I’ve been waking up with The Left Banke’s “Walk Away Renee” in my head for the last few weeks. I’ve always loved the song but I have no idea why it’s enjoying a comeback in my mind. It’s so melancholic, perfect for the rainy weather. Which work of art or single event has most influenced you in your chosen profession ? It’s hard to place the blame on one culprit but I have to imagine it was the Beatle’s film “Help” and that particular song that lured me in, made me want to be a musician and began my love of heavy overcoats. If you could travel back in time, which period would you most like to visit and why ? I’ve always been drawn to that period between 1860’s - 1890’s. It was the golden age of sideburns, Laudanum and revolution. It was a bit like the sixties, but in sepia. I love eating out and discovering new restaurants, can you please recommend one to me ? Breakfast, right behind dessert, is the most important meal of the day. The Pacific Dining Car [link] in downtown Los Angeles has one of the best. It’s a step back in time, ordering Eggs Hussarde in a 1920s railway car. An endless flow of black coffee makes for one of those easy mornings that last all day. What is the best advice you ever been given relating to your professional/creative life ? Aside from being tipped off about the Eggs Hussard ? I’ve been the beneficiary of great council many times. Among the many artists, writers, musicians and professionals in my life, the words of my wife have meant the most however. She sees far down the road, when I can hardly find the wheel. BONUS QUESTIONS : You have such a unique & wonderful singing style, is there a singer that particularly influenced you as you were discovering your voice ? My grandmother was an incredible singer. She had a voice like Mahalia Jackson. She sang in a little country church but she also loved the blues. I’ve heard she sang in clubs when she was young. She was never really a performer in the time I knew her but she poured herself into her voice. She greatly encouraged me to play the guitar and sing and that made a huge impact on me. I also have a slightly silly question or maybe just an observation, I don't know if you are aware of the Canadian writer & actress Anne Marie MacDonald but you have a very striking resemblance to her ! I just googled Anne Marie MacDonald. I can see the resemblance and I’m flattered. I hope she is.

Photo Kenneth Scott

Babel - Nortec Collective

Today is one of my favourite London weather days - chilly but gorgeously sunny, everything & everyone radiant & alive ! So logically, this week's wake up song is from Mexico. I wonder how much of our listening is shaped by the weather ? Some people see music in colours but because of my English education I see music as a meteorological report ! The groove of Nortec Collective's track from 'Babel', is joyous, it just tumbles & makes me dance around my apartment in the morning, hope it does the same for you ! Love tt