The Manhattan Transfer

Last night, Kelly and I went to see The Manhattan Transfer give a fantastic Holiday show at The Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center. They were absolutely amazing. I've been listening to them and admiring them since high school (yeah, that long ago; the current line-up started in 1972), so it was a real treat for me to finally see them live in concert. In the parlance of Mason and Emily, they were "tight." I just love to see (and hear) that kind of fierce talent. Go see them when you get a chance, or go to iTunes and check them out.

Best Christmas Album of All Time

My vote for Best Christmas Album of All Time goes to the Vince Guaraldi Trio's A Charlie Brown Christmas. If you don't agree, I will fight you.*

* Not really. :-)

Carbon Leaf in Ann Arbor

My favorite band, Carbon Leaf, played the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor last night (20 Feb 2007). I knew from their recordings that they are phenomenal musicians, but you should see them live. It's just so great to see people doing what they're really good at and really enjoying it.

Carter Gravatt, the lead guitarist, really impressed me. I'm hoping for another "Carter Administration" soon. ;-)

Carbon Leaf started the show by beginning to play along with a recording of The Crane Wife 3, a very cool song by The Decemberists. A nice touch.

Kelly, thanks for getting us tickets and giving up your soccer game to go see Carbon Leaf with me!