For many, 2022 was overwhelming. With the threat of the pandemic fading into the distance, we could finally shake off our state-induced collective misanthropy and get back to enjoying life. Or at least, that was the idea. It seems odd that we structure our lives around the twin variables of certainty and expectation. We never know what will throw us off course; or what form that will take.
In my case, an accident in February resulted in a fractured femur. Everything had to stop. Suddenly, there was a barrier between me and "normal" activity. The next six months took on a new shape as pain management, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy became the new focus. Some days were lost in a fog of morphine and codeine. I listened to Harold Budd's The Pavilion Of Dreams and cultivated patience - time began to flow in a different way.
I want to share the people, books, recordings, gigs and films that got me through this challenging year.
I first heard about Barry Lopez on the event of his death. Deep into the pandemic, on a windy walk across the northside of Dublin in 2021, Frank Little recommended to me Lopez's final book, Horizon. Lopez writes beautifully about the fragility and majesty of the natural world; travelling to Canada, Africa, Australia and Antarctica. It is a meticulously researched and strangely poetic account of the consequences of our behaviour on the planet. Surprisingly, it is also full of optimism and hope. I now have Arctic Dreams to look forward to.
Currently, I am working my way through Jennifer Lucy Allan's The Foghorn's Lament. Allan uses the foghorn as a conduit to write about dangerous sea journeys, lighthouses, Greek mythology, mysterious archives, raves, and the power of the drone. It makes for interesting reading as all of these disparate elements are artfully woven together. The obsession that powers the writing is infectious.
My friend Jock celebrated a landmark birthday and the release of his first original story for DC Comics, Batman: One Dark Knight. Set in a searing Gotham City heatwave, the caped crusader tackles an increasingly hostile assortment of criminals to escort super villain, E.M.P, to a new high-security prison; all during a city-wide blackout. The artwork is stunning throughout - but under the bullets and bone-crunching is a tender story that lands beautifully.
Jenny had been talking for a long time about Wings Of Desire by Wim Wenders. Finally, we were able to watch it together. It is strange and austere; shot in monotone across a bleak 1980s Berlin with appearances by Peter Falk and Nick Cave. When watching it, you feel like you are drifting through a cloud. It is unlike anything else I have experienced - a beautiful cinematic vision of cosmic love.
Sophie Stockham chose this year to release her triumphant first album. Ria is a collection of six recordings that sets Sophie's saxophone against a string quintet. Rather than diving into contemporary string effects, the emphasis is on strong melodic writing and intelligent motivic development. I can not wait to hear what she is going to do next.
Pete Judge released his third album of piano music and I was lucky enough to be at St George's for the album launch. His compositional voice is distinct; a richly melancholic and hypnotic blend inspired by landscapes and people. Pete's writing for piano is exquisite - visit his Bandcamp at the nearest opportunity.
Harmonielehre by John Adams blew my tiny mind and gave me a bombastic jolt when I needed it the most. The piece is named after Schoenberg's book about traditional harmony; which is to say that Adams has a healthy disregard for rules and a puckish sense of humour. Play this music as loud as possible.
I have been a fan of Ned Rush since discovering his YouTube channel a couple of years ago. If you have an interest in Ableton Live it is worth checking him out. I subscribe to his Patreon platform from which he regularly distributes valuable tools and innovative techniques. His one-hour lessons every month have been well-received doses of inspiration and sanity.
I am 50/50 when it comes to Spotify. The platform is incredible but they have to do better at distribution. However, one thing they are getting right is audio plays. Case 63 and Quiet Part Loud, both produced by Gimlet, are outstanding revivals of the format. They will surprise you.
Late in October, I went to Dublin on a solo mission to see Marc Maron’s show, This Might Be The Last Time. The comic has a long-standing fondness for Ireland, so I was intrigued to see him in this setting. Toward the end of the performance, there was a joke about grief that was unlike anything I have heard before. The audience was simultaneously laughing and crying - a genius stroke. The evening was also marked by what can only be described as a spiritual visitation; some kind of meeting of worlds. I got to meet him after the show and gave him a copy of Horizon. Unfortunately, I lost the ability to hold a conversation and scuttled off like a weird fan. Sorry Marc!
This year would have been impossible without the assistance and support of a number of organisations. Help Musicians were an essential lifeline, providing financial advice, counselling and consultations with specialist physiotherapists. Musicians, like many self-employed people, often live in precarious circumstances. When accidents happen there are rarely any backup plans. Help Musicians do phenomenal work to assist performers in times of crisis - we are very fortunate that they exist.
The NHS - ambulance staff, nurses, surgeons, therapists, porters, doctors and on and on - were amazing. The initial stages of my injury were scary but every person in every department helped me to get my head around it. If you have ever been in hospital for anything serious, you will know what I'm talking about. Given the present circumstances for the NHS, we would be well-served to protect it with all of our collective might.
Do the right thing.
This year has been a lightning rod for the importance of friendship and family. People have driven me around, lifted my equipment, cooked dinner, given me books, given me hope, made me laugh and listened to me complain about everything. I am sorry and thank you.
Lastly to Jenny Lindfors and our daughter Pegi whose unwavering support, humour and love pulled me through. I love you both with all my heart.
I hope 2023 will be hipper than hip for you all. There is lots to do. See you out there.
