September 10, 2021 - Issue #13 - Past Issues

Welcome to the Uncaged Bird newsletter. This issue is a roundup of some of my favorite recent recordings and some music-related news I found interesting. Uncaged Bird also offers in-depth articles on singing, which you can find here.

KISS and COVID

Gene Simmons tested positive for COVID, causing the band to reschedule their tour. Do you have a friend who makes a living as a performing artist? Please consider getting vaccinated as a sign of support for their livelihood.

“I need this blood to survive”

I can’t believe Duran Duran is 40. Their latest single takes me back to the sounds of their 1986 album Notorious, which reminds me of the crush I had on my next door neighbor, which brings me back to pre-teen awkwardness, which reminds me of…wait, sorry about that. Can one song do all that for you, too?

Billie Holiday’s final days

Ted Gioia writes with economical potency about the greatest vocalist of her generation.

A celebration of black music

I highly recommend this towering tribute to African-American classical composers, a collaboration between soprano Louise Toppin and baritone Thomas Hampson. The live festival was in Berlin in June, but there are concerts you can stream for free until 2022. Check out the trailer here.

“What’s your function?”

Over at Billboard.com, Ron Hart has written a nostalgic love-fest for the Schoolhouse Rock opus. These cartoons were “edutainment” of the late ‘70s and featured high quality songs from the likes of Lynn Ahrens. 

Have a lovely weekend!

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