Happy New Year!

I usually don’t do new year resolutions, but this year I must aim to be a better blogger.  Going for months without writing anything, especially when I’ve been asked specific questions about the Porter project and its music, is really pathetic. So I will do better… at least today!

Since it’s a new year, I’d like to begin with a shout out to my friend and colleague John McLaughlin Williams, who was nominated for his second Grammy in the category of Best Instrumental Soloist(s) Performance (with Orchestra), Category 102 for those who look on the Grammy site.

He’s a wonderful musician with a keen ear and extremely knowledgeable about anything obscure. I’ve enjoyed working with him on the Porter project, which will be out in 2009. For more about John, you can read his bio here: http://www.elieshanelson.com/porter/musicians.shtml#williams

The recording features the violin concerti of Ernest Bloch and Benjamin Lees performed by Elmar Oliveira, violin, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, and John McLaughlin Williams conducting.