In approximate chronological order of my hearing them:
- Blue Train by Johnny Cash – one of the few albums my parents listened to over and over again
- Whoop De Doo by The Six Fat Dutchmen – we danced to this album in my grandparents living room
- 2112 by Rush – my first exposure to the potential for great bass players to shape the music of a band
- Heavy Weather by Weather Report – this was on my turntable constantly in my first and second years at college
- Streetlife Seranader by Billy Joel – these lyrics really inspired my sense of poetry and storytelling
- Kind of Blue by Miles Davis – My very first introduction to Miles – played for me in Des Moines – a vintage album carefully wrapped and carefully played. This was a formative experience for me on many levels.
- Offramp or New Chatauqua by Pat Metheny – so many memories, all good!
- Body and Soul by Joe Jackson – at Haight and Clayton, then again in Tokyo – most everyone I’ve ever known has been a Joe Jackson fan.
- Vergessen by Wim Mertens – names and places withheld…but let it be said – enigma within paradox within mystery – that about covers all my memories of this album
- Stevie Wonder’s Journey through the Secret Life of Plants or Talking Book – These albums remind me about many things: especially San Francisco and late night card playing sessions at Haight and Clayton
- Graceland by Paul Simon – driving music!
- Back on the Block by Quincy Jones – this album energized all those late night office hours at Sanrio Puroland
- Ballads by John Coltrane with Mccoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison and Elvin Jones – this is so lovely – all the tunes full of romance and mystery – I wore this CD out in Japan and after
- Bouncing off Satellites by B-52’s – reminds me of one of the best birthday parties ever
- Beauty by Ryuichi Sakamoto – reminds me of my courting days in Japan
- Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration – I love the Messiah and this interpretation gives me great joy!
- Magnificat by John Rutter – this was the first really difficult piece I ever conducted – I mean who composes in 7/8 and 5/8 and 12/8 and 3/8 all in the same piece? I challenge you to find the downbeat!! It has to be danced for full appreciation
- O Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack – some of our best family memories revolve around this film
- Hymns of the 49th Parallel by k.d. lang – this album haunts me
- Cantos de Agua Dulce by Marta Gomez – beautiful and poignant reminders of the roots of my beloved husband
If the list were longer, I would include The Cocteau Twins, The New Order, Madeline Peyroux, Eddie from Ohio, Claude Bolling, The Ventures, Norah Jones, Diana Krall and so many more
Improvisations 