I love Miles Davis, Prince. Good choice!

John Fogerty/CCR, Lindsey Buckingham, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton and Fats Domino get the most play when I need to ramp up my energy level.

Never The Beatles? Lowell, they were the BEST!

I loved the Beatles at the time. Now I find I change the station when their tunes come on. Maybe I've heard them too much. I admit it's a failing in me.

I actually do a lot of writing in my job and have a set of large speakers right next to my desk.

I listen to a lot of blues: BB King, Mike Bloomefield, Blind Willie McTell, and such.

I also go with rock: Buffalo Springfield, Chicago, CS&N, Blessed Union of Soul, Steve Miller, et al.

However, once I'm into writing I tune out the music and can't even remember what was played.

Anyone else like that?

Steve Miller was great -- the pompitus (sp?) of love.

I don't tune out the music. The music helps me. Lowell

If I'm pensive or contemplative, or just wanting to feel good, I listen to singer/songwriter Denes McIntosh (The Old Coyote). Specifically, the CD 'Acoustic Disposition', or 'Diamonds In The Litter Box'. He's a relatively unknown songwriter with some very personal and introspective songs.

As far as musical preferences go, I subscribe to the wisdom of Duke Ellington: "If it sounds good, it IS good". I listen to ALL KINDS of music - rock, pop, jazz, classical, world music. Local composing hero John Adams is a big favorite. Right now, I'm enjoying classical guitarist Sharon Isbin's latest album, "Journey to the New World". Joan Baez sings on a couple of the tracks - you should check it out.

Lowell

speaking of Steve miller, were you around when they used to play at the Lion Share up in your neighborhood?

Interesting blog, Lowell, offering personal insight. I often write to music, too. Charlie Parker if I'm energized and need to get a lot of ideas down; John Coltrane if it's an introspective piece. Often I'll just tune in to KCSM and whatever's on is usually pretty darn good. ----------- Your colleague and friend, Robert

I'm a huge fan of Steely Dan. Not the top 40 songs, but entire body of music that the average person is not aware of. I saw them in Santa Rosa last year and their Jazz/Rock sound never missed a note.

Jackson Browne's work fits nicely in times either of melancholy or exuberance. He's just a good musical oak...comfort or celebration. From Running on Empty to For a Dancer, and much in between. Timeless stuff.

Jackson Browne's work fits nicely in times either of melancholy or exuberance. He's just a good musical oak...comfort or celebration. From Running on Empty to For a Dancer, and much in between. Timeless stuff.

I guess since I write for a website covering theatre in San Jose, I listen to plenty of showtunes while I write. "In the Heights" is getting a lot of pod love recently. Also been on a major John Legend kick of late.