My Dear Companion

John Makeham Early in 2007, HUANG Yong approached me to see if I might be interested in editing a volume on Neo-Confucian philosophy as part of the new Springer book series, ‘‘Dao Companions to Chinese Philosophy. ’’ Unhampered by any realistic sense of what such a task might entail, somewhat naively I accepted the invitation and began to approach potential contributors to solicit advice on how the volume might be structured. The question of whether the volume should be arranged on the basis of philosophical themes and topics or organized on the basis of the philosophical thought of individual thinkers proved to be the first challenge. Intellectually the first option seemed to be the most rewarding (and difficult); it was also the one on which there was little consensus among contributors to the project about just how a thematic volume might be structured.

Jasmines on-going exploration of the late 50s Folk music scene is the US continues with the first three albums by the influential, Carolyn Hester. Carolyn's Folk stylings could well be compared to those of Joan Baez and Joan's fans will certainly enjoy the material on offer here. Disc two kicks off with Carolyn's third album which features the then unknown Bob Dylan on harmonica and it was from that session that young Bob was offered a recording deal of his own. The final album on this superb 2CD set goes to that of Bob Dylan in the form of his first album which is simply entitled Bob Dylan. Also featured and closing off this set is Dylan's rare 1962 single that was recorded with his first band. Fully detailed liner notes with biography and career achievements.

The first piece, Saccade, is dedicated to my dear friend and source of endless inspiration Éliane Radigue. Éliane’s work has been my constant companion on tour since the release of Wilderness Of Mirrors. I can’t tell you the number of flights on which she has kept me company. Her work has smoothed out the unease of bumpy atmospherics and soothed states of deep exhaustion.

“Some dogs, like some people, just can’t abide a quiet life,” writes Hal Borland, author of The Dog Who Came to Stay, in this warm and touching memoir.

Johann Sebastian Bach is revered by musicians and music-lovers around the world – the German weekly Die Zeit has described him as the “fount of all music”, and violinist Yehudi Menuhin had a very simple explanation for our continuing fascination with Bach’s works: “He represents something greater within us.” Classical saxophonist Asya Fateyeva has engaged with Bach’s oeuvre since her youth, albeit at a disadvantage to many of her colleagues – the Thomaskantor wrote no works for the saxophone. Not that this put off the young musician, voted Best Female Newcomer at ECHO Klassik 2016: her latest CD Bachiana featuring works by J.S. Bach and Heitor Villa-Lobos prove her to be not only a virtuosa of her instrument but also a gifted arranger. She is ably supported by the inspired Württemberg Chamber Orchestra of Heilbronn under its principal conductor Ruben Gazarian.