Things I'm Loving Lately, Volume I
1. Sullivan Fortner's new album, Solo Game
My first introduction to the pianist Sullivan Fortner came through one of my favorite jazz vocalists, Cécile McLorin-Salvant. I remember listening to her 2018 album "The Window," entranced as always by her indescribably colorful, fluid voice and colors for days, then found myself increasingly drawn to what the piano was doing. I recently heard Cécile and Sullivan live at the Village Vanguard, where they played a set largely from The Window. Sullivan’s playing blew me away. He’s like a sculptor, working in seemingly infinite mediums. His playing carves wood, molds wet clay, chisels stone. What he is able to do on the piano transports me to some of the farthest reaches of sound and harmony that I've experienced and flows seamlessly and elegantly between worlds. On his new album Solo Game, his virtuosity, heart, wit, and creativity are on full display. I can't recommend this album enough. Listen again and again and be moved, amazed, and surprised each time.
Favorite tracks: King's Table, Space Walk
2. Pigeon pose
I've been getting back into yoga lately, after a years-long hiatus brought on by a persistent wrist injury. I used to be somewhat obsessed with hot vinyasa yoga, and that obsession seems to be creeping back into my life. Beyond the comfort of a hot room in these chilly fall/winter months, I leave the room with my whole body vibrating and my mind calm. I have a few favorite poses: revolved triangle, virasana (hero's pose), dancer...but maybe my favorite of all is pigeon. I walk a lot on a daily basis, so my hips are always tight. There's nothing like spending a few breaths (or, even better, several minutes in a yin sequence) on each side. I'm always surprised at how much tension I'm holding and can begin to let go within a few breaths. We’re so lucky to have so many amazing yoga studios and teachers here in NYC. I've been trying a few out over the past couple months and really finding some gems.
3. A new untitled cocktail
I improvised this recipe randomly one day because I a) love easy 1:1:1 ratios, and b) had a bunch of limes and a container of cherry syrup from some amaretto cherries lying around. It's sort of like a Naked & Famous but with fewer specialty ingredients.
1oz mezcal
1oz Montenegro amaro (can replace with any other amaro, also try any sweet-ish liqueurs!)
1oz lime juice
1/2oz cherry syrup (or other syrup of choice)
What I'm listening to this week, Volume I (click here for the Spotify playlist):