Allan reviewed Sam Baker’s album “Horses and Stars” this summer. It took him a few listens, but when he got it, he really did get it. Sam’s songs are powerful stories of the everyday triumphs and tragedies of ordinary Americans, ‘the single mothers, the alcoholics, the drug addicts, the widows and the guilt-ridden’, the people getting on with their lives whatever challenges are thrown in their direction. These are the real stories of contemporary America. So we were obviously pleased when Sam agreed to make a contribution to the 2019 High Fives feature with the music that he listens to while he paints (and some references to the background of these pieces). As a bonus, we also have an example of Sam’s artwork.

 

Miles Davis

Sketches of Spain (with Gil Evans)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sketches_of_Spain

 

Miles Davis

Kind of Blue

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kind_of_Blue

 

John Coltrane

The Gentle Side of John Coltrane

 

Bill Evans

Sunday At the Village Vanguard

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunday_at_the_Village_Vanguard

 

Sam Cooke

Anything he sings especially with the Soul Stirrers

 

And some of Sam’s artwork to go with the list….