One advantage of the traveling I do is the opportunity to grab a concert here and there. Last night I enjoyed the last piece on the program of an organ concert given by Dr. Gerre Hancock at Rice University. I was happy to see Rice as I almost went there for my undergraduate studies, but had until yesterday not seen it's campus. Visiting the music school allowed me to fantasize just a tiny bit about what my life may have looked like if I had made the decision to go to Texas back in 1989.

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In the 8 years that I went to music school, one of the most impressive and memorable flute students I met was Nina Perlove. She played well, worked hard, and always seemed like a rising star who knew where she was going. She looked great too - something I'm sure I took careful note of as a college boy. 20 years later she still looks great - hasn't changed a bit, in fact (in contrast to me, I've gone and grown a bit of a beard). She's Dr. Perlove now, and is enjoying a nice career with solo concerts, masterclasses, a teaching position, and a serious case of internet celebrity.

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A recent business trip brought me to Houston for a week. While there I had 5 unexpected musical moments. Each one slightly shifted my perception and understanding of the state of music in America and on the Internet. The executive summary: good times for music and musicians, the Internet is the ultimate enabler, and a few brave pioneers show us where the next waves of innovation are headed.

The BBC is reporting that record label EMI are putting the historic Abbey Road studios up for sale, causing consternation in the music world.

Given its practically mythical status among musicians and fans (especially Beatles fans), many are hoping 3 Abbey Road will remain in use as a recording complex in the future.

Though the most famous product of the Abbey Road studios might well be The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band; Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" and seminal recordings by Glen Miller, Take That, Frech Horn virtuoso Dennis Brain, Cliff Richard, Radiohead, Sigur Rós, Edward Elgar, and countless other artists were also made there since it opened in 1931.

Dave Robinson of Pro Sound News Europe magazine says, "It is an extensive piece of real estate and it must cost a lot to run. There are easier ways to make records these days, with a laptop and a microphone. You don't need these big places." Read more »

Hänsel and Gretel are hungry and lost. Their mother sent them into the woods in anger after they accidentally spilled the milk - the only food their family had. They picked berries, but Hänsel couldn't help himself and ate them all (he's only a boy!) Darkness has fallen and they've just been visited by the sandman who has made them very tired. Before they fall asleep they say an evening prayer, asking for protection during the night.

When at night I go to sleep
Fourteen angels watch do keep,
Two my head are guarding,
Two my feet are guiding,
Two are on my right hand,
Two are on my left hand,
Two who warmly cover,
Two who o'er me hover,
Two to whom is given
To guide my steps to Heaven. Read more »