Nina Simone, the High Priestess of Soul, was many things; accomplished pianist of everything from classical to jazz and soul; baritone singer; songwriter; civil rights activist… but, she had another side to her; a woman with a huge temper; often prone to violent and aggressive outbursts; and ultimately, as a result, a convicted criminal - all ultimately, and belatedly, diagnosed with bipolar disorder. So, a complicated lady, with a complicated life… but also one of the most i

30 April 2022. An auspicious day in musical history for sure. It marked the passing of country star Naomi Judd, not to mention Mac DeMarco's 32nd birthday. But wait - what else happened that day? Well, this labour of love for me, Dreaming of Birds That Are Blue, published its very first post on that very day! So, why don't we celebrate these last four years. As many of you know, it has never really been about the numbers - it is all about music being a safe and happy space fo

I will be honest with you - I was listening to my favourite radio show last week (Radcliffe & Maconie on BBC 6 Music , for the record), and it was one of their features that sparked the theme for this playlist. On their regular Sunday Tea Time Theme Time section, someone had suggested songs with links to districts of New York City. I could do that, I thought - and so, instead of the three included on that show, I have for you a playlist of more than 10! Everyone a district o