A handful of important people

Laurie Spiegel

Through the LP New Music for Electronic and Recorded Media, I have been aware of Laurie Spiegel since the mid-1980s. It was the inclusion of Laurie Anderson that drew me to the LP of all female composers. A few years ago I acquired The Capriccio Series of New American Music Number Two, another compilation of all female composers. I think I might have to get more.

Giacinto Scelsi

Another contemporary composer I've known since the mid-eighties is Giacinto Scelsi. I recorded live broadcasts from the Holland Festival during those times. I still have the tapes. His association with John Cage, and especially Alvin Curran, brought him back on my radar.

Bela Bartok

Bela Bartok doesn't need much of an introduction. I've painted him several times before and own more than ten records. I stopped buying classical records but I never leave a Bartok behind when looking at thrift shops.

Patti Smith

The Top 100 2024 features a live recording of Horses. Patti Smith has been a continuous presence in the Top 100.

William S. Burroughs

Associated with Patti Smith (above) and many, many other Top 100 regulars, Burroughs now, for the first time has his own recording (A Thanksgiving Prayer) listed. The Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at my school hosted an exhibition about William S. Burroughs, featuring works by Laurie Anderson and himself. It just ended, but a new one (this time with David Bradshaw) will be opening in the new year.