Will cash registers ring for Joshua Bell? I think so. I hope so. As a matter of fact, I've PRE-ordered my copy of his newest recording, At Home with Friends, which hits the stores on Tuesday, September 29. Come to think of it, this is the first time I've ever pre-ordered a recording of any kind...rock, pop, classical, whatever. So what has me all psyched? This Grammy Award-winning violinist is performing duets with friends of his, a spectacular who's who of stars from different parts of the musical world, including Kristin Chenoweth, Sting, Nathan Gunn, Chris Botti, Marvin Hamlisch, Anoushka Shankar, Tiempo Libre, among others. Joshua even plays with Sergei Rachmaninoff! (I'll follow-up with another blog soon to explain this.) With more than 30 original albums under his belt, what was the inspiration behind this recording? Bell says:
"Some of my most precious memories of childhood recall the 'family musicales' in my home -- my sisters, my parents, my cousins all playing music together and for each other during the holidays. Since then I went on to have many thrilling experiences in concert halls, but I still enjoy the experience of making music with my friends and family in a small, intimate setting. There's nothing like sitting on a pillow by the piano surrounded by passionate artists, not quite sure who's going to get up next to perform. It's my hope that this recording figuratively transports listeners into the room with us."
I'm expecting this release to become my new "go to" recording for the season, traveling with me in the car and at home, on CD and in my iPod. Â Hopefully the radio station's copy will soon get here so we can get it on the air for you.