I recorded the first volume of Birthday Jazz in 2010 to commemorate the birth of my daughter, Blanca. When she was just a few months old some of our closest friends and family got together at a nice little spot down by the Guadalquivir to celebrate her life. The mix, which I had recorded especially for that occasion, played in the background.
A few weeks later I uploaded it to Mixcloud, where it was an immediate success. People’s reactions to the mix and the sentiment behind it surprised and exhilarated me–so much support and encouragement from so many complete strangers. Strangely, over time this mix has grown to feel even more personal even as it’s so public.
We all know that music has the wonderful power to revive past moments and make them vivid again, and when I listen to this mix I return to that initial, burning feeling–the raw hope that marked the arrival of my daughter. There have been times when I felt that the mix has been able to provide me with something almost like guidance by taking me back and putting the present into perspective. And I’ve listened to the mix so often–it has been the main soundtrack to these years of big changes and challenges and joy.
Now that the mix is so loaded with memories, I think it’s time to look forward. A second volume of the series is on its way–one that I hope can express what life for us is like now. I can think of no better way to honor my wonderful daughter than with music from the heart. I can’t wait for the day she’s finally ready to fully share in this very special music with me and explore the sonic record I’ve left for her.
Many thanks to all who have favorited the mix, recommended it to others, and supported the birthday jazz vision over the past few years. I’ve finally decided to make the mix available to download via the Birthday Jazz page on facebook. Once you’ve clicked the like button a “Free Download” button will appear that will take you to the downloads area.