Sunday, 30th April 2006

My playlist

I was passed fit (just) for the fourth round of chemotherapy on Tuesday 18th April 2006. I chatted to the nurses in the oncology suite at the hospital and one of them reminded me that I was now two thirds of the way through this saga. I had two more cycles to go and then the endurance test, for this part of my treatment at least, would come to an end.

Blood test results

Haemoglobin 11.1, Platelets 363
White blood cells 3.8, Neutrophils 2.4

Chemotherapy does not get any easier with each successive treatment. As I steeled myself for the effects the drugs would have on me, I focused on the permanent damage being inflicted on any rogue cancer cells that may still be floating around my body. Also, not a day goes by without either a family member or friend helping me out in some way. In this respect I am very lucky: imagine going through all of this on your own? Apart from my ever supportive family and friends music has been constant companion – this predates my diagnosis by a long time but somehow songs I have always enjoyed have become even more enjoyable. I nearly always have the radio tuned into a music station in the car and I have a favourite set of CDs that are never far away. Theres are some songs that I keep coming back to: like friends they are always there in the background and never fail to cheer me up. They speak for themselves. Some are classics, some will fade with time, all are special for me.

1. Song title:It don't mean a thing (if it ain't got that swing).
Artist: Louis Armstrong
Composer: Duke Ellington - Lyricist: Irving Mills
Date: 1963 EMI Records.

There can't be many people in the western hemisphere that could fail to recognise the identity of the man behind this remarkable voice. All the more extraordinary given the racial discrimination he faced however, such was the size of his talent, he overcame this and abject poverty to become a name intrinsically linked to the jazz genre. His seemingly natural and charming ability to weave sunbeams into every note he plays or sings has secured Louis Armstrong's place not only in musical history but in the cultural development of America. Above all, it was Louis's trumpet playing that broke new ground. His distinctive voice, and the music of Duke Ellington makes this song one of my all time favourites. His performances have thankfully been recorded in several Hollywood films including High Society and Hello Dolly where he looks every inch a star. And you know what? The light shines as brightly as it ever did.

2. Song title: Come fly with me.
Artist : Frank Sinatra
Composer: James Van Heusen - Lyricist: Sammy Cahn
Date: 1957 Capitol records

This is the young Frankie at his best. The big band sound was arranged by Billy May who also conducted the fabulous orchestra, but, soaring above it all is Frank himself. I pack my bags and leave with him every time he flies away.

3. Song title: I've got you under my skin
Artist : Ella Fitzgerald
Composer/lyricist: Cole Porter
Date: 1956 Polygram records – New York

The purity and honey like sound of Ella Fitzgerald's voice has a mesmerising effect on me and I imagine countless other people. Ella can sing just about anything however this song by Cole Porter might as well have been written for her as it brings out the best in her vocal talents. When Ella starts singing it's as if an angel has found its way into your head-set and allowed you to hear what it sounds like when you get to heaven. She remains untouchable.

4. Song title: Help!
Artists : The Beatles
Composer/lyricist: Lennon & McCartney
Date: 1965 on Northern Song record label.

It's difficult for me not to continue with the entire album once I listen to any Beatles track however this song goes like a train from the start and I tend to want to listen to it more than the others. The close harmonies are sublime and I'm always disappointed when it comes to the end.

5. Song title:The Girl from Ipanema
Artists : Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto
Composer/lyricist: Jobim/Moraes/Gimbel
Date: 1964 MCM records inc.

This has to be one of the most mellow and chilled out jazz songs ever recorded. I love the contrast of the two voices and of course the unmistakable saxophone solo that could only be Stan Getz . I sometimes dance to this song when I'm pottering about in the kitchen. Everything takes twice as long but somehow the chores become less dull.

6. Song title:Move on up
Artist : Curtis Mayfield
Composer/lyricist: Curtis Mayfield
Date: 1970 MCA records

Is there anyone that can keep still listening to this song? I have not a clue what Curtis is singing about however it's one of the most uplifting songs I have ever come across. That's not all. Someone is having a seriously good time with those Congo drums. A real floor-filler in the Kesselman home.

7. Song title: Dance me to the end of love
Artist : Madeleine Peyroux
Composer/lyricist: Leonard Cohen
Date: 2004 Rounder records corp from the album Careless Love

My sister bought me this CD for my Birthday one year. I had not come across Madeleine Peyroux before however, knowing Rosemary's good taste in music, I played the CD as soon as I had a moment to myself and was immediately struck by the haunting beauty of this lady's voice. There are echoes of Billie Holiday tinged with a Gallic influence that makes it very distinctive and the more you hear the more you want the music to go on. Works very well in the rush hour when you're trying to stay calm but ideally listened to when you have the sofa to yourself and you simply want to drift off. Every word is crystal clear;this song is a delight from start to finish. And yes, it's taken me till song No.7 to stumble into the 21st century.

8. Song title: Summer Soft
Artist : Stevie Wonder
Composer/lyricist: Stevie Wonder
Date: Originally released on the Tamla records label in 1976 as part of Songs in the key of life album.

Easily one of the most played artists in my record collection. There are over four million entries on Stevie when you type his name into a search engine such is the interest in his extraordinary musical output . He too had to overcome racial discrimination and poverty, perhaps not in the severe way Louis Armstrong did nevertheless it was a part of his life as was his blindness which makes him all the more remarkable. Not only does he write the music and lyrics for all the songs he sings, close scrutiny of original record sleeves reveal he plays most of the instruments and very often has produced the entire album.

As a teenager I was allowed to go to see him in concert with a school friend at Wembley Arena when he was on the 'Hotter than July' tour. In those days I could scream for England and, with the thousands of other hormone powered kids in the audience, we made sure he knew just how many of us were there to welcome him when he walked onto the stage. It was a dream come true for the Stevie Wonder fans that had managed to get a ticket. To see him, hear him sing live, and play all those instruments was an unforgettable experience. Towards the end of the concert he said that he had a couple of friends in town and that they were going to join him on stage. Then on walked Diana Ross hand in hand with Marvin Gaye. We held hands and danced as the three of them sang together with Stevie on keyboards. The cheers, screams and whistles went on and on when they finished. I couldn't speak for days after – but it was worth it.

This song is not often played on the airwaves however it bears the hallmark of his musical talent. Could anyone other than Stevie have written lyrics like “....Morning rain, gently plays her rhythms on your window pane...” He has received countless music awards most notably perhaps for those of us in the UK the Ivor Novello lifetime achievement award in 2001. I remain in awe of him.

9. Song title: Over the Rainbow
Artist : Eva Cassidy
Composer: Harold Arlen - Lyricist: E.Y. Harburg
Date: Recorded between 1993-1996? I have it on the Song Bird album.

Bryan said to me “How can you choose this recording over Judy Garland's original master piece?” It is true, Judy is a hard act to follow, but this interpretation arranged and sung by Eva Cassidy breathes new life into the music and stands on its own merits. E Y Harburg's lyrics have stood the test of time and Eva's voice is extraordinarily beautiful adding bright colour and subtle meanings that remained hidden until Eva discovered them. Eva's life was cut all too short by terminal cancer. Thankfully we have recordings like these to remind us of her wonderful gift. I always try to hit the notes as she soars to the top but of course can't get anywhere close.

10. Song title: Another star
Artist : Stevie Wonder
Composer/lyricist: Stevie Wonder
Date: As before

The man is too good. I turn the volume right up when I play this song and then lose track of time. An added bonus is the “La la la la la...” at the beginning and at the end. What more can I say? “There might be another song, but in my heart your melody will stay with me.”