Everyone has been doing their 2020 "Year in Review" posts. I do not want to minimize the tragedy that people have experienced this year, but this podcast would not have come into existence if it was not for the circumstances that this year presented. Justin Nimmo approached me about this project in early 2020, and based on endless hours of sitting around in the Spring, Justin and I were able to record multiple episodes a week. To steal a phrase from Justin, it was just nice to "have a conversation" with so many friends old and new. It was a joy to laugh and reminisce with all of you. It was a joy to relive so many moment under the Recital Hall's bright lights when our live shows were put on hold. This podcast defined a time of uncertainty for Justin and me.
In improvisational comedy, we have a troupe known as "The Rule of Three." It is fitting that we end this year with "The Rule of Three Thousand" downloads. When Justin and I started this niche project, we never would have guessed that people would be listening ten months later. However, whoever has listened to only one or all thirty-nine episodes, we thank you for your listenership and interest in our silly, little group.
I did not know it at the time, but March 6th would be the last live improv show of 2020. Fittingly, it was National Improv Day. At the end of the show, Justin Livingston, head drummer of Udder Chaos, presented me with a copy of "Dark Side of the Moo," signed by all of Udder Chaos & The Milkmen. It was a super special moment. Maybe because I am fresh off the heels of watching Pixar's "SOUL," I am pondering the idea of my spark. I do not think it is teaching, improv, or even jazz music. The spark behind this album is the sense of community. It reminds me of the joy that we can share with hundreds of people each and every month. So as a thank you for your support in 2020, I am sharing this whole album with you. Thank you for sharing in that special spark. We hope to keep it alive in 2021.
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Udder Chaos | "Dark Side of the Moo"
1. What Is Hip? [Tower of Power]
2. All Of Me [Seymour Simons & Gerald Marks]
3. In A Mellow Tone [Duke Ellington]
4. In A Sentimental Mood [Duke Ellington]
5. Forget You [Ceelo Green]
6. There Will Never Be Another You [Harry Warren]