My tradition of making an annual birthday playlists is one way I like to commemorate and benchmark the years. This year's collection showcases, for me, the importance of music in my life.

These 34 songs, are arranged chronologically: early discoveries first, and most recent at the end. They show me that my (excellent) tastes are both evolving (I guess I like Jazz now 🤷‍♂️) and persisting (rediscovered artists from bygone eras.) These songs mark where I was in life (sometimes literally in Boston), or what I was doing (performing Count Basie as part of a big band). They remind me of a contemplative evening with thoughtful lyrics, or a sunny drive bopping out to silly raps about smelling bad. I've always been proud of the range of my favorite songs, and that I equally enjoy a beautifully composed videogame theme, a prog-metal ode to reptiles, chamber saxophone, and the latest drops from my favorite nature-sampling multi-instrumentalist. There's an infinite variety of music that continues to delight and inspire me!

I also appreciate music's infinite capacity to be shared. One shared song can remind someone of another song that you've never heard. Before you know it, you're swapping discoveries back-and-forth as a musical conversation. I hope you'll enjoy something in this years line up, and if you're so inclined, I'd love to hear what it is and/or your favorite song it made you think of!