end of the Harcourt era

Last week marked much. Amongst other things my favorite holiday (this year’s celebration of thanks was unique and non-traditional, quite festive, and absolutely blessed) and the dreaded onset of my seasonal insomnia (whateva…). It also marked the end of an extraordinary era of introductions to and interviews with an assorted array of music makers on one of my favorite shows (KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic”) by one of my favorite voices, Nic Harcourt. The voice that launched a whole bunch o’ big(ish) artists, Harcourt offered more than a mere harmonious start to the day, he’s also served as a valued constant; a sound one could count on, rain or shine… sorta like the mail, but way better. Along with anticipation of the unpredictable adventures of the day-to-day, it’s something that’s gotten me excited most every working morning at 9. Okay, I’m easy. Don’t judge.

One of my oft-used mantras is that the only true constant in life is change, and I fully embrace movement and evolution, lest our spectacular planet become spectacularly boring, yes? MBE will live on, just sans Nic. And so onward we go - with all the best to Jason Bentley in his assumption of the helm.

Hard to select one song to bid farewell (he’ll still host a Sunday evening show, anyhoo). This being a “thanks for the memories” inspired post, I thought I’d go with this hopeful little ditty by Travis, from their 2003 CD 12 Memories. Travis was introduced to the U.S. by Harcourt, and provided the last artist interview of his tenure as Music Director. So now, without further ado, “Love Will Come Through”… may it come through for you.

And in keeping with my meager attempt at tradition, something new, too. “Something Anything”, that is, from Travis’ recently released Ode to J Smith.  Hope you enjoy.

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