In her first column of 2022, Joanna Forest shares a playlist of songs to inspire.
It seems a little late to say it, but Happy New Year!
If you are anything like me you might be starting to feel your new year mojo slowly ebbing away as January seemed to go on FOREVER! As I write this outside it’s raining, bitterly cold and even my dog seems dubious about leaving the house!
Even though there is ‘tentative’ hope now of what this year could bring, I think many of us are in need of a little boost, am I right?
And, is there any better way to lift us up when we are felling low than with music? I think not. So I wanted to start my first column of 2022 with my very own ‘Positivity Playlist’
I have taken inspiration from some of the wonderful suggestions shared by some of my fabulous guests on my ‘Classical Gas’ radio show.
It’s an incredible reminder that music really is our best friend, reliable and always there as the soundtrack to our lives. So, just for you, here are the choices of some of the amazing people in the industry whom I have been lucky enough to welcome as guests on my show.
Il Divo – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – https://open.spotify.com/
It was such a horrible shock to hear of the recent tragic passing of Il Divo’s Carlos Marin. My thoughts are with the his bandmates and family. I feel even more lucky now to have had such a lovely interview with Il Divo’s David Miller, where I had a real insight into Il Divo’s world.
We talked all about Il Divo’s new album ‘For Once In My Life: A Celebration Of Motown.’ It’s an album bursting with joy and ‘Ain’t No Mountain High’… will absolutely bat away those dreaded winter blues.
Joanthan Antione – Io si –https://open.spotify.com/
Sometimes all it takes to for us to feel brighter is a vocal that really speaks to us, connects and makes us feel seen and understood. Jonathan was my very first ‘Classical Gas’ guest and he truly is a beautiful soul with a voice to match.
After listening to his stunning ‘Io Si’ track. I guarantee you will feel all is right and well with the world.
Mike Batt – Minuetto Allegretto
https://open.spotify.com/
The absolute legend that is Mike Batt shared so many wonderful stories from his decades in the music industry. How could I not include a Wombles track on this list?
Mike combines so many genres and styles in all his wonderful Wombles masterpieces, but it was Minuetto Allegretto that he chose for us to play!
What a gem and perfect for a positivity playlist.
Lucy Kay – Max Richter, This Bitter Earth.
https://open.spotify.com/
Do you enjoy just floating away to beautiful Classical music, when the gorgeous Lucy Kay was my guest she had a brilliant song choice that was a sublime treat for the ears. Lucy chose this as her favourite piece of Classical music and I can see why.
Kerry Ellis – My Fair Lady.
https://open.spotify.com/
Musical theatre star Kerry Ellis brought the magic of the theatre to Classical Gas and chose the magnificent overture of ‘My Fair Lady’ for us to enjoy. Kerry shared with us that ‘My Fair Lady’ was her first job after training, the first very first professional step in her career.
Listening to this will absolutely bring out the goosebumps!
These are just a few of my many fave tracks chosen by my wonderful guests.
What would YOU have on your positivity playlist?
I would love to know what songs always make you smile and feel optimistic?
And finally I will leave you with my version of Hushabye mountain which is a virtual hug, from me to you – just in case you need it. Here’s to a brighter 2022.
(You can tune in to ‘Classical Gas’ every Sunday at 2pm on Great British Radio.
Via the app, your smart speaker or online.)
Twitter -@joannaforest
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Tune in and listen to ‘Classical Gas with Joanna Forest’ every Sunday at 2pm on Great British Radio: greatbritishradio.org
What a lovely and upbeat column Joanna. Now that we have met, I can see how your personality comes through your writing.
Keep writing!
Linda & Robert
Piano À Deux