Hilary Seabrook - writer, podcaster, musician

Grammy-nominated violinist Curtis Stewart joined me for the latest episode of Harmonious World . His new album - Of Power - conveys much that history needs to know about the Covid-19 pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement and what it means to be alive in 2021. I'm tipping this for a Grammy nomination, but, as Curtis and I discuss in our conversation, the category it would sit in would need much discussions. Fundamentally classical, Of Power combines elements of improvisation and electronics alongside Stewart's own stunningly virtuosic violin playing. Thanks to Curtis for allowing me to play extracts from the album alongside our conversation.

  I reviewed 'Disconnections' by Matteo Finali's Final Step. Read it here .

You know how, as a parent, you're not allowed to have favourite children? As a podcaster, I can't have favourite guests, but Arturo O'Farrill would definitely be in the top three!     I had the immense pleasure of speaking to pianist, composer, band leader, educator and truly inspirational  Arturo O'Farrill  for the latest episode of Harmonious World .     Virtual Birdland  brings to your ears 10 compositions from over 50 online concerts recorded from the safety of the musicians' homes during the pandemic. This album is a sure-thing for a Grammy in 2022 and it brings to life some of the wonderful music performed regularly at Birdland by O'Farrill's  Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra .     Thanks to Arturo for allowing me to play extracts from the album   alongside our conversation.

Did you know that every single toothbrush you have EVER used still exists?     It will be in landfill or in the ocean or on a beach somewhere. And will probably still be there in 1,000 years.     You can stop that ever happening again by making one simple change. You can do it today.     (And, actually, those old plastic toothbrushes do make really good cleaning tools around the house, so use them as long as you can!)     If you're ready to make one simple change today, I can even help. If you use my code @BAMBUUHILARY you can get 10% off with my friends at @Bambuubrush.     Just. Click. Here.

The latest episode of Harmonious World features an interview with trombonist and bandleader  Nick Finzer .     Cast of Characters  is the recording of a live set recorded immediately prior to the pandemic in March 2020. It's a beautiful collection of compositions and such a delight to hear a band playing live in front of an appreciative audience. If you're fortunate enough to live on the East Coast of the United States, you could even be part of that audience in the coming weeks.     Thanks to Nick for allowing me to play extracts from the EP   alongside our conversation.

 I love writing blog posts like this - celebrating exciting times with @BambuuBrush.

One of my favourite albums of 2021 - this one is from saxophonist Sam Braysher.     Read my review here .