So I succeeded in avoiding running all weekend. My excuse Saturday was it was too cold in the morning. Then in the afternoon we babysat Logan while his parents took their new puppy to obedience training. After that there was College Football as I watched the end of the Gators game, followed by the LSU-Alabama game. The Georgia game ended the night.
Then yesterday was Trader Joe’s in the morning followed by NFL football. Yesterday had the best possible end for an Eagles fan with the Cowboys going down to the Vikings!!
I even seriously thought about not running today. However, when I saw that it’s going to rain tomorrow morning which is the only time I can run tomorrow. I knew I had to run today .
The Run
So after my EKG which looked Like last years which was very good, I hit the road. It was actually the first time I’ve run in the late afternoon. Not knowing how traffic would be on some of the major roads in town, I ran a course where I don’t have to cross any main roads. Basically, it was the same course I ran last Tuesday with a different first 3/4 mile.
It was a strong easy run, slightly slower than last Tuesday’s run. Here are the nerdy details….
The Nerdy Details
Total Distance: 3.24 Total Time: 32:31 Pace: 10:02-
Splits Mile 1: 9:53 Mile 2 – 10:12 Mile 3: 10:16 0.23 9:08
Avg HR: 140 Max HR 171 Calories Burned: 407 cals
The Soundtrack – Joanna Connor’s Rise
The soundtrack for the run was Rise the new release from Joanna Connor I first discovered Ms. Connor’s music which is highlighted by here dynamic guitar work, when I listen to her 2916 release Six String Stories. I was impressed with that album and Rise is just as impressive more even more impressive.
While Joanna stretched herself musically on Six String Stories, she went even farther on Rise providing touch of jazz, Celtic music and even hip-hop. And while I don’t love the hip-hop it works on the album. The songs on the album provide a personal statement from Joanna…..
“It’s all about rising in life, rising to know yourself, rising to meet the challenge of exploring yourself deeper. Putting it out there.”
She also has a new backup band– drummer Tyrone Mitchell and Cameron Lewis, bassist Joewaun Jay Red Scott and keyboardist Delby Littlejohn. The group adds some fresh energy to the album. Joanna says the following about the album and band…
“The whole record is me and a bunch of younger men,” she says. “So there was some kind of power coming through them to me.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that Rise from Joanna Connor is a great album, with some terrific guitar work from Joanna. Some folks say that the highlight of the album is “Bad Hand”a duet with Joanna’s long-time friend Mike Zito.
As for me two highlights for me were the two instrumental tracks “Joanna in A” and “If You Want to Stay”. Two others that were standout tracks for me were: “Earthshaker” and “Blues Tonight” which may be my favorite track”
So Check Out Rise and while you’re at it also check out Six String Stories.
I’ll end with Guitar World’s comment about Joanna…
Joanna Connor might be the best — or most original — blues-based slide guitar player you’re likely to come across today. Or tomorrow.
Links for the Further Exploration of the Blues of Joanna Connor
Here’s one of the highlights of Rise a Joanna Connor – Mike Zito duet.
