Two weeks ago, as the fires were burning and all of Los Angeles was on edge, I went to visit my friend Curtis on "the other side of the hill" (Hollywood). Since I was heading back home during peak traffic, Curtis suggested I take Mulholland. The ever alluring Mulholland Drive. My favorite view of Los Angeles. Downtown on one side, the Valley on the other. And on this particular day, the veil of smoke from the fires turned the sun bright red. I have never seen anything like it. The lookouts were packed with people taking photos.
I was listening to Gustavo Santaolalla which seemed like the perfect backdrop for this drive. Gustavo did the music for the films "Babel", "21 Grams", "Amores Perros", "Brokeback Mountain", to name a few. He is one of my favorites. His music can absolutely transport you. Listen to him on a Sunday afternoon and you feel like you are on vacation.
About two years ago, Sean and I were driving by Griffith Park. It was late at night, not long after the fires (these fires are becoming marks of time in Southern California) and a family of coyotes crossed in front of our car. "De Ushuaia la Quiaca" by Gustavo was playing. We just stopped and let them cross. It was like a moment from a Michael Mann film. The whole street was still, the only sound was the music. And it just fit.
For those of you who have a CD from me, chances are Gustavo is on there at least once. If you have not heard his music, Ronroco is a great place to begin. The tracks, "Gaucho", "Iguazu" and "De Ushuaia la Quiaca" are standouts. But this entire album is incredible. Sample on itunes, my friends. You'll be glad you did.
