The Economics of Gold

Composer Lou Goldford has written a phenomenal piece for me, and I’m so proud to include a live recording of it on my upcoming debut solo album OK Trombone. Lou, in addition to being a PhD candidate in composition at Columbia University, holds an undergrad degree in Economics. He employed his knowledge of novel economic concepts to write a solo trombone piece with electroacoustic accompaniment that actually converts the live price of gold into sound that is used in real time to accompany the extremely difficult solo trombone writing.

This piece is near and dear to me because it musically portrays the struggle of musicians against the forces of capital. Especially lately, I’ve been viscerally experiencing the reality of how quickly capitalism is ready to jettison anything that doesn’t add to the bottom line. I struggle daily to reject the idea that success is solely defined in economic terms - but the consumerist quagmire in the US bombards the senses with constant feelings of inadequacy.

You are valuable.
Your art is valuable.

I need to hear that today just as much as you do I think.