For reasons that I've now forgotten, I decided to organize some of the CD recommendations made by Satie enthusiasts at Niclas Fogwall's Erik Satie Homepage in Sweden.

My musical interests lie mostly in jazz. Lately, I'm listening to a lot of classical music as well.

I think I was attracted to Satie because his music sounds spontaneous. Satie is definitely a kindred spirit of Thelonious Monk, another playful wise guy, and one of my favorites. And Sun Ra is an eccentric cousin of both of them.

Satie's piano compositions sometimes remind me of Charles Mingus, with the tempo shifts and mood swings.

Satie incorporates ragtime influences into his music. Not to overemphasize the connection of Satie with jazz, but Satie shares some sort of sensibility with my favorite jazz artists.

Of course the *real* reason why I started listening to Erik Satie is the same reason everybody started listening to Satie: I heard the beautiful Gymnopédies and Gnossiennes.

Dick Burger, Jan 97
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
email me with your suggestions

What's with those funny titles? Help for the french impaired

Michael Furstner has gathered some suggestions for Satie listening at his Jazclass site. Some suggestions for jazz "covers" of Satie there. Check out what MF is doing with jazz education over the internet.

Emma Rooksby built the Erik Satie Homepage in Australia that I have several links to.

Am quite impressed by the obvious affection for Satie's music in Japan. Among the artists mentioned on these pages:
Danceries
Haruomi Hosono
Katsuyuki Itakura
Miharu Koshi
Yoshio Ojima
Yoshiko Okada
Koji Ueno
Yitkin Seow
Satsuki Shibano
Riri Shimada
Aki Takahashi
Yuji Takahashi
Plus the mysterious Satie Groove

Reviews: Yes, I know some of the reviews reprinted on these pages are written by uptight, Satie-hating stuffed-shirts, who invariably end their reviews with the condescending mantra, "Satie lovers may like this music, but ..."

I share your concern; I feel your pain; your rolling eyes are my rolling eyes. I appreciate the insights and perspectives that these very experienced listeners offer, and try not to get too bothered by their subjective tastes.