Labor Day weekend in the city and it is only appropriate that I feature an incredible song called "New York City" by Czech musician Miroslav Vitous. Born in Prague, he began playing the violin at age six, piano at ten and bass at fourteen. As a young man in Europe, Vitous was a competitive swimmer who actually played in the Olympics. Moving to New York City in the mid '60s in order to be part the vibrant music that was sprouting and with his virtuoso jazz bass playing skills led critics to place him in the same league with the luminaries from the budding jazz/rock fusion movement. He founded the seminal group Weather Report and then parted ways to continue to pursue a solo career. "New York City" comes from the 1976 LP called Magical Shepherd. "NYC" is an almost ten minute synthesizer symphony full of eerie effects and chanted vocals; it featured musicians: Herbie Hancock, Airto Moreira and James Gadson. It is weird, fascinating and a little freaky, just like this wonderful city. I highly recommend a listen.
New York City - Miroslav Vitous - Warner Brothers
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