This lovely Zen Pencils post introduced me to the pianist James Rhodes, who has an incredible personal story to go along with his immense musical talent.

He came through an abusive childhood and was given new life by music. 

I listened to his Live in Brighton album while I worked today. Between pieces he discusses the stories of the musicians and the compositions he’s playing. His language is frank, funny, and a bit off-color, and it’s the most refreshing experience I’ve had with classical music since I first discovered composer Benjamin Zander’s TED Talk. 

He talks about how lacking the term “classical” is for the genre and wonders if it’s “serious” music. 

How many classical albums have earned an “Explicit” label in iTunes?

Intrigued? Check it out.