My husband is known for many things. A quick Google search will lead the reader to snippets from his distant and recent past--his exploits as a violin dealer/expert, a music review wherein he's described as a "disaffected Dutch concert musician who performed with Albert Ayler" in the 60's, the Sumi-e painting classes he's taught, and some online blog comments here and there from former students and clients.
What you won't discover with a Google search is Michel's life-long passion for food. He tells amusing stories about how he realized as a very young boy that his mother's well-intentioned culinary efforts fell short of his expectations and that, even as a child, he learned to prepare foods he wanted to eat. His unrelenting quest for delicious food exists to this day.
Michel could not have imagined when he made the trip from Holland to New York City in December 1965 to study violin/conducting that he would eventually find himself at home in Louisville, Kentucky. His passions for good music and good food remain undiminished.
When he's not practicing the violin or painting in his studio or doing research on violins and bowmakers, you can find him curled up with our four Cavalier King Charles Spaniels or happily inventing new recipes in our small, no-granite-countertops kitchen.
I hope you enjoy the cooking adventures we'll be sharing with you.
Such a disappointment! I just listened to Michel Samson's beautiful violin work in Ayler's "Live at Slugs Saloon" and now I have to learn he is a foodie, the most boring and banal thing in the world to be :-)
ReplyDeleteSorry to disappoint you, Eat drink and spit. Maybe my choice of the word "foodie" is the problem. I can assure you there is nothing remotely boring or banal about my husband Michel. He is still first and foremost a classically trained violinist who is also the top expert in the world when it comes to important violins and bows. It's a bonus for me and for our blog followers that he loves food/cooking. If it's any consolation to you, Michel is frequently contacted by jazz fans from all over the world about his work with Albert Ayler. He was approached recently about performing at an event in Germany next summer. Let's see what happens. Thank you for your feedback. if you'd like to contact Michel directly, you can email him at michelsamson719@gmail.com
DeleteRebecca, you set a good example with your high-minded and courteous reply. It's a level of graciousness we must all aspire to.
DeleteEat amd Drink spit are you serious? Most artistic people find artistic interest in many things. Food is an art in itself. There is nothing boring about a well made dish. Ingredients can be beautiful and exciting. Chefs are judged on presentation as well as content. It's pretty rude to decide someone is lame because they find interest in food or anything else you don't. The only thing boring and banal here is your mind and attitude. No, you are not required to like food or anything else if you don't. I don't understand Pokemon for example and have no interest, but I can appreciate the passion I hear when enthusiasts speak about it. You'd better just give up what limited fake love of music you have now. If it depends on your approval of every aspect of someone's life, you're not going to like the diversity of interests and the inspirations you're going to find in any of these talented people.
ReplyDeleteI just learned about your husband Michel through listening to Albert Ayler's recording. How can I find more of his music? I'm a violin improviser as well, always trying to seek out all the improvising violinists out there.
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