Genre-Bending Vibes

This week, we're bringing together three artists from different musical worlds: Giorgio Gaslini, Project Pat, and Carly Rae Jepsen. Giorgio Gaslini’s pioneering jazz compositions take us on an avant-garde journey, blending intricate rhythms and freeform improvisation that’s both challenging and mesmerizing. Project Pat brings the gritty, hard-hitting energy of Southern hip-hop, delivering raw stories from the streets with an unmistakable Memphis flavor. And then there’s Carly Rae Jepsen, whose infectious pop anthems are filled with catchy hooks and feel-good vibes, creating the perfect contrast to our eclectic lineup. Together, these artists offer a playlist that’s as dynamic as it is diverse, showcasing the power of genre-blending at its finest.

Morning Improvisations With Gaslini

Giorgio Gaslini

Giorgio Gaslini was an Italian jazz virtuoso whose contributions to jazz and avant-garde music left an indelible mark on the European music landscape. Known for his versatility as a pianist, composer, and conductor, Gaslini was a pioneer who skillfully blended jazz improvisation with classical composition, creating a unique style that was both complex and accessible. His work spanned multiple decades, during which he explored everything from free jazz and bebop to Italian folk influences and orchestral music, pushing the boundaries of what jazz could be.

Gaslini’s compositions are notable for their intricate harmonies, delicate melodies, and adventurous spirit. Albums like Murales and Nuovi Sentimenti exemplify his ability to merge spontaneity with structure, delivering pieces that are intellectually stimulating yet deeply emotional. He was also one of the first European jazz musicians to receive international recognition, collaborating with American jazz legends and performing worldwide. His contributions to film music, especially his haunting score for Dario Argento’s Profondo Rosso, further showcase his range, bringing a jazz sensibility to the world of cinema.

Throughout his career, Gaslini remained dedicated to pushing jazz forward, inspiring a generation of European musicians and setting a high standard for innovation in the genre. For those interested in jazz that defies convention while staying true to its roots, Giorgio Gaslini’s catalog offers a masterclass in creativity and expression. His music is a journey—rich, complex, and endlessly rewarding.

My Favorite Album:

• Le tue mani sul mio corpo

My Favorite Songs:

• Rete

• Cio che e’ scritto nel vento

Pat’s Midday Hustle

Project Pat

Memphis legend Project Pat is a cornerstone of Southern rap best known for his gritty storytelling, unmistakable flow, and a voice that’s as raw as it is captivating. Rising out of the city’s infamous underground scene, Pat’s music is deeply rooted in the sounds and struggles of the streets, bringing authenticity and character to every verse. His early work with Three 6 Mafia, especially on albums like Mista Don’t Play: Everythangs Workin’, cemented his reputation with tracks that are equal parts grim and infectious. Songs like “Chickenhead” and “Gorilla Pimp” became anthems, showcasing his distinct style that blends humor with hard-hitting realism.

Project Pat’s sound is unmistakably Southern, with beats that are heavy, dark, and bass-driven—hallmarks of Memphis rap. His storytelling is vivid, often painting a picture of life’s harsh realities, from street hustles to survival, making him a voice for those living in the underbelly of society. Beyond his solo projects, his collaborations have kept his influence alive, especially with newer artists who credit him as a major inspiration in the trap music scene.

Today, Project Pat remains an icon whose legacy can be heard in modern hip-hop. His impact stretches far beyond Memphis, influencing artists across genres who value authenticity and raw lyricism. For fans of hardcore Southern rap with real stories at its core, Project Pat’s catalog is essential—a testament to Memphis rap’s enduring grit and creativity.

My Favorite Album:

• Ghetty Green

My Favorite Songs:

• Out There

• Cheese and Dope

Night Lights With Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen is pop music’s queen of earnest emotion, blending shimmering synths, catchy hooks, and unabashedly heartfelt lyrics to create a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. Bursting onto the scene with her infectious hit “Call Me Maybe,” Jepsen quickly proved she was more than a one-hit wonder. Her 2015 album, E•MO•TION, marked a major evolution in her artistry, with tracks like “Run Away With Me” and “Your Type” showcasing a matured, polished take on ‘80s-inspired synth-pop. This album solidified her as a cult favorite in the pop world, earning critical acclaim for its depth, sincerity, and relentless catchiness.

What sets Carly Rae apart is her ability to capture the highs and lows of romance in a way that feels universal and deeply personal. Her vocal delivery is tinged with vulnerability, yet filled with a hopeful optimism that makes every song feel like a celebration of life’s messy, beautiful moments. Jepsen has since built on her E•MO•TION success with Dedicated and The Loneliest Time, both of which show her continued growth, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection with a more refined, sophisticated sound.

Beyond her own releases, Jepsen’s influence on pop is undeniable, inspiring a wave of artists who embrace emotional honesty and nostalgic production. For anyone looking to experience pop music that’s as joyful as it is introspective, Carly Rae Jepsen’s discography is essential listening—a masterclass in pure, unfiltered pop that captures the thrill of feeling everything, all at once.

My Favorite Album:

• Emotion

My Favorite Songs:

• Emotion

• All That