Hot Topics     Home and Family     Just for Women     Family Fun    

Use music to chill



Sometimes our kids bring reality into focus with music

music, relax, Khruangbin

Recently I was sitting at my desk, trying to organize my activities for the day when I heard my phone beep. It is so easy to distract me. I received a text link with a message from Baird, my husband’s son. ‘Morning jam keeps me calm and happy through the day.” How could I resist? I clicked the link to see what Baird thought was so important.

Baird is a talented musician who has produced a vinyl album and CDs, and he has performed in upstate venues. In the early days, I remember him performing in New York City as well as at The Chance in Poughkeepsie, NY. (Find him @clymtn on Instagram. Check out #truckerriffs Tuesdays.)

To my surprise the music was a delight. I could work. Feel good about what was going on around me, even though I am working alone in my office. And Baird was right. The music has the effect of centering me.

So, though we don’t ordinally recommend music. I wanted to introduce you to Khruangbin. In this time of pandemic craziness take a chance and enjoy the change.

The three members of Khruangbin, who hail from Texas, are the bassist Laura Lee, the guitarist Mark Speer and the electronic sound of D.J. Bonobo.  In June they released the band’s third album, “Mordechai.”  (Khruangbin is Thai for airplane or literally “engine fly”.). 

A recent article, introducing the group and its new album, suggested that there is a lot riding on “Mordechai” than any of the band’s previous releases. Besides the sold-out shows and critical acclaim, Khruangbin reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart in February, after “Texas Sun,” the band’s collaborative EP with the R&B singer Leon Bridges, debuted atop the Americana/Folk Albums list.

It merges “styles of funk, soul and psychedelia but all through a Texas lens,” wrote Leon Bridges in an email. “Their minimal approach to instrumentation and production is what resonated with me when I first heard their music. It’s refreshing to see a band of their nature thrive in the music industry.”

I found Khruangbin on Pandora. Baird plays it from his Bandcamp account. Check them out. I am sure they are posted on every music platform. Baird recommends we listen to ‘One to Remember” and “Dearest Alfred” on their newest album.



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Rethink how you fire up the grill

    Cook up some hearty fruit for a change of pace

    Grilling is popular during the warm months simply for the vast amount of different foods that can be created and devoured, plus you’re outside enjoying the sunshine. read more »
  • How women can optimize health to combat cardiovascular disease

    What you need to know

    The threat of heart disease and stroke is growing substantially among women and girls as rates climb for health factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, with 6 in 10 U.S. women projected to have at least one type of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050. read more »
  • Heart risks go beyond the heart

    Don't forget to check blood sugar and kidney health

    Diabetes and kidney disease are major risk factors for heart disease, yet many cases are undiagnosed. In fact, most people don’t realize their heart, kidney and metabolic health – how the body creates, uses and stores energy – are connected. read more »
  • 9 steps for a lifetime of heart-healthy eating

    Simple ways to improve your family's diet

    More than half of adults and about 60% of children in the United States have unhealthy diets, which can contribute to higher rates of health factors such as high blood pressure and obesity. read more »
  • Spend a night out with your kids – in the backyard!

    Camping…long-lasting memories with these family fun activities

    Have a blast. Camp close to home. Enjoy the full benefits of a camping trip in your backyard (or neighborhood), complete with a stocked fridge and indoor plumbing. read more »
  • 5 warm weather skin care tips

    Summer heat requires more hydration

    Although it's often overlooked, skin is an essential organ that needs special attention and care. After all, not only does your skin tell the true story of your health and age, it provides a protective barrier to the rest of your body. read more »
  • Recipes from "The Catskills Farm to Table Cookbook" by Courtney Wade

    Enjoy these recipes shared by Courtney

    Courtney Wade scoured Hudson Valley, New York farms for the best produced produce and meats. From her collection she created fabulous recipes, many easy to make and delicious to taste read more »
  • Cooking helps kids develop cognitive and hand skills

    Toddlers, pre-schoolers, and kids with special needs can benefit from helping parents cook

    Cooking is not just a fun activity for parents and children to do together. Focus on specific actions to help your child develop fine motor control, while drawing out other learning opportunities. read more »
  • Should your child have a smartphone?

    It depends on maturity, specific needs, and parental groundwork

    Many adults consider smartphones indispensable, but there are reasons to keep them away from kids. At what point do the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for young people? read more »
  • Squiggles to Words: The Emergent Writer

    Children begin mastering writing skills earlier than you think

    Learning to read and write is a complex task, but the wonder is children are thrilled to learn this skill. The trick is to keep a balance of drill and practice kinds of lessons with a higher proportion of authentic writing tasks. Filling in a worksheet on the letter ‘b’ is far less productive than actually writing about a ball or balloon. read more »