by Andy Friedman*
(The New Yorker, January 2016)
Yanni has a new album coming out! It drops today! It’s called “Sensuous Chill.” As a longtime admirer of the New Age composer’s work, I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve been a follower of his music ever since his early years. And I’m not talking about “Live at The Acropolis,” which climbed to No. 5 on the Billboard charts, in 1994. I was into Yanni before that, when he was still working the local bar scene. Back then, it was possible to get up close and personal with the artist, who still performed under his given name: Yiannis Chryssomallis. He eventually went with Yanni to save time and money. Writing out his full name on gig posters took too long, and Sharpie markers aren’t exactly cheap.
Yanni has a new album coming out! It drops today! It’s called “Sensuous Chill.” As a longtime admirer of the New Age composer’s work, I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve been a follower of his music ever since his early years. And I’m not talking about “Live at The Acropolis,” which climbed to No. 5 on the Billboard charts, in 1994. I was into Yanni before that, when he was still working the local bar scene. Back then, it was possible to get up close and personal with the artist, who still performed under his given name: Yiannis Chryssomallis. He eventually went with Yanni to save time and money. Writing out his full name on gig posters took too long, and Sharpie markers aren’t exactly cheap.
I doubt that the famous Yanni would remember, but I will never forget how one time, at Frank’s Tavern, he let me set up the oscillating fan that he travelled with to make his hair and clothing blow. Now Yanni is a big star. An icon. It’s better off that way. The world needs Yanni. His music has made an impact. Yanni no longer travels with an oscillating fan. His songs have been known to conjure the rush of the actual wind. If this energy could be harnessed to help solve our climate concern, then Yanni’s music will have served its ultimate artistic purpose.
_______________
* Andy Friedman is an artist, illustrator, musician, and cartoonist. He has contributed art to The New Yorker magazine since 1999 and is currently working on a book of essays and drawings.
_______________
* Andy Friedman is an artist, illustrator, musician, and cartoonist. He has contributed art to The New Yorker magazine since 1999 and is currently working on a book of essays and drawings.
______________
