A laptop keyboard as an input surface only takes one so far. Sure, it can be a great conversation starter, but if you’re trying to actually work… maybe not. One octave and no touch sensitivity can get old quickly. Enter the Korg NanoKey. Some friends gave me one for Christmas, and, in the words of Jack Black, it’s totally awesome. If only I had this on my last transatlantic… Touch sensitive keys, octave switching, pitch bend and programmable mod control; nice. The pitch bend is pre-set; press the pitch button and the Nano transmits a positive pitch bend message. It’s crude at best but the pitch sweep is set to a pleasing rate- it gives a slightly different effect than a normal pitch bend. It’s cheap, and it’s novel, but it stays in my backpack and gets used. If only they had given me the black version…

I thoroughly enjoy chocolate. Good chocolate. High-test blends with no milk. The form I enjoy most: liquid chocolate. If you’re ever in Asheville, NC, try the liquid truffle at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. They serve several flavors; Indian Kulfi is my fave- rich chocolate with hints of cardamom and pistachio. You can also find a selection of wine and various cheeses if the mood strikes.
In Nashville, go to The Cocoa Tree. I was quite sad when they moved from downtown Franklin to the new spot in Germantown; they were a few blocks from my studio space, and there’s never a bad time for a cup of Mayan Hot Chocolate. I had a mild addiction; the move was probably for the best.