Monday, November 17, 2008
DNC Jam - Grand Rapids - 11/15/08
Two crusty primal freaks
BT to Zias - "You know man...we really should do some Primal for mikep"
(from left to right) BT, Softmonkey, Mirms, Schabs and John G in the back w/the horns 
BT & John G...crushing
Sunday, October 19, 2008
...the Joey DeFrancesco gig was pretty good last night, aside from the fact that Joey's organ kept crapping out on him all night long...he recently got an endorsement deal w/ Deversi organs - makers of a digital B-3 clone that's only about 150lbs and is much easier to travel with than the traditonal B-3...from what i saw last night, that thing is a piece of sh*t and it wouldn't surprise me if i didn't see Joey reverting back to the ol' trusty Hammond and leave that digital crap in the dumpster...it was frustrating to watch him grow frustrated with every break-down and failure that plagued him throughout the night...by the end of the set, he looked super-pissed about the whole set and about ready to take an axe to the damn thing...
...aside from that, the band was smokin'!...David "Fathead" Newman is older than dirt but played with deep soul and wisdom when he did blow...the best sax on-stage was Vincent Herring, without a doubt...he had this Bird thing goin' at time that was really outta' sight...i had no idea that Idris Muhammed was gonna be the drummer and i was deeply engaged with his back-pocket grooves and fantastic hi-hat work all night...when Joey's instrument was working, he just freakin' wailed on that thing...he's no JS by any stretch of the imagination...but he doesn't try to be either and adds a fresh sound and energy to this very essential jazz instrument...a B-3 torch-bearer to be sure...
...they frown-on any picture taking whatsoever at that place so the pics were rushed and hard to come by - all apologies for that...
...aside from that, the band was smokin'!...David "Fathead" Newman is older than dirt but played with deep soul and wisdom when he did blow...the best sax on-stage was Vincent Herring, without a doubt...he had this Bird thing goin' at time that was really outta' sight...i had no idea that Idris Muhammed was gonna be the drummer and i was deeply engaged with his back-pocket grooves and fantastic hi-hat work all night...when Joey's instrument was working, he just freakin' wailed on that thing...he's no JS by any stretch of the imagination...but he doesn't try to be either and adds a fresh sound and energy to this very essential jazz instrument...a B-3 torch-bearer to be sure...
...they frown-on any picture taking whatsoever at that place so the pics were rushed and hard to come by - all apologies for that...
Joey DeFrancesco Trio w/ Saxes - The Allen Room - 10/18/08
Idris Muhammed and Paul Bollenback leaving the stage 
Joey D - Leavin' the stage
The Band:(from left to right)
Vincent Herring (as), Joey DeFrancesco (org), David "Fathead" Newman (ts), Idris Muhammad (d), John Nugent (ts) , Paul Bollenback (g)
Joey D's Deversi OrganMonday, October 13, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
A full weekend of music!
...had an enjoyable weekend of music...we hit the local Great South Bay Music Festival on Sat evening that featured both the Zen Tricksters w/ Donna Jean and the new Mickey Hart band as well...the ZT w/DJ set was a solid blended mix of GD tunes and ZT originals...of note, a smokin' "Till the Morning Comes" opener...DJ was showcasin' some of her classic (in tune) vocal work...my cringed facial expression when they went into "France" could only be matched by the look of total disbelief when the band started to really jam on it's theme with great aplomb and to the cheers, hoots and hollers of everybody watching & listening...Mickey's set was far more enjoyable than i was prepared for...while i loathe Durkin's vocal stylings, and the set did nothing to change my mind about her either, George Porter Jr. laid down heroic bass grooves over the good ol' silky, sinewy guitar lines that you'd hope to get from Kimock...it did take the Toaster a few songs to get into it but once warmed-up, he nailed the hell outta' the "Scarlet Begonias", probably his best tune of the evening...actually, all the GD tunes they covered, Kimock seemed to rise to the occasion for...and thankfully, Mickey's vocals were kept at a minimum for the sake of all involved...it was a groovy little head-scene in my own backyard which made for a really fun night out...
...i totally messed up by listening to classic '01 & '02 PLQ all last week in preparation of the Jones Beach P&F show on Sunday...but before i dissect the Phil show, it deserves to be stated what an enjoyable set put in by Levon Helm and his band as the show opener...the set consisted of some new songs from his recent CD, a few traditional rootsy folk classics and some familiar hits from the Band catalog to round things out...backed by a talented band of musicians, he seems to totally encapture that "down-homey" feel to the music that he plays, making you feel more akin to a southern backporch than a beachfront concert venue...his voice held up pretty well for the most part, failing a little during the last two songs...still, it was wonderful to hear him sing, watch him play the kit and dig on his overt enthusiasm for the music he loves...
...Phil started the set with a "Playin'>Jam>Bird Song" that was more debacle than anything, stumbling with song tempos and overall band cohesiveness...i wasn't partial to the Schecky original that followed either and i began to wonder if it's part of the agreement Schecky's record company has with Lesh to ensure that at least one of his tunes gets played every night in return for the favor of them loaning out their young future recording star to Phil's current band..."The Wheel" was decent...the jam that fell after it was the best thing they played all set, with Campbell and JGJr stepping toe-to-toe for some intense 6-string wailing...the "Mtns of the Moon" that followed was tragic, slow-tempoed to a fault and featured classic Phil ennuciation as he took the vocal reigns...this lead into an average "Uncle Johns" which made me realize how tired i've grown of the carribean boogie treatment this song has suffered from since the '98 Other Ones tour...an awkward "Sugar Mags" closed the set, with every band member trying their hardest to rock the entire crowd with their performance but making it perfectly clear to me how much Bobby owns this tune...
...the "Jam>China Cat>Fire on the Mtn" to start the set did nothing to install a more secure sense of confidence, and for the first time ever at a P&F show, i was really conscious of the number of Jerry tunes being tackled...and not so much just that they were being covered but that most of them were being sung by Phil...Phil - i love you bubba but vocal stability is lacking with this current band and yr' the biggest culprit, holmes...things did not get any better as they went right into "Sugaree"...to paraphrase the infinite wisdom of a certain TN DNCer - i needed another Sugaree like i needed a hole in my head...however, having said that, the Sugaree was the first and only time all night that Schecky impressed me...if nothing else, the kids tries soooo hard and has a certain sense of endless enthusiasm that can be contagious when used properly...it's just that i'm not even sure he fully understands what he's involved in by covering and playing the music in the GD cannon...i guess that kind of musical and historical ignorance is good in a way, in that he approaches the material in fresh, new ways...but there's just certain "classic/traditional" musical passages and guitar lines, annealed in the fires of 65 thru 95, that are paramount in making certain GD songs work when you play them and they need to be adhered to...having said that, the kid did great with the Sugaree...the "St. Stephen" was decent but became entirely overshadowed by the Molitz jam that followed...Molitz is easily my favorite "new friend" by a country mile...his own batch of enthusiasm and endless grab-bag of weirdness and strangeness is just the kind of wild card the music needs...and his vocals aren't bad either, as evident on the Eleven that followed his wicky-wicky jam...of course i was enjoying my namesake song, but i couldn't help but think back to the golden days of the Q and how they would rip my face off in 7/4 time...since i have heard more P&F "Unbroken Chains" than any other song they've ever played, i was not looking forward to yet another one...that was until Molitz came to the rescue once again with his vast array of squeals, blips, beeps and other techno gadgetry...and as Larry created a rather pedestrian at best UBC outtro jam, i was yet again reminded of how much Warren ruled that same jam w/ the PLQ...sigh...i respect Larry as a player - he's talented as all hell, technically proficient and a master of many stringed instruments...but i still don't think he "feels" this stuff like a guitarist in P&F should...the Dark Star seemed like a forced afterthought, but featured a sweet surprise at it's core as it surrounded a "from outta' left field" reading of "Born Cross-Eyed", w/ Molitz on vocals...the return to transitive nightfalls was a rough one and they couldn't find their way into "Rider" fast enough...this also suffered from some vocal shakiness and brought the set to an (un)eventual close...set 2 was certainly better than set 1 but still not a top-notch show by any means...
...the Attics encore many have been the best thing they did all night, with just a trio of Lesh and Mr. & Mrs. Campbell on stage, w/ Larry playing haunting and sparse guitar...the three vocalists hit some pretty sweet harmonies as Lesh safely handled the lower registers...when they did the "When i had no wings to fly..." verse, the harmony they achieved had all the hairs on my neck standing on end...really, really beautiful stuff...too bad they felt the need to continue on into a "Playin' reprise" that proved itself 100% unnecessary, especially after experiencing such masterful, exquisite music during the Attics...oh well...
...having said all this, Jones Beach is about as far as i'd travel for this band...thankfully, Phil still plays one of the fiercest basses in all the land and i'm still very thankful that he's still out there playing music...i didn't like his new bass guitar much, both esthetically and tone-wise...this was also the first show i couldn't ignore the un-nuanced playing of Molo...his powerful, thundering approach was perfect in the PLQ band but without the twin screams of Haynes and Herring to race with, it's simply too much going on...and it's strange it's taken me so long to feel this way...i still dig him as a drummer but he's past his GD-playin' prime, imho...
...lastly, i was lucky enough to bump into Steve Molitz between Levon's and Phil's set...a really nice guy...appreciative of folks knowing who he is and diggin'-on what he brings to the Phil Lesh musical stew...
...see you at the next show!
...i totally messed up by listening to classic '01 & '02 PLQ all last week in preparation of the Jones Beach P&F show on Sunday...but before i dissect the Phil show, it deserves to be stated what an enjoyable set put in by Levon Helm and his band as the show opener...the set consisted of some new songs from his recent CD, a few traditional rootsy folk classics and some familiar hits from the Band catalog to round things out...backed by a talented band of musicians, he seems to totally encapture that "down-homey" feel to the music that he plays, making you feel more akin to a southern backporch than a beachfront concert venue...his voice held up pretty well for the most part, failing a little during the last two songs...still, it was wonderful to hear him sing, watch him play the kit and dig on his overt enthusiasm for the music he loves...
...Phil started the set with a "Playin'>Jam>Bird Song" that was more debacle than anything, stumbling with song tempos and overall band cohesiveness...i wasn't partial to the Schecky original that followed either and i began to wonder if it's part of the agreement Schecky's record company has with Lesh to ensure that at least one of his tunes gets played every night in return for the favor of them loaning out their young future recording star to Phil's current band..."The Wheel" was decent...the jam that fell after it was the best thing they played all set, with Campbell and JGJr stepping toe-to-toe for some intense 6-string wailing...the "Mtns of the Moon" that followed was tragic, slow-tempoed to a fault and featured classic Phil ennuciation as he took the vocal reigns...this lead into an average "Uncle Johns" which made me realize how tired i've grown of the carribean boogie treatment this song has suffered from since the '98 Other Ones tour...an awkward "Sugar Mags" closed the set, with every band member trying their hardest to rock the entire crowd with their performance but making it perfectly clear to me how much Bobby owns this tune...
...the "Jam>China Cat>Fire on the Mtn" to start the set did nothing to install a more secure sense of confidence, and for the first time ever at a P&F show, i was really conscious of the number of Jerry tunes being tackled...and not so much just that they were being covered but that most of them were being sung by Phil...Phil - i love you bubba but vocal stability is lacking with this current band and yr' the biggest culprit, holmes...things did not get any better as they went right into "Sugaree"...to paraphrase the infinite wisdom of a certain TN DNCer - i needed another Sugaree like i needed a hole in my head...however, having said that, the Sugaree was the first and only time all night that Schecky impressed me...if nothing else, the kids tries soooo hard and has a certain sense of endless enthusiasm that can be contagious when used properly...it's just that i'm not even sure he fully understands what he's involved in by covering and playing the music in the GD cannon...i guess that kind of musical and historical ignorance is good in a way, in that he approaches the material in fresh, new ways...but there's just certain "classic/traditional" musical passages and guitar lines, annealed in the fires of 65 thru 95, that are paramount in making certain GD songs work when you play them and they need to be adhered to...having said that, the kid did great with the Sugaree...the "St. Stephen" was decent but became entirely overshadowed by the Molitz jam that followed...Molitz is easily my favorite "new friend" by a country mile...his own batch of enthusiasm and endless grab-bag of weirdness and strangeness is just the kind of wild card the music needs...and his vocals aren't bad either, as evident on the Eleven that followed his wicky-wicky jam...of course i was enjoying my namesake song, but i couldn't help but think back to the golden days of the Q and how they would rip my face off in 7/4 time...since i have heard more P&F "Unbroken Chains" than any other song they've ever played, i was not looking forward to yet another one...that was until Molitz came to the rescue once again with his vast array of squeals, blips, beeps and other techno gadgetry...and as Larry created a rather pedestrian at best UBC outtro jam, i was yet again reminded of how much Warren ruled that same jam w/ the PLQ...sigh...i respect Larry as a player - he's talented as all hell, technically proficient and a master of many stringed instruments...but i still don't think he "feels" this stuff like a guitarist in P&F should...the Dark Star seemed like a forced afterthought, but featured a sweet surprise at it's core as it surrounded a "from outta' left field" reading of "Born Cross-Eyed", w/ Molitz on vocals...the return to transitive nightfalls was a rough one and they couldn't find their way into "Rider" fast enough...this also suffered from some vocal shakiness and brought the set to an (un)eventual close...set 2 was certainly better than set 1 but still not a top-notch show by any means...
...the Attics encore many have been the best thing they did all night, with just a trio of Lesh and Mr. & Mrs. Campbell on stage, w/ Larry playing haunting and sparse guitar...the three vocalists hit some pretty sweet harmonies as Lesh safely handled the lower registers...when they did the "When i had no wings to fly..." verse, the harmony they achieved had all the hairs on my neck standing on end...really, really beautiful stuff...too bad they felt the need to continue on into a "Playin' reprise" that proved itself 100% unnecessary, especially after experiencing such masterful, exquisite music during the Attics...oh well...
...having said all this, Jones Beach is about as far as i'd travel for this band...thankfully, Phil still plays one of the fiercest basses in all the land and i'm still very thankful that he's still out there playing music...i didn't like his new bass guitar much, both esthetically and tone-wise...this was also the first show i couldn't ignore the un-nuanced playing of Molo...his powerful, thundering approach was perfect in the PLQ band but without the twin screams of Haynes and Herring to race with, it's simply too much going on...and it's strange it's taken me so long to feel this way...i still dig him as a drummer but he's past his GD-playin' prime, imho...
...lastly, i was lucky enough to bump into Steve Molitz between Levon's and Phil's set...a really nice guy...appreciative of folks knowing who he is and diggin'-on what he brings to the Phil Lesh musical stew...
...see you at the next show!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
...when we last left our hero, well over two months ago...
"Life is what happens while yr' busy making other plans"
- J.Lennon
Bonjourno!
It's been a full week since coming back from a two-week long stay in Italy. I've nestled back into my american ways and habits...adjusted from the 'lag...and have since filled my stomach with all the breakfast foods i craved for my entire overseas stay - bacon, egg & cheese on an everything bagel, hash browns, coffee that won't make me feel my eyebrows growing...and all the water i can drink from my tap - for FREE!!
...when i sort through all the pictures...all 1100 + of them (!), i'll post a few 'round here...it was an amazing trip...i was most impressed with all of the visuals - duomos and bassilicas that were both a testiment to the spiritual as well as the archetechtural...countless amounts of beutiful artwork and sculpture, amazing for their striking nature as well as their long-lasting existence...the quality of the food was as fine as i expected it to be, promting me to engage in a 2-week long gnocci tour of Italy, ordered it with pesto whenever i spied it on a menu...prior to the trip, it was typical for me to indulge in a glass of red whenever the wife opned a bottle...however, i'd be retreating to the beers after the glass, leaving her to finish the bottle on her own...the exception to this rule involved a chilled bottle of reisling, preferrably sweet, which i can easily stick a crazy-straw into and finish within minutes...touring the wine country of Italy finally stirred an interest in red wines and i find myself as enthusiastic as the wife when choosing the dinner red...everything we tasted was amazing...lots of chianti...a few amerones...a few barolos...one headspinning bottle after another...and it was our common experience to discover that most wineries also make their own olive oil...again, each one more amazing than the last...having brought back (smuggled!) 10 bottles of wine and 4 bottles of oil in our luggage, a large number of bread & oil w/ red wine dinners are in our future!
...the only thing i didn't like was the cold vibe i got from most of the locals...other than the folks we encountered at places of lodging or eating, most folks dealt with us with an indifference that seemed outwardly noticeable to these amaerican sensibilities...in all fairness, i know and understand that the american is not looked upon favorably in the eyes of many foreign lands...and for many of the daily excursions, i travelled with a pack of family and friends that could, at times, through their volumous mannerisms, let on that we were not only from the states but specifically from the NYC area...after a few initial bouts with embarassment and frustration regarding the traveling fiasco show, i loosened up and embraced my big, loud NY family for being exactlly who they were...it's really the very reason why i love living here myself - you can feel free to be who you are without worry, fear or shame...va-rye-it-tee baby...so as much as i went with the best intentions of being my own one-man american ambassador during my trip, carefully watching what i did or said, i wound up with giant wads of anamosity towards the very people whose homeland i had invaded and shouted down the streets of for making me feel asamed of me and where i came from...
...in other news, a few concerts are on the horizon...it's a one-two musical punch of a weekend coming up starting on Sat. with a local music fest featuring Donna Jean Godchaux w/ the Zen Tricksters and Mickey Hart's new band featuring George Porter Jr. on bass and Steve Kimock on guitar...it's sponsered by local Blue Point Brewery and i've already got my taste buds prepared for all the sweet-potato fries and funnel cake i can shove down my gullet...the fun continues on Sunday with a Phil & Friends show at Jones Beach, made even sweeter by the opening act of Levon Helm, drummer and vocalist from the Band, worth the price of admission in his own right...
...here's what i'm listening to these days...
- the new "Road Trips" Grateful Dead release, featuring a historic 1st set Bird Song > Dark Star from the legendary 7/31/71 Yale Bowl show, having previously only been available in a barely listenable AUD version and still was held in almost mythical regard...here it is in all it's glorious SBD beauty...another legendary AUD-only performance sprung free in pristine SBD quality is the hallowed 8/6/71 Hard to Handle, long rumored to be so intense live that Garcia dropped to one knee during his heroic solo...believe it or not, this version is hot as hell...the biggest surprise is the China > Rider that begins disc 2, featuring some of Phil's most muscular bass playing i've ever heard him flex for this time-honored two-fer...crank yo' subwoofers!
- i'm only a few days into sinking deeply within the new Beck release...i like it know and have plenty of confidence i'll love it in a few more days, as all of his releases have seemed to grow on me with each repeated listen...Beck is one of only a handful of artists that i own all of his material and will blindly buy his newest effort without hearing any of it before hand...he's got the goods...always has and i faithfully believe he always will...
- i've grabbed a few tracks from the new Racountours release...i'm not as big on them as i am the White Stripes but it is amazing to ponder the endless talent Jack White seems to have and utilize as much as he creates, co-creates and/or produces...the track "You Don't Understand Me" is a daily stuck-in-my-head-song lately...
- Eva Cassidy "Oh Had I A Golden Thread"...i heard just the last minute of this song while scanning through the radio dial...it struck me so deep i wrote it down and made sure i searched it out as soon as i got home, to be forever enshrined within my most elite pantheon of favorite songs...i can't really explain why i dig it so much...it features a wonderfully deep gospel feel, made so with the help of Eva's hauntingly exquisite vocals and spot-on warm and tasty organ accompaniment on the Hammond B-3...
- even stranger than this has been my continued foray into the music of Daniel Johnston...i have an overall appreciation for his talent and artistic style but i felt bad about only digging about 15% of his music, having breezed through his entire cannon...however, having said that, it's remarkable how strong that remaining 15% has stuck in my musical psyche...
...i've finally took my head out of my ass and started reading vorasciously again, averaging a book a week since the Italy trip...here's some recent selections from the bookshelves...
-David Sedaris "Me Talk Pretty One Day"...i was skeptical given all his recent praise and his recent dominance of the NY Times best-seller list since the release of his newest book...i'm typically always skeptical of anything recieving critical acclaim, with Milli Vanilli being my lone exception to this rule...i grabbed this older book having read the summery on the back cover and surmising it had something to do with the adjustments of being an american abroad...seemed right in my wheelhouse for consumption during the Italy trip...risking to break old habits and stubborn inclinations, i really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of his books...the attention ond praise is just and warrented.
- Susan Jane Gilman "Hypocrite in a White Dress"...i've made a concious effort to include more female authors in my reading repitoire, with this book starting me off in the right direction...written in a similar memior-esque style as Sedaris, Gilman takes you through a virtual adolencent to mid-20's flashback of female existence that proves both hysterical and poingent...she'll be another author i'll seek more of during my next book store visit.
-TC Boyle "Drop City"...this is the 2nd Boyle book i've read and without question, i'll be quickly collecting his books in no time...i love his style, so deeply rooted in vivid description and in-depth charactorization...granted, the book's subject matter piqued a personal intrest as it dealt with the death of the hippie commune lifestyle/reality of the late 60's as the next decade quickly sank it's hungry teeth into the nievety of those very same ideals and concepts without mercy or remorse...another excellent read, raced through in a matter of only three days.
...the only new books i haven't read yet are older titles recommened by the man himself, Bukowski...i listened to a few Buk bootlegs lately - mostly an assorment of ragtag and rowdy poetry readings with a few home recordings thrown in for good measure, and noted two books that he though highly of - Celine's "Journey to the End of the Night" and Sherwood Anderson's "Winesburg, Ohio"...when i get through 'em, i'll be sure to post my impressions...
...that's all for now...gotta' get some chores done, dinner made, food shopping lists made, etc...
...life...ha!...
- J.Lennon
Bonjourno!
It's been a full week since coming back from a two-week long stay in Italy. I've nestled back into my american ways and habits...adjusted from the 'lag...and have since filled my stomach with all the breakfast foods i craved for my entire overseas stay - bacon, egg & cheese on an everything bagel, hash browns, coffee that won't make me feel my eyebrows growing...and all the water i can drink from my tap - for FREE!!
...when i sort through all the pictures...all 1100 + of them (!), i'll post a few 'round here...it was an amazing trip...i was most impressed with all of the visuals - duomos and bassilicas that were both a testiment to the spiritual as well as the archetechtural...countless amounts of beutiful artwork and sculpture, amazing for their striking nature as well as their long-lasting existence...the quality of the food was as fine as i expected it to be, promting me to engage in a 2-week long gnocci tour of Italy, ordered it with pesto whenever i spied it on a menu...prior to the trip, it was typical for me to indulge in a glass of red whenever the wife opned a bottle...however, i'd be retreating to the beers after the glass, leaving her to finish the bottle on her own...the exception to this rule involved a chilled bottle of reisling, preferrably sweet, which i can easily stick a crazy-straw into and finish within minutes...touring the wine country of Italy finally stirred an interest in red wines and i find myself as enthusiastic as the wife when choosing the dinner red...everything we tasted was amazing...lots of chianti...a few amerones...a few barolos...one headspinning bottle after another...and it was our common experience to discover that most wineries also make their own olive oil...again, each one more amazing than the last...having brought back (smuggled!) 10 bottles of wine and 4 bottles of oil in our luggage, a large number of bread & oil w/ red wine dinners are in our future!
...the only thing i didn't like was the cold vibe i got from most of the locals...other than the folks we encountered at places of lodging or eating, most folks dealt with us with an indifference that seemed outwardly noticeable to these amaerican sensibilities...in all fairness, i know and understand that the american is not looked upon favorably in the eyes of many foreign lands...and for many of the daily excursions, i travelled with a pack of family and friends that could, at times, through their volumous mannerisms, let on that we were not only from the states but specifically from the NYC area...after a few initial bouts with embarassment and frustration regarding the traveling fiasco show, i loosened up and embraced my big, loud NY family for being exactlly who they were...it's really the very reason why i love living here myself - you can feel free to be who you are without worry, fear or shame...va-rye-it-tee baby...so as much as i went with the best intentions of being my own one-man american ambassador during my trip, carefully watching what i did or said, i wound up with giant wads of anamosity towards the very people whose homeland i had invaded and shouted down the streets of for making me feel asamed of me and where i came from...
...in other news, a few concerts are on the horizon...it's a one-two musical punch of a weekend coming up starting on Sat. with a local music fest featuring Donna Jean Godchaux w/ the Zen Tricksters and Mickey Hart's new band featuring George Porter Jr. on bass and Steve Kimock on guitar...it's sponsered by local Blue Point Brewery and i've already got my taste buds prepared for all the sweet-potato fries and funnel cake i can shove down my gullet...the fun continues on Sunday with a Phil & Friends show at Jones Beach, made even sweeter by the opening act of Levon Helm, drummer and vocalist from the Band, worth the price of admission in his own right...
...here's what i'm listening to these days...
- the new "Road Trips" Grateful Dead release, featuring a historic 1st set Bird Song > Dark Star from the legendary 7/31/71 Yale Bowl show, having previously only been available in a barely listenable AUD version and still was held in almost mythical regard...here it is in all it's glorious SBD beauty...another legendary AUD-only performance sprung free in pristine SBD quality is the hallowed 8/6/71 Hard to Handle, long rumored to be so intense live that Garcia dropped to one knee during his heroic solo...believe it or not, this version is hot as hell...the biggest surprise is the China > Rider that begins disc 2, featuring some of Phil's most muscular bass playing i've ever heard him flex for this time-honored two-fer...crank yo' subwoofers!
- i'm only a few days into sinking deeply within the new Beck release...i like it know and have plenty of confidence i'll love it in a few more days, as all of his releases have seemed to grow on me with each repeated listen...Beck is one of only a handful of artists that i own all of his material and will blindly buy his newest effort without hearing any of it before hand...he's got the goods...always has and i faithfully believe he always will...
- i've grabbed a few tracks from the new Racountours release...i'm not as big on them as i am the White Stripes but it is amazing to ponder the endless talent Jack White seems to have and utilize as much as he creates, co-creates and/or produces...the track "You Don't Understand Me" is a daily stuck-in-my-head-song lately...
- Eva Cassidy "Oh Had I A Golden Thread"...i heard just the last minute of this song while scanning through the radio dial...it struck me so deep i wrote it down and made sure i searched it out as soon as i got home, to be forever enshrined within my most elite pantheon of favorite songs...i can't really explain why i dig it so much...it features a wonderfully deep gospel feel, made so with the help of Eva's hauntingly exquisite vocals and spot-on warm and tasty organ accompaniment on the Hammond B-3...
- even stranger than this has been my continued foray into the music of Daniel Johnston...i have an overall appreciation for his talent and artistic style but i felt bad about only digging about 15% of his music, having breezed through his entire cannon...however, having said that, it's remarkable how strong that remaining 15% has stuck in my musical psyche...
...i've finally took my head out of my ass and started reading vorasciously again, averaging a book a week since the Italy trip...here's some recent selections from the bookshelves...
-David Sedaris "Me Talk Pretty One Day"...i was skeptical given all his recent praise and his recent dominance of the NY Times best-seller list since the release of his newest book...i'm typically always skeptical of anything recieving critical acclaim, with Milli Vanilli being my lone exception to this rule...i grabbed this older book having read the summery on the back cover and surmising it had something to do with the adjustments of being an american abroad...seemed right in my wheelhouse for consumption during the Italy trip...risking to break old habits and stubborn inclinations, i really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of his books...the attention ond praise is just and warrented.
- Susan Jane Gilman "Hypocrite in a White Dress"...i've made a concious effort to include more female authors in my reading repitoire, with this book starting me off in the right direction...written in a similar memior-esque style as Sedaris, Gilman takes you through a virtual adolencent to mid-20's flashback of female existence that proves both hysterical and poingent...she'll be another author i'll seek more of during my next book store visit.
-TC Boyle "Drop City"...this is the 2nd Boyle book i've read and without question, i'll be quickly collecting his books in no time...i love his style, so deeply rooted in vivid description and in-depth charactorization...granted, the book's subject matter piqued a personal intrest as it dealt with the death of the hippie commune lifestyle/reality of the late 60's as the next decade quickly sank it's hungry teeth into the nievety of those very same ideals and concepts without mercy or remorse...another excellent read, raced through in a matter of only three days.
...the only new books i haven't read yet are older titles recommened by the man himself, Bukowski...i listened to a few Buk bootlegs lately - mostly an assorment of ragtag and rowdy poetry readings with a few home recordings thrown in for good measure, and noted two books that he though highly of - Celine's "Journey to the End of the Night" and Sherwood Anderson's "Winesburg, Ohio"...when i get through 'em, i'll be sure to post my impressions...
...that's all for now...gotta' get some chores done, dinner made, food shopping lists made, etc...
...life...ha!...
Monday, May 5, 2008
...so busy...
...not a lot of time to check-in here these days but i wanted to pop in to say -
GO PENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
...hope all your playoff beards are coming in as awkward and as uneven as mine...
GO PENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
...hope all your playoff beards are coming in as awkward and as uneven as mine...
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
...random stuff...
...the concert schedule heated up in a big way within the last week...new shows on the horizon include - Phil & Friends w/ Levon Helm as the opener, Ray LaMontagne, Bruce Hornsby, Wilco and Neil Diamond...sadly, i'm gonna pass-up on the Ratdog/Allman Brothers duel bill at the beach...there are a few stellar jazz gigs coming up but i'll play them by ear...
...strangest things on my playlist this week are Velocity Girl's "Copacetic", Throwing Muses' "The Real Ramona" and Alice in Chains' "Jar of Flies"...
...Throwing Muses appeared on my radar after seeing their video for "Not Too Soon" on MTv's 120 Minutes...i instantly fell in love with singer Tanya Donelly...she split the Muses and continued her music, forming her own band - Belly...they released a solid first album but fell to the curse of the sophomore slump...she had a helluva voice, great personality, alluring charisma...one final note - it wasn't until years later did i realize she bared a striking resemblance to the gal i 1st gave it up to...so pack that in yr' pipe Sigmund...
...conversely, i was madly in love with the lead singer from Velocity Girl without even knowing what she looked like...i just knew that when she sang, i melted...i finally saw the band play live at least a year after i started listening to 'em...easily one of the greatest "alternative" girl bands on the 90's...when i did get to meet the lead singer after the show, i was absolutely taken by her...i had to have said something stupid as she signed the back of my ticketstub - "Your Girlfriend..."...after the "Copacetic" release, their sound became more polished as the distortion and fuzz took a backseat to mixed vocals and a more mellow vibe..."Copacetic" is one of those near perfect albums that has such a nice ebb and flow to it, holding up surprisingly well after 15 years
...and "Jar of Flies" is by far my favorite Alice in Chains studio effort...it's largely overlooked and under appreciated...each cut on the EP is top-notch...from the uncharacteristic use of strings to great effect during "I Stay Away" to the instrumental "Whale & Wasp", played with more feeling than you'd normally give AIC for having...dig it...
...strangest things on my playlist this week are Velocity Girl's "Copacetic", Throwing Muses' "The Real Ramona" and Alice in Chains' "Jar of Flies"...
...Throwing Muses appeared on my radar after seeing their video for "Not Too Soon" on MTv's 120 Minutes...i instantly fell in love with singer Tanya Donelly...she split the Muses and continued her music, forming her own band - Belly...they released a solid first album but fell to the curse of the sophomore slump...she had a helluva voice, great personality, alluring charisma...one final note - it wasn't until years later did i realize she bared a striking resemblance to the gal i 1st gave it up to...so pack that in yr' pipe Sigmund...
...conversely, i was madly in love with the lead singer from Velocity Girl without even knowing what she looked like...i just knew that when she sang, i melted...i finally saw the band play live at least a year after i started listening to 'em...easily one of the greatest "alternative" girl bands on the 90's...when i did get to meet the lead singer after the show, i was absolutely taken by her...i had to have said something stupid as she signed the back of my ticketstub - "Your Girlfriend..."...after the "Copacetic" release, their sound became more polished as the distortion and fuzz took a backseat to mixed vocals and a more mellow vibe..."Copacetic" is one of those near perfect albums that has such a nice ebb and flow to it, holding up surprisingly well after 15 years
...and "Jar of Flies" is by far my favorite Alice in Chains studio effort...it's largely overlooked and under appreciated...each cut on the EP is top-notch...from the uncharacteristic use of strings to great effect during "I Stay Away" to the instrumental "Whale & Wasp", played with more feeling than you'd normally give AIC for having...dig it...
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
...weekend leftovers...
...finally got around to catching up on my weekend television i had saved on the good ol' DVR...i only managed to get the last 45mins of SNL as the satellite signal went out for a while...i missed Gnarls Barkley's 1st song but the second song they played has quickly found a comfortable spot inside my head as i find myself listening to it in the mornings before i got to work...those guys are bad-ass...the best feature was easily the paraplegic stripper skit...just the right amount of bad taste and hilarity...it featured some fine work from this seasons newest cast member - Casey Wilson...she's one to keep an eye on...girl got talent!...also - Andy Samberg...sure, "Dick in A Box" was brilliant...and "Laser Cats" was funny the first time and then for the next two times we saw it on re-runs...but yr' infatuation with Digital Shorts has got to stop...take a break, bro...contribute to a skit or take-up a new impersonation...let it rest for a while...
...i also recorded the Comedy Central special "Night of Too Many Stars" put together to help fight autism...given the star power at their disposal, it was rather disappointing to see the end result so lacking in comedy and humor...it kinda felt as if the writers strike was back on...the few standouts were Will Farell's "George Bush" interview skit that proved to be pure classic Will...that bit alone was better Farell than all of "Kicking & Screaming"...and of course, the always cutting edge hilarious and reverse-shiksa princess Sarah Silverman grabbed the biggest laughs and gasps of the night with her brief stand-up and song performance, dueting with her minge and arse...funny stuff...and all for a good cause too.
...of note, the event took place and was recorded live at NYC's Beacon Theater, the ornate Upper West-side playground of sound...i've seen more concerts at the Beacon than any other venue in NY or anywhere else...i love that place and i think it's great that it's been getting the recent exposure from the "Shine A Light" film and the Comedy Central special...the only shame is that it's been recently bought by the MSG family (the Dolans) and there has been a distinct effort to somewhat domesticate it as a venue...security has been unnecessarily uptight inside a cherished venue that used to believe in the basic precept that most folks can police themselves and some can even take care of others that can't do for themselves...sure it got hot as hell in there, smokey as a cabaret back room and folks let their freak flags fly a little too freely from time to time, but all in all - if you weren't in the process of killing your fellow man, they'd more than likely let you be...beware - that golden age of chaotic fun-filled Beacon Theater shows is over.
...also of note - my Discovery Channel obsession - "Deadliest Catch" is back on TV with a brand new season full of action-packed episodes...i'm PSYCHED!...go Sig!...go Phil!...
...another worthy mention is that Aaron McGruder's spot-on animated series "The Boondocks" has returned to the late night Adult Swim line-up on the Cartoon Network...wonderfully evolved from it's original comic strip roots, McGruder's animated series is one of the finest ever produced for television...it's ability to tackle sensitive issues with fearless honesty creates a unique forum for this country to look at itself in the mirror each episode creates...easily some of the most intelligent television out there...rent the first season to get familiar with it and then catch up with the new episodes...
...i also recorded the Comedy Central special "Night of Too Many Stars" put together to help fight autism...given the star power at their disposal, it was rather disappointing to see the end result so lacking in comedy and humor...it kinda felt as if the writers strike was back on...the few standouts were Will Farell's "George Bush" interview skit that proved to be pure classic Will...that bit alone was better Farell than all of "Kicking & Screaming"...and of course, the always cutting edge hilarious and reverse-shiksa princess Sarah Silverman grabbed the biggest laughs and gasps of the night with her brief stand-up and song performance, dueting with her minge and arse...funny stuff...and all for a good cause too.
...of note, the event took place and was recorded live at NYC's Beacon Theater, the ornate Upper West-side playground of sound...i've seen more concerts at the Beacon than any other venue in NY or anywhere else...i love that place and i think it's great that it's been getting the recent exposure from the "Shine A Light" film and the Comedy Central special...the only shame is that it's been recently bought by the MSG family (the Dolans) and there has been a distinct effort to somewhat domesticate it as a venue...security has been unnecessarily uptight inside a cherished venue that used to believe in the basic precept that most folks can police themselves and some can even take care of others that can't do for themselves...sure it got hot as hell in there, smokey as a cabaret back room and folks let their freak flags fly a little too freely from time to time, but all in all - if you weren't in the process of killing your fellow man, they'd more than likely let you be...beware - that golden age of chaotic fun-filled Beacon Theater shows is over.
...also of note - my Discovery Channel obsession - "Deadliest Catch" is back on TV with a brand new season full of action-packed episodes...i'm PSYCHED!...go Sig!...go Phil!...
...another worthy mention is that Aaron McGruder's spot-on animated series "The Boondocks" has returned to the late night Adult Swim line-up on the Cartoon Network...wonderfully evolved from it's original comic strip roots, McGruder's animated series is one of the finest ever produced for television...it's ability to tackle sensitive issues with fearless honesty creates a unique forum for this country to look at itself in the mirror each episode creates...easily some of the most intelligent television out there...rent the first season to get familiar with it and then catch up with the new episodes...
Monday, April 14, 2008
"...a lotta' strands in old Duders head.."
...i've been both busy and non-social as of late - so the knack for posting here has been minimal...i finally got a new job...i'm excited but cautiously optimistic...ask me again in six months...strange as it sounds - it feels good to working again...the novelty of having so much free time wore off quickly and i'm back to having that essential bit of structure to my days again...
...i'm just now about finished with the Belushi bio - "Wired"...i can't believe it took me this long to get through it...i started it around the time i quit the old job two months ago and despite my buckets of idle time available to me while jobless, i never used it for reading at all...odd...the book is excellent and it's given me a completely new perspective on Belushi...an amazing raw talent...a burnt-out comet of comedy, music and high times...and a virtual monster in his final darker days, driven right into the ground by white madness...
...took some time to explore the musical catalog of Daniel Johnston in great detail...having seen the bio-doc on him a few months ago, it took a little while to work up the courage to step into the mind of Danny through his music...his cannon of work is enormous...most of it is largely unlistenable after repeated listens...but the dozen or so songs i have latched onto i've grown strangely attached to...at first, i was hesitant to like any of it for fear that to dig it would mean that i was loose marbles too...after concluding that we are all a little nuts here and there in our own little way, my fear dissipated and i embraced my inner bi-polaricity...if nothing else, his music conveys a brutal sense of honesty and innocence that is both jarring and refreshing to listen to...
...my Pittsburgh Penguins are in the first round of playoffs against the Ottawa Senators...(do they even have senators in Ottawa? i always thought that was a US Gov't thing...it's be like calling an American team - the Cleveland Hosers)...semantics aside, i'd just like to give a hearty - LET'S GO PENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
...i'm still undecided weather or not YouTube is a tool of the devil or not...until i bring my various theories and ideas into a solid conclusion, i'll continue to utilize it to waste vast amounts of time...my most recent bout of YouTuberculosis had me searching out all the old skateboard videos i used to watch back in my street skating heyday: Blind - "Video Days", New Deal - "1281", H-Street - "Hokus Pokus", Life - "A Soldier's Story", Planet Earth - "Animal Farm", World Industries - "Rubbish Heap" and the Powell Peralta vids - "Public Domain", "Propaganda", "Ban This" and "Celebraty Tropical Fish"...skater names like Ed Templeton, Ray Barbee, Frankie Hill rushed back into my memory...i'm half tempted to go out and buy myself a board right now but the realistic side of me prevents me from making such a tragic move which would surely end up with me in some sort of cast or brace within days...but goddamn - in my prime, i could ollie impossible like a mofo...
...saw the new Rolling Stones concert film "Shine A Light" this past weekend...opted for the very intense, larger than life IMAX film experience for this one and was not disappointed one bit...Scorsese shot a beautiful film that captures every true essence of that time-tempered band - from the 60 year-old plus wiggle of Mick's pelvis to the darkened, steely eyes of the broodish Keef...amazing visual and aural candy for the senses - an overload at times but perhaps only due to the sheer epicicity of the IMAX experience...given that Marty had already shot one of the finest musical documentary/concert films of all time 30 years ago with "The Last Waltz" and has since made a fine living creating poetry as film with such movies as "Raging Bull", "Goodfellas"
and "Casino" to name a few, it's simply amazing that he still can tap into his more musical sens abilities and bang out a quality picture like this one...
...and while i'm on the subject of Scorsese - i highly recommend his 1999 film "Bringing Out The Dead"...this one kinda flew under the radar of critical acclaim and has never received the proper attention is so deserves...great acting by Nick Cage, Ving Rhames, John Goodman and Tom Sizemore...hypnotizing cinematography and a captivating pace throughout...and yet another perfect Scorsese soundtrack to enjoy, from the opening notes of Van the Man's "TB Sheets" to the more aggressive Janes Addiction, some eclectic REM, a little R&B groove and even a sprinkle of Rat Pack...good times...
...laundry awaits...
...i'm just now about finished with the Belushi bio - "Wired"...i can't believe it took me this long to get through it...i started it around the time i quit the old job two months ago and despite my buckets of idle time available to me while jobless, i never used it for reading at all...odd...the book is excellent and it's given me a completely new perspective on Belushi...an amazing raw talent...a burnt-out comet of comedy, music and high times...and a virtual monster in his final darker days, driven right into the ground by white madness...
...took some time to explore the musical catalog of Daniel Johnston in great detail...having seen the bio-doc on him a few months ago, it took a little while to work up the courage to step into the mind of Danny through his music...his cannon of work is enormous...most of it is largely unlistenable after repeated listens...but the dozen or so songs i have latched onto i've grown strangely attached to...at first, i was hesitant to like any of it for fear that to dig it would mean that i was loose marbles too...after concluding that we are all a little nuts here and there in our own little way, my fear dissipated and i embraced my inner bi-polaricity...if nothing else, his music conveys a brutal sense of honesty and innocence that is both jarring and refreshing to listen to...
...my Pittsburgh Penguins are in the first round of playoffs against the Ottawa Senators...(do they even have senators in Ottawa? i always thought that was a US Gov't thing...it's be like calling an American team - the Cleveland Hosers)...semantics aside, i'd just like to give a hearty - LET'S GO PENS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
...i'm still undecided weather or not YouTube is a tool of the devil or not...until i bring my various theories and ideas into a solid conclusion, i'll continue to utilize it to waste vast amounts of time...my most recent bout of YouTuberculosis had me searching out all the old skateboard videos i used to watch back in my street skating heyday: Blind - "Video Days", New Deal - "1281", H-Street - "Hokus Pokus", Life - "A Soldier's Story", Planet Earth - "Animal Farm", World Industries - "Rubbish Heap" and the Powell Peralta vids - "Public Domain", "Propaganda", "Ban This" and "Celebraty Tropical Fish"...skater names like Ed Templeton, Ray Barbee, Frankie Hill rushed back into my memory...i'm half tempted to go out and buy myself a board right now but the realistic side of me prevents me from making such a tragic move which would surely end up with me in some sort of cast or brace within days...but goddamn - in my prime, i could ollie impossible like a mofo...
...saw the new Rolling Stones concert film "Shine A Light" this past weekend...opted for the very intense, larger than life IMAX film experience for this one and was not disappointed one bit...Scorsese shot a beautiful film that captures every true essence of that time-tempered band - from the 60 year-old plus wiggle of Mick's pelvis to the darkened, steely eyes of the broodish Keef...amazing visual and aural candy for the senses - an overload at times but perhaps only due to the sheer epicicity of the IMAX experience...given that Marty had already shot one of the finest musical documentary/concert films of all time 30 years ago with "The Last Waltz" and has since made a fine living creating poetry as film with such movies as "Raging Bull", "Goodfellas"
and "Casino" to name a few, it's simply amazing that he still can tap into his more musical sens abilities and bang out a quality picture like this one...
...and while i'm on the subject of Scorsese - i highly recommend his 1999 film "Bringing Out The Dead"...this one kinda flew under the radar of critical acclaim and has never received the proper attention is so deserves...great acting by Nick Cage, Ving Rhames, John Goodman and Tom Sizemore...hypnotizing cinematography and a captivating pace throughout...and yet another perfect Scorsese soundtrack to enjoy, from the opening notes of Van the Man's "TB Sheets" to the more aggressive Janes Addiction, some eclectic REM, a little R&B groove and even a sprinkle of Rat Pack...good times...
...laundry awaits...
Friday, March 28, 2008
My continued love affair with technology...
...i haven't posted anything in a few days out of protest and disgust with this blog...
...the other day, i was writing a spirited review of the movie "I'm Not There"...i was really layin' it down solid...for at least an hour or more...and then i accidentally cut & pasted overtop the first 1/3 of what i wrote, essentially deleting it...and before i could "undo" it, blogspot auto-saved it and it became lost forever...
...at first - i wasn't gonna post for a while...out of sheer spite for this stupid blog...
...i even thought of creating another blog that explained how much i hated this blog for it's auto-saving catastrophe...figuring it would make it jealous and green with envy...
...but then i realized that this blog was obviously a cruel, heartless bastard, unaffected by such a spiteful display...devoid of the basic human feelings to even comprehend it's intention...
...plus, it's just a blog...
...in closing, i'd like to just say - "SCREW YOU BLOG!...you won't keep this guy down for long!...i'll be back!"...
...this would've never happened with paper and pen...
...the other day, i was writing a spirited review of the movie "I'm Not There"...i was really layin' it down solid...for at least an hour or more...and then i accidentally cut & pasted overtop the first 1/3 of what i wrote, essentially deleting it...and before i could "undo" it, blogspot auto-saved it and it became lost forever...
...at first - i wasn't gonna post for a while...out of sheer spite for this stupid blog...
...i even thought of creating another blog that explained how much i hated this blog for it's auto-saving catastrophe...figuring it would make it jealous and green with envy...
...but then i realized that this blog was obviously a cruel, heartless bastard, unaffected by such a spiteful display...devoid of the basic human feelings to even comprehend it's intention...
...plus, it's just a blog...
...in closing, i'd like to just say - "SCREW YOU BLOG!...you won't keep this guy down for long!...i'll be back!"...
...this would've never happened with paper and pen...
Monday, March 24, 2008
life is one big fat contradiction
everyone has their own philosophies
opinions and what not
everybody has their own
way of life
be content doing what you like
how you like
but soon you’ll discover
that everybody is wrong
and at the same time
they’re right
too
each lie has a hint
of truth
and every angel
is a little bit
sinister
this
is what life is about
and it’s hard trying to
figure out
right and wrong
truth or deceit
and occasionally,
you’ll even be at odds
with yourself
contradiction weighing heavy
on your mind
don’t worry –
the world is made up
of hypocrites
they come a dime
a dozen
so keep a cool
head, your eyes open
and come in when
it rains
opinions and what not
everybody has their own
way of life
be content doing what you like
how you like
but soon you’ll discover
that everybody is wrong
and at the same time
they’re right
too
each lie has a hint
of truth
and every angel
is a little bit
sinister
this
is what life is about
and it’s hard trying to
figure out
right and wrong
truth or deceit
and occasionally,
you’ll even be at odds
with yourself
contradiction weighing heavy
on your mind
don’t worry –
the world is made up
of hypocrites
they come a dime
a dozen
so keep a cool
head, your eyes open
and come in when
it rains
Friday, March 21, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
intentional writers block
this is my medicine
my paper and pen
the keyboard and
screen
i sit here banging away
for a minute or
an hour
shuffling through songs
and buzzing along
with my coffee and
tea
most times
the words sporadically
flow and ebb
as my mind finds
the right groove
that taps into
it all
but sometimes
the page remains
blank
my head hung
heavy in my hands
my eyes are closed
i breathe deep
and sigh gently in
relief
as the music plays
on
i think
i like writing
those poems
the best
my paper and pen
the keyboard and
screen
i sit here banging away
for a minute or
an hour
shuffling through songs
and buzzing along
with my coffee and
tea
most times
the words sporadically
flow and ebb
as my mind finds
the right groove
that taps into
it all
but sometimes
the page remains
blank
my head hung
heavy in my hands
my eyes are closed
i breathe deep
and sigh gently in
relief
as the music plays
on
i think
i like writing
those poems
the best
be it
don't let the beauty
you surround yourself with
soaring choruses
and city lights
pave the way for the
slow death of
the beauty
that's inside
you
we are all
distracted from
our greatness
in this life
destined to
make-do
as we torture ourselves
with endless
silent
what ifs
and
how comes
take off your mask
for a moment
let down your hair
strip down to
your skin
and step inside what
you see in
the mirror
reacquaint yourself
with the
truth
leave the fear behind
and love what
you see
and then be
it
you surround yourself with
soaring choruses
and city lights
pave the way for the
slow death of
the beauty
that's inside
you
we are all
distracted from
our greatness
in this life
destined to
make-do
as we torture ourselves
with endless
silent
what ifs
and
how comes
take off your mask
for a moment
let down your hair
strip down to
your skin
and step inside what
you see in
the mirror
reacquaint yourself
with the
truth
leave the fear behind
and love what
you see
and then be
it
...a mid-afternoon revolution of the poetic soul...
...saw a documentary on the Beats today - "The Source"...brought forth an entire flood of feelings and thoughts i haven't given the time of day to in a long time...i felt tapped-into a part of my being that was deeper than everyday living...dug up a few Kerouac discs to listen to and found myself closing my eyes and taking in his cadence and voice like i would a miles davis album...hearing it with older ears...an older mind...feeling a certain fire rekindled, if only for the day...we'll see...
...the impact Beat literature and living had on me is immeasurable, as is it's impact on American society and culture...i'm sad at how easily it got lost in the roaring maelstrom of life as i've gotten older...and yet, how fresh it still feels to me today, communing with the muse after letting ignorance glaze my mind over for years...creatively meditating while the scenery passes me by...
...and maybe that's it...after submersing myself in all things Beat during my impressionable and infamous collegiate years, i think i broke free for fear that i would wind up becoming some piss-poor mimic of the past without allowing the development of my own true voice...but it's been almost 10 years or more...and it seems as if i've strayed too far from my roots...
...looking back, i still hold the Allen Ginsberg poetry reading at CMU (4/8/94) as one of the highest moments of my life...and to meet him after the reading was as if i had died and was conversing with an angel on earth...holy hyperbole perhaps but here it is 14 years later - damn! - and it still rings as true in my mind as it did then...
...and it's bigger than just the Beats...goes well beyond Jack and Allen...it weaves in Bukowski...and Thompson...Hesse and Robbins and Wolfe...Fante and Camus...so many others that sit dusty on my shelves...writers, dreamers and celebrants of their own true voice...each one, living life with as much artistry as they displayed in their written craft...
...i'm gonna throw a few logs on the fire and see how long this burns...
...the impact Beat literature and living had on me is immeasurable, as is it's impact on American society and culture...i'm sad at how easily it got lost in the roaring maelstrom of life as i've gotten older...and yet, how fresh it still feels to me today, communing with the muse after letting ignorance glaze my mind over for years...creatively meditating while the scenery passes me by...
...and maybe that's it...after submersing myself in all things Beat during my impressionable and infamous collegiate years, i think i broke free for fear that i would wind up becoming some piss-poor mimic of the past without allowing the development of my own true voice...but it's been almost 10 years or more...and it seems as if i've strayed too far from my roots...
...looking back, i still hold the Allen Ginsberg poetry reading at CMU (4/8/94) as one of the highest moments of my life...and to meet him after the reading was as if i had died and was conversing with an angel on earth...holy hyperbole perhaps but here it is 14 years later - damn! - and it still rings as true in my mind as it did then...
...and it's bigger than just the Beats...goes well beyond Jack and Allen...it weaves in Bukowski...and Thompson...Hesse and Robbins and Wolfe...Fante and Camus...so many others that sit dusty on my shelves...writers, dreamers and celebrants of their own true voice...each one, living life with as much artistry as they displayed in their written craft...
...i'm gonna throw a few logs on the fire and see how long this burns...
Jean-Louis Lebris de Kerouac 3/12/22 - 10/21/69
“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes "Awww!”
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
"Steeler Nation" on NFL Network
I saw this great mini-documentary on NFL network today on the history and true meaning of Steeler Nation - the large group of rabid Pittsburgh Steeler fans like myself that have Pittsburgh and their beloved Steelers deep in their hearts regardless of where we might live, be it S'Liberty, Long Island or South America.
The typical gridiron lineage was drawn from the Rooney family history, the Steel Curtain heyday of the '70s and of course, Myron's Terrible Towel which is often featured in most Steeler related features. What separated this effort from all the others was the sociological angle it took regarding the economical and industrial impact the people of Pittsburgh have endured over time as it relates to widespread geographical fandom. It takes the usual steel town blurbs of smoke-filled skies and blue-collar dreams and prosperity and digs further to uncover the sudden industrial decline of the '80s that sent many folks packing to other cities, with the glory filled memories of Bradshaw, Swan and Noll long behind them. As the team began it's initial resurgence in the '90s with the introduction of new head coach Bill Cowher, a new hope was reborn, awakening deep feelings in the hearts and souls of those displaced Pittsburgh refugees. There were moments when destiny appeared to be in place, making the "One for the Thumb" almost certain reality, only to fall short in the end. Undaunted, the fan base kept growing and growing, blazing through the United States like brush fire through fields of brown grass as the team persevered and continued it's quest for glory. Fans from all over the country were showcased, many pictured in front of their town's own Steeler bar, crowded en masse, clad head to foot in black and gold. The true culmination of both Steeler team greatness and true fandom finally came during that memorable Super Bowl XL in Detroit as the stadium was unbelievably packed by the Steeler Nation faithful.
...between the great Steeler footage shown, the dynamic link made between the great city of Pittsburgh and its undeniable impact it has on the people that live there, be it briefly or all their life...and seeing that trophy being hoisted by Coach Cowher one more time as the yellow towels twirled in the background...i gotta' say, it brought a little tear to my eye. Look for it if you have NFL Network or find a friend that has it and check it out...
The typical gridiron lineage was drawn from the Rooney family history, the Steel Curtain heyday of the '70s and of course, Myron's Terrible Towel which is often featured in most Steeler related features. What separated this effort from all the others was the sociological angle it took regarding the economical and industrial impact the people of Pittsburgh have endured over time as it relates to widespread geographical fandom. It takes the usual steel town blurbs of smoke-filled skies and blue-collar dreams and prosperity and digs further to uncover the sudden industrial decline of the '80s that sent many folks packing to other cities, with the glory filled memories of Bradshaw, Swan and Noll long behind them. As the team began it's initial resurgence in the '90s with the introduction of new head coach Bill Cowher, a new hope was reborn, awakening deep feelings in the hearts and souls of those displaced Pittsburgh refugees. There were moments when destiny appeared to be in place, making the "One for the Thumb" almost certain reality, only to fall short in the end. Undaunted, the fan base kept growing and growing, blazing through the United States like brush fire through fields of brown grass as the team persevered and continued it's quest for glory. Fans from all over the country were showcased, many pictured in front of their town's own Steeler bar, crowded en masse, clad head to foot in black and gold. The true culmination of both Steeler team greatness and true fandom finally came during that memorable Super Bowl XL in Detroit as the stadium was unbelievably packed by the Steeler Nation faithful.
...between the great Steeler footage shown, the dynamic link made between the great city of Pittsburgh and its undeniable impact it has on the people that live there, be it briefly or all their life...and seeing that trophy being hoisted by Coach Cowher one more time as the yellow towels twirled in the background...i gotta' say, it brought a little tear to my eye. Look for it if you have NFL Network or find a friend that has it and check it out...
"No Country For Old Men" aka No Sleep For Scared Mike
So, i watched "No Country For Old Men" today...amazing...simply amazing. It's a deep, cerebral film that is probably still too fresh in my mind to review it with any decent perspective. I was eager to finally see it being a big Coen Brothers fan and given all the awards and accolades bestowed upon it. Simply put - "No Country For Old Men" makes "Fargo" look like "The Big Lebowski".
I can't get into the plot and storyline but i will say it has every classic, essential aspect of what makes a great action, drama, and thriller movie, all wrapped up into one crazy film. The acting performances clocked in by the three male leads - Brolin, Jones & Bardem, are nothing short of brilliant. After seeing his first scene, you quickly forget Brolin was the older brother from "The Goonies", as he brings amazing clarity and realism to his role as Llewelyn Moss - Vietnam vet, victim of circumstance and all-around bad-ass. Tommy Lee Jones brings the sense of authenticity and grit you'd expect him to, playing a small-town Texas sheriff like he'd been wearing the badge all his life. There is something about that stoic, leathery face of his...it reads like a road map, giving him a certain unmistakable character as he continues to be one of Hollywood's most reliable actors of our time.
...and lastly...and not that i could forget him if i tried - Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh...perhaps one of the most low-down, heartlessly ruthless and all-out full-blown creepy psychotic badmen in all of cinematic history. There is no doubt his acting performance is worthy of his Oscar...but make no mistake...they gave it to him out of fear. This character will haunt my dreams for the next few weeks...i'm sure of it...prompting me to plug in a nightlight for the first time in over 25 years. It is with total honesty that i admit - if i were to encounter him walking towards me down the middle of the busiest street at Disneyland loaded with plenty of witnesses on the sunniest day of the year and at the same time, i happen to be walking past a police officer, Chuck Norris and '70s era Jack Lambert - i'd still shit myself.
...see this movie.
I can't get into the plot and storyline but i will say it has every classic, essential aspect of what makes a great action, drama, and thriller movie, all wrapped up into one crazy film. The acting performances clocked in by the three male leads - Brolin, Jones & Bardem, are nothing short of brilliant. After seeing his first scene, you quickly forget Brolin was the older brother from "The Goonies", as he brings amazing clarity and realism to his role as Llewelyn Moss - Vietnam vet, victim of circumstance and all-around bad-ass. Tommy Lee Jones brings the sense of authenticity and grit you'd expect him to, playing a small-town Texas sheriff like he'd been wearing the badge all his life. There is something about that stoic, leathery face of his...it reads like a road map, giving him a certain unmistakable character as he continues to be one of Hollywood's most reliable actors of our time.
...and lastly...and not that i could forget him if i tried - Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh...perhaps one of the most low-down, heartlessly ruthless and all-out full-blown creepy psychotic badmen in all of cinematic history. There is no doubt his acting performance is worthy of his Oscar...but make no mistake...they gave it to him out of fear. This character will haunt my dreams for the next few weeks...i'm sure of it...prompting me to plug in a nightlight for the first time in over 25 years. It is with total honesty that i admit - if i were to encounter him walking towards me down the middle of the busiest street at Disneyland loaded with plenty of witnesses on the sunniest day of the year and at the same time, i happen to be walking past a police officer, Chuck Norris and '70s era Jack Lambert - i'd still shit myself.
...see this movie.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
...a few notable movies of late have passed through my DVD player recently...mostly all good stuff...
"Across the Universe" - this movie creatively weaves the lyrics of classic Beatles songs and an assortment of major and minor characters based on Beatles songs thrown into a mixture of plot lines and themes based on the current events that took place in the late '60's, creating a rich tapestry that is visually stunning and fun to sing along to at times...but as much of a Beatles fan as i am and was raised to be, i found myself wanting to like this flick far more than i wound up truly liking it... for the most part, many of the scenes come off like bad theater, as classic Beatles tunes are overshadowed by hackneyed dance routines and forced plot lines...the only redeeming aspect of the film came about half-way when a very Kesey-like character was introduced into the mix, leading his merry group of "pranksters" across the land in a colorfully painted old school bus, determined to seek out the other visionary lysergic seer from the east coast (Leary)...however, despite the fantastic audio and visual onslaught the film's director conjures up for this overtly trippy portion of the movie, it's practically lost behind a cloud of shit created by the hack job of acting showcased by global savior and angel Bono of U2 fame...what a douche...
"Michael Clayton" - solid movie all around...i found it a little tough to get into at first but once i was into it, the 2 hours passed like minutes as i watched it...if a movie stars George Clooney, i generally make a point to avoid it - the Cohen's "Oh Brother.." being the lone exception...but i must admit, he puts in a commendable performance certainly worthy of his Oscar nomination...fantastic ending too...kept me engaged till the final frame...
"King of Kong: A Fistfull of Quarters" - i can't say enough about how excellent a documentary this was. On the surface, it's a story about a long-standing Donkey Kong high-score from '82 held by super-geek Billy Mitchell and how one man's determination (Steve Wiebe) to match and exceed the score 20 years later somewhat shadows the struggle of the anyman when he's up against any unfair and insurmountable odds. If i go into too much detail, i'll spoil it for those that have yet to see it...but by the end of the film, i found myself flowing with feelings and thoughts about what i just witnessed, stronger than i would have ever guessed...which is one of the best methods to gage the effectiveness of any documentary or film. Most films these days are as forgettable on the drive home from the movie theater as they are two weeks later. Whereas a really good film will stick with you for a long time, and in some rare cases - forever...be it a certain scene, a particular passage of dialogue or an authentic raw emotion conjured by a series of moving images, an honest approach to a hard-hitting subject matter, a transcendent acting performance or any combination thereof...i'm not saying this documentary will have the same effect on everybody, but i do urge you to give it a shot. If for no other reason, you'll definitely find yr'self laughing at how serious this group of grown men take their video game playing. reminding us all what can happen when we take ourselves too seriously on this earth and lose perspective on whats really important. Incidentally - it must be noted that Billy Mitchell is a huge douche too...not as big as Bono...but close...
"Into the Wild" - an excellent movie and one of those rare instances in which a movie adaptation holds up exceptionally well against it's initial literary format, faithfully representing the story in a visually captivating way. Emile Hirsch puts in a command performance as the main character, Christopher McCandless - an idealistic, independent and intelligent young man in his early twenties with a mission to live off-the-grid as it were, looking to survive in the Alaskan wilderness free and far from the everyday compromises man puts upon his soul in order to survive...and just as free and far from help and assistance, a stubborn ideal that becomes his own demise. Additionally, the actors and actresses that play the random, colorful personalities to pop in and out of his life as he takes his journey are equally compelling and are as essential to the movie as Emile's portrayal of McCandless is. Specifically, the roles of the grain farmer (Vince Vaughn), the female rubbertramp (Catherine Keener) and the elderly widower (Hal Holbrook) were acted out with such grace and craft, they leave a lasting impression on you even though their screen time is minimal. Yr' left to wonder about their continued existences as much as yr' left to ponder where McCandless' quest went wrong.
"The Darjeeling Limited" - another quirky offering from Wes Anderson starring at least one Wilson brother and Jason Schwartzman. This wasn't my favorite effort from Wes but even when the storyline is weak, as this one is, his unique sense of cinematic visual style is so powerful, it almost becomes its own character. Between his vibrant use of vivid colors, dialogue full of wit and realism and a sort of hipster kitchiness for materialistic props and possessions, Anderson continues to blaze a cinematic trail of excellence with every movie he makes. He has proven himself to be one of the finest filmmakers of this generation and certainly has the potential to be considered as one of the greats in the future.
"Across the Universe" - this movie creatively weaves the lyrics of classic Beatles songs and an assortment of major and minor characters based on Beatles songs thrown into a mixture of plot lines and themes based on the current events that took place in the late '60's, creating a rich tapestry that is visually stunning and fun to sing along to at times...but as much of a Beatles fan as i am and was raised to be, i found myself wanting to like this flick far more than i wound up truly liking it... for the most part, many of the scenes come off like bad theater, as classic Beatles tunes are overshadowed by hackneyed dance routines and forced plot lines...the only redeeming aspect of the film came about half-way when a very Kesey-like character was introduced into the mix, leading his merry group of "pranksters" across the land in a colorfully painted old school bus, determined to seek out the other visionary lysergic seer from the east coast (Leary)...however, despite the fantastic audio and visual onslaught the film's director conjures up for this overtly trippy portion of the movie, it's practically lost behind a cloud of shit created by the hack job of acting showcased by global savior and angel Bono of U2 fame...what a douche...
"Michael Clayton" - solid movie all around...i found it a little tough to get into at first but once i was into it, the 2 hours passed like minutes as i watched it...if a movie stars George Clooney, i generally make a point to avoid it - the Cohen's "Oh Brother.." being the lone exception...but i must admit, he puts in a commendable performance certainly worthy of his Oscar nomination...fantastic ending too...kept me engaged till the final frame...
"King of Kong: A Fistfull of Quarters" - i can't say enough about how excellent a documentary this was. On the surface, it's a story about a long-standing Donkey Kong high-score from '82 held by super-geek Billy Mitchell and how one man's determination (Steve Wiebe) to match and exceed the score 20 years later somewhat shadows the struggle of the anyman when he's up against any unfair and insurmountable odds. If i go into too much detail, i'll spoil it for those that have yet to see it...but by the end of the film, i found myself flowing with feelings and thoughts about what i just witnessed, stronger than i would have ever guessed...which is one of the best methods to gage the effectiveness of any documentary or film. Most films these days are as forgettable on the drive home from the movie theater as they are two weeks later. Whereas a really good film will stick with you for a long time, and in some rare cases - forever...be it a certain scene, a particular passage of dialogue or an authentic raw emotion conjured by a series of moving images, an honest approach to a hard-hitting subject matter, a transcendent acting performance or any combination thereof...i'm not saying this documentary will have the same effect on everybody, but i do urge you to give it a shot. If for no other reason, you'll definitely find yr'self laughing at how serious this group of grown men take their video game playing. reminding us all what can happen when we take ourselves too seriously on this earth and lose perspective on whats really important. Incidentally - it must be noted that Billy Mitchell is a huge douche too...not as big as Bono...but close...
"Into the Wild" - an excellent movie and one of those rare instances in which a movie adaptation holds up exceptionally well against it's initial literary format, faithfully representing the story in a visually captivating way. Emile Hirsch puts in a command performance as the main character, Christopher McCandless - an idealistic, independent and intelligent young man in his early twenties with a mission to live off-the-grid as it were, looking to survive in the Alaskan wilderness free and far from the everyday compromises man puts upon his soul in order to survive...and just as free and far from help and assistance, a stubborn ideal that becomes his own demise. Additionally, the actors and actresses that play the random, colorful personalities to pop in and out of his life as he takes his journey are equally compelling and are as essential to the movie as Emile's portrayal of McCandless is. Specifically, the roles of the grain farmer (Vince Vaughn), the female rubbertramp (Catherine Keener) and the elderly widower (Hal Holbrook) were acted out with such grace and craft, they leave a lasting impression on you even though their screen time is minimal. Yr' left to wonder about their continued existences as much as yr' left to ponder where McCandless' quest went wrong.
"The Darjeeling Limited" - another quirky offering from Wes Anderson starring at least one Wilson brother and Jason Schwartzman. This wasn't my favorite effort from Wes but even when the storyline is weak, as this one is, his unique sense of cinematic visual style is so powerful, it almost becomes its own character. Between his vibrant use of vivid colors, dialogue full of wit and realism and a sort of hipster kitchiness for materialistic props and possessions, Anderson continues to blaze a cinematic trail of excellence with every movie he makes. He has proven himself to be one of the finest filmmakers of this generation and certainly has the potential to be considered as one of the greats in the future.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Sunday - March 2, 2008
...caught last night's SNL...i was hoping for the best since Ellen Page was hosting but it fell flat and i second guessed if the writers strike was really over...without a doubt, the only saving grace was Wilco's musical contributions as guests...they performed two songs from the new CD "Sky Blue Sky" - Hate It Here & Walken...both songs aided by a three-piece horn section and the latter featuring Jeff Tweedy sporting a vintage Nudie suit...classic...
...the only other item of note about the episode was when the news segment was drawing to a close and professed Pittsburgh Steeler fan Seth Myers pulled a Terrible Towel out from his pocket and waved it around in honor of Myron...class act...
...happy birthday to 3/2/69 - easily one of my top 10 GD shows of all-time, top 5 '69 shows and my favorite of the fabled Fillmore East 2/27 -3/2 run of the same year...
...the only other item of note about the episode was when the news segment was drawing to a close and professed Pittsburgh Steeler fan Seth Myers pulled a Terrible Towel out from his pocket and waved it around in honor of Myron...class act...
...happy birthday to 3/2/69 - easily one of my top 10 GD shows of all-time, top 5 '69 shows and my favorite of the fabled Fillmore East 2/27 -3/2 run of the same year...
Friday, February 29, 2008
Clapton/Winwood @ MSG - 2/28/08 - review
Long time friends and long-ago collaborators, Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood, closed out their 3 night run at NYC’s fabled Madison Square Garden to thunderous applause, dropped jaws and an arena full of satisfied customers. After rekindling their musical kinship last year at Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival, it was obvious to the old friends as much as it was to the audience that they had struck upon some magic not felt by many in a long time. Aside from their own respective solo careers, the band resumes of the two musicians read like a virtual “who’s who” of late 60’s era classic rock. Having an opportunity to hear rare Blind Faith songs intermixed with some stellar Traffic tunes and carefully selected cover choices would entice even the most casual music fan. It was with this great anticipation that a packed crowd filled the Garden to capacity all three nights of this limited engagement.
Within minutes of the opening “Had to Cry Today”, Winwood displayed the very same vocal prowess that prompted Spencer Davis to have him sing lead at age 19. “Low Down” came next, keeping the tempo upbeat and the fans cheering into the next tune, Clapton’s brief mid 80’s hit “Foreverman”. It surprisingly had new legs and a fresh sound thanks to a revived Clapton, playing some of his best guitar in recent memory these days, making even this throwaway song a keeper during this high caliber show. Having just passed the day before, the band played a spirited version of Buddy Miles’ signature tune “Them Changes”, dedicating their performance in his memory. A well received Blind Faith two-fer followed, a solid “Sleeping on the Ground” that lead into a letter-perfect version of “Presence of the Lord”, with both lead instruments and voices blending perfectly for the song’s final verse. The instrumental Traffic classic “Glad” came next, while missing the essential lead horn accompaniment, having Clapton on guitar more than made up for its absence, replicating the same familiar horn parts expertly on his black Stratocaster. A seamless shift into another Blind Faith chestnut, “Well Alright”, gave Winwood and Clapton yet another opportunity to showcase their combined talents, harmonizing on the choruses. As the slow tempo of the next song, Otis Rush’s “Double Trouble”, began to take form, the high energy of the show was in jeopardy of being sabotaged. But as soon as Clapton methodically ripped into his first guitar solo, it was clear that he was out to captivate the entire crowd, leaving them hanging on every note picked from his strings. His tone was unimaginably clean and warm, showing elements of the blues from Delta to Chicago, BB King to Albert King and all the Kings in between. This simply was a true blues master flexing his artistry.
Having had his spotlight time for now, the stage then became Winwood’s, starting with a well sung Traffic staple “Pearly Queen” and followed by two solo tunes, “Tell the Truth” and “No Face, No Name, No Number”. His voice has become one of those rare rock and roll commodities, refining over time like wine, sounding almost like that same 19 year old voice of long ago. As the opening notes of “After Midnight” rang out, the crowd rose to its feet with Clapton once again breathing new life into another time honored classic and the keyboardist, Chris Stainton, taking his first solo of the evening, a stunning display of funky Moog work. This was followed by “Tell the Truth”, a surprise Derek & the Dominoes related song performed like the Clapton of ’71 by the Clapton of ’08. As the cheering subsided, Winwood and the band left the stage, allowing Clapton a chance to showcase his love for blues roots in a solo setting. Covering Robert Johnson’s “Ramblin’ On My Mind”, he skillfully executed acoustic slide licks and soulfully wailed as he sung, making the spacious Madison Square Garden feel more like a front porch in Mississippi than a concert venue deep within a modern metropolis. As Clapton walked off stage, Winwood reappeared, sat down at the organ and performed a moving version of Ray Charles’ “Georgia on My Mind”; finally showcasing the soulful organ chops that go along with his classic vocals.
The final portion of the show was a non-stop, relentless feast of musical finery that will long stand as the bar for future measurements in terms of epic, legendary concerts. Clapton laid all of his cards on the table with his reading of Hendrix’s “Little Wing” performing it in the Derek & the Dominoes styled arrangement, with Winwood duetting brilliantly throughout. To nail the coffin, Clapton followed-up with “Voodoo Chile”, the more extended version of this Hendrix classic, which featured Winwood on organ on the original recording. Without question, he laid to rest any guitar-god debate as he channeled Hendrix endlessly, percolating riff after riff and reaching outer stratosphere limits by the closing notes of his final solo. “Can’t Find My Way Home” was the final Blind Faith song of the night, allowing the crowd its sing-along moment. Marred slightly by the over-percussive piano playing of Stainton, the closing “Cocaine” crowd pleaser ended the set on a high note, with every fan applauding madly for one more song. The familiar opening notes of Traffic’s “Dear Mr. Fantasy” were unmistakable, and the perfect encore choice to act as the bow atop an otherwise already outstanding gift. It was also Winwood’s finest moment on guitar all evening, stepping toe-to-toe with EC himself, and holding his own to the delight of the packed house.
With your eyes closed, it sounded so close to the original, the fact that two old friends in their fifties backed by a band only put together for these three gigs could accomplish this is astounding. It’s as much a testament to the band as it is an example of how music can withstand the wraths of age and time, allowing itself to be tapped into when the conditions allow it. Having two masters like Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood on stage all night created one of those rare once-in-a-lifetime magical experiences made of as much loving brotherhood as there was musical excellence. A relationship and personal connection as rare in musical circles as it is in life.
Within minutes of the opening “Had to Cry Today”, Winwood displayed the very same vocal prowess that prompted Spencer Davis to have him sing lead at age 19. “Low Down” came next, keeping the tempo upbeat and the fans cheering into the next tune, Clapton’s brief mid 80’s hit “Foreverman”. It surprisingly had new legs and a fresh sound thanks to a revived Clapton, playing some of his best guitar in recent memory these days, making even this throwaway song a keeper during this high caliber show. Having just passed the day before, the band played a spirited version of Buddy Miles’ signature tune “Them Changes”, dedicating their performance in his memory. A well received Blind Faith two-fer followed, a solid “Sleeping on the Ground” that lead into a letter-perfect version of “Presence of the Lord”, with both lead instruments and voices blending perfectly for the song’s final verse. The instrumental Traffic classic “Glad” came next, while missing the essential lead horn accompaniment, having Clapton on guitar more than made up for its absence, replicating the same familiar horn parts expertly on his black Stratocaster. A seamless shift into another Blind Faith chestnut, “Well Alright”, gave Winwood and Clapton yet another opportunity to showcase their combined talents, harmonizing on the choruses. As the slow tempo of the next song, Otis Rush’s “Double Trouble”, began to take form, the high energy of the show was in jeopardy of being sabotaged. But as soon as Clapton methodically ripped into his first guitar solo, it was clear that he was out to captivate the entire crowd, leaving them hanging on every note picked from his strings. His tone was unimaginably clean and warm, showing elements of the blues from Delta to Chicago, BB King to Albert King and all the Kings in between. This simply was a true blues master flexing his artistry.
Having had his spotlight time for now, the stage then became Winwood’s, starting with a well sung Traffic staple “Pearly Queen” and followed by two solo tunes, “Tell the Truth” and “No Face, No Name, No Number”. His voice has become one of those rare rock and roll commodities, refining over time like wine, sounding almost like that same 19 year old voice of long ago. As the opening notes of “After Midnight” rang out, the crowd rose to its feet with Clapton once again breathing new life into another time honored classic and the keyboardist, Chris Stainton, taking his first solo of the evening, a stunning display of funky Moog work. This was followed by “Tell the Truth”, a surprise Derek & the Dominoes related song performed like the Clapton of ’71 by the Clapton of ’08. As the cheering subsided, Winwood and the band left the stage, allowing Clapton a chance to showcase his love for blues roots in a solo setting. Covering Robert Johnson’s “Ramblin’ On My Mind”, he skillfully executed acoustic slide licks and soulfully wailed as he sung, making the spacious Madison Square Garden feel more like a front porch in Mississippi than a concert venue deep within a modern metropolis. As Clapton walked off stage, Winwood reappeared, sat down at the organ and performed a moving version of Ray Charles’ “Georgia on My Mind”; finally showcasing the soulful organ chops that go along with his classic vocals.
The final portion of the show was a non-stop, relentless feast of musical finery that will long stand as the bar for future measurements in terms of epic, legendary concerts. Clapton laid all of his cards on the table with his reading of Hendrix’s “Little Wing” performing it in the Derek & the Dominoes styled arrangement, with Winwood duetting brilliantly throughout. To nail the coffin, Clapton followed-up with “Voodoo Chile”, the more extended version of this Hendrix classic, which featured Winwood on organ on the original recording. Without question, he laid to rest any guitar-god debate as he channeled Hendrix endlessly, percolating riff after riff and reaching outer stratosphere limits by the closing notes of his final solo. “Can’t Find My Way Home” was the final Blind Faith song of the night, allowing the crowd its sing-along moment. Marred slightly by the over-percussive piano playing of Stainton, the closing “Cocaine” crowd pleaser ended the set on a high note, with every fan applauding madly for one more song. The familiar opening notes of Traffic’s “Dear Mr. Fantasy” were unmistakable, and the perfect encore choice to act as the bow atop an otherwise already outstanding gift. It was also Winwood’s finest moment on guitar all evening, stepping toe-to-toe with EC himself, and holding his own to the delight of the packed house.
With your eyes closed, it sounded so close to the original, the fact that two old friends in their fifties backed by a band only put together for these three gigs could accomplish this is astounding. It’s as much a testament to the band as it is an example of how music can withstand the wraths of age and time, allowing itself to be tapped into when the conditions allow it. Having two masters like Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood on stage all night created one of those rare once-in-a-lifetime magical experiences made of as much loving brotherhood as there was musical excellence. A relationship and personal connection as rare in musical circles as it is in life.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Wed., Feb. 27, 2008
...my new GD audio project is a complete revisiting, relistening, and reinvestigation of the Europe '72 tour...i have a few holes to fill in the collection first and a couple upgrades i need to seek out...but it oughtta' be fun...
...my brother is flying into town this afternoon and my buddy BT is driving in from the Pgh. area for an EPIC hang and to hit the Clapton/Winwood concert @ MSG tomorrow night...PSYCHED!!!!
...(((Myron Cope))) -R.I.P....double yoi...
...my brother is flying into town this afternoon and my buddy BT is driving in from the Pgh. area for an EPIC hang and to hit the Clapton/Winwood concert @ MSG tomorrow night...PSYCHED!!!!
...(((Myron Cope))) -R.I.P....double yoi...
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Wilco - Shubert Theater - 2/24/08 review
Playing New Haven, CT’s Shubert Theater, Wilco made their fourth stop on their current tour in support of their sixth studio album, “Sky Blue Sky”. This concert had them fresh from their residency at hometown Chicago’s Riviera Theater, where the band played their entire catalog over a 5 night run. This is the band’s second trip around the US in continued support of their most recent studio effort “Sky Blue Sky”, one of 2007’s darlings of musical media and mainstream press alike. And deservedly so, as this effort features not only a band at it’s fullest command of every talent they process, both musically and lyrically but is also the first studio album to feature the pyrotechnic playing of Nels Cline on guitar, a proven essential noisemaking piece to the overall Wilco puzzle of sound.
New Haven’s Shubert Theater is a compact, 1600 seat venue that typically hosts crowds for Annie or local ballet company performances more so than rock acts. The intimate setting was certainly one of the contributing factors to this show selling out within hours of going on-sale. The staff seemed sufficiently prepared for the eclectic crowd of aging uber hipsters and folks that still love rock & roll. The theater itself is only about 25-30 rows deep on the floor, with two mezzanine/balconies that overhang the back 1/3 of the orchestra section. On the sides of the theater walls were the type of smaller, private booths that are ideal for a presidential assasination.
A rare “Remember the Mountain Bed” opened the show, a quiet selection that is enjoying some new life having been revived in Chicago the week before. It’s of interest to point out that ½ way through this song, Glenn was covered in sweat – he has quickly shot up my list of favorite current drummers out there today and proved himself the essential backbone to this band throughout the entire evening. The “California Stars” that followed continued the established mellow pace, keeping many of the audience in their seats but finding an odd niche early-on in the set given it’s traditional role as show closer or encore.
Five of the next six songs were probably the best solid showcase featuring the amazing guitar craft of Nels Cline. Dressed in black from head-to-toe, with pants more appropriate for flood evacuation than guitar goddery, he delivered endless quirky tones, face-melting riffage and colorful feedback the likes of which are totally captivating to listen to, much less witness first hand from 20 ft away. His aural impact is astonishing, punctuating Tweedy’s intense lyrical deliveries with flurries of notes and a barrage of moody twangs saturated in harmonic distortion. During “Shot in the Arm”, Cline kept his eyes closed as he conjured textural waves of sonic chaos, clanking his knees together in some mad whirling dervish dance and swinging his guitar towards his amp for the song’s conclusion for added feedback. His closing solo in “You Are My Face” became his own lyrical voice that picked up right from where Jeff left off, producing a feeling difficult to nail down with only words.
Before I’m accused of being a biased Cline sympathizer, it stands to say that the entire band played exceptionally well. John’s bass-work has always provided the band with its solid foundation, and when coupled with Glenn on the kit, that rhythm section is hard to beat. It certainly helps that they are also the two longest tenured members of the band as well. Mikael and Pat are a rare duel keyboard tandem, acting as musical punctuation in the ongoing debate between the guitars, the bass and the drums. Since the band’s inception in 1995, a lot of the focus given to this band has centered on its de facto leader, his turbulent history and eventual rise to glory, etc. However, with all due respect to Jeff Tweedy, the band is in such command of their abilities right now, attending a Wilco show is worth it just to hear them play.
Jeff sang with solid conviction, making quick work of the 25-song set list mixed evenly with current favorites and older nuggets. Other than one or two comments during the show, his demeanor was rather workmanlike, putting the focus on the music and his lyrics, sensing the need to win us over unnecessary. While many of the favorable “Sky Blue Sky” reviews were quick to mention Tweedy’s ever-evolving lyrical sensibilities, it’s also important to bring his improved guitar playing to attention. Granted, songwriting has always been his strength and with the constant assault waged by Cline and his guitar at every show, it’s easy to take for granted. I was amazed at how many “Nels parts” turned out to be played by Jeff on songs like “I’m the Man That Loves You” and “Impossible Germany”. His tones are equally warm and effective on the acoustic, adding a soft sincerity to songs like the Guthrie penned “Airline to Heaven”. Overall, there is a certain aire of confidence to Tweedy’s on-stage persona that shows more attention to his craft and more concern with its reception than ever before. With an assortment of shaky life experiences behind him, the stability he has gained has meshed with an older, more refined creative voice that reflects those experiences and harnesses that energy positively into his art.
The show concluded with a 6-song encore burst and unintentionally began with the evening’s comedic highlight. Once the band reemerged for the encore and began the Volkswagen anthem “Hate It Here”, they realized they were short a keyboardist. As the song continued, puzzled looks were exchanged on-stage as if to say “I thought YOU had him”. Eventually, Pat stepped onto the stage to a great ovation and with enough time to finish the song with his mates. The last four songs of the encore ran into one another in quick succession, denying the crowd any opportunity to catch its breath or process anything. A powerful impact not felt by anyone until the last note rang silent and the house lights came up to usher us out into the cold February night.
New Haven’s Shubert Theater is a compact, 1600 seat venue that typically hosts crowds for Annie or local ballet company performances more so than rock acts. The intimate setting was certainly one of the contributing factors to this show selling out within hours of going on-sale. The staff seemed sufficiently prepared for the eclectic crowd of aging uber hipsters and folks that still love rock & roll. The theater itself is only about 25-30 rows deep on the floor, with two mezzanine/balconies that overhang the back 1/3 of the orchestra section. On the sides of the theater walls were the type of smaller, private booths that are ideal for a presidential assasination.
A rare “Remember the Mountain Bed” opened the show, a quiet selection that is enjoying some new life having been revived in Chicago the week before. It’s of interest to point out that ½ way through this song, Glenn was covered in sweat – he has quickly shot up my list of favorite current drummers out there today and proved himself the essential backbone to this band throughout the entire evening. The “California Stars” that followed continued the established mellow pace, keeping many of the audience in their seats but finding an odd niche early-on in the set given it’s traditional role as show closer or encore.
Five of the next six songs were probably the best solid showcase featuring the amazing guitar craft of Nels Cline. Dressed in black from head-to-toe, with pants more appropriate for flood evacuation than guitar goddery, he delivered endless quirky tones, face-melting riffage and colorful feedback the likes of which are totally captivating to listen to, much less witness first hand from 20 ft away. His aural impact is astonishing, punctuating Tweedy’s intense lyrical deliveries with flurries of notes and a barrage of moody twangs saturated in harmonic distortion. During “Shot in the Arm”, Cline kept his eyes closed as he conjured textural waves of sonic chaos, clanking his knees together in some mad whirling dervish dance and swinging his guitar towards his amp for the song’s conclusion for added feedback. His closing solo in “You Are My Face” became his own lyrical voice that picked up right from where Jeff left off, producing a feeling difficult to nail down with only words.
Before I’m accused of being a biased Cline sympathizer, it stands to say that the entire band played exceptionally well. John’s bass-work has always provided the band with its solid foundation, and when coupled with Glenn on the kit, that rhythm section is hard to beat. It certainly helps that they are also the two longest tenured members of the band as well. Mikael and Pat are a rare duel keyboard tandem, acting as musical punctuation in the ongoing debate between the guitars, the bass and the drums. Since the band’s inception in 1995, a lot of the focus given to this band has centered on its de facto leader, his turbulent history and eventual rise to glory, etc. However, with all due respect to Jeff Tweedy, the band is in such command of their abilities right now, attending a Wilco show is worth it just to hear them play.
Jeff sang with solid conviction, making quick work of the 25-song set list mixed evenly with current favorites and older nuggets. Other than one or two comments during the show, his demeanor was rather workmanlike, putting the focus on the music and his lyrics, sensing the need to win us over unnecessary. While many of the favorable “Sky Blue Sky” reviews were quick to mention Tweedy’s ever-evolving lyrical sensibilities, it’s also important to bring his improved guitar playing to attention. Granted, songwriting has always been his strength and with the constant assault waged by Cline and his guitar at every show, it’s easy to take for granted. I was amazed at how many “Nels parts” turned out to be played by Jeff on songs like “I’m the Man That Loves You” and “Impossible Germany”. His tones are equally warm and effective on the acoustic, adding a soft sincerity to songs like the Guthrie penned “Airline to Heaven”. Overall, there is a certain aire of confidence to Tweedy’s on-stage persona that shows more attention to his craft and more concern with its reception than ever before. With an assortment of shaky life experiences behind him, the stability he has gained has meshed with an older, more refined creative voice that reflects those experiences and harnesses that energy positively into his art.
The show concluded with a 6-song encore burst and unintentionally began with the evening’s comedic highlight. Once the band reemerged for the encore and began the Volkswagen anthem “Hate It Here”, they realized they were short a keyboardist. As the song continued, puzzled looks were exchanged on-stage as if to say “I thought YOU had him”. Eventually, Pat stepped onto the stage to a great ovation and with enough time to finish the song with his mates. The last four songs of the encore ran into one another in quick succession, denying the crowd any opportunity to catch its breath or process anything. A powerful impact not felt by anyone until the last note rang silent and the house lights came up to usher us out into the cold February night.
Wilco - Shubert Theater - 2/24/08 setlist
Remember the Mountain Bed
California Stars
Company In My Back
Pot Kettle Black
A Shot in the Arm
Radio Cure
You Are My Face
Side With The Seeds
Pick Up The Change
Hotel Arizona
I'm Always in Love
Impossible Germany
Jesus, etc.
Misunderstood
Airline To Heaven
Theologians
Walken
I'm The Man Who Loves You
On and On and On
----------------------
Hate It Here
Heavy Metal Drummer
Red-Eyed and Blue>
I Got You (At The End of the Century)
Monday>
Outtasite (Outta Mind)
California Stars
Company In My Back
Pot Kettle Black
A Shot in the Arm
Radio Cure
You Are My Face
Side With The Seeds
Pick Up The Change
Hotel Arizona
I'm Always in Love
Impossible Germany
Jesus, etc.
Misunderstood
Airline To Heaven
Theologians
Walken
I'm The Man Who Loves You
On and On and On
----------------------
Hate It Here
Heavy Metal Drummer
Red-Eyed and Blue>
I Got You (At The End of the Century)
Monday>
Outtasite (Outta Mind)
Jimmy Smith - the Funkiest!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLn6v0V3QUw
This is one of the baaaaaaaddest clips i've ever seen of Jimmy Smith layin' it down on the B-3...enjoy!
This is one of the baaaaaaaddest clips i've ever seen of Jimmy Smith layin' it down on the B-3...enjoy!
...really solid Wilco show in CT last night...better than the Red Bank, NJ gig we saw last year...more so in terms of the overall song selection...a more detailed review to follow...
today's audio rotation - 6/28/74 GD, 5/2/70 GD, 4/15/78 GD
...the job search continues...but not without coffee first...
today's audio rotation - 6/28/74 GD, 5/2/70 GD, 4/15/78 GD
...the job search continues...but not without coffee first...
Friday, February 22, 2008
today's playlist - 4/16/78 GD, 7/7/69 GD, 7/25/74 GD, Jimmy Smith and some Wilco bootlegs from their recent Chicago run...
currently reading - "Wired" by Bob Woodward...a solid biography on the life of John Belushi...about 100 pages deep...
...and i have a half dozen assorted poetry magazines/journals i bought today on deck next so's i can get myself familiarized with what's going on these days...
...snow on the ground...still searching for a new job...with the weekend right around the corner...
currently reading - "Wired" by Bob Woodward...a solid biography on the life of John Belushi...about 100 pages deep...
...and i have a half dozen assorted poetry magazines/journals i bought today on deck next so's i can get myself familiarized with what's going on these days...
...snow on the ground...still searching for a new job...with the weekend right around the corner...
Beck - Odelay Deluxe Edition review
In 1996, Beck released his 2nd major label release “Odelay” and left an influential footprint so large that its impact can still be felt today. With its b-boy hooks and b-side samples, brilliantly assisted by the production wizards of the time – the Dust Brothers and Mario Caldato, Jr. of Beastie Boys fame, the record contained all of the true essences of 21st century cool without sounding like the attempt was ever made at all.
With “Odelay”, Beck picked right up where his first commercial achievement “Mellow Gold” left off, only full of more freak-out energy and ass-wiggle than ever thought possible from a skinny white boy hailing from LA. Tracks like “Hotwax”, “Jack-Ass” and the CDs 1st single, “Where It’s At” bounce along with the help of cerebral beats and lyrics full of equal parts sage wisdom and lysergic gibberish. Wisely making it the final song of the CD, the hypnotizing acoustic dirge “Ramshackle” is the perfect closer to this sample-perfect, simplified groove-based time capsule of the mid 90’s. The remaining songs that complete the CD are all worthy of closer attention and are essential parts of the greater whole, each track as important as the next – a rare accomplishment, capable of only the best albums of our time.
After listening to the recent Deluxe Edition treatment of “Odelay”, it’s obvious that despite the addition of over a disc’s worth of bonus cuts, unreleased gems and other assorted tracks from those same sessions, Beck flawlessly hand-picked the best of the bunch for the final cut of it’s initial release 12 years prior. Out of a bevy of 19 new tracks to indulge in, the only keepers are the twang-hop heavy “Gold Chains”, a sopping-wet with bass 12 min-plus remix of “Where It’s At”, “Feather in Your Cap” – a slower, haunting blues song that cuts right through you and an acoustic organic re-working of “Jack-Ass” called “Strange Invitation” that showcases the deeper-than-you-think lyrical quality of Beck that is often overlooked.
In the end, it’s an honor deserved but not an honor necessary for this particular CD. Hard-core fans will appreciate it for sure, but it’s doubtful that the extras will stand the test of time as well as the original has in a dozen more years. However, as Beck has established since the start of his career, his uncanny artistic ability to continue to reinvent himself while still staying true to his essence ensures continued success in his current and future projects to come. In the end, even though this re-release breaks little or no new ground for the hard-core fan, it certainly re-affirms Beck’s place as a member of the artistic musical elite and reminds us just how high the bar has been set.
With “Odelay”, Beck picked right up where his first commercial achievement “Mellow Gold” left off, only full of more freak-out energy and ass-wiggle than ever thought possible from a skinny white boy hailing from LA. Tracks like “Hotwax”, “Jack-Ass” and the CDs 1st single, “Where It’s At” bounce along with the help of cerebral beats and lyrics full of equal parts sage wisdom and lysergic gibberish. Wisely making it the final song of the CD, the hypnotizing acoustic dirge “Ramshackle” is the perfect closer to this sample-perfect, simplified groove-based time capsule of the mid 90’s. The remaining songs that complete the CD are all worthy of closer attention and are essential parts of the greater whole, each track as important as the next – a rare accomplishment, capable of only the best albums of our time.
After listening to the recent Deluxe Edition treatment of “Odelay”, it’s obvious that despite the addition of over a disc’s worth of bonus cuts, unreleased gems and other assorted tracks from those same sessions, Beck flawlessly hand-picked the best of the bunch for the final cut of it’s initial release 12 years prior. Out of a bevy of 19 new tracks to indulge in, the only keepers are the twang-hop heavy “Gold Chains”, a sopping-wet with bass 12 min-plus remix of “Where It’s At”, “Feather in Your Cap” – a slower, haunting blues song that cuts right through you and an acoustic organic re-working of “Jack-Ass” called “Strange Invitation” that showcases the deeper-than-you-think lyrical quality of Beck that is often overlooked.
In the end, it’s an honor deserved but not an honor necessary for this particular CD. Hard-core fans will appreciate it for sure, but it’s doubtful that the extras will stand the test of time as well as the original has in a dozen more years. However, as Beck has established since the start of his career, his uncanny artistic ability to continue to reinvent himself while still staying true to his essence ensures continued success in his current and future projects to come. In the end, even though this re-release breaks little or no new ground for the hard-core fan, it certainly re-affirms Beck’s place as a member of the artistic musical elite and reminds us just how high the bar has been set.
Coltrane - Live @ the Half Note review
With the release of 2005’s “One Up, One Down - Live @ the Half Note”, Impulse Records continues its fine tradition of sustaining the almost mythical career of the great jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. Only four songs fill the 2 discs of this historical live recording, each averaging over 20 mins in length, but all are breathtakingly captivating to even the most casual Coltrane fan. Printed right below the track listing is the amazing line-up Coltrane put together as his quartet for these two shows – McCoy Tyner on piano, Jimmy Garrison on bass and Elvin Jones on drums – all masters of their instruments and on these nights of March 26th and May 7th of 1965 at the Half Note, legendary towering gods of their craft.
Disc 1’s opening track, the title song “One Up, One Down”, starts things off with some of Coltrane’s most thrilling playing and fearless improvisation ever recorded. “Afro Blue” is performed with its usual break-neck grace and swing, allowing Tyner to showcase his nimble, long sauntering bursts of notes. In the ensuing 22 minutes of this version of “My Favorite Things”, the entire band goes well beyond simply putting their stamp on this signature Coltrane opus and proceeds to cover every base from the Von Trapps to the Cantina Band of Tatooine and everything in between.
These two discs swell with genius and are an amazing document to this historic quartet that played with unrivaled passion and absolute conviction. As bandleader, Coltrane displays all that he is famous for – mind-numbing eruptions of notes that seem to go on forever mixed with shorter, more delicate passages that wrap around you like a warm blanket. On drums, Elvin Jones continually pushes Coltrane to his limits and challenges man’s own physical confines as he endlessly flexes his skill at every harmonic turn, never overplaying or outdoing the biggest name on the marquee. Likewise, Tyner’s piano talents are called into action throughout each of the four pieces on this set, complementing Coltrane’s fluid style and making the best of every opportunity to flourish when given the spotlight to solo or lead the band. Executing his duties like an assassin, with the least amount of flash of any musician on stage, Garrison’s subtle but soulful bass lines become the necessary rock that anchors the other musicians during the most experimental portions of the jams.
It’s now been 40 years since Coltrane’s death, precisely the same amount of time as his own existence. His genius was instantly recognized back then and his recordings have long been collected by jazz fans all over the world ever since he put a mouthpiece to his pursed lips. This, in and of itself, is a true testament to the greatness and longevity of his craft. Yet, we can also take solace in knowing that buried treasures like this release are being made available to us now while the possibility of future undiscovered gems will continue to keep us all waiting with mad anticipation.
Disc 1’s opening track, the title song “One Up, One Down”, starts things off with some of Coltrane’s most thrilling playing and fearless improvisation ever recorded. “Afro Blue” is performed with its usual break-neck grace and swing, allowing Tyner to showcase his nimble, long sauntering bursts of notes. In the ensuing 22 minutes of this version of “My Favorite Things”, the entire band goes well beyond simply putting their stamp on this signature Coltrane opus and proceeds to cover every base from the Von Trapps to the Cantina Band of Tatooine and everything in between.
These two discs swell with genius and are an amazing document to this historic quartet that played with unrivaled passion and absolute conviction. As bandleader, Coltrane displays all that he is famous for – mind-numbing eruptions of notes that seem to go on forever mixed with shorter, more delicate passages that wrap around you like a warm blanket. On drums, Elvin Jones continually pushes Coltrane to his limits and challenges man’s own physical confines as he endlessly flexes his skill at every harmonic turn, never overplaying or outdoing the biggest name on the marquee. Likewise, Tyner’s piano talents are called into action throughout each of the four pieces on this set, complementing Coltrane’s fluid style and making the best of every opportunity to flourish when given the spotlight to solo or lead the band. Executing his duties like an assassin, with the least amount of flash of any musician on stage, Garrison’s subtle but soulful bass lines become the necessary rock that anchors the other musicians during the most experimental portions of the jams.
It’s now been 40 years since Coltrane’s death, precisely the same amount of time as his own existence. His genius was instantly recognized back then and his recordings have long been collected by jazz fans all over the world ever since he put a mouthpiece to his pursed lips. This, in and of itself, is a true testament to the greatness and longevity of his craft. Yet, we can also take solace in knowing that buried treasures like this release are being made available to us now while the possibility of future undiscovered gems will continue to keep us all waiting with mad anticipation.
Stretching my legs...
Testing 1, 2, 3...
i feel so much pressure to get this first post up and on the board...and now that i'm here, i'm at a loss for words...
the creation of this blog has been long overdue...and now that it's been crudely created, i have more ideas than i have time to develop this site...but i'm determined to "sit-on-the-couch" as much as possible and let this thing evolve over time...
i want this to eventually become an overall collection of goings on in my life...music i'm into...books i'm reading...thoughts i'm thinking...feelings i'm festering upon...the huge tapestry of friends and family...pictures...quotes...off the top of my head, from bottom of my heart and all over the middle of the road...
...all the random keyhole lint that occupies my life...
...and while i can't imagine this being of any use to anybody other than myself, if you do find yourself here - on purpose or by accident, i invite you to stay awhile, comment on what ya' see 'round these parts while i continue to refine my written voice...
...this is sure to be interesting...so don't be a stranger...
...here are a few CD reviews i've written recently to get the ball rolling...
i feel so much pressure to get this first post up and on the board...and now that i'm here, i'm at a loss for words...
the creation of this blog has been long overdue...and now that it's been crudely created, i have more ideas than i have time to develop this site...but i'm determined to "sit-on-the-couch" as much as possible and let this thing evolve over time...
i want this to eventually become an overall collection of goings on in my life...music i'm into...books i'm reading...thoughts i'm thinking...feelings i'm festering upon...the huge tapestry of friends and family...pictures...quotes...off the top of my head, from bottom of my heart and all over the middle of the road...
...all the random keyhole lint that occupies my life...
...and while i can't imagine this being of any use to anybody other than myself, if you do find yourself here - on purpose or by accident, i invite you to stay awhile, comment on what ya' see 'round these parts while i continue to refine my written voice...
...this is sure to be interesting...so don't be a stranger...
...here are a few CD reviews i've written recently to get the ball rolling...
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