Wednesday, March 30, 2011
the march of time
I am working on a production of Sound Of Music right now (pray for me) and during a rehearsal with the kids we were talking about the fact that pre 1950's the whole concept of teenager, let alone tween, didn't exist. You were a child and then you were an adult, no stops in between. Kids couldn't wait to grow up. Ah , how things have changed. Since the 60's many adults cling to thoughts of youth, Peter Pan rules the world. Chubby middle aged guys still parade around in jeans and T- shirts! Imagine that. The Monkees , that pre fab teen sensation of the late 60's were obviously created in a lab somewhere in Southern California just for me. I was 12, 13 years old head over heels in love with the Rock and Roll and here was a lovable band of musical knuckleheads delivered to my living room every week. (mondays at 7 if I remember correctly) Right from the start I was a fan of Mike Nesmith, I was enamored at first I think by his sideburns, something of a hippie Mutton chop. My parents had a salad serving set and the spoon from that set when placed against the cheek gave a satisfying simulation of said side burn. Loved the songs he sang, loved them even more when I discovered he wrote some of them. My admiration only grew years later when he introduced his video show Elephant Parts, a collection of sketches and songs, that rang in the era of Music Video. Late he also became a novelist and all round nice guy entrepreneur. The other day I cam across this clip of him accepting an award. At first I was taken back by how old he had gotten , but listening to his remarks I was reminded of what a talented ,forward thinking, charming guy he is. And you know what? It's more than okay that he looks like an old guy- he was 68 when that was filmed! I'm still dressed in jeans and a T shirt (Beatles Abbey Road album cover) but maybe some day I'll dress like a grown up
Thursday, March 17, 2011
paddy and paddy and paddy......
I recently directed a production of the musical Brigadoon, a wildly romantic tale of love and devotion set in Scotland. During the second act there is a funeral and the musical director hired a bagpiper to play the dirge. Between the story of a young man who dies for love, the beautiful dance that my friend Maria, choreographed and the sound of the pipes there were many tears shed each night.
In my family we are rife with musicians- guitars, and drums, and banjos and trombones and flutes and on and on. Lots of singers and all styles of music.
My dad played the ukulele and the guitar, his dad was an accordion and penny whistle master. My Uncle Joey Flynn (who looked exactly like the actor Joe Flynn -from McHales Navy-) was a fiddler and band leader. Lot's of time when I was little was spent in the back of a bar listening to his band.
My Aunt was a traditional Irish dance teacher, and her kids Michael and Chrissie would dance every year on Wonderama around Saint Patricks Day.
Oh and My niece became a step dancer as well.
So I was always surrounded by Irish Music, but never really jumped head first into the music. Although I will say I can deliver a rousing version of Black Velvet Band and/or the Wild Colonial Boy when called upon.
That said , there must be something in the Irish DNA that when I here the sound of the pipes or the fiddle- ,especially a melancholy plaintive air- I get a physical reaction. It's as if something way down deep is stirring, odd and fascinating.
So Listen to Paddy and Paddy , I'll be out back diggin' some peat.
ps I love spell check- for the word Wonderama, he wondered whether I was looking to spell underarm
In my family we are rife with musicians- guitars, and drums, and banjos and trombones and flutes and on and on. Lots of singers and all styles of music.
My dad played the ukulele and the guitar, his dad was an accordion and penny whistle master. My Uncle Joey Flynn (who looked exactly like the actor Joe Flynn -from McHales Navy-) was a fiddler and band leader. Lot's of time when I was little was spent in the back of a bar listening to his band.
My Aunt was a traditional Irish dance teacher, and her kids Michael and Chrissie would dance every year on Wonderama around Saint Patricks Day.
Oh and My niece became a step dancer as well.
So I was always surrounded by Irish Music, but never really jumped head first into the music. Although I will say I can deliver a rousing version of Black Velvet Band and/or the Wild Colonial Boy when called upon.
That said , there must be something in the Irish DNA that when I here the sound of the pipes or the fiddle- ,especially a melancholy plaintive air- I get a physical reaction. It's as if something way down deep is stirring, odd and fascinating.
So Listen to Paddy and Paddy , I'll be out back diggin' some peat.
ps I love spell check- for the word Wonderama, he wondered whether I was looking to spell underarm
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
once more, once.....
Hey! Here's the Basie Band from around the time I was writing about the other day. Thats Butch Miles on the drums, fully recovered.
I love the opening introduction on this clip!
I love the opening introduction on this clip!
behold..
As of today this blog has been visited 1,000 times.
What the.....?
I figured I would be the only one to ever look at it.
But there it is, in the stats section, 1,000 views. And perhaps more incredible it has been viewed by folks in the U.S. , Canada, Iran , Russia, denmark, Singapore, and Belarus.
I dated a Danish girl once, but that's a story for another time
What the.....?
I figured I would be the only one to ever look at it.
But there it is, in the stats section, 1,000 views. And perhaps more incredible it has been viewed by folks in the U.S. , Canada, Iran , Russia, denmark, Singapore, and Belarus.
I dated a Danish girl once, but that's a story for another time
Monday, March 14, 2011
the count, the legend and a fish.....
The Dave Brubeck Quartet! Without question one of the greatest Jazz groups, large or small, of all time. This past weekend the drummer, Joe Morello , passed away. The album < Time Out, which featured this tune as well as the classic , Take Five, Is one of those records that I have owned , in one format or other for nearly forty years. Incredible.
This weekend as part of their fund drive, PBS, showed a film called The Rat Pack Live. It's a 1965 performance By Frank , Dean and Sammy, - a fund raiser in St. Louis. It's the only known complete show by the fellas. Taking the place of Joey Bishop is a decidedly ill at ease Johnny Carson- he never really gets into the groove, of course he has little help from the others , who barely pay attention to him. Tough gig for Johnny, especially if you have ever read any tales of the Pack, where you discover that Bishop was the one who kept the whole thing moving. He would act as director and or editor/writer as they performed. He would keep a low profile , but wander around and make suggestions for jokes and bits. Poor Johnny.
But what blew me away was the set that Sinatra did with the Basie Band. Incredible. At the time Quincy Jones was arranging and conducting the Basie Band. In my opinion that band was the greatest of all the Big Bands.
I became a Jazz fan in the 70's and lucky me, most of the great bands were still touring. Over the years I saw Basie and Ellington and Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, and Buddy Rich among others. Alot of the bands were star vehicles. like Woody Hermans Thundering Herd, which was Herman surrounded by young guys right out of college. Great stuff, but young "cats"
The Basie Band had a lot of ol' timers still playing, guys who had been with the band for 20 years or more. Nobody could swing like that band! And they just didn't play oldies, they always had new arrangements in their books.
And do you need a lesson in "Less is More"? Listen to Count Basie play a solo, not many notes, no showing off, just swingin'.
Here's a story- Back in '75, I, along with the rest of The Wind Machine -our high school big band, are at a Jazz Festival. We played earlier in the day and now we are in the front row to watch The headliner, The Count Basie Orchestra. As the band is about to go on an announcement is made , The drummer Butch Miles has been rushed to the Hospital and will not be performing this evening (don't ever eat the fish at the Holiday Inn)
As a treat they bring up a drummer from a college band to play two songs. He does a good job and after two songs he looks exhausted. Polite applause , a few cheers from his bandmates and then he's gone. Now the first trumpet player moves over to the drums and all the trumpets move over one book. The set continues, the trumpet player does okay, he's keeping time, but something is becoming quite apparent ,to really swing you need a monster drummer to kick that band.
Ah well, what can you do? After another song or two someone walks over to Basie and gives him some information. Basie talks to a few guys in the band. Something is up. Another announcement is made, The band is going to take a 20 minute break. Hmmmm What's up?
I was a bold creature when I was young, so I and a few of my chums fell in with the band as they left the stage. Back stage we discover that Joe Morello is in the audience! and that he has volunteered to sit in with the band! His Drums are in the car out back (a Pinto) We quickly volunteer to bring the drums in- and like that we are roadies for The Basie Band.
20 minutes go by , we're back stage rubbing elbows with legends and then it's time for them to go back and play the second set. we take our spots down front, right at Basie's feet. The announcement is made and the crowd roars its approval. And for the next hour or so we are treated to a once in a lifetime experience, Joe Morello and the Count Basie Band.
A memorable night, lots of lessons learned, how important a drummer is to swing. how to make the most of a solo, and the fact that you can be an innovator, one of the legends of Jazz. You played on the first Million selling Jazz single (take Five), a genius! But this is Jazz, so you drive a Pinto.
This weekend as part of their fund drive, PBS, showed a film called The Rat Pack Live. It's a 1965 performance By Frank , Dean and Sammy, - a fund raiser in St. Louis. It's the only known complete show by the fellas. Taking the place of Joey Bishop is a decidedly ill at ease Johnny Carson- he never really gets into the groove, of course he has little help from the others , who barely pay attention to him. Tough gig for Johnny, especially if you have ever read any tales of the Pack, where you discover that Bishop was the one who kept the whole thing moving. He would act as director and or editor/writer as they performed. He would keep a low profile , but wander around and make suggestions for jokes and bits. Poor Johnny.
But what blew me away was the set that Sinatra did with the Basie Band. Incredible. At the time Quincy Jones was arranging and conducting the Basie Band. In my opinion that band was the greatest of all the Big Bands.
I became a Jazz fan in the 70's and lucky me, most of the great bands were still touring. Over the years I saw Basie and Ellington and Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, and Buddy Rich among others. Alot of the bands were star vehicles. like Woody Hermans Thundering Herd, which was Herman surrounded by young guys right out of college. Great stuff, but young "cats"
The Basie Band had a lot of ol' timers still playing, guys who had been with the band for 20 years or more. Nobody could swing like that band! And they just didn't play oldies, they always had new arrangements in their books.
And do you need a lesson in "Less is More"? Listen to Count Basie play a solo, not many notes, no showing off, just swingin'.
Here's a story- Back in '75, I, along with the rest of The Wind Machine -our high school big band, are at a Jazz Festival. We played earlier in the day and now we are in the front row to watch The headliner, The Count Basie Orchestra. As the band is about to go on an announcement is made , The drummer Butch Miles has been rushed to the Hospital and will not be performing this evening (don't ever eat the fish at the Holiday Inn)
As a treat they bring up a drummer from a college band to play two songs. He does a good job and after two songs he looks exhausted. Polite applause , a few cheers from his bandmates and then he's gone. Now the first trumpet player moves over to the drums and all the trumpets move over one book. The set continues, the trumpet player does okay, he's keeping time, but something is becoming quite apparent ,to really swing you need a monster drummer to kick that band.
Ah well, what can you do? After another song or two someone walks over to Basie and gives him some information. Basie talks to a few guys in the band. Something is up. Another announcement is made, The band is going to take a 20 minute break. Hmmmm What's up?
I was a bold creature when I was young, so I and a few of my chums fell in with the band as they left the stage. Back stage we discover that Joe Morello is in the audience! and that he has volunteered to sit in with the band! His Drums are in the car out back (a Pinto) We quickly volunteer to bring the drums in- and like that we are roadies for The Basie Band.
20 minutes go by , we're back stage rubbing elbows with legends and then it's time for them to go back and play the second set. we take our spots down front, right at Basie's feet. The announcement is made and the crowd roars its approval. And for the next hour or so we are treated to a once in a lifetime experience, Joe Morello and the Count Basie Band.
A memorable night, lots of lessons learned, how important a drummer is to swing. how to make the most of a solo, and the fact that you can be an innovator, one of the legends of Jazz. You played on the first Million selling Jazz single (take Five), a genius! But this is Jazz, so you drive a Pinto.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
I too am a magnificent amberson.......
A random thought
I remember when The Virgin Megastore opened in Times Square. An Oasis, a great place to while away an hour between a show and the train.
A massive record store, Video store, book store, movie theater and travel agency-all in one place, under one roof. It was as if someone had invaded my dreams and built my retail nirvana.
I think over the years, the travel agency was the only place I didn't do business with.
I love that kind of shopping- wandering around and exploring. A song. leads to a cd, which leads to a movie which leads to a book and back again.
The brave new world of computers and the Interweb has more or less put all of those types of establishments on the brink. Bye bye record stores, Adios video, see ya book stores. No more cinemas, and travel agents? say hello to Priceline.
And the Virginmega store relegated to the dustbin of memory.
Yeah, I know I'm an old coot- a luddite. "You can search the web right from your computer, the whole world is at your fingertips" t'aint the same.
Of course I used to moan about cds- shopping for vinyl was much more enjoyable, the way an album cover would fit right on your forearm.
ah well, I'm gonna check and see if there's room next to Andy Rooney on that park bench.
I remember when The Virgin Megastore opened in Times Square. An Oasis, a great place to while away an hour between a show and the train.
A massive record store, Video store, book store, movie theater and travel agency-all in one place, under one roof. It was as if someone had invaded my dreams and built my retail nirvana.
I think over the years, the travel agency was the only place I didn't do business with.
I love that kind of shopping- wandering around and exploring. A song. leads to a cd, which leads to a movie which leads to a book and back again.
The brave new world of computers and the Interweb has more or less put all of those types of establishments on the brink. Bye bye record stores, Adios video, see ya book stores. No more cinemas, and travel agents? say hello to Priceline.
And the Virginmega store relegated to the dustbin of memory.
Yeah, I know I'm an old coot- a luddite. "You can search the web right from your computer, the whole world is at your fingertips" t'aint the same.
Of course I used to moan about cds- shopping for vinyl was much more enjoyable, the way an album cover would fit right on your forearm.
ah well, I'm gonna check and see if there's room next to Andy Rooney on that park bench.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
kindling.....
A few posts back I bloggeled that I had been gifted with a Kindle, the miracle text reading device of the age. I have now read a couple, two three books on the Kin (my affectionate nick name for said device) and now I feel ready to pontificate.
The Kindle I was given was a wi-fi only device, some of them also have a 3g capability. Wow, looking at that previous sentence you would almost think I knew what the hell I was talking about. So I had to go and get a wi-fi router device, I know! I didn't already have one, imagine my shame. Go on, imagine.
Got it, installed it, downloaded two books. Okay , first things first, I picked the book I wanted (that girl with the tattoo thing) pushed the "buy" button and at that very same second, the book was downloaded. Incredible.
I go and get a glass of chocolate milk and a cookie , sit down and start to read. The Kindle itself is light and fits quite comfortably in my hand. The page turn buttons are in a good ergonomic spot, I will say that after a while the keyboard along the bottom of the device gets in the way, but that's a petty complaint from a petty guy.
The reading screen is amazing, the text pops off the screen and since it's not back lit , it's easy on the eyes. Not like staring at this damnable computer screen! For this old coot, the best thing is that with a touch of a button you can adjust the type size. Very handy for these old eyes.
The turning of pages is very smooth as well, just a simple push of a button. My sister Meg has a cool reader, I think it's a Sony, where you turn the page by sliding your finger across the screen. neat.
another nice feature is that when you turn it off and come back later it brings you right to the page where you left off.
Among all the books they sell you on the Amazon, there are also a bunch of free books. yay, free! Right Now, I'm reading The Magnificent Ambersons by Booth Tarkington. A great book by an almost forgotten author. (also the source for one of the all time great Movies, called..... The Magnificent Ambersons)
I take great Ironic pride reading this on my newfangled reading thingy because one of the themes is how new technology and ideas replace the old- in particular how the Auto replaces the Horse. How silly are those who stand in the way of progress.
Find it! Read It! Great Book! (hint- it's free at the kindle store)
I was also thrilled to find in the free section a large selection of books by Stephen Leacock. I can hear you all saying "WHO?" He was a great Canadian Writer, mostly of humor pieces. I discovered him as a kid and fell head over heels in love with his stuff. Beautifully written, laugh out loud funny and although some of them are 90 years old, they read totally modern. To me he deserves a spot among the best ,Robert Benchley, Dorothy Parker (that's for you Diana) and the greatest of them all S J Perelman. (don't say "WHO?" just go find his stuff and read it)
To get a good idea about Leacock read one of these two short pieces , My Financial Career or The Great Detective.
Oh, dear god, what's wrong with me? James Thurber! How can I forget him? His book, My Life and Hard Times is my favorite book of short stories and,The Day The Dam Broke, might very well be the funniest story of all time. (my, that's a bold contention)
Okay, so the Kindle is very enjoyable........
That said, it ain't a book. Oh and I do adore books. Since setting up the kindle I have been to three different bookstores and walked out with an armful of books each time. There is nothing like getting lost in a good bookstore for an hour or two (Book Revue, I'm talking to you) The size the shape. The artwork, the smell....... heaven,
I'm one of those guys who when I read I know exactly where on the page a line is, so that when I think of a passage later, I can "see" it. I'm also that giy who goes back a few pages every once in a while to remember who did what to who. (which you can do on the kindle, but not as easily)
I could go on and on, but I will leave it at this- I can happily live in a world where books and the Kindle can co exist. Since bookstores are closing left and right ,My happiness my be short lived , but we'll see.
A final thought (as always I exaggerate, slightly, for effect,) the two most beautiful and elegant devices ever made by man are....... The Book and The Bicycle
you know what, NO exaggeration at all----- The Book and The Bike!
The Kindle I was given was a wi-fi only device, some of them also have a 3g capability. Wow, looking at that previous sentence you would almost think I knew what the hell I was talking about. So I had to go and get a wi-fi router device, I know! I didn't already have one, imagine my shame. Go on, imagine.
Got it, installed it, downloaded two books. Okay , first things first, I picked the book I wanted (that girl with the tattoo thing) pushed the "buy" button and at that very same second, the book was downloaded. Incredible.
I go and get a glass of chocolate milk and a cookie , sit down and start to read. The Kindle itself is light and fits quite comfortably in my hand. The page turn buttons are in a good ergonomic spot, I will say that after a while the keyboard along the bottom of the device gets in the way, but that's a petty complaint from a petty guy.
The reading screen is amazing, the text pops off the screen and since it's not back lit , it's easy on the eyes. Not like staring at this damnable computer screen! For this old coot, the best thing is that with a touch of a button you can adjust the type size. Very handy for these old eyes.
The turning of pages is very smooth as well, just a simple push of a button. My sister Meg has a cool reader, I think it's a Sony, where you turn the page by sliding your finger across the screen. neat.
another nice feature is that when you turn it off and come back later it brings you right to the page where you left off.
Among all the books they sell you on the Amazon, there are also a bunch of free books. yay, free! Right Now, I'm reading The Magnificent Ambersons by Booth Tarkington. A great book by an almost forgotten author. (also the source for one of the all time great Movies, called..... The Magnificent Ambersons)
I take great Ironic pride reading this on my newfangled reading thingy because one of the themes is how new technology and ideas replace the old- in particular how the Auto replaces the Horse. How silly are those who stand in the way of progress.
Find it! Read It! Great Book! (hint- it's free at the kindle store)
I was also thrilled to find in the free section a large selection of books by Stephen Leacock. I can hear you all saying "WHO?" He was a great Canadian Writer, mostly of humor pieces. I discovered him as a kid and fell head over heels in love with his stuff. Beautifully written, laugh out loud funny and although some of them are 90 years old, they read totally modern. To me he deserves a spot among the best ,Robert Benchley, Dorothy Parker (that's for you Diana) and the greatest of them all S J Perelman. (don't say "WHO?" just go find his stuff and read it)
To get a good idea about Leacock read one of these two short pieces , My Financial Career or The Great Detective.
Oh, dear god, what's wrong with me? James Thurber! How can I forget him? His book, My Life and Hard Times is my favorite book of short stories and,The Day The Dam Broke, might very well be the funniest story of all time. (my, that's a bold contention)
Okay, so the Kindle is very enjoyable........
That said, it ain't a book. Oh and I do adore books. Since setting up the kindle I have been to three different bookstores and walked out with an armful of books each time. There is nothing like getting lost in a good bookstore for an hour or two (Book Revue, I'm talking to you) The size the shape. The artwork, the smell....... heaven,
I'm one of those guys who when I read I know exactly where on the page a line is, so that when I think of a passage later, I can "see" it. I'm also that giy who goes back a few pages every once in a while to remember who did what to who. (which you can do on the kindle, but not as easily)
I could go on and on, but I will leave it at this- I can happily live in a world where books and the Kindle can co exist. Since bookstores are closing left and right ,My happiness my be short lived , but we'll see.
A final thought (as always I exaggerate, slightly, for effect,) the two most beautiful and elegant devices ever made by man are....... The Book and The Bicycle
you know what, NO exaggeration at all----- The Book and The Bike!
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