Tuesday, August 31, 2010

update for Tuesday

Back on the blog again.
Nurse and doctor visited.
Confirmed present pain more likely to be peritoneal than bowel.
Therefore treat with extra dose of morphine.
Recurrence of BMs would appear to confirm this.

Have just finished reading Scott's final Antartic journals - an encouragement to be brave and strong till the end.
Coralie - yes, the Russian novel would be good at this time!
Currently reading "We are all made of glue" - poignant, funny novel set in North London.

Nurse Jane asked me to remind people that bowel movements are NOT directly related to what we eat - a lot of the bowel movement is related to other stuff that builds up in the bowel.
By the same token, beware of fibrous material!
Hear endeth the lesson...

Trendlines

As confidence doesn't come from always being right (rather more from not fearing to be wrong) - here's my prediction:

Gerald will get a little better again than he is right now, though the general trend will be for him to get quieter and slower.

He has been less well since Saturday evening (in bed since then); he is not urgently sick, though in some extra pain.

All is well overall.

The ups and downs are hard on my lovely children, who are being brave, but ...

Have good days

L

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Jam Cancelled...Apologies

Hi, everyone.
I have decided to cancel tomorrow's scheduled Jam, as I am not feeling too well.
I have taken a bit of extra morphine and am heading to bed - not nausea so much as tiredness and a bit of extra pain in the tummy area.
Sorry for the inconvenience - hope to be back into it ASAP!

Love,Gerald.

G

Thursday, August 26, 2010

26810 digested

A very pleasant morning over at Mangere Bridge.
Met Maree H, and went to Ambury Farm Park.
We watched the lambs being fed by a cohort of Primary School kids.
Not sure which group offered the greater entertainment!
The lambs are decidedly cute however.

Afternoon over to Andrew's to watch final Connery-Bond movie (Diamonds Are Forever).
Tomorrow we begin the Roger Moore canon...

Have been feeling dizzy/lightheaded and yet at times strangely lucid.
Difficult to get a handle on things.

Invited to talk to church on Sunday 5 Sep...Peter Grierson also.
This will be 10am and 6pm services, and will involve me talking about my faith in the light of my current "adversity".
Come along!

Many thanks to Coralie Macrob, who is bringing me her copy of Anna Karenina as pleaded for recently...I am currently working my way thru Scott's final Antarctic Expedition...

And don't forget the Jam THIS coming Sunday 3pm to 5pm - ALL welcome - PLEASE do NOT feel you HAVE to be a cosmic musical genius - we will explore music together!
Off to bed now, hopefully will return with more energy tomorrow.

G.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

"The Suburbs" CD Review

The Arcade Fire, 2010.

I waited a long time for this album!
Loved Funeral (first album) and then the epic Neon Bible (second) and waited and wondered how they could possibly follow those 2 glorious albums.
"The Suburbs" is the obvious answer!
Aurally, it's a bit like thesis/Funeral, antithesis/Neon Bible and now synthesis/Suburbs.
The sound is big and boomy, a la Neon Bible, with a sense that we're going on an adventure.
The lyrics and themes are small-town on the surface, a la Funeral.

The songs are all about suburban life, and that encompasses a whole lot - the visual images conjured involve cars, streets, houses, emptiness...it's a bit like we're stuck in a sub-Springsteen world - whereas Bruce was busting to split the scene, Arcade Fire are exploring the suburbs in all their Gothic Glory - the songs are by turn touching, humorous and scary (Bruce's Darkness On the Edge of Town DOES cover similar territory, although with more characters).

The music is sublime - on one level they could be singing about anything, and the music will just float away with us on its tide - but do beware the lyrics.
City With No Children In is a current fave, but every time I listen something new jumps out at me.
In some way, the atmosphere, I am reminded of those dystopian Bowie albums - just not so sci-fi...

This album is a "grower"...appeal perhaps not as immediate as Neon Bible, but gives its treasures away slowly...

10/10.

Mahler Symphony No.8 CD Review

Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, cond. Bernard Haitink.

Also known as "Symphony of a Thousand".

Is it possible to have too much Mahler in one's life?

This piece was written at a time where length was to be admired.

I sometimes think of Mahler as a guy who took hold of Beethoven's 9th symphony, and kept developing the blueprint.

His Symphony No. 8 certainly stretches the boundaries of what one might call a symphony.

A huge chorus, 8 soloists, etc. etc.

2 BIG movements, the first a hymn (Veni, Creator Spiritus) and the second the final scene from "Faust II" - ummm, so where, Gustav, is the symphony, honey?

Don't get me wrong - Mahler is a genius, particularly in terms of orchestration - in fact, in this area alone is there enough justification for this anomalous work which claims to be a symphony.

And Symphony No. 9 is sublime...

And if you are a Mahler do-or-die fan, this recording would be a hard one to beat - terrific clarity.

BUT, if you are new to late 20th century Viennese culture, start with Symphony No.1 - MUCH more straightforward (catchy tunes, too).

5/10 for the work, 9/10 for the interpretation.

Andrew

Andrew Clasby and I have known each other since the vWs arrived back in NZ at the end of 1998, with a few breaks in between.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, he unhesitatingly stepped in and offered his support in whatever way I might need it or want it.

His "time" has been flexi, but he has always prioritised my needs and has in fact turned down work at times in order to "be there" for me.

The last year and a half especially have been a major test/proof of his deep friendship/loyalty/support, as we have transformed the experience of chemotherapy into something highly enjoyable and virtually an art form.

And then, when finally chemo was laid to rest and the hospitalisation process kicked in, he was still there...transport, meals (the legendary lasagne!), shopping, companionship, presence.

Never once has he complained.

Never once has he talked about the drag of spending time.

Never.

And he has always laced our times together with a gentle through to raucously irreverent humour - and we have talked directly about death/God/pain/personal stuff without too many tears.

I really don't know what I would have done in the last time of illness without KNOWING he was there for me...

Andrew, you are a deeply special friend, who has shown your faith, hope and love through your walk with me.

Thank you!

Enough words - let us continue to enjoy the time remaining, and the existence beyond that!

G.

Twelve CD Review

Patti Smith, 2007.

Patti Smith was the female herald of punk/new wave.
Wiry, breastless, agressive and challenging.
Her music conveyed her rebellion.
The first song I heard of hers was her version of Bruce Springsteen's "Because the Night".
It sounded like a female version of something from Darkness on the Edge of Town, so I bought the album (Easter).
Much more palatable than previous and perhaps subsequent recordings.

This album, 12, is not going to rate high on the rebellion/offensive stakes - you could probably buy it for your grandmother and give it to her for Christmas.

It has strings, clarinet, accordion, and Patti sings rather than shouts.

It is a collection of 12 sngs that have influenced, inspired or intrigued Smith over her career so far, and what a wonderfully eclectic collection it is!

Hard to pick faves, but ones I personally find myself repeatedly delighting in are "Within You Without You" (George Harrison), Changing of the Guards (Bob Dylan) and Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana).

I particularly like the last because FINALLY you can hear ALL the words.

Smith performs with intensity and respect, and the instrumentations work perfectly.

10/10

"What is the Wind Saying Today?" (poem)

This is a poem by my very good friend Ruth Dormandy.
She wrote it last year, after I had taken her and Richard out to Piha (they live in London).

Strong wind,
Blowing me along wherever it chooses,
Carrying me on its ebbs and flows.

Low wind,
Whooshing up the sand,
In swirls and patterns,
Stinging my cheeks,
Tasting salty,
Gritty between my teeth.

Cold wind from the Antarctic,
Cruel with pain,
Gnawing into my bones.

Unpredictable wind,
Coming and going without a "by your leave",
Reminding me my life is not my own,
That I am part of the Great Wind.

Sudden wind,
Crashing uninvited into time and place,
Leaving chaos and fragments of feelings.

Noisy wind,
Hard to ignore your presence,
Accutely aware of your impact on fragile lives.

Soaring wind,
Taking me up in a spirit dance,
Like a kite cut loose from its anchor,
Free to rise like an eagle.

Drifting wind,
Bringing echos and aromas,
From around the world, to inspire and delight.

Whirlwind,
Casting me round and round,
In a groove, spinning out of control.

Cool, light breeze,
Softening the sun's rays,
Bringing relief in the heat of the day,
And taking me home.

Ruth Dormandy, 8.6.09

25810 please

energy.
purpose.
comfort.
hope.
rest.

25810 thanks

for time to share.
for the joy of playing music.
for people around me with faith.
for honest people.
for sleep.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

24810 digested

Up at 8 - early!
Leisurely brekkie.

Marlene and Esther arrive at 9.30am.
We chat, then head off to Ponsonby at 10.

AironaGstring perform an incredible selection of 70s pop, showstoppers, and mafioso melodies...
the usual drinks and nibbles, and much to my horror Maria absconds with my red winegum!
That I'd been saving for last!!
...she more than made it up to me tho, even getting hold of a replacement winegum from somewhere.

Marlene and I head home, stopping off to try a Rocky Road Memphis Meltdown (highly recommended, especially if you like marshmallow), and devour them at Taylor's Bay.

Visit from Rosemary T, Malcolm M and Maria Dj, from school.
News from Paid Union Meeting is that there will be a strike day - I book myself in for the march (health permitting) and also to play at the opening of Rosemary's Exhibition on 2 Oct (once again, usual provisos).

Andrew comes, prepares our meal (nachos - yum!), and departs.

Lois returns after a full day of study, we settle down to Madmen, and now I bid you adieu adieu adieu.
Sleep!

Presenting..."Air on a G String"

Maria Carbines and I are pleased to announce the debut of our flute and viola duo, "Air on a G String"...air from the flautist, and strings from the viola player.

We debuted at the Mercy Hospice "Open Doors" session today at 10.30am...

We play a range of stuff, mainly well known songs from shows and movies, and pop songs...

Maria sticks to the tune, and I "float" underneath and on top in my typically waywardenberg fashion.

We do weddings, birthdays, funerals, bar-mitzvahs, cocktail parties...

Let us know if you would like some live, light music down your way some time!

And also if you have any specific requests.

Toodle-oo!

DVDs and Books

Even if I lived another 50 years, I would not have enough time to read all the books or watch all the DVDs MANY kind friends and family have passed on to me in my illness.

I am very grateful to you for bearing me in mind, and certainly giving me heaps of stuff to choose from.

However, "chances are" if you ask me "did you read...?" or "did you see...?", the answer you receive will be a sheepish "Not yet..."

I am trying to make 2 points.

1. Please don't send/give me any stuff unless I BEG you for it (I am still looking for the novel of Anna Karenina, by the way - one more good Russian novel for the road!)...

2. If you have loaned me stuff and want/need it returned, drop me a line to get it back to you...

CDs are ALWAYS welcome, as I can listen to them even if I'm not listening to them, if you follow me...

Ah well, Scott's Antarctic Diaries off the bookshelf, Mad Men on to the laptop DVD-player, and we're all set for a cosy evening...

Talofa lava,

Gerald.

The Phantom of the Opera Movie Soundtrack CD review

Andrew Lloyd Webber, 2004.

AWL bestrides the West End/Broadway of the late 20th Century (70s and beyond) "like a colossus", filling the gap left by Rodgers and Hammerstein (imagine if Bernstein and Sondheim had moved beyond West Side Story???)...

And Phantom is part of the canon that formed an unassailable body of outstanding work.

Part of the magic of Phantom is that it works incredibly well as drama/theatre/spectacle...and the tunes just keep rolling out as well (giving WAM a run for his money!).

Some AWL tunes display derivation - in Phantom this is not the case - one has the sense that it's all authentically AWL territory.

I pity AWL, as he has a LOT to live up to with his Phantom sequel (out in the West End as I speak - must read the reviews some time!)....

In the meantime, turn the lights down low and tune into the music of the Night...

10/10.

Bridge Over Troubled Water CD Review

Simon and Garfunkel, 1970.
Cat Stevens, The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel.

The title track is one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
The other songs are terrific as well.
The Boxer is a favourite of mine - I love the harmonica "stab" on the line "cut him till he cries out"...
And I love the bit right at the end of Keep the customer Satisfied where the super-high trumpet wobbles on the last note!
If you don't know or have this collection of triffic songs...what are you waiting for???

20/10

Liszt 10 Hungarian Rhapsodies CD Review

Georges Cziffra, 1975.

Hungarians are not Gypsies.
This is an exciting piano disc.
Liszt was clearly "into it" when he wrote these pieces, which take Hungarian dance styles as their starting point, and then explode into Lisztian fantasies which, as usual, end up transcending the original scenario.
Georges Cziffra is also clearly "into it" in his explosive performance.
Let it all hang out, let yourself go, and enjoy - just don't dance the flamenco to it!!

10/10.

One Trick Pony CD Review

Paul Simon, 1980.

A sleeper album - soundtrack to a Paul Simon movie (strange but true).
Underrated.
Late in the Evening sole bona fide hit.
Other songs are understatedly lovely, however.
Especially "How the Heart Approaches What it Yearns".

One for the die-hard fans?

9/10.

Korngold Violin Pieces CD Review

Joseph Lin (violin) and Benjamin Loch (piano), 2002.

Korngold!
A unique discovery!

This CD was in my mum's collection, and I snaffled it when we checked out the collection.

Korngold's style is probably what Alban Berg would have been writing if he hadn't embraced atonality and serialism...definitely a Viennese flavour, with tunes and harmonies about to burst the barriers of tonality.

One might regard the music as meandering, waffly...and indeed, there is no particular rush for the pieces to finish.

It's the sort of music one tunes into and out of, and works effectively as background music.

The playing is immaculate, silky and smooth.

8/10

Hayren CD Review

Kim Kashkashian, Tigran Mansurian, Robyn Schulkowsky, 2003.

ECM - what a cool record label!
Jan Garbarek, Tod Gustafsen, Keith Jarrett, Kim Kashkashian...

I first heard KK on Jan Garbarek's "In Praise of Dreams" and was taken with her viola playing - I in fact was mildly (ok, a great deal) envious of her...I mean, duetting with the great JG...another one of life's seeming unfairnesses (to me)....

On with the review!

Hayren is a collaboration between the 3 Armenians listed at the top of the post - Mansurian is a composer, and Schulkowsky is a percussionist.

The moods of the pieces vary hugely, from the ecstatic to the sombre and soulful...they are tonal/modal and have at least a hint of improvisation to them.

After listening to Janacek, you will have more of a handle on this stuff...definitely an album to listen to several times before reaching a verdict (if you are in the habit of reaching verdicts)...

Mansurian sometimes vocalises on some of the pieces...an unusual voice/vocal technique, not without charm, but decidedly unconventional.

9/10.

Roxy Music CD Review

Roxy Music, 1972.

Roxy Music before Brian Eno left was a little bit like...
Genesis before Peter Gabriel left.
Interesting, experimental, dangerous music.

Except that Eno was never really the front man for RM.
That was left in the tender care of Bryan Ferry.
After years of to-ing and fro-ing, I have resolved that I am not a Ferry fan.
The smooth, lounge lizard, white soul style he aspired to, and eventually coaxed RM into, doesn't appeal.

This album, RM's debut (coupled with the 2nd, For Your Pleasure, on my version) contains some of the most delightful, atmospheric and clever pop music/lyrics so far produced, let alone in the early 70s.

And they always have such nice ladies on their album covers!

If you have never explored 72's Roxy Music, get into it now and take a risk!

...And if you survive, but fancy something a little safer, try Avalon (final album).

10/10.

Monday, August 23, 2010

"The Kreutzer Sonata" CD Review

Janacek, perf. var., rel. 1999.

Another compilation.
This is on the Masters of the Millenium series.

It features Janacek's String Quartet No. 1 ("The Kreutzer Sonata"), the Sinfonietta for Orchestra and the Capriccio for Left Hand (piano) and Chamber Ensemble.
A small gripe is that there are no liner notes with this CD - so all aspiring detectives are urged to "google" the relevant information.

I can tell you what the music sounds like!

Janacek was a Czech composer, writing mainly in the early 20th century, and a "late starter", achieving popularity and acclaim in his senior years, through a series of highly charged, melodically attractive and superbly orchestrated operas, of which "Jenufa" is the most popular.

His style is neo-classical - think tonal music, think Mozart but without all the "rules" that Mozart had to follow.

He also used repetition extensively, in the sense that one short or medium-length tune would be immediately repeated before moving on to the next one.

Of his instrumental works, the Sinfonietta is perhaps the most well known. It is a hugely attractive work, full of Slavonic/Czech modalities and with exuberant passages where the brass jumps out over the strings and flies forward. Transcendent.

It actually reminds me considerably of Tubular Bells, with that repetitive feature, and in a good way - the Tubular Bells of the Neo-classical Period...

Janacek - somewhere between Dvorak and Bartok?

Well worth exploring!

9/10.

Arbour Zena CD Review

Keith Jarrett, 1976.

While I ditched my proggy vinyl and nicked my father's straight German tie in the name of Punk, I was blissfully unaware of forces out there greater than myself, moving in the music world...

I wonder what would have happened if I had come across messrs Jarrett, Garbarek and Haden in 1976?
Would I have understood or appreciated them at all?

As it happens, Garbarek would be discovered by me many years later, as he parped and soared in communion with the Hilliard Ensemble...

And this is my first Jarrett recording, BECAUSE it's in collaboration with Garbarek (one day I may try Jarrett seulement, but for now...).

It's wonderful stuff!

Jarrett, in collaboration with the aforementioned AND a string orchestra, creates new worlds, where rhythm isn't so much defined as evolved - ideas spring forth one from another, in a refreshingly organic way.

Add to this the superb musicianship of the soloists, and you're in for 50 minutes of transfixing, transcendental music.

Jazz?

This is beyond jazz...I would be fascinated to know how Jarrett worked with the orchestra on this, and also how he chose the titles of the three tracks.

Waiting for the first sax solo, I was not at all disappointed by Mr Garbarek's offerings - and likewise, I would love to know what directions, if any, were given by Mr Jarrett.

Thinking back to my possible 76 discovery of Jarrett - yes, probly would have chucked the album away or given it to a suitably distant relative.

But not today...

10/10.

Berlin CD Review

Lou Reed, 1973.

A Bob Ezrin production, this one (he produced Floyd's The Wall, and MANY well-known concept albums in the 70s).

It's dark, tragic, poignant and beautiful.

I don't know if Lou Reed ever beat this one - all the songs fit and flow together perfectly, the story line is all too easy to follow, and is delivered with just the right balance of pathos and (very dry New York) humour.

The album charts the meeting of Caroline and Jim, and the inevitable, dug-fuelled descent into emotional despair for both, but especially Caroline.

The orchestration is possibly a teensy bit big at times, with woodwind blasting away over full strings, but I find it very attractive and transcendental, and I'm glad Ezrin was hired to blow things up a bit - I reckon it works.

The emotional tour-de-force is "The Kids", sung by Reed-as-Jim, commenting cynically on the sidelines as Caroline's children are taken into custody - but be warned - you will need a box of tissues beside you when you hear this the first time!

I think we all know that Lou Reed can't really sing - it's more a dramatic style of vocalising that he uses - but he uses it perfectly in this set, conveying a full gamut of emotions.

Check out the recent DVD of a live multi-media performance of Berlin, in New York - it's fabulous!

To the CD - harrowing, demanding and genius!

20/10.

G.

Richer, Healthier, Older (poem)

He sat on the edge of my bed, looking down.
He wore a suit, ready for business.
The flashest clothes, the latest communication devices.
We talked about my health.
And I envied him his material possessions.

He sat on the edge of my bed, smiling down.
A runner of half-marathons,
A veteran of the nearby gym and ready for a walk in the park.
We talked softly of my health,
And I envied him the vim and vigour of life.

He sat there, gazing down with wisdom and concern.
His children married to good men and women,
Job prospects and business opportunities and travel destinations opening up,
We talked respectfully about my illness,
And I envied him his fullness of years.

And sometimes I want to rant and rave!
And complain to my Father about the Unfairness Of It All!
And say my gifts were never good enough!
And give me another five, ten or twenty years!
I'll show you what I can do!
And ask "Why?"

This man at the end of my bed -
A ghost, friend, reminder, personal reflection (avatar???),
He is what he is, has what he has,
Do I dare envy anyone the life they have?
I, who barely have enough comprehension of the meaning of my own journey?

Father, simply give me a Good Day...
And when the Good Days finish,
Take me Home,
Free from envy,
And full of the Peace that passes ALL understanding...
Shalom.

In Rainbows CD Review

Radiohead, 2007.

Yes, folks - THIS was the album that began the revolution against the big multi-national global conglomerate record companies by being available on the internet BEFORE coming out in CD format in the shops.

Groundbreaking - though I am definitely a child of an earlier time, who loves wandering into Real Groovy and discovering aural treasures tucked away on this shelf or in that bin...please don't let Real Groovy ever become extinct!

Radiohead, 2007 - a band we have all (?) come to admire, if not love...and that, for some of us, is probably the issue with Radiohead - whereas with U2, you KNOW what Bono is getting at, emotionally, when he lets rip, Thom Yorke's lyrics and indeed his vocal delivery are often disguised, clouded, elusive...one gets a vague sense of sadness or anger, but these are seldom made explicit.

And yet...it would be difficult to find a set of songs today as rhythmically powerful, symphonically majestic or refreshingly novel as this collection - the musical rewards entice us into repeated listenings and THIS is where we develop an acquaintance with the lyrical meaning of the song (lyrics are available in the package).

Favourite songs: All I Need, Faust ARP and Videotape.

10/10 (my 2nd-most favourite Radiohead album so far).

Miracles (blues)

They say a miracle's gonna happen,
And I'm waiting for that day!
With heart and hands wide open,
And you know I'm gonna pray.

They say a Miracle will happen,
But we don't know what it is,
And I'm waiting and I'm wonderin',
A knife edge feels like this.

Some people say you have to make the grade,
And allow your faith to grow,
But your faith can be the smallest seed,
This one thing I know.

Maybe the miracle has started,
When God made us with His Love,
And it will be completed,
When He meets us "up above".

This miracle that's coming,
Lord, send it on its way.
And I thank You for Your gift,
That got me through another day.

Frank's Wild Years CD Review

Tom Waits, 1987.

I think I may have already mentioned that there are basically 2 phases to Tom Waits's output (so far!).
Phase 1 - boozy barfly, telling stories about "low life" and largely piano-based, finishing with the album Heart Attack and Vine.

Phase 2 - Berlin cabaret-influenced deconstructions of...virtually everything, with an expanded instrumental line-up, big on wind...much more "off-beat" in both content and presentation.

What happened?

Well, he met Kathleen Brennan, and was comissioned to write music for theatre pieces in Berlin...anything else??

Frank's Wild Years is in the 2nd phase, though fairly early on.

It has a subtitle on the cover - "Un Operachi Romantico in Two Acts".

And indeed there is a reasonably clear story line to the song cycle - Frank decides to aim for the top and make it big in New York.

The song which clarifies the story best is probably "I'll Take New York", a deconstruction of New York, New York - in fact, one could see the entire album as something derived from Frank Sinatra's real life biog - there's even a song called "Straight to the Top (Vegas)".

My favourite song on this album is "Innocent When You Dream" - poignant and classic Waits.

My heart aches also when I hear "Train Song" about Frank's realisation that maybe he will never make it "home" again...

This album, then, has a very strong narrative, with witty and sizzling instrumentations. For the novice/uninitiated, the question is... will you feel comfortable enough with that raspy voice? It's not an easy listen, but it can be extremely rewarding...

10/10.

Non Negotiable (poem)

My children,
Alexander and Sophie...
You have two Fathers!
Me here on this Earth, all too mortal for my comfort or yours,
And your Father in Heaven, Who is also in your heart NOW!
This is the truth,
It is NON-NEGOTIABLE.

And I have loved you from the moment we could scan your heartbeat,
Through birth,
Through childhood,
Into this confusing time of adolescence.
My love for you is without limit -
Even in those times of pain,
I would choose to hold you
Rather than let go.
NON-NEGOTIABLE.

Here we are...
Uncertain times for all of us,
A mortal coil which is probably loosening up (for me),
Lives which apparently become more complicated (for you both).
And soon you may not see me.
But you will remember me!
And my love for you will NEVER die.
How could it????
It comes wrapped in God's love.
NON NEGOTIABLE.

Your Father loves you beyond the end.
You can tap into this
And be refreshed,
Empowered,
Reassured,
Strengthened,
Protected.

I have never left you,
My love will never leave you,

And the love of YHWH grows in you even as I speak,
Transforming us all into creatures of beauty.

This is without doubt.
This is without reservation.
This is NON NEGOTIABLE.

22810 digested

Morning church - large music team (sometimes leads to less musical definition).
Wore the shawl (no kids to object).
Home to Alexander, drowsing in the sunshine.
Lunch - whatever looks okay from the fridge.
Arvo - Batman The Dark Knight (pretty horrific scenes, and very challenging - directed by Christopher Nolan, whose Inception is topping the movie charts at present).
Alex and I discover a shared desire for a certain secret Dutch treat...
Off to Kiri's baptism in Ellerslie, at C3 church - finding the place was a real mission!
C3 church lively and welcoming - great band and very direct approach.
Home to Lois and Mad Men.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Babylon By Bus CD Review

Bob Marley and the Wailers, 1978.

I THINK 78 was when Bob and co came to NZ and performed at Western Springs and converted everyone in the nation to reggae.
Babylon by Bus is a live album using performances from European concerts in the same year - the track listing would be similar to what was performed here.
Although there is no doubt as to the magic of seeing Marley perform live, a recording of this is bound to fall a little flat.
A more enjoyable and atmospheric live performance is to be found on 73's Live at the Lyceum, and Live at the Roxy is also very good.
The band undoubtedly rocks, the I-3s are undoubtedly soaring vocally, and Bob is undoubtedly in the zone - it's just that this set of recordings doesn't quite take the listeners there.

8/10.

African Herbsman CD Review

Bob Marley and the Wailers, 1971. Trojan.

Yet another obscure compilation.
From the Dark Ages of Reggae, when identity, copyright, ownership, etc. was a little obscure.
This 2003 re-release includes bonus dub versions from The Upsetters, and interesting liner notes.
Essential?
Not really - most of the stuff you hear here can be found on the Lee Scratch Perry JAD albums (prev rev), and on the re-released Burnin' and Catch a Fire.
I like the set, but I don't deny I'm a Marley completist...
And hearing/feeling the drum and bass roll over me at virtually any time is one of life's most soothing and positive experiences.
As to the title? - your guess is as good as mine.

7/10.

St Cuthbert's College Senior Showcase Concert - account

18 August 2010, 6.30pm.

It was free!
It lasted 2 and a half hours!
It was delightful, varied, stimulating.

Really could have done with a bigger audience - people seemed to be in the habit of leaving once their daughter had played...
Very unsporting and unsupportive, I reckon.

With St Cuth's, it's amazing to see the huge number of students learning traditional orchestral instruments.
This allows for tremendous variety within the trad repertoire and a high quality of string playing.

Jazz is also particularly well represented in terms of participation, with highly skilled readers - it will be good to see these performers gaining confidence and taking more risks with their improvisation.

The choirs were outstanding (lovely to see and hear a piece by one of my earliest O.C. students - Steven Rapana, currently over in Europe), and great fun - we were shocked and saddened to hear that Jane Tankersley is leaving...hopefully someone very good will replace her!

Personal fave?
Sebatian Squad performing Jonathan Besser, Saxophone Quartet, and Festival Sanctus.
Time could be shaved (and possibly encourage more people to stay) by reducing each act to one or two items - what to cut, though?
A terrific night of talent and energy.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

21810 digested

Quieter day today.
Up before 8.30am.
Off to Columbus for morning coffee with Lois.
I had hot chocolate - their hot choc isn't too sweet, which makes it very tasty.
Chris, Joke and Rachael Brady arrived around 11am, and we listened to Rutles - great parody of The Beatles.
Found myself alone for several hours!
Watched the Tim Burton Alice in Wonderland - very psychedelic.
7pm we sit down en familie to watch detective series Numbers.
Butter chicken.
Mad Men 3rd season 2nd disc - Lois reckons she couldn't wait for the first disc to come!
Bed...

20810 digested

A full day.
10am Richard oliver financial adviser visits to advise that Sovereign superannuation won't be paid out until I am dead (unlike all the other funds I have paid into, which have pretty much all paid out).
We have a fascinating chat about Richard's time as a school inspector (the 70s/80s!)

12pm Jane and Penny, hospice and community nurses respectively, visit. They are extremely encouraging and affirming - they are amazed at how well I am looking, and positive about my routines. Yay!

2pm Maria C over for second practice - we are now pretty much ready to "rock the hospice" with our musical act, viola and flute, which we are gonna call "Air on a G String" - we will do nostalgic songs (a lot of stuff from shows, which we both like, plus a fair dollop of Italian movie type songs). Our debut will be next Tue, all going well...

7pm (actually later - trying to get the other vWs to move at the specified time is a neverending BATTLE!!) - into town, to a little Italian restaurant called Covo - it has 3 branches, this one is in Fort St. Menus are simple but authentic and generous, and the service and atmosphere are delightful (behind my seat were some photos of Marlon Brando/Vito Corleone and the caption "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse").

All traipse home happily to bed/facebook/sudoku...

Friday, August 20, 2010

Green CD Review

R.E.M., 1988.

Of course the ironic beauty of this album is that it is called Green, but the cover is orange (and there is also a song called Orange Crush on it!).

Anyway...

This is transitional R.E.M., from the wispy, wiry, angular stuff of Murmur thru to the world-bestriding mega-selling celebrity-inviting tones of Out of Time.
And therefore we have some dark stuff, including I Remember California , World Leader Pretend and Orange Crush (all minor keys/modal, but you can actually hear Michael Stipe's lyrics!).

We also have POP - STAND, GET UP.

I really like the stuff with cello on it, and mandolin, AND I like STAND - wonderful, deconstructed (of course!) pop nonsense.

In terms of popularity, this group, as in the case of Queen's Sheer Heart Attack, were on the...cusp (hmm...I seem to enjoy "cusp" albums!!) of world domination.
In terms of songwriting, the darkness of the first few albums was being left behind (maybe that's what I Remember California is partly about), and sunnier thoughts began to inhabit the lyrics.

9/10.

Police and Thieves CD Review

Junior Murvin.

Some Wailers tracks (early) have Junior Murvin as a guest vocalist.
These are delightful, because no one else sings like Junior.
A smooth, luscious and controlled falsetto.

Chances are the Upsetters are the backing band for this set of songs.

The crowning glory is the title track, which became a huge hit for The Clash when they covered it in the late 70s - sung with a wonderful balance of empathy and irony.

The album is a colourful collection of 70s reggae, with Junior's voice presiding over all - mainly religious (with Rastafarian elements) in content.

So, if you want some good old school reggae, this is for you!

8/10.

Home Where I Belong (B.J. Thomas)

Do check out this song on You Tube - try not to let the accompaniment distract you too much.
Simple and effective - thanks to Maria C, who sent the song to me.



B. J. Thomas Home Where I Belong lyrics"

They say that heavens pretty,
and living here is too.
But if they said that I would have to choose between the two.
I'd go home,
going home,
where I belong.
And sometimes when I'm dreaming,
it comes as no surprise.
That if you look and see the homesick feeling in my eyes.
I'm going home,
going home,
where I belong.
While I'm here I'll serve him gladly,
and sing him all my songs.
I'm here,
but not for long.
And when I'm feeling lonely,
and when I'm feeling blue.
It's such a joy to know that I am only passing through.
I'm headed home,
going home,
where I belong.
And one day I'll be sleeping,
when death knocks on my door.
And I'll awake and find that I'm not homesick anymore.
I'll be home,
going home,
where I belong.
hummmm

Sheer Heart Attack CD Review

Queen, 1975.

This album is special and good because...
It is Queen's 3rd album, and they had managed to iron out most excessively self-indulgent noodly guitar solos.
It is on the cusp of world domination and absolute stardom which would be lavished upon them with their next album (A Night At the Opera).
It has huge variety and an eclectic, questing spirit - honky-tonk, prog, nostalgia, glam, heavy rock, a cappella...
Killer Queen, Tenement Funster and Now I'm Here feature as wonderful representative singles.

Sure, Night At the Opera, released later in the same year, would perfect the style and, dare we say, formula developed on this album...but this one has the appeal of terra incognito, and is a quantum leap away from Queen II...

Definitely worth stashing in your collection.

9/10.

Gerald's Gentle Jam - coming up!

Sunday 29th August.
3pm to 5pm.
Jam session in Giant Room of 26C Carlton St.
Any and all are welcome.

Bring an instrument or at the very least a pair of ears.
Bring something associated with JAM (tart, donut, etc.)to share.

Afternoon tea will be at 3.45pm.
Then finish playing.
Very informal.

Why?
Because jamming is something I really love doing, and I am still well enough to do it, and I don't know how many more opportunities I will have, SO...if you are free, and would like to play/listen, COME!! (electrical instruments should get here a bit earlier to set up your amps, etc.)

Gerald.

The Church Gerald Evening - An Account

Can't really call this a tribute concert - it sounds too grand.
A tribute to Christ in me...and in our fellowship on the night.

Introduction from Michael and Jenny - these 2 have been learning ukuleles recently, and tonight they used them to present a version of My Bonny, which got the audience singing along and ready for whatever may occur later in the evening.

Jamie Wood then sang a solo, a Bruce Springsteen song called "Land of Hopes and Dreams" which hints very strongly at heaven (you won't find it - the song, that is - on any of the studio albums) - Jamie sang his heart out in what was a very emotional performance.

Colleen Sangster was next up with a song entiltled Christopher Robin, which she had sung at an audition for one of my church shows. Colleen's intonation was perfect (she sang unaccompanied), and I would write a show for her any day if I get time!

Surrealism crept in with the next item, a sketch entitled "False Salaam" which featured Adele and Nigel Little as Arabs greeting each other. Short, succinct, and a worthy indicator of how we might welcome visitors to our services!

For those of us who like the letter "F" it was hats off to Jeanette Yancey who presented the parable of the prodigal son using about 90% (polite) F words. The achievement was prodigious - I wonder if there are any using D words???

We next slipped into a classical phase - beginning with the Meditation from Thais (Massenet) played by young Reuben Goetz-Wyllie, accompanied by Judy King - Reuben's intonation (keeping-in-tune-ness) was virtually perfect, and he demonstrated great sensitivity to the piece.

Katherine Austin and James Tennant were next, presenting Rachmaninov's "Vocalise" and a Spanish piece by ??? - if these guys are around at the time, we will be treated to Vocalise again at my funeral - what wonderful tone/sounds!

Patricia Brunell (nee Martin!) has a gorgeous voice, and felt every syllable of the song she sang - one made well known by Gospel Queen Mahalia Jackson (title escapes me!) - Pat has lived every word of what she sings, so this was pretty special.

Dave Machell followed this up with a bit of blarney (didn't realise you had Irish blood in you, Dave!) - in particular an "inflated" story which saw its central character, Don Two (as opposed to Don Juan) vowing to lead a double life!

The next piece presented astounding and hilarious choreography from the McNickle family - everyone with their own moves and almost colliding with each other - what an impressively "tight" family these guys are!

Back into the music - Fiona and Tiffany Ross sang a Brooke Fraser song about deserts, with impeccable vocal harmonies and Fiona's darker, mellow-toned voice providing a wonderful backdrop for tiffany's lighter colours. Tiffany followed this with a song of her own, which shows very promising songwriting skills - keep it up, Tiffany!

Continuing with the younger generation, it was a total surprise and delight to have Andrew and Hannah Allen, who have been in several of my shows, sing a medley of 2 songs, I Will Find You (from Lost)and Safe on Dry Land (from Noah) - beautiful voices, and so moving to have these guys choose my stuff to sing!

The next thing was incredibly powerful - Fred basically gave a toast to me (joking that because we are Baptists, we will need to pretend to raise our virtual glasses!) - Fred has read me so closely since he got here, and THAT was the powerful thing about what he said - I do wonder how many pastors could claim to know their sheep so well...

And then a script prepared by Linda McGrath, who has been involved in every church show I've ever done...unfortunately, Linda was sick! and the script, including an email from the Harrises (previous pastors, and their children) was read out by Jenny (and Andrew). Linda has also put the script into a book, which I have, and it is a real labour of love - come and see it!

Then I sang 2 songs - 1st, accompanied beautifully by Sophie on flute, "For My Friends" (lyrics on blog) and 2nd "Hope" from my set of songs called "Dark Glasses" (CD available from vWs).

And then we hugged, laughed, cried, told stories, ate and drank and went home.

BIG BIG THANKS to Michael, Jenny, Andrew and Aaron who put it all together.

I will remember this forever (thanks also to Fred, whose brainchild it was!)...

Gerald.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

19810 digested

9am - practise flute and viola tunes with Maria C.
11am - Maree S comes and takes me to Cornwall Park, where we catch (figuratively speaking) the lambs and daffodils.
Swing by to Frolic Cafe where I have a mushroom, chicken and sour cream tramezzino - yum!
1pm - Kerry L stops in for a chat about FOOTBALL (amongst many other things).
3.30ish, I think - Theo pops in, and we begin by watching the cool bass solo that blogman Tim has sent thru - well worth watching - find Youtube reference on my Metallica review post.
4pm - Nola arrives, with Aren.
We play scrabble and my defeat at their hands is totally humiliating.
Nola cooks a dairy-free dinner, with kambucha tea (mild and zingy).
We play monopoly, and although I make a wonderful start, and it seems like I would have cleaned up, Aren "I'm good at shaking dice" comes up from behind with the green streets and THRASHES me again!
Spooky!
Lois returns from her test at 8.30 and I appraise her of today's events, which she already knows most of because she was there!
Memory playing up tonight.
We watch the start of Runaway Jury, and now it is bedtime!
Tomorrow another busy day.
Gnight...

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

18810 digested

6.45am arise.
7.15 son to bus stop, daughter to school - simple pleasures!
10am meet with Read and Sean, who take me to...Columbus.
I teach Sean how to do a tui call (hmmm...)
Very brief lunch with Andrew.

Then AWOL - not telling you my secret activities!
They are totally legit of course.

Lasagne with Soph.
Off to Soph's music showcase at St Cuth's - started at 6pm, finished at 9!!
To be reviewed soon...
Very emotional experience for me.

Return to read a wonderful email that my outstanding jazz student from a while ago, Kiri, has become a Christian, and is getting baptised this Sunday!
HALLELUJAH!!
It will be quite a jam session when the team's all there!
G'night!

The Police CD Review

The Police, 2007.

A 2 CD compilation released to coincide with their world tour.
3 of the best musicians to emerge from the punk scene of the late 70s.
Roxanne is a brilliant pop/punk/white reggae number.
If truth be told, I was never a HUGE fan of the Police - I found many of their songs just a little off centre to where I was headed - most of the time if I wanted that reggae feel, I would get it from Elvis C or The Clash.
The Police came across as just a little too clever, too disingenuous (and Sting's subsequent solo career proved these suspicions to be true!).
BUT put all the hits together on a couple of CDs and you have a varied, snappy and irresistible compilation of music which genuinely played a part in shaping the pop of the 80s.
The basslines, the drum fills (especially the cymbal work), the guitar solos, and that distinctive vocal timbre - Roxanne would never look back!

8/10.

Irish Heartbeat CD Review

Van Morrison and the Chieftans, 1988.

The Chieftains - arguably the best Celtic band around (and still going strong).
Van Morrison - the man.
Together - spirited, authentic Celtic folk songs, and a couple of Celticised Van songs which sound so much happier on this album than in their original costumes.
My favourites - all of them, BUT ones that put a spring in my heart or make me reflect deeply on the love I've received overf the years are She Moved Through the Fair, I'll Tell Me Ma and Marie's Wedding.
I should issue a diddly-i-die warning to those of you who won't touch anything folk-ish with a bargepole - you will be disappointed.
All others, 10/10.
And enjoy Irish Heartbeat and Celtic Ray (the Van originals).

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

17810 digested

A lazy lie-in.
Marlene arrives a little before 10.
Off to Hospice.
Drinks, nibbles (irresistible cheese scones), haircut (no 1 shave), manicure (very luxurious) and a first-time positive sushi experience (salmon and sour cream).
Home again, home again.
Then off to O.C. to check out my South Auckland whanau...
Orchestra - next week, all going well, I will take my viola along and play in...
Year 12s...some things haven't changed!
Actually spend a bit of time teaching 2 year 9s how to play D and A chords...
Super 12 (Fantastic Four today, due to various legitimate and not-so-legitimate absences).
Home at 4, after serious but brief downpour.
I impress myself by preparing dinner for me and kids.
Check out new Star Trek DVD which has arrived and is faulty.
Lois returns, and we watch the last episode of Mad Men.
What are we gonna do now???

Lois

Honesty to the point of pain.

Empathy to the point of reciprocal suffering.

An inquiring intellect!!!!

A sense of humour as dry as a martini in the Sahara.

An ability to laugh at self.

A capacity for holding the suffering of others, and understanding.

The ability not to judge others.

Music...

Warm, curvy and cuddly.

People talk about my smile, and the gentleness with which I approach others...it is Lois who taught me how to smile in the midst of...everything...especially when your world cracks up and there is nowhere left to go and howl...

Green Field (poem)

Bucket list...

No bungees, no parachutes, no expensive holidays, no lobster mornay or dom perignon...

Give me a green field and running free...

No movies, no shows, no concerts, no circuses...

A green field, and running without slowing down.

Fresh air pumping unhindered through my body.

No extra weight.

The possible danger of falling over!

Not rolling onto a herniated, tumourised, surgically sensitive stomach.

A green field, long grass, squishy mud or dry clay...

Take me back to my childhood!

That's all I ask!

Not so I can postpone anything in particular...

So I can run free,

Nearly flying,

Heedless, Careless in the luxury of a totally unnecessary moment.

Let the green field be mine!

Monday, August 16, 2010

Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence CD Review

Dream Theater, 2002.

A double CD, featuring 6 tracks (do the maths!) - CD 2 is one whole piece in 8 distinct sections.

Immaculate music - technically way OTT - more skill in his little finger than whole bands put together, etc.

One of the continually pleasurable features of DT is that they have very cool melodies and hard out rock sections - something for everyone.

The heart of this album is CD2, the title track.

The overture is superbly executed, and is the ideal track to play if persuading your parents to listen to DT.

My personal favourite at this stage is Section 6, Solitary Shell - great story line, catchy chorus, and lashings of Rick Wakeman (from Yes) style synthesiser (I guess that's the tell-tale reason I like it - something of a retrovision nostalgia trip for us original proggers).

Tight, intelligent and powerful music.

10/10.

Meddle, CD Review

Pink Floyd, 1971.

Pre-BIG TIME.
The one before Dark Side of the Moon.

One of These Days - stonkingly good bass line and rocks along like the Dr Who theme (sorry, Dr Who came first, guys).

Some laidback stuff, some bluesy stuff, even Liverpool United's version of You'll Never Walk Alone (on Fearless)...
AND a dog (Seamus) singing the blues!

...but the coup de grace, the raison d'etre of the album is "Echoes", the side-2-filling song which begins in a very sci-fi bluesy way, descends into buzzes, beeps and burbles a la early-mid Floyd (this is probably the last big noodly piece they did), and comes back to the blues...
My friend Kerry used this track, or part of it, in a surreal dream sequence in his play "Harbouring Ghosts" - very effective, and shows how evocative this music can be...

In fact, Kerry, if you're reading this, this album is for YOU (Anfield evocations!)...no arguments!

All others, the grade is 9/10 (due to debatable but clearly proven qualities of noodly section).

Schubert Bb Trio, Dvorak Dumky Trio, CD Review

The London Mozart Trio, 1991.

New Zealand's Ogen Trio have done a recording of the Dumky also, which you must get (also Beethoven Ghost and Gareth Farr's Ahi).

The Dumky is great fun - 6 movements, mostly with the same alternating ternary structures to them - slow and moody, followed by live and sparky, followed by slow and moody (in each movement).
And tunes that will have you bobbing up and down and tapping toes, stamping feet and dancing round the fire.
Dvorak - worth living for!

Schubert - also tuneful and delicious, though, due to his historical context, a little more straitlaced (sp?).
Hmm...must be something about trios!

The London Mozart Trio do a great job on these classics.
I prefer the Schoob's Eb trio, but that is largely due to the amazing way it's used in Kubrick's Barry Lyndon.
LMT turn in a rich, variegated and committed performance of both works - the Dvorak has a lot of playful freedom to it - a little bit like a cute but naughty child who only needs a tiny bit of getting-in-line.

Sparkly, catchy and warming.

10/10.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

15810 digested

A lovely sleep - what a fantastic Saturday night!
Up at 7.45 - early!
To church with Soph at 8.45.
The elastic band on my shoulder rest snaps - well, it's been 35 years!
After church catch up with many people.
Home with guests Andrew and Katherine - Alexander has returned from Waipu.
I hear that my nephew Mark has been hospitalised with suspected swine flu.
After lunch time for some R'n'R.
Wrath of Khan over at Andrew's.
The universe is safe once more thanks to Captain Kirk and his crew.
But what will happen to Mr Spock???

Anna Kaye's "Little Bonfire" song reviewed

I have already mentioned "Back on Board" by the same singer/songwriter.
With Little Bonfire the tempo slows and we are into a song which is clearly designed to warm up the long winter evenings.

A lovely, romantic piece with, once again, some cool verbal imagery - well, love and fires, what could possibly go wrong?

Backing has a drumkit now added - the song feels a bit more electric than Back on Board.
We are treated to the sax/trumpet combo again - hopefully they will feature at the live gig on 28th August!

Looking forward to the EP, Anna.
You can check out the songs I've reviewed by going to anna kaye on myspace, or just googling her stuff.
Happy googling,
Gerald.

WHA CD review

Moana and The Tribe, 2008.

"Wha" is pronounced "Faa" and is Maori for "Four", this being Moana's fourth studio album.

It's a rich musical offering, drawing on both traditional and contemporary Maori styles/genres and Pakeha/world styles/genres.

This is shown beautifully in the song which opens and closes the album, a traditional Waiata Aroha (love song/lament) which is sung by a Maori elder as a solo at the start (and pretty close to the way you would have heard it before European contact), and at the end with Moana on vocals also, and with the backing of a string orchestra.

Not too long ago this kind of liberty-taking/experimentation with traditional material would have been frowned upon, to say the least.

One of the things that has been an exciting adventure for me over the last 30 years is to see the very real ways in which Maori language and culture has revived, strengthened and developed - and this album is a testimony to that.

Not only do we have the waiata aroha, but every song on the album is in Maori. This indicates obvious confidence in Te Reo as a language medium - one suggestion I have is to include an English translation of the lyrics - this would draw the non-Maori speakers/listeners more closely into the song worlds.

On the album we are treated to elements of haka, paatere (both different types of trad chant), taonga puuoro (Trad Maori instruments), reggae (a hugely popular musical style in Aotearoa!), and always incorporating the dulcet tones of Moana Maniapoto.

The range/variety of music is huge.

If you listen to this, and find yourself wanting to explore contemporary Maori music further, I recommend you try Tahi, Rua and Toru (yes, One, Two and Three!) by the same artist (Moana), and Tiki Taane's Past, Present and Future (slightly more testosterone-laden, though no less aurally adventurous!).

Nau mai,
Haere mai,
Whakarongo ki eenei puuoro kahurangi!

(Come, come and listen to these musical gems!)

9/10.

Friendship Thoughts

My song, For My Friends, sums up, in a very simple way, my thoughts on friendship.
As I mentioned last night at the Concert/Sharing, we can be and are friends to each other, even if we have only registered each other for a brief moment.

I am far from being the only person on the planet at present who needs and values my friendships.
If anyone out there is feeling friendless, GET IN TOUCH!

There are so many levels to friendship, the most basic perhaps being the person who means you no harm.
At the top, the one who would lay down their life for you...

Jesus told us to love our enemies.
Man oh man...
WHO would choose to be a friend to a fanatical taleban/mass murderer/nazi/?
But what a vision/exhortation/command that is from Jesus.
Let's bear it in mind next time we feel like opening our mouths with an entirely justified barrage of righteous indignation to spout forth.

And in the meantime, nurture, cherish and grow your present friendships.

Arohanui,

Gerald.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

A(nother) Night To Remember!

What a special evening this evening has been.
As mentioned earlier in the week, the prople at my church put together an evening of performances to share their love of me in a celebratory way - very humbling, very loving and deeply special in many ways.

Thanks first of all to Fred, whose idea it was - the idea of sharing with someone your appreciation of them BEFORE the proverbial mortal coil is shuffled off...
Next to Andrew, Michael and Jenny, who co-ordinated the whole shebang and enabled it to run very smoothly indeed.
Then to the performers - such a range and such a variety of connections!
Tears of laughter.
Tears of sorrow.

As I don't have a programme, I can't name you all, which I plan to do!

And of course thanks to the people who made it along, and shared what has been a very special and exciting time - we'll have to do it again some time!

And thanks to Linda, who put a wonderful spiel together about the shows/drama etc., and was tonight very unwell in bed - with us in spirit tho, eh, Linda?

As soon as I get the programme, I'll go through what was an evening of unmissable highlights!

David Bowie - an Appreciation

As with many people of my age, I confess to having spent a good part of the 70s in the thrall of one man - his songs, his visual iconography, his stated philosophies on art, music and fashion, if not some of his deeper philosophical ideas - the man known as David Bowie.

The 70s belonged to Bowie. He owned them from start to finish, just as The Beatles and Stones had owned the 60s. You could rent part of the 7os if you were a lesser band/artist/musician, but you owed Bowie - and failure to acknowledge this could result in full debt being paid at a later date.

The total domination didn't begin straight away - it crept in with Space Oddity, a late 60s single, post-moon landing and 2001, and dealing with the tragic tale of Major Tom (check out earlier albums for more Gothic horror tales of unfortunate folk).

At this point, Bowie registered as a mildly offbeat freaky guy who could write interesting songs.

He followed up with The Man Who Sold the World, the album a pretty heavy rock adventure, as guitarist Mick Ronson began to influence/co-direct musical proceedings. Bizarrely, the title track became a huge hit for Lulu - she certainly had a knack for spotting a good song!

Hunky Dory is probably the first really "settled" album, in terms of overall tone and direction - Bowie plays around with the icons of the day, Dylan, Warhol, Velvet Underground (pretty alternative icons) and has a few gentle digs at the institution of marriage (Kooks) and 20th Century Alienation (Life on Mars, Changes - well, virtually all of his 70s stuff is literally or metaphorically about alienation).

And then Ziggy Stardust - the album cover reveals a strongly identifiable androgyne (Ziggy/Bowie) and the album itself explores character/plot/atmosphere in pretty much the way we would expect a movie to explore it. Bowie's stage shows were also becoming increasingly theatrical/narrative, setting a trend (Genesis keenly followed in his footsteps).

Important to note that the hits kept coming also - on this one we have Soul Love, Sufragette City, the title track...catchy, tightly-produced, verging on glam (Bowie virtually invented glam).

From Ziggy we move on to Aladdin Sane - the famous lightning bolt face paint as our visual reference, and even heavier rock creeping into the mix - the title track, Jean Genie, Drive in Saturday (pour me out another phone - what delightful surrealism!), Panic in Detroit - this is almost post-holocaust/disaster in the Western world. The sexuality issues continue to blur, Bowie states that he has borrowed a "cut-up" method of lyric writing (literally writing different lines, then cutting them up and splicing them together to get different linguistic relationships - hence the "poured phone", I suppose!) from William Burroughs (don't let your children near his books till they turn 18!). Features outstanding piano work from Mike Garson.

"Pinups" followed - with Bowie sharing the cover with super(thin)-model Twiggy, and challenging us to "spot the difference"...what a choice of originals to cover! 2 from the who, one from the kinks, and a superb, tightly arranged version of "See Emily Play", originally by Pink Floyd. The huge hit from this was Sorrow, featuring Bowie's "vulnerable" (aka "technically dismal") saxophone solo (VERY catchy - so Bowie is once again teaching us something about art v. technical quality - check out Brian Eno's experiments with the Bournemouth Sinfonietta around the same time).

"Diamond Dogs" takes us back into post-nuclear-holocaust land one last time, completing something of a trilogy, for all you sci-fi fantasy buffs who like things served in threes. This time cover-Bowie is not only transgender - he is trans-species (check out the paws). The music ranges from the rip-roaring title track (as close to a Stones riff as you could get without being accused of plagiarism - or closer??), through Philly Soul 1984 (a pointer for next album, whilst being darkly evocative of the present disaster), and into the expansive, grand melancholy of the Sweet Thing triptych (more threes, dear listeners!). Probably the most cohesive concept album of the 3 biggies, based loosely on Orwell's 1984 scenario - it scared me!

And then......well, David Live had given us quite a few musical clues, but here, with "Young Americans" was David in Frank Sinatra pose, using Luther van Dross (before he got big in both senses of the word) and David Sanborn (session saxman par excellence - not as "vulnerable" as our David!) and heaps of backing vocalists/session musicians to create a SOUL album!

Eh??

Cashing in??

Selling out??

No, not really, cos although the style is definitely soul, Bowie brings both a roughness to the production and a scary intelligence to the lyrics - Young Americans is a heartbreaking tale about the loss of the American Dream (yes, Nixon gets a mention), and how it really is much easier to keep on chugging along in the same old rut. There are also the collaborations with John Lennon, adding significance beyond the mere recorded work.

"Station to Station" followed, with soul references to be found still in "Golden Years" (fantastic dance single) and "Stay" - a little bit of Gothic Horror in TVC15 (yes, a TV eats his girlfriend), epic heavy rock/prog with the title track (I heard this live in 78 in Western Springs - phenomenal), and the beautiful songs Word on a Wing and Wild is the Wind (probably one of his best vocal performances ever - and do check out the official video of it and the live BBC studio performance).

Still setting trends and creating the iconic imagery to go with it...this is Bowie's Thin White Duke phase...the photo is from the movie he starred in (as an alien, of course!), The Man Who Fell To Earth (a good film, though very sad)...he had hit some very hard times personally, incoroporating an addiction to cocaine, and it was wondered around the world as to what would happen next - was this where Mr Bowie signed off?

1976/7.
Van Morrison acts like punk never happened.
Led Zeppelin continue to act as rock gods/dinosaurs.
Queen bring out the leather jackets and let John Deacon's basslines dominate for a while.
And Bowie meets up with Mr Brian Eno, gets another haircut (tho also a photo from the sci-fi movie, now in ORANGE), and sets TWO more musical trends, with one side per vinyl album to showcase each. The magic of "Low".

Side A has a savage, spiky rock band with sharp noise and colours punctuating it. Sound and Vision, the lead single, would have rated as soul/r'n'b in a parallel universe, but we are not in a parallel universe, and so, complete with vulnerable/nasty sax and a drum sound to shiver the timbers of any pirates, we find ourselves mysteriously interrogated about OUR values - "don't you wonder sometimes 'bout sound and vision?" Well, don't ya, punk?.....

Other singles include "Be My Wife" with a bit of jelly-roll piano thrown in and "Breaking Glass" (how could the punks possibly have issues with a bloke who comes out with the line "don't look at the carpet - I've done something awful on it"???).

This side's songs are all way below mainstream timelengths - this was an issue for punks, who rallied against prog, but also the idea of instrumental solos and songs that milked their choruses without contributing new ideas.

To side B...almost conclusive evidence of either schizophrenia OR genius (or both?).
I wonder what the punks (the real ones) would have made of this? They would have been quite lost possibly, as in fact many of us were on first hearing...Side B is a set of 4 minimalist instrumentals, seemingly heavily influenced by Eno, who had been experimenting with Ambient Music, but with probably a little more harmonic and melodic drive than what Eno had produced at the time. This trend was to become huge and created a bridge between classical and pop music, mixing up labels and definitions in a chaotic and healthy way...later, Phillip Glass, avante garde classical composer, wrote a Low and a Heroes symphony (check this!), using the Bowie/Eno themes and expanding the structures.

The musical relevance continued - in 78 we were treated to "Heroes", another collaboration with Eno (and another cut-up lyrics collection). The title track is widely regarded as one of Bowie's best, detailing the thoughts and feelings of a couple separated by the Berlin Wall (was Bowie responsible for the wall's destruction? - hey, he's good but not THAT good!)...musically impressive as Bowie's vocals leap up an octave for the last 2 or 3 verses and we realise he really really wants to get to his girl!

As with Low, the album has 2 distinct sides to it - vocal and instrumental. Bowie's sax is brought in to evoke pterodactyls at dawn on the song Neukoeln.
As with Low, the album was recorded in Berlin at Hansa-by-the-wall studios, allowing Bowie to soak up the atmosphere and clearly giving him renewed creative stimulus (he also produced Iggy Pop's "comeback" albums, The Idiot and Lust For Life, here). The cover is black and white, with Bowie in a mysterious pose - classic, but mysterious.

And this is where my story ends - the story of a man and his work throughout the course of a decade - incredidably staying ahead of the pack for the length of that decade, influencing soundscapes and visual iconography for that decade (and beyond) whilst seemingly walking his own road - though choosing high quality collaborators at each stage, both in terms of musicians and producers, there is no doubt that he made the final call on the creative issues.

What followed - Lodger, Scary Monsters, Let's Dance - continued the incredible commercial success, so we could be greedy and say Bowie dominated the early 80s also, but we would start to get into issues of commercialiasm, recycling, self-parody (can we ever forgive the curly perm on the Let's Dance tour??) and the tail wagging the dog...suffice to say, Bowie survived the 80s and 90s and continues to produce wonderful music - the Bowie Dynasty had ended, however...

But can I suggest, as a PS, that you check out the videos of him with Arcade Fire, performing Five Years (from Ziggy Stardust) and Wake Up (from Arcade Fire's Funeral)?
Tremendous!

Signing off,

Bowie Appreciationist,

Gerald.

(shout out to Kerry L, who suggested doing this!)

Tea For The Tillerman CD Review

Cat Stevens, 1970.

Where Do the Children Play, Hard Headed Woman, Wild World, Sad Lisa, Longer Boats, Father and Son...

Get the idea?

(6 of the 11 songs featured on this album - and the other 5 are good, just not hits!)

This was not just a solid, reliable follow-up to Cat's debut as singer-songwriter-call-all-shots, Mona Bone Jakon...this was THE album that established Cat as king-of-the-bedsit...his gentle, observant, heartfelt protest-romance-relationship songs spoke for and to the younger generation of his time, sneaking into our hearts via the melody, lyrics and that delicious burred vocal timbre (still evident today with Yusuf).

With Teaser and the Firecat to follow, an even more "mega-album" than Tillerman, 1970 must have seemed like a pretty good year for Cat Stevens!

10/10

Haydn String Quartets Emperor, Lark and Hunt - CD Review

The Royal Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble, 1994.

Over 100 symphonies.
Bucketloads of piano sonatas.
And a treasure trove of string quartets...
Haydn was nothing if not prolific - I guess it helped that he was in the paid employment of a prince for most of his life, and could afford to simply "get on with it", i.e. writing new music for all occasions...

These quartets are delightful pieces, as indeed are most Haydn quartets - the Emperor has that tune in it (used as a hymn, and later, infamously, as the German national anthem under Hitler), and all quartets feature spicy, innovative scherzi, that would come to influence Beethoven's writing (if you listen to early vB and mid- to late-Haydn you will hear the influences!).

The Royal Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble do a fine job - timbres and tunings are warm and accurate, and the interpretations full of character.

Well worth getting a copy of this (but start with the Beethovens first!).

9/10.

Friday, August 13, 2010

What's Eating Gilbert Grape? DVD Review

At last I have seen it with my own eyes.
The first real movie for both Johnny Depp and Leonardo Dicaprio, and what material they have to work with!

Johnny plays the part of Gilbert, the eldest child in the Grape family, who ends up taking charge of the family, and in particular Arnie, his severely autistic brother, played by Dicaprio.
There are splendid ensemble performances within the film, and Gilbert's mum, hugely obese and depressed, takes us into heartwrenching territory.
By contrast, Juliette Lewis is magical as the girl that Gilbert really falls in love with.
By turns disturbing, comic, poignant and tragic, one cannot help but admire the balance of emotions that Lasse Hallstrom has brought to this movie - I won't outline them, because you need to see this for yourself.
PG rated, but really more suitable to a mature audience.
Highly recommended indeed!
10/10.

Twentyfive CD Review

George Michael, 200?

This is, as might be guessed at from the title, a collection of 25 songs by one of the most accomplished and beautiful pop vocalists of the late 20th/early 21 centuries.

One CD is labelled For Living, the other For Loving...hmmm...some of the songs could be easily re-allocated - living and loving blending together pretty smoothly, particularly in GM's case.

The range is full - the Wham hits are here, and virtually every great solo song from Faith through to Older, along with some wonderful duets (my favourite is the one he does with Paul McCartney on "Heal the Pain" - McCartney fits in superbly)(but the Elton John Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me is also groovy - well, it's a terrific song!).

I am disappointed that his killer (Queen) version of Somebody To Love is not to be found here - I remember his live performance of it at the Freddy Mercury tribute concert, sending chills down my spine - a flawless performance that, dare I suggest this, even improved on the original! (I think it can be found on Queen's Greatest Hits III).

It's interesting to note GM's growth as a songwriter - consistently hitting the mark emotionally (as proven by Jesus to a Child and Older), and not afraid to tackle some big, deep issues.

It will be interesting to see where his next studio effort takes him, but I'll bet he won't be staying in the same place.

10/10.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Full Metal Jacket DVD Review

Stanley Kubrick's Viet Nam movie.
My favourite Viet Nam movie is Apocalypse Now (Coppola), because it makes powerful statements about the madness of war...
But this would be a worthy 2nd Place getter.

Kubrick, as one might expect, is very strong on visual imagery, and ironic dialogue.
A wonderful scene features interviews with members of the squad we're attached to, talking about their experiences ("it's like a war, y'know?")
The soundtrack also is haunting and bizarre (the haircut scene) and eerily memorable.

We see the war through the eyes of "combat journalist" Private Joker (Matthew Modine), and see him transform from cynical, laissez-faire teenage "smartass" into someone who has tasted the war in its horrific sadness and futility.
An effective performance.

Another unforgettable performance is that of the guy who plays the drill sergeant at the start of the movie - a tour de force.
Not sure about the ending - seems a bit sudden.

9/10.

Tubular Bells CD Review

Mike Oldfield, 1972.

The theme music from The Exorcist, and therefore very spooky...

One of the first releases on Richard Branson's Virgin record label, and therefore seminal in the creation of a billionaire's empire...

All music performed by 19 year old Mike Oldfield, and therefore very impressive...

This album/music continues to delight, nearly 40 years after its creation.

It is a throughcomposed (moves from one section to a new one, without repeating themes/sections) 40 minute instrumental odyssey, beginning with the catchy and complex additive-rhythm ostinato that contributed to The Exorcist, and ending with, of all things, a sped-up crazy version of the sailor's hornpipe...

My favourite sections are the very beginning, and the layered section in which instruments are introduced by an MC - extremely catchy.

My reservations are that:
there are sections that feature only very briefly, and then are heard no more, making them throwaway...
some sections are not up to the standard of the others, and shouldn't have made the final cut...
the ostinato from the start doesn't recur noticeably anywhere else, wrecking the opportunity for building a sense of unity throughout the piece...
the second section takes quite a while to shape up...
what's with the grunting caveman section, whcih outwears its welcome?

In short, as an early 70s album exploring prog, layering, multitracking, and with some GREAT tunes, this album is very good.

It could have been a genuinely GREAT piece of music, to rival the Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon (prev rev) or Wish You Were Here, but it settles for second best.

Definitely worth a place in your collection, though!

9/10.

11810 - the day digested

A bit of a lie-in again - enjoying the 5 minute porridge - so smooth!

10am my sister Carla "abducts" me for a coffee at...you guessed it...Columbus in Onehunga (the best date scones in Auckland, and excellent coffee).

12.15pm - Kerry L visits, bringing with him a delicious butter chicken pie from Green Bay - delicious.

My bro-in-law Brian comes by with a new will to sign - all sorted.

2pm - AWOL!!! (you will have to guess where if anywhere I went and what I did!!)

6pm The Godfather Part 2, at Fred and Patricia's.
Treated to a delicious meal (quite an intense spagh bol, with very good wine to accompany), and then the movie itself.
The movie is outstanding, BUT not everyone's cup of tes (too violent for some of us).
It features a wonderful performance from a lean and wiry Robert de Niro as the young Vito Corleone, and shows the moral "descent" of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he establishes his authority as the new Godfather.
Beautifully filmed.

Then...back through the freezing cold to home and a warm bed...delicious to hop into bed with the electric blanket firing away!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

"Messiah" CD Review

Handel.
Cond. Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien, Stockholm Chamber Choirs, 1983.

Unlike a lot of classical pieces, where there can be quite a bit of room for leeway as to whose interpretation of a work you settle on, I feel strongly that with "Messiah" you need to get it right.

Since the work's creation, Handel's musical crowning glory, many interpretations have appeared and disappeared - I'm not getting at the contemporisations that have occurred - Quincy Jones's Soulful Celebration is a delightful gospel rundown of some of it.

The main thing I'm concerned about here is the timbre - the tone quality of the music.

Concentus Musicus are a highly respected "reconstruction" type orchestra - playing with authentic instruments and appropriate forces.

So, with this recording, we get the piece sounding pretty close to the way it was written - this especially allows some of the softer passages to speak, and not everything gets drowned out by a huge chorus (remember the Monty Python sketches featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir).

I love the sharp attacks, and the harpsichord and organ lines that come through in this recording.

The soloists are okay - adequate, committed and suitably agile, though slightly lacking in "X Factor"...

9/10.

10810 - the day digested

Clearly such a big day, to digest it took some time!
Off to the Mercy Hospice Open Doors programme with Andrew and Allan today.
10.10am to 12.30pm sitting around drinking good coffee, good wine, savouries, sandwiches, etc., chatting to others or not - today a young woman named Holly sang a substantial set of her own songs (voice and guitar) - I gave it my full attention, partly cos I know what a drag it can seem when people talk over you (occupational hazard though it is).
We lunched outside - the weather has been perfect.
Back to Hillsborough, and then I took my own car into Otahuhu College.
1.30pm meet colleagues in staffroom.
1.55pm down to the orchestra.
2.10 observe and join in with the Year 10s.
3.10 Super 12 (well, 6 today!), working on Stevie Wonder.
4pmish head home.
Tired but also energised - a fantastic feeling.
Lois late home - manage to watch a little Mad Men then time for slumber.

G.

Please 11810

Help us not to stray.
Continue to have faith in You.
Treat ALL other brothers and sisters with love, respect, patience.
Pakistani/Chinese INTERVENTIONS.
Hope for the hopeless.

Thanks 11810

Good sleep.
The opportunity to take Sophie to school.
Smooth, yummy porridge.
Handel's "Messiah".
God's Messiah!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Wavelength CD Review

Van Morrison, 1978.

Hi, Van.
It's 1978 - have you heard of punk and new wave?
Ah, shaddap!

Yep. '78 for Van Morrison was pretty much business as usual.
Love songs, songs of nostalgia, and perhaps most interestingly in this collection, songs journalling Van's spiritual journey.
At this point in time we have meditations on the Kingdom Hall (very Jehovah's Witness, though probably intended to be a bit more generic), Wavelength and Lifetimes (reincarnation, scientology?).
Although searching, it appears Van hadn't quite made it over to the bright side of the road (next album).

Sounding a little Billy Joel-ish (The Stranger had been but recently released), and armed with an accordion (delightfully employed on Venice U.S.A.), this collection surprised me with its slickness - quite a West Coast sheen to it (didn't last, thank goodness - Into the Music, the following album, gets reassuringly back to basics).
I like the vigour of the album, demonstrated by tasty instrumental solos and lustrous backing and lead vocals.

What a hairstyle, though!

9/10.

The Lord's Prayer - A Paraphrase

The Lord's Prayer: Our Hope in the Present Moment.

Our Heavenly Parent and Creator, we praise You.
Our hope is that Your ways of Love and Wisdom will be manifested in our earthly lives.
That Redemption will come and heal us and the earth that we live on.
Please give us what we need every day.
Heavenly food for our souls, earthly food for our bodies, and connect us to the deep spiritual knowledge of You, from moment to moment.
Forgive the ways in which we choose to stray from Your ways and our mistakes that separate us from ourselves, from You, from others.
Give us the grace to forgive others and let mercy reign in our hearts.
Help us to discern Your ways, and protect us with the deep knowing that Your Spirit gives.
Everything is Yours and every good thing comes from Your hand.
You are the everlasting, indescribable Lord, to whom all praise and glory is due.
Amen.
So be it.

With thanks to Sandy Fabrin (paraphrase used with permission).

Afterglow CD Review

Crowded House, 1999.

This is a compilation of odds and ends, released after the band broke up (post-Tigether Alone).
It is proof that The Beatles never really split up - they reconvened at Neil Finn's house in Auckland and continued to produce powerful, melodic and at times self-deprecating songs.

If this is the odds and ends, the leftovers of a wonderful run of studio recordings, it makes you wonder 2 things - what's still lying around out there in the studio, AND what could this band do if they reunited??
And then they DID reunite, and we have Time on Earth and Intriguer to answer the 2nd question - in short, they continue to make marvellous music.

There has to be some kind of chemistry to it, because for some reason Neil's solo albums don't have quite the bite/urgency/sense-of-essentialness that the Crowded House albums do.

Faves on this include I Am In Love, Anyone Can Tell, I Love You Dawn...and I think Lester is about a dog, and a brilliant tribute to Neil's canine companion if so...oh, mustn't forget lo-fi mix of Private Universe (commercial mix on Together Alone).

Tight, catchy, melodic - an embarrassment of riches!

Thanks to Marlene for the loan of this CD - must get my own copy now!

10/10.

Blue CD Review

Joni Mitchell, 197?

This is Joni's equivalent of Tea For the Tillerman.
Similar vintage too.
Joni and I have travelled together for many years now...
And this is the album where it all magically began.

Very much an album of the bedsit/midnight red wine/discussion about life etc.
...Although, as with most of these classic early 70s albums, I was probly only 10 when it came out!

Favourites are all of 'em, though it's hard to resist Carey, California, This Flight Tonight and A Case of You.
Have you heard heavy metal band Nazareth's cover version of This Flight Tonight?
Great fun!

Back on Joni's album we have the piano, the gently stummed guitar, the plaintive clarinet, and that wideranging, vulnerable voice...
If you need a place to start with Ms Mitchell, THIS is it.

10/10

The Best of Gilbert and Sullivan CD Review

Cond. Malcolm Sargent, 1957 - 1963.
Pro Arte Orch, Glyndebourne Festival Chorus.

This is 90% guaranteed to have YOUR favourite G and S music (if you have any) on it...

The Mikado, Trial By Jury, HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, Patience, Iolanthe, Ruddigore, The Gondoliers and The Yeomen of the Guard.

3 CDs of catchy, quirky and at times surprisingly beautiful songs.

My personal faves, by familiarity probably rather than according to intrinsic merit, are The Mikado (the plum of the crop!), Pirates and Pinafore, but the neat thing about this collection is you meet up with other stuff as well.

The soloists do the music justice, the orchestra hums like a dream and the chorus support all chorus-involved statements with great gusto.

As with other compilations, as mentioned before, 1 CD bite at a time is sufficient for me - listening to all 3 would be a bit like a Lord of the Rings Marathon.

8/10.

This Saturday!! 7pm

This Saturday at my church, Mt Roskill Baptist Church (opposite May Rd, on Richardson Rd), we will have an informal evening of sharing music etc. as a kind of acknowledgment of my contribution to the life of the church, etc.
It starts around 7pm and will probably be a couple of hours (I am not organising it - phew!).
So, if you'd like to come and join in the fun (and I'm sure it will be fun), turn up at 7pm - it's free!
G.

Cool Day, School Day

Hard to say how good it felt to be back at school today.
It was overwhelming.
And it was good.
To see colleagues and students, very dear to me.
To be doing stuff just like the old days.
Playing guitsr, telling kids off, joking...
And having time with (some of) the Super 12.
Meeting Alison, the new team member.
Being told I look good!...or chubby (in some cases)...
A gift of God, this afternoon...
And an open invitation to return, whenever!

My Mum

Creative.
Affirming.
Very intelligent and able.
Stubborn at times.
Always "on the level" with children - unpatronising.
Joie de vivre.
Unorthodox.
Supportive to the nth degree.

Please10810

Pakistan/China.
Shine in the Darkness.
Guide prisoners/criminals.
Help those bringing Justice.
Guide my pace.

Thanks10810

Sleep
A new day
Sunshine
Porridge
Crumpets

Monday, August 9, 2010

9810 - the day digested

We begin around 8am today, after a longer lie-in than usual.
I manage to walk to the doctor's - more to the point, make it up the driveway!
And back again...
Deserve a medal for this?!
Dexamethasone to reduce to 1mg per day.
3pm meet up with Sandy, a friend who was my counsellor.
Sandy is a painter, and it's always fun to see what she is currently up to with this.
Andrew has managed to get my car going, so I drive in and out of town - another medal??
Spaghetti Bolognaise for dinner - yum!
Followed by Home Group - we have 14 at group - pretty much a full complement of members.
Finish off with part of a Mad Men episode - and time for bed.
G'night!
G.

One Step Beyond...CD Review

Madness, 1979.

An absolutely joyous explosion of music!
New ska in all its fresh and full-blooded glory and uninhibitedness.
A powerful debut.

One Step Beyond, My Girl, Believe Me...3 catchy and stonking hits to set the party going.
AND THEN...Bed and Breakfast Man, Swan Lake and "Chipmunks Are Go" (a version of "Madness").
The nutty boys burst through with a winning formula that would keep them rolling for many years.

A combination of dance-floor catchiness and self-effacing London wit.
Too many favourites to count - listen once, you'll want to listen again (unless, of course, you don't like ska - but you'd be MAD not to!!!).

10/10.

Back On Board song review

Anna Kaye, 2010 (go to myspace).

Anna is the daughter of a good friend of mine, and today I had the opportunity to listen to this lovely song on Myspace.

It's an acoustic, warmhearted gem using the man/person overboard imagery to evoke a relationship.

Anna's voice is warm, accessible, direct.

She's backed by acoustic guitars, a few extra female vocals, and a very catchy riff played on trumpet and sax which morphs briefly into an instrumental.

The lyrical imagery is powerful and effective.

Goodhumoured, unpretentious music, serving as a taster for the EP that is to come - Little Bonfire.

9/10.

In the meantime you can catch Anna at the Gin Room of the Queens Ferry Hotel, Vulcan Lane on Saturday 28th August - doors open at 8pm.

If anyone decides to go, please give me a call and see if I can come!?!

Oh, tickets are $15, which includes the CD.

Lennon (Disc One) CD Review

John Lennon Estate, 1990.

As these things go, this is disc one of what I guess is an anthology of the entire Lennon collection.
This disc contains most if not all the songs he released from Give Peace A Chance through to Power To The People.

So, yes, it contains all of the John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band album.
On that album, I really love the stripped-down/primal sound - the bass and drums have an almost early Marley-an (Studio One)quality to them.
NO collection should be without Mother, Working Class Hero or Love...
"God" is up for debate but always gives us food for thought.

What I enjoy about this CD is it has all the Plastic Ono Band stuff, AND Give Peace a Chance, Instant Karma and Power To the People - a little bit Greatest Hits-ish.
The live rock'n'roll is dispensable - heard one rock'n'roll song, heard 'em all, and Lennon is a little loose (McCartney's Little Richard stuff is still as tight as it ever was, and loads of fun to watch/listen to).

The only difficulty with YOU having access to this CD is that you'd probably have to buy the whole anthology!
Ah well, as far as one disc goes, this is 9/10 (Shaved Fish is a great little collection of Lennon hits, BUT Give Peace A Chance is NOT on it in its entirety...you have been warned).

The Very Best of Don McLean CD review

Don McLean, 1989.

Pretty much a case of what you see is what you get.
There are the 2 HUGE classic songs, American Pie and Vincent.
How did they manage to emerge from seemingly nowhere, and return to the same place?

This album can be found in many a discount bin across the country, I've no doubt - and for $10, it's worth purchasing for these 2 songs, though the American Pie album contains a good deal more atmosphere/zeitgeist (how much is a song worth?).
So, on this collection we are also treated to a selection of mini-hits - And I Love You So, Crying, the hilariously inane "Building My Body", and one of my personal favourites from American Pie, Babylon (Arr. by Bach?).

Apparently McLean is still producing work - it would be interesting to check out the newer stuff.
If you're after hits, and in particular the BIG TWO, splash out 5 to 10 dollars and away you go!

7/10.

Beethoven Diabelli Variations and Bagatelles Op.119 CD Review

Rudolf Serkin, 1958.
The variations were written in response to a challenge from Diabelli, who invited eminent composers to write variations on a theme he had written.
As is so often the case, the genius responded in a very OTT way, and today we have a set of pieces that take up a good half of a recital programme, and which range from straightforward treatments to representations of virtually symphonic status.
One of the variations actually nods to Leporello's song about being a servant (from Mozart's Don Giovanni) - probably a dig at vB serving the interests of Diabelli.
As a performance piece this is something of a tour de force similar to Bach's Goldberg Variations.
It's an old/ancient recording, but manages to capture the physical/emotional excitement of the performance (I think this is probably from the days where you got 3 takes to get it right, and the best one was the one that got released!) - sound quality is good (not like some of the budget 40s and 50s recordings you should steer clear of).
And there are the Bagatelles - a quirky set of piano pieces with terrific, idiosyncratic, characters - as an added bonus.
9/10.

VOCAbuLarieS CD review

Bobby McFerrin, 2010.

I am not going to refer to Bobby McFerrin any more as the bloke who did "Don't Worry Be Happy"...although in some ways this may have been helpful in terms of labelling/categorising, ultimately it really limits thinking about who Bobby is and what he does.

He is a (predominantly)vocal composer/arranger/performer and works a huge range of styles.

This CD follows the experimental Circlesongs, a set of highly repetitive pieces with complex vocal textures based on African circle performances, and a more commercial CD entitled Beyond Words which incorporates jazz timbres and structures into its songs.

Vocabularies recruits over 50 voices into its texture, with spectacular results. The writing is quite complex, and the dynamic range within the songs is huge - a range of languages is used, often several within one song, and it would seem this is done for timbral effect as much as linguistic.

Atmospheric, evocative and mesmerising pieces - The Garden is a revamp of the song from McFerrin's earlier "Medicine Man" album (also worth a listen), and expands and elaborates the original fantastically - like growing a forest from a little seed.

This is a highly successful experiment (collaborator is Roger Treece), and it will be interesting to see where the ideas flow from here.

10/10.

Blue Sky and Sunshine (poem)

Blue sky and sunshine.
Two gifts for you.
Free gifts!
To be enjoyed when songs and speeches fail.
The Heavens declare the Glory of God!

Blue sky and sunshine.
Days of toil,
Days of adventure,
Days of exertion and enterprise.
And finally this...

Blue sky and sunshine.
The gift for us all.
Enjoy.
There will be darker, richer blues.
There will be brighter, warmer sunshine.
But for now...this!

Simple,
True,
Beautiful.
Blue sky and sunshine.

please9810

salvation in Pakistan.
salvation in China.
Hearts to open.
Truth, light and Healing to be manifest!
Light to shine in the hearts of the Taleban...

thanks9810

a very good sleep.
stable tummy/bowels.
manageable schedule.
good friends!
amazing music.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

8810 - the day digested

Wake up and out of bed at 7.30am.
Breakfast 5 minute porridge and toast.
Off to church at 8.45am.
Church finishes 11.30am and we meet Lois.
Collect Sophie's friend Georgia and off to Grease.
Back home by round about 5pm.
Spend rest of evening blogging, listening to music, dining with Sophie.
Watch Season 2/Episode 5 of madmen.
Health satisfactory - no pain or discomfort.
Arrange diary for the coming week - pretty well-booked now.

Goodnight!

The Wild, The Innocent and The E Street Shuffle CD Review

Bruce Springsteen, 1973.

Suddenly there was a blinding flash of light, and a new revelation came to me - this album is about escape!

Greetings From Asbury Park was about place/location - being there.
This one is about escaping from AP/NJ in one way or another - aspirations!
And Born To Run is the actual event of trying to escape - some succeeding and some not.

Here the escape artists tell their stories in each song - Sandy has escaped, and her lover writes to her about how he misses her.

Kitty has decided to return, and there is much celebration in the streets (did Thin Lizzy rip off The Boss, or was it vice versa?)!

Wild Billy has joined the circus.

Bruce is trying to "spring" Rosalita from her captivity in her Daddy's house/expectations.

And "she" won't take that train out of here at the end of the album - or will she?

The album is cinematic, and as mentioned on the Born To Run CD Review, characters drive the narrative of the songs.

With such a range of songs, one can expect a huge emotional range to correspond.

The E Street Ban have certainly gained identity with this album, although we are not quite qith the quintessential personnel lineup yet - I love the novel brass and accordion arrangement which underscores Wild Billy's Circus Story, and takes Bruce to a whole nother place.

The mood on Kitty's back and Rosalita is infectious, triumphant and full of joyous, unshaven, unkempt youth - Born To Run doesn't quite mine this vein (it's altogether a more choreographed, mature statement).

I strongly encourage you to seek out some performances from 74/75 so you can see for yourself how these songs come across live - Bruce actually lives the songs, ably aided and abetted by his E Street accomplices.

I want to single out the playing of David Sancious - a lyrical, sensitive and luscious piano playing style which fills out Incident on 57th Street and New York City Serenade in a way that makes you feel like you're on that Asbury Park boardwalk at night, you look up, and ALL the stars are twinkling!

An album which justifiably wears its/Bruce's heart on its sleeve.

10/10.

"Grease" show review

Thanks to the Hospice, we got 5 tickets to see Grease this afternoon.

I have a few issues with Grease, the show - firstly, nothing much really happens it.

Secondly, most irksome of irks, it ends with Sandy lowering her standards to get with a cool dropout type dude, invalidating whatever moral values/principles she had to begin with.

It is an objectifying, cynical piece of fluff - much loved by many!

So, reservations aside (I always hope some feminist director will do something truly innovative to the ending!!), we headed into the Civic to see the show.

Lovely performances - some cool choreography, using minimal-ish resources.

Vocals a little strident, but some lovely cameo vocals from the gents.

Tremendous energy!

Terrific band!

IF you don't struggle with the issues that confront me when I consider Grease (and I keep saying check out West Side Story!!), AND you love a good time at the show, this won't disappoint.

My favourite moment - Greased Lightning!!

Performance Grade: 7/10.

Back On Top CD Review

Van Morrison, 1999.

The idea of Van in back-silhouette for the cover is a discerning decision.
He's wearing his pork pie, a la Blues Brothers.
And the music is essentially back to blues basics also.
Van plays some raunchy harmonica, and ruminates wistfully on the theme of Autumn...similar feel to Hard Nose the Highway (1973).
Fun album, especially the Blues workouts.
Doesn't go as deep as the really good stuff.
Pays its way.
One for the fans.
"Back" on top? What are ya talkin' 'bout, man?

9/10.

Schubert String Quartets 13 and 14 CD Review

Melos Quartet,1992.

Franz Schubert - 1797 - 1828.
31 years old when resurrected to eternal life (one hopes).
Abundant life really ain't about the time you have - it's what you do with it (remember that the next time you watch/listen to/read "Faust")...

And out of his final years come these 2 sublime works - the "Death and the Maiden" Quartet (so called because the tune from Schubert's earlier song of the same name is used as the theme for the slow movement), no. 14, and the A minor Quartet (no.13).

I determined this time to listen mainly to the Death and the Maiden movement - a haunting theme which, typically of the Schub, moves from a minor to major harmonic feel within the space of a few bars - I was interested to try and hear how death can seem grave AND inviting simultaneously.

This is a superb coupling of quartets - one for the intimate, personal, quiet evenings in.
Performance standard - well, it's the Melos Quartet, innit?
So, what do you expect - a bunch of amateurs?
Seriously, though, our adjectives include - silvery, silky, honeyed.
All the stuff you want from a good quartet.

10/10.