Wednesday, February 27, 2008

International Harmony


I got a bit teary watching the PBS broadcast of the NY Philharmonic's historic concert in North Korea. Congratulations to all parties for letting this happen, and making it such a success. It was especially fun to see Maazel conduct "American in Paris," and eventually give in to the need to boogie on the podium, which is not at all his style. Apparently the ghost of Bernstein took over at that moment.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Pay Attention to the Beat


The pop world's most underrated drummer: Alex Van Halen. Go ahead, find a classier rock percussion performance than he gives on "Hot for Teacher." Yeah, you go ahead...

Speaking of those underappreciated on the skins, how very lame that the Grammys only got around to giving Max Roach a Lifetime Achievement Award now that his life has come to an end.

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Fabulous Faye


For no particular reason (besides the fact that I happened to hear a track by her this morning), I say Cheers! to the memory of Frances Faye (1913-1991). Faye was a fine and funny, randy-dandy cabaret singer who, long before it was fashionable or even safe, was as out a lesbian as could be imagined in her time. She would even switch pronouns in love songs to suit her preference. Listen to her chew the furniture on the L-Word Season 1 sound track.