Chin Cello

Lawrence Power is my new favorite string player. OK, Lynn Harrell will always really be my favorite [shown here grilling his manager about this "Lawrence Power" guy], but among instruments one can play under one's chin, Power's got the prize for now. This is probably because he makes his viola sound like a cello in depth and character, yet he has the controlled articulation and dexterity of a great violinist.

Welcome to the Future

The NY Philharmonic has finally entered the 21st century, and is allowing ticket-buyers to design their own subscriptions, combining any performances, any dates, and any price ranges, as long as you see three or more things. I've been waiting for this for about 12 years, which is how long it's been since I last subscribed to the NYPhil.

Just now I purchased a ticket to each of four things that I definitely want to see, at times when I can definitely go, yet I am considered a subscriber. How civilized!

In Flip-Flops on Fifth Avenue

Happy Birthday, Rufus! Looking forward to your next 35 years of songs, albums, concerts, operas, musicals, filmscores, and whatever else you'd care to try your hand at. Wishing you nothing but health and happiness, sparkles and stars!

The Engine Driver

During a pre-Brits interview, the band called The Editors arrogantly described Mika's music as "like driving into a pile of marshmallows." Now Mika has won the Ivor Novello for Songwriter of the Year. Odd, The Editors were not mentioned at this year's Ivors... And I'll bet none of them is cool enough to wear a watermelon hat.

Little Dmitri Lost His Socks

Gustavo Dudamel has the delicate hands of a wood nymph and the musical mind of Apollo and Dionysus in one. What did he do to Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony with the London Philharmonia this season?

He blew its socks off. That's what he did.

To paraphrase Shaft, I got a duty to hear that Dudi. Bring 'im on!

Farewell, Michael

I'm two years late getting this news, a sure indication of how out of step I am with the Irish folk community at this point in my life. I wish to acknowledge my fond memories of Michael O'Domhnaill, brilliant guitarist and singer, who died at his home in Donegal in 2006.

He was a great inspiration to me in years gone by, as was his sister, Triona, although I drifted away when they delved deeply into the New Age movement.

While most famous for playing dances on the guitar with Kevin Burke or other friends on fiddles and flutes, Michael had an astonishing gift for choosing and unraveling the most intricate and unusual stories in song, especially historical ballads. His recordings of "Lord Franklin" and "Death of Queen Jane" stop my breath every time I hear them.

He's shown here in a photo from Irish Fest in Milwaukee in the 1980s, where I used to hear him play every summer with Kevin Burke. Slainte, Michael.

Yes, I Know It's Not True

This summer, Nelson Mandela is turning 90. One of the greatest leaders the world has ever known is a huge rock fan, and rumors are swirling about what this year's festivities will be. My favorite of those is one posted this week on Queenzone:

Robbie Williams, dressed as Freddie, will perform with Queen.

I know, I know, there's no chance. But it's fun to imagine.