I recently saw the film of the William Luce play “Barrymore.” Christopher Plummer reprises the central (and nearly only) character. The play depicts the great American actor John Barrymore in the last year of his life. Plummer, as usual, is great. My interest in the film is natural since I did see the play at the Music Box Theatre in […]
Barrymore (Christopher Plummer) Read More »
As I get older, and hopefully wiser, it has become apparent to me how the best solution to any given problem is simplicity. As a musician and writer of songs it has become self evident that the key to any memorable piece is the “tune.” Simplicity is a primary ingredient in this case but because the public has heard nearly
It’s about the “tune” Read More »
This is the central question I have pondered my entire life. It is (in my opinion) the central theme behind all theology, science and physics as well. Brevity and concision (my main two rules of musical construction) also derive from my drilling down on this essential and existential question. I am certain that my life’s vocation as a musician and
I have stated previously that Maurice Ravel is my favorite composer. On March 7 of this year it will be 151 years since his birth. Ravel was born in 1875 and passed in 1937. In my opinion Ravel was the “Mozart” of the early 20th century. For those who have not sampled Ravel’s music I would suggest “Valses nobles et
Maurice Ravel (151 years) Read More »
I was busy whispering a detailed explanation of Schopenhauer’s Philosophy of the “Will” into the eager ear of a young lady in the backseat of my 56′ Ford when it happened. Believe me, it took quite a jolt to disengage my attention at that exact moment. After all, I was only 18 years old and my red corpuscles were pounding
Django Reinhardt (first encounter) Read More »
I have been listening a lot to Paul Desmond (born Paul Emil Breitenfeld; November 25, 1924 – May 30, 1977) again lately. I have always admired his skill and phrasing as an improvisor. Guitarist Jim Hall said that he could improvise melodies that were better than the tune he was playing on and I think that is true. He also