“With a lot of young musicians, they get to a certain point and you can’t tell them anything.” - Marcus Roberts (Jazz Times May 2009).
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"I hear great new musicians all over the world. There has been a globalization of jazz. You can't look just to the U.S. for jazz anymore" -Randy Brecker ( Downbeat January 2010)
RENDEZVOUS JAZZ - Black Horse, 68 Front St, Monkseaton, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear NE25 8DP. Phone:0191 253 6931.1pm. Free.
Afternoon classic jazz with vocals.
TWYLLIGHT JAZZ - Jazz @ The Fell @ The Legion, Coatsworth Rd., Gateshead. 8:30pm.
You tell me!.
JAMES BIRKETT/BRADLEY JOHNSTON - Sage Gateshead, 8pm. Free. 8pm.
The dynamic guitar duo on the Concourse.
NICK ROSS ORCHESTRA 'Sounds of the Glenn Miller Era' - Queen's Hall, Hexham. 7:30pm. £17.50/£16.50.
The Millerdy lingers on...
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Prom 22: MGM Musicals at the Albert Hall.
Although I guess it isn't strictly Jazz, I watched this program on Saturday night & it is such a good crit from Clive Davis that I thought it might be of interest.
Times Review.Liz.
I enjoyed the program very much although I felt Curtis Stigers was out of his depth and I love Curtis Stigers. I liked the woman who reminded me of Anne Shelton.
Yes Mal & isn't he a star? The orchestrations were amazing, and the sheer size of it too. How on earth did he control all of those musicians so superbly? Note that Sir Thomas Allen is also a Geordie. I know he is an operatic singer, but he interpreted those lyrics with such feeling.This show will remain in my mind for a long time to come. Liz
The most amazing thing of all was that after the original scores had been performed for the movie MGM scrapped them, considering them of no further use nor interest. In consequence, John Wilson had to re-create the originals note by note. He spent a whole day, apparently just getting 4 bars of one piece down. Like wow!
Listening to Broadway Rhythm again I just love the chord progression of the 4 bars that go: "When I hear that happy beat I feel like dancin' down the street" For me, that phrase repeated frequently in this arrangement, is so catchy that when I hear it it sticks in my head for ages. Perhaps Mal might enlighten me?
Hello "Rhythmaning" and welcome to BSH. I agree with you about Curtis Stigers - not his scene at all. However, I think we have to put the whole thing into perspective. The singers were classically trained - just as Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel, Jane Powell etc. were in the actual movies and, as such, I thought they did a good job. The problem I have with the Proms is that, in their attempts to diversify, they end up pleasing no one so perhaps they should stay with the 'old masters' rather than swim in unchartered waters whether it be Jazz, Rock, or movie music. I enjoyed it for what it was not what it wasn't or what is might have been.
Hi Rhythmaning, Kim Criswell though, a good all rounder who was perfectly suited to the numbers she performed, full of verve & vigour..well I thought so anyway! Liz
Funny you should say that - I would like to re-make "To Have Or To Have Not" with you, Liz, in the Lauren Bacall role - you know how to whistle don't you? you just put your lips together and blow..
About this blog - contact details. Bebop Spoken Here -- Here, being the north-east of England -- centred in the blues heartland of Newcastle and reaching down to the Tees Delta and looking upwards to the Land of the Kilt. Not a very original title, I know; not even an accurate one as my taste, whilst centred around the music of Bird and Diz, extends in many directions and I listen to everything from King Oliver to Chick Corea and beyond. Not forgetting the Great American Songbook the contents of which has provided the inspiration for much great jazz and quality popular singing for round about a century. The idea of this blog is for you to share your thoughts and pass on your comments on discs, gigs, jazz - music in general. If you've been to a gig/concert or heard a CD that knocked you sideways please share your views with us. Tell us about your favourites, your memories, your dislikes. Lance (Who wishes it to be known that he is not responsible for postings other than his own and that he's not always responsible for them.) Contact: lanceliddle@gmail.com I look forward to hearing from you.
I enjoyed the program very much although I felt Curtis Stigers was out of his depth and I love Curtis Stigers. I liked the woman who reminded me of Anne Shelton.
ReplyDeleteThat is Kim Criswell, a great Sondheim star & she has stood the test of time, always delivering
ReplyDeleteLiz
For me the big moment was when the violin section stood up and played a swinging (or should it be 'stringing'?)chorus of "I Got Rhythm"
ReplyDeleteJust had to mention...(Although sure everyone knows)...The conductor John Wilson is a Geordie !
ReplyDeleteYes Mal & isn't he a star? The orchestrations were amazing, and the sheer size of it too. How on earth did he control all of those musicians so superbly? Note that Sir Thomas Allen is also a Geordie. I know he is an operatic singer, but he interpreted those lyrics with such feeling.This show will remain in my mind for a long time to come.
ReplyDeleteLiz
The most amazing thing of all was that after the original scores had been performed for the movie MGM scrapped them, considering them of no further use nor interest. In consequence, John Wilson had to re-create the originals note by note. He spent a whole day, apparently just getting 4 bars of one piece down. Like wow!
ReplyDeleteI work with the Brass & W/Wind sections quite regularly & all of them have so much regard & respect for John.....A true star....Mal Maddock
ReplyDeleteListening to Broadway Rhythm again I just love the chord progression of the 4 bars that go:
ReplyDelete"When I hear that happy beat
I feel like dancin' down the street"
For me, that phrase repeated frequently in this arrangement, is so catchy that when I hear it it sticks in my head for ages.
Perhaps Mal might enlighten me?
Sorry - I found this Prom really disappointing!
ReplyDeleteThe singers couldn't hack it - even Stigers: the others had good voices but they were singing pop songs as if they were classical music!
It took the fun out of the tunes.
And the strings just made it all syrupy.
Hello "Rhythmaning" and welcome to BSH. I agree with you about Curtis Stigers - not his scene at all. However, I think we have to put the whole thing into perspective. The singers were classically trained - just as Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel, Jane Powell etc. were in the actual movies and, as such, I thought they did a good job.
ReplyDeleteThe problem I have with the Proms is that, in their attempts to diversify, they end up pleasing no one so perhaps they should stay with the 'old masters' rather than swim in unchartered waters whether it be Jazz, Rock, or movie music.
I enjoyed it for what it was not what it wasn't or what is might have been.
Hi Rhythmaning, Kim Criswell though, a good all rounder who was perfectly suited to the numbers she performed, full of verve & vigour..well I thought so anyway!
ReplyDeleteLiz
A touch of the Ethel Merman's I thought so I googled her and, lo and behold, she's played the Merman role in "Call Me Madam".
ReplyDeleteCasting director for your next venture? you have the knowledge, go for it!
ReplyDeleteLiz
Funny you should say that - I would like to re-make "To Have Or To Have Not" with you, Liz, in the Lauren Bacall role - you know how to whistle don't you? you just put your lips together and blow..
ReplyDeleteYou'd be pushed to find a replacement for Hoagy!
ReplyDelete