If you think you know the tune Mack the Knife, as written by wonderful composer Kurt Weill - think again.
Listen to George Shearing play it, as a delicate, mournful, Chopin-esque piano solo - and you'll discover a whole new tune.
George transforms it from major into minor, and completely re-imagines the landscape of the melody and the harmonies.
It's so beautiful! There's an ethereal section near the end, where George is rolling the chords, and it is sheer perfection - a delicate creme puff among the sadness...
I wonder if Kurt Weill had a chance to hear this version? I hope so!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Minor Musings...Thoughts on KCSM Public Radio
This morning radio station KCSM, Jazz 91.1fm finally ended its fall fun(d)-drive.
Somehow, in these economically tough times, regular people (like you and me) found a way to scrape together a total of $300,000.00 to keep jazz on the air 24/7.
BRAVO and BRAVA! It's very inspiring, really.
It was TOUGH to get there - but they (we) got there!
It makes me feel hopeful for the future...for jazz & blues, for improvisational music, for music education, and for the state of the arts in general.
Somehow, in these economically tough times, regular people (like you and me) found a way to scrape together a total of $300,000.00 to keep jazz on the air 24/7.
BRAVO and BRAVA! It's very inspiring, really.
It was TOUGH to get there - but they (we) got there!
It makes me feel hopeful for the future...for jazz & blues, for improvisational music, for music education, and for the state of the arts in general.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Minor Musings...Thoughts on Michael Jackson as a writer
In the immediate aftermath of Michael Jackson's passing, his music was everywhere. Not just the well-known hits, but also some lesser-known examples of his creative gifts as a writer. Since I'm a composer myself, I'm always interested in the WRITING first and foremost.
I discovered some pieces Michael had written that excited my imagination. I arranged two of these pieces - Stranger from Moscow, and Human Nature - for a small ensemble including vocalist, piano, bass, and - ukulele!
These pieces were included in 2 concerts I gave at Anna's Jazz Island in July, 2009.
I discovered some pieces Michael had written that excited my imagination. I arranged two of these pieces - Stranger from Moscow, and Human Nature - for a small ensemble including vocalist, piano, bass, and - ukulele!
These pieces were included in 2 concerts I gave at Anna's Jazz Island in July, 2009.
Minor Musings...
Welcome!
This is my Brand New Blog!
I'm going to share various pieces of my current musical life.
I hope you will join me on my journey!
If you have anything to say, I would love to hear from you. Don't be shy!
This is my Brand New Blog!
I'm going to share various pieces of my current musical life.
I hope you will join me on my journey!
If you have anything to say, I would love to hear from you. Don't be shy!
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