duaneiac

An Albert Brooks film can always be kind of a mixed bag, but each of his films have moments that make me genuinely . This one has quite a few moments like that.

Since it has not been mentioned thus far, I would put in a good word for: And if you enjoy vocals, this collection of early Johnny Hartman is nice: I have it on this long out-of-print CD

The 1963 sequel to The Mouse That Roared. While the latter film had the benefit of Peter Sellers in multiple roles, this film is quite successful on its own terms with a more than capable comedic cast. In this very enjoyable satire of the "space race", the tiny Duchy of Grand Fenwick asks the USA for a small loan to aid in their space research program, all the while intending to use the money to bring indoor plumbing to their land. The duchy's most renowned scientist, though, has found a way to use their unstable wine as a sort of propellant and circumstances happen so that they actually do develop a viable rocket to the moon. Not the most hilarious film one will ever see, but it does have many funny moments & performances and is thoroughly enjoyable. Directed (as was the first film) by Richard Lester.

A 1971 film which deals with the then already existent feeling of a society under surveillance. Sean Connery plays an ex-con safe-cracker who plots a heist of some ritzy New York apartment building. An interesting film with an interesting narrative approach handled well by director Sidney Lumet. There is one hilarious-in-retrospect scene set in the offices of the IRS agents who are secretly taping the activities of a Mob figure who Connery's character goes to for financial assistance. On the wall of the IRS office is the portrait of the then president Richard Nixon, who would soon have his own problems with audio tapes. The supporting cast included every one from Margaret Hamilton to Garrett Morris and even the very young Christopher Walken (seen above).

Richard Rogers? Wasn't he part of the songwriting team Rogers & Heart?

A good movie with an awful title. The story is rather tired and underdeveloped and the movie succeeds to the extent it does solely because of the charm of the 2 lead actors. If you are a fan of either Jack Lemmon or Judy Holliday, this film is worth checking out. After 8 years of marriage, their characters -- he a high profile New York lawyer and she the head writer for a TV soap opera -- decide they are no longer compatible and get a divorce. They then have the comedic experiences of getting back into the single life. It's a 1954 film with 1954 values, so you already can guess how the whole story will end, but the two stars are a delight to watch in every scene.

Well, with that exclamation point, this could be construed as a command . . .

The first major name jazz musician I saw perform live was Buddy Rich in 1980. Using that as my starting point, there would be a long list of people who were still around and performing who I never got to experience "live" -- Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Miles Davis (although I was not then, and am not now, a fan of his music post-1980), Stephane Grappelli, Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan, Woody Herman, Horace Silver, Toots Thielemans, Shorty Rogers, Tal Farlow, Chet Baker, Ray Bryant, Lionel Hampton, Benny Goodman, Ruby Braff, Jack McDuff, Abbey Lincoln, Art Hodes, Sir Roland Hanna, Herbie Mann, MJQ, Benny Carter and Buddy DeFranco to name a few. One of the most disappointing misses was Count Basie. I was very excited about the prospect of seeing this jazz legend and had bought my ticket well in advance. Arrived for the show that night to find a crowd of people standing outside the locked and darkened venue. Some one eventually made a phone call (this was way back in olden days when one had to go find a payphone somewhere to place a call) and found out the concert was indeed cancelled, supposedly because they hadn't sold enough tickets. Count Basie died the following year, so I missed my chance of seeing him, although I did eventually get to hear the Basie band.

I considered it a demand because the speaker did not say "please". How about this one from Freddie's brother . . .

I would say it was an enjoyable evening rather than a great evening of music. Because there were so many performers involved, they each had to do their number or two and move right along to the next musician. In addition to the music, though, each of the pianists spoke of their respect for McCoy Tyner and of the influence his music has had on their own music and lives. It was nice to hear these heartfelt sentiments expressed by these artists in honor of an artist we probably all respect & admire. I have to admit, I was quite surprised by Mr. Tyner's appearance these days. It's been years since I last saw him perform, but if I had passed him on the street yesterday, I never would have recognized him. He has changed considerably from the man I first started seeing "live" some 20 years ago when he would have those 2 week long residencies at Yoshi's. I hope his health has stabilized. His playing on his solo number was strong, so he must still be practicing to keep his chops up. His website shows some concert appearances scheduled for Sept. - Dec., but I really am not sure if that is for this year or perhaps left over from last year. I'm a bit dubious if he would still have the stamina to do a full concert, based upon what I saw last night. It was not the greatest concert I've ever been to musically (although it certainly had its fine moments), but it was a very special event and I'm glad I was able to attend.

Perhaps more of a challenge than a demand . . .

Last night I attended the McCoy Tyner tribute concert at Davies Symphony Hall in SF. The evening began with a performance of "Fly With The Wind" by Mr. Tyner himself, who received a standing ovation upon entering and exiting the stage. He also played a number with Joe Lovano. Then the parade of pianists began -- Marcus Roberts, Benny Green, Taylor Eigsti, Geri Allen, Kenny Barron and Chick Corea. Each pianist played one or two numbers (Mr. Roberts and Mr. Green played a duo number on the two pianos on stage), focusing on Mr. Tyner's compositions. Mr. Eigsti played "Effendi", Ms. Allen played "You Taught My Heart To Sing" and Mr. Barron played "Blues Back". Mr. Corea played his "Children's Song No. 12", which he said was inspired by the playing of Mr. Tyner. The concert ended with a duo number by Mr. Corea and Mr. Tyner. The encore found all the pianists and Mr. Lovano back onstage together for a run through of "In A Mellow Tone". Every one took turns in pairs on one of the two pianos, although some rather reluctantly. At one point they had McCoy Tyner and Kenny Barron on one piano and Chick Corea and Marcus Roberts on the other. Not great music making, but fun nonetheless.

PM for MILT JACKSON – HANK JONES 1997 – BRECON JAZZ FEST WES MONTGOMERY 4-30-1965 – NDR BIG BAND – TWO DISCS BOBBY HUTCHERSON – VANGUARD – 2005 SHORTY ROGERS & THE LIGHTHOUSE ALL-STARS – SHANK – CANDOLI – MARABLE – JOLLY - 1991 HUTCH-TETE DUO – 11-6-91 – KOLN – FM TAL FARLOW – THREE SETS – MORE INFO: 10/25/83 OTTAWA

Ow. Another little piece of jazz history has left us. He had a good long run and he was still playing until a couple years ago (that I heard of, at least). May he Rest in Peace (or swing a little bit, if the spirit moves him).