Ten Recordings You Should Listen To - #1

Here's the idea: Each PMAC faculty member will be making a guest appearance on my blog in the coming weeks. What I'll be asking each instructor to do is write a blog entry about ten recordings they believe you (dedicated blog reader) should listen to. I'll go first.

My ten recordings are in no particular order. And there is no specific criteria to my choosing them other than I really enjoy each recording in its own way. They follow no specific style or genre, and if I were to make the list again a week from now, it might be different. But I really think that they are important recordings to listen to if you are a music lover.

1) The Complete Bartok String Quartets - The Emerson String Quartet

This is one of my all time favorite CD sets. Bartok's quartets are the early twentieth-century Masterworks of the genre. Listen and enjoy the expanded colors and textures Bartok creates - these are nothing like the quartets of Haydn or Beethoven, but are just as important in every way. There is an all pizzacato (plucked strings) movement that is remarkable. A must own for any classical music lover.

2) Saxophone Colossus - Sonny Rollins

Quite possibly the best jazz tenor sax recording ever made. From the classic opening of St. Thomas to organic improvisation of the closing Blue Seven, I never tire of this album. A VERY IMPORTANT CD TO LISTEN TO IF YOU PLAY SAXOPHONE! People often ask me where to start when listening to jazz and, in my opinion, this is as good a place as any. Again, a must own for any jazz lover.

3) Melodies (Songs of Claude Debussy) - Elly Ameling, Dalton Baldwin, Gerard Souzay, Frederica von Stade, Mady Mesple, Michelle Command

At the University of Chicago I spent many an hour discovering the complexities of Debussy's harmonic language listening to and studying the songs on this recording. The three Bilitis Songs are my personal favorites, but the entire collection is wonderful. Beautiful, powerful performances. The small form of songs beautifully captures Debussy's take on formal structure and harmony in a concise format. Great listening for any lover of art songs.

4) Hunky Dory - David Bowie

Just about everyone I know has a love for some rock star that shaped their music tastes in their youth. For me, that rock star is David Bowie. And Hunky Dory is in many ways one of the greatest collections of songs by a rock artist. From the classic Changes to the often covered Life on Mars, this is young Bowie at his best.

5) Time Out - The Dave Brubeck Quartet

While Take Five is the classic track, Blue Rondo a la Turk is my personal favorite. This album rocketed the quartet into world fame, and rightfully so. They followed it up with four more albums dedicated to the examination of time in music. From unusual time signatures to complex forms, this one is a true masterpiece and deserves a spot at the top of any jazz lovers "most important recordings" list.

6) Nixon in China - John Adams

While I wouldn't recommend this as an introduction to Minimalism (a category that Adams himself does not like to be placed in), this opera is one of the great Minimalist masterpieces (another term Adams would be uncomforable with). This is a remarkable work, much more approachable than many of the Philip Glass operas, and the performances are stellar. This is one I bet you'd be facinated with.

7) Symphony No. 5 and Symphony No. 9, Dmitri Shotakovich - Leonard Bernstein Conducts the New York Philharmonic

While many young classical musicians talk of being awed at a young age by Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms or Bach, for me it was Shostakovich's amazing Fifth Symphony. I still get chills every time I hear the haunting French horn solo in the middle of the final movement. Everyone should know this piece.

8) Kid A - Radiohead

A modern rock masterpiece. Haunting, mysterious, epic, atmospheric, beautiful. Enough said. Now listen.

9) The Complete Works of Anton Webern - Pierre Boulez, Heather Harper, Charles Rosen, and Isaac Stern

His pieces are often miniatures. His understanding of twelve-tone structures and the organic manner in which his rows dictate form is unparalleled. And as that sentence means little to those who have not studied the music of the Second Vienese School (of which Webern was a part), I can just say that this is good music, important music, and music that far too few ever hear. Join the club of those who have experienced the genius of Webern.

10) Bag's Groove - The Miles Davis Quintet

The line-up of Davis, Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, Horace Silver, Milt Jackson, Percy Heath and Kenny Clarke is enough to give any jazz lover goosebumps. Add to it the first recordings of such venerable standards as Oleo, Doxy, and Airegin and you find yourself in jazz heaven. And the title track is amazing as well.

Gotta see it to believe it

Check out the size of these two drum sets. Just looking at them is mesmerizing. The drummers are Terry Bozzio and Chad Wackerman, formerly of Frank Zappa's band. On occassion we have two drummers in our student ensembles. If you fall into that category, don't get any ideas. There'd be no room left in our rehearsal hall for the rest of the band! Thanks to Night After Night for bringing this to my attention. Thought I'd pass it along.

Back-to-school Listening

Since the Portsmouth kids are heading back to school tomorrow, it's time for some serious listening. Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter's recording of the Berg Violin Concerto, the most important violin concerto of the 20th Century, is a personal favorite of mine. The concerto is a true Masterpiece, one of those pieces of music everyone should hear, even if it is not your cup of tea. And it is a must-know for every aspiring violinist. Open your ears, your mind, and enjoy.

Super Happy Fun

Yesterday PMAC hosted its second annual Super Happy Fun Day. This carnival themed event is our annual open house, a day when we provide an introduction to PMAC for community members who are just discovering us while welcoming our current students back for the coming year with games, music, food and fun. The teacher dunking booth was once again a big hit - and new this year, our instrument petting zoo always had a line of young children eager to blow into a trombone, bow a violin or strum a guitar (a dozen instruments were on hand to try including a timpani drum!). Face painting, an art mural, and water games were popular with the kids, while many parents enjoyed getting out of the heat while taking tours of our air conditioned school. Two adult student ensemble performed - the Flute Choir and the Blues Band - performing musical heroics in nearly 100 degree heat. As we gear up for a new school year, it is always best to start things off with a day of fun and fellowship - thank you to the many, many people who turned out to make this our best open house ever! The photo above shows piano teacher Adam MacDougall being dunked!

Recommended Listening for the Week of 8/13

While most seem to agree that Miles' Kind of Blue is the greatest jazz recording of all time, don't forget the rest of his expansive catalog. This is one of my personal favorites, with Monk's Well You Needn't among the classic cuts. Check it out.

Performing in Downtown Portsmouth

Last night Jose (drums), Nate (bass) and I (sax) performed in downtown Portsmouth on the Vaughn Mall "stage". We were worried about a rainout all week, and it even rained most of the morning. But come afternoon the skies cleared, and we had a sunny, beautiful evening in the mid-70s. Couldn't ask for better weather. The gig was part of a concert series sponsored by The Wire newspaper and RiverRun Bookstore. I don't think I can recreate the setlist perfectly from memory, but we played the following:

• Blue Monk
• All The Things You Are
• Stella By Starlight
• Alice in Wonderland
• Straight, No Chaser
• Gathering in Blue
• Doxy

Fourteen Wonderful Years

Katie and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary yesterday with a much needed night out. We shopped downtown, had a fabulous dinner at Cafe Medditeraneo and then caught the latest Harry Potter flick. It was a wonderful evening. She is as beautiful as ever. I am looking forward to the next fourteen - no, fifty-plus years!

Pictures are back

Now that I'm posting exclusively on blogger, I can start using photos once again. Here is one of the wonderfully eccentric and fabulous Amanda Palmer of the Dresden Dolls who stopped to pose for me mid-song while performing Radiohead's "Creep" outside on the street before the True Colors show in Boston.

The New and Improved Blog

Hi all,

Since upgrading the PMAC website, I've decided to continue my blog exclusively here on Blogger.com. The primary benefit is that this site supports RSS Feeds, so those who want to be notified when I post a new entry can set up a feed quickly and easily. Additionally, I've been cross-posting between PMAC Online and here for about seven months now and it this will remove that extra step. So now the PMAC Online site will bring you straight here when you click on my blog. Coolness. Enjoy the summer weather and hope you'll visit often.

Russ

truecolors

Katie and I caught the True Colors Tour at the Bank America Pavillion last night in Boston. That takes care of one New Year's Resolution - go see a major artist touring concert. Our personal faves the Dresden Dolls were on hand. Here's their unfortunately too short set list:

• Sex Changes
• Shores of California
• Missed Me
• Amsterdam
• Coin-Operated Boy
• Girl Anachronism

More on this concert later!

Super Playlist

This morning, in the office, prepping for this afternoon's adult ensembles concert, I quickly threw together an eclectic pop mix - my morning soundtrack. No more than one track per artist, just picking tune that struck me as something I'd enjoy listening to/working to at that moment. This is one example of technology making entertainment easier. Here's the track list:

100 Years, Five for Fighting

One Week, Barenaked Ladies

Slave to Love, Bryan Ferry

Speed of Sound, Coldplay

Don't Dream It's Over, Crowded House

Friday I'm In Love, The Cure

Oh! You Pretty Things, David Bowie

Shores of California, Dresden Dolls

Barely Breathing, Duncan Sheik

Veronica, Elvis Costello

Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out, Eric Clapton

Criminal, Fiona Apple

Crazy, Gnarls Barkley

Feel Good Inc., Gorillaz

Catch the Sun, Jamie Cullum

Virtual Insanity, Jamiroquai

Curbside Prophet, Jason Mraz

Hallelujah, Jeff Buckley

Castles Made of Sand, Jimi Hendrix Experience

Running Up That Hill, Kate Bush

Sombody Told Me, The Killers

Steal My Sunshine, LEN

She Will Be Loved, Maroon 5

Grace Kelly, Mika

Dashboard, Modest Mouse

Just A Girl, No Doubt

Wonderwall, Oasis

Me, Paula Cole

Red Rain (Live), Peter Gabriel

See Emily Play, Pink Floyd

Wave of Mutilation, Pixies

Invisible Sun, The Police

Raspberry Beret, Prince

Pretty In Pink, The Psychadelic Furs

Somebody to Love, Queen

Losing My Religion, R.E.M

Everything in Its Right Place, Radiohead

Adia, Sarah McLachlan

Take Your Mama, Scissor Sisters

Crazy, Seal

Penquines E Pitbull, Seu Jorge

All I Wanna Do, Sheryl Crow

So Says I, The Shins

Don't You Forget About Me, Simple Minds

1979, The Smashing Pumpkins

True, Spandau Ballet

If I Ever Lose My Fait In You, Sting

And She Was, Talking Heads

Hold Me Now, Thompson Twins

Pretty Good Year, Tori Amos

With or Without You, U2

It's been a busy month!

This has been one of the busiest months of my life, with, thankfully, many ups and few downs. Students performed with Dan Zanes, I co-ran the annual Rotary Club Variety Show, I attended the Business Awards for the Arts, Katie and I saw Brandi Carlile at The Music Hall, Art Speak went before the city council for funding (which we received), and on, and on, and on....

The kids who played with Dan Zanes for two shows at The Music Hall on May 5th were amazing. Here they are on stage with Dan rehearsing in the early morning

Playing with Dan has a huge impact on the students. He just won the Grammy Award for best children's album - and he certainly deserved it. Talk about an artist who doesn't sing candy-coated schlock for the kiddos. He's genuine and the kids get it. Bravo Dan and thanks for making the kids feel at home and part of the band backstage!

Brandi Carlile was amazing. She opened her show with "The Times Are A Changing" - the sixties Dylan anthem, and other notable covers were Johnny Cash's Folsum Prison song (excuse me for not remembering the exact title) and Jeff Buckley's "Hallalujah". Katie and I got to meet her after the show and she's very sweet, humble, and deserves everything she's earned. Another big BRAVO!

And I also should thank the many amazing local performers who participated in the Portsmouth Rotary Club's Second Annual Variety Show at Portsmouth High School on May 6. Jose Duque's Zumbatres with Matt Langley, The Molenes, The Bow Tie Guys, Magician Pete Mamos, comedian Tom Clark, the PMAC Adult Flute Choir, professional silly person Todd Wellington, Tenley Westbrook, Tommy Hensel, Gordon Michaels, Wendell Purrington, Gina Connolly, the Seacoast Civic Dance Company, and of course, the Poo Poo Platters. The event was a hit.

So at this point in the month I'm reeling in exhaustion, though I have quite a ways to go before I rest. In fact, our next mini-vacation is scheduled for July 4th. Only three or four days, and it will be most needed.

Now we move on with this Saturday's Spring Fling at Little Harbour, plus three student recitals, Sunday's Adult Ensembles Concert, Departmental Workshops, Jumpin' in June, etc., etc., etc.!!!! What fun!

A night out on the town

Katie and I caught two great bands in Portsmouth last night at two of the city's most vibrant (and different) venues - The Press Room and The Red Door.

There is one question I find myself being asked an awful lot these days. It comes in many forms but basically boils down to the same thing: "Does Portsmouth have a healthy live music scene?" My experience is that the answer to this question has to do with who you are. Musicians, almost without exception, are concerned that the number of live performance venues is down, that the downtown neighborhood, with recent increases in residential units (condos), has become more and more unfriendly to the local music scene, and that it is harder for local bands to get booked in the remaining venues, particularly the larger venues. Non-musicians speak fondly of the thriving music scene, that no matter what night, there is somewhere to go, with something good to hear.

Though the Portsmouth music scene is not without its problems, I think the non-musicians may have a better perspective on the whole. We sometimes forget that this is a small community, only 20,000 strong. It may be unrealistic to expect the cultural climate of much larger cities. In fact, I would bet that Portsmouth outdoes most American communities twice its size in the area of live music. Does that qualify the climate as healthy? Maybe not. But it lessens the impact of doom and gloom statements about the scene.

I'm going to spend some more time thinking about this and maybe write more on it in the future. I hate to jump to conclusions on it. And I want to have a good answer the next time I'm asked (most recently it was by a reporter from Foster's newspaper at the RPM Challenge listening party).

In the meantime, I continue to make every effort to get out and hear local music. Last night was a great opportunity as two bands I'm very familiar with were performing. First, Katie and I went to The Press Room to hear Jose Duque's Zumbatres with Jose leading the way on the drums, Nate Therrien on bass and Mike Effenberger filling in on keys. About halfway through the second set they were joined by saxophonist Matt Langley. Needless to say, I know these musicians well - all four teach at PMAC. But it was the first time I'd had the opportunity to hear them play in this combination. The house was full, attentitive and very appreciative, with applause recognizing every solo. And the set I was there for was very strong (as I assume the whole evening was). I consider it a great thing that The Press Room still holds true to it's seven-day-a-week live music promise. If you've not heard Zumbatres, check them out. They are a mainstay of the local jazz scene.

We did leave a little early though, to catch an up and coming group on the local scene. The Molenes were nominated in the Roots Rock category at last week's Spotlight Awards, and though it went to veterans Pondering Judd, The Molenes were just as deserving. Lead singer Dave Hunter looks the part - he could give Chris Issak a run for his money. The group is tight, and had the friendly demeanor of a house band in the intimate confines of The Red Door, which was as packed as The Press Room - a vitality sign. Live music is alive and well in Portsmouth. It was late for Katie and I, though the band was just getting going, so we only stayed for a few tunes, said our hellos to friends, and quickly retired home. But I have a renewed interest in getting out, particularly on Mondays, when these two venues regularly feature local live acts. So if you question the scene - when was the last time you were at either venue on a Monday? If you haven't been, either ever or lately, it's time to check it out.

Shuffle - No. 2

Today 10 tunes, randomly selected from my library by my MP3 player. Only the second time I've done this and I get two songs off the same CD - TWICE! - in the shuffle. Shouldn't happen too often with 927 tracks currently in the library!

Stella by Starlight from Loved Ones by Branford and Ellis Marsalis

Infinite Sadness (Instrumental) from Rarities and B-Sides by The Smashing Pumpkins

Dear Old Stockholm from Impressions by John Coltrane

Three to Get Ready from Time by the Dave Brubeck Quartet

Wasting My Time from The White Stripes by The White Stripes

San Jose from Welcome to the Pleasure Dome by Frankie Goes to Hollywood

I Just Wasn't Made for These Times from Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

A Globe of Frogs from Globe Frogs by Robyn Hitchcock & the Egyptians

Nancy (With the Laughing Face from Loved Ones by Branford and Ellis Marsalis

Obscured from Rarities and B-Sides by The Smashing Pumpkins

An Afternoon of Disc Golf

This afternoon, my two sons and I hit the disc golf course in Dover and had a great time. Before I get to the scoring, I have to say that it was my most consistant and probrably best round of my life. I was getting good distance on my drives and most of my shots were going where I intended. And the boys played wonderfully. Jake actually would have beat Max if he had been a little more patient with his close putts. He'll figure it out soon and I predict that Max will have a hard time keeping up with his little brother on the course. Heck, I'll have a hard time keeping up with both of them soon.

We had to start on the 4th hole because the bridge at the course had been knocked out in last week's storms (see photo below). We played holes 4 through 18 and then finished with the first three holes.

I drove from the blue T's (farthest from the hole) and the boys drove from the white T's, with the exception of the eighth hole, which they drove from the blue T and the 16th, where the blue and white are at the same spot. We all Tee'd off on the first hole from the white tee because the bridge, as I said, was washed out, preventing me from Teeing off from my usual spot. First a few pictures and then the scores.

Our Scores:

Hole Four Jake: 6, Max: 7, Dad: 4

Hole Five Jake: 5, Max: 6, Dad: 4

Hole Six Jake: 4, Max: 4, Dad: 4

Hole Seven Jake: 6, Max: 4, Dad: 4

Hole Eight Jake: 6, Max: 5, Dad: 4

Hole Nine Jake: 8, Max: 6, Dad: 4*

Hole Ten Jake: 7, Max: 6, Dad: 4

Hole Eleven Jake: 4, Max: 4, Dad: 6*

Hole Twelve Jake: 6, Max: 6, Dad: 3!

Hole Thirteen Jake: 8, Max: 8, Dad: 6

Hole Fourteen Jake: 4, Max: 4, Dad: 4

Hole Fifteen Jake: 3!, Max: 6, Dad: 4

Hole Sixteen Jake: 7, Max: 8, Dad: 4

Hole Seventeen Jake: 7, Max: 6, Dad: 6

Hole Eighteen Jake: 5, Max: 6, Dad: 4

Hole One Jake: 4, Max: 5, Dad: 4

Hole Two Jake: 7, Max: 5, Dad: 4

Hole Three Jake: 7, Max: 5, Dad: 6

Round Totals: Jake: 105, Max: 102, Dad: 80

My Lunch with Mitt Romney

Today I had lunch with Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Of course there were 200 other guests at the lunch, but I had the privilege of sitting next to Mr. Romney. Did you know that he studied piano for six years as a child? Sang in his school glee club? Performed in school musicals? - The one he reminisced about in particular was Bye Bye Birdie.

This was a Rotary luncheon, and he spoke and answered questions about his politics. But in those few minutes before he got up to speak (I also introduced him to the audience - not because I'm a supporter, but because I chair the Rotary program committee) I asked him questions that I often ask Rotary guest speakers. "Do you play a musical instrument?" "Were the arts important to your family?" "What other creative activities do you pursue?" And what I discover time and time again is that people who are sucessful - regardless of their career or area of expertise - have studied arts at some point in their life. Whether a musical instrument, or acting in school plays, painting or dancing, there is some creative aspect to their education and life. And I heard Mr. Romney say what I often hear from adults throughout the community - that he loved playing when he was a kid and wished there was time to still play. So I told him the New Horizons Band story and that it is NEVER too late. That when he is ready, the piano will be waiting for him.

So without saying anything about his politics, I'll just finish by saying he is a very nice man. Very personable, and actually, not larger than life, like you so often get with public personalities. He had no difficulty reminiscing about his mother's involvement in the theater and their family's love for the arts. He stopped campaigning when I asked that question and answered it honestly. Though it wasn't a tough question - nothing to dodge.

So I'm again grateful to live in a part of the world where we all can participate in the process, and in a part of the U.S. where the process comes right to our doorstep. Only ten months until the primaries. I wonder who will visit next?

Shuffle - No. 1

People sometimes ask what I listen to. This morning I had my MP3 player play random tracks from my entire library. Here's what came up, the first ten tunes in the order they played. It was pretty cool, so I'll do a post like this from time to time - which is why I call this one "Shuffle - No. 1". Look for No. 2 soon.

Walking in Your Footsteps/Live in Atlanta from Live by The Police

Summertime from The Very Best of John Coltrane by John Coltrane

Woody and You from The Way Through by Donny McCaslin

Perfect (Perfecto Dub) from Rarities + B-Sides by The Smashing Pumpkins

Pequines E Pitbull from Carolina by Seu Jorge

Cherokee from Alone Together by Brad Mehldau, Lee Konitz, and Charlie Haden

Heaven or Las Vegas from Heaven or Las Vegas by The Cocteau Twins

When I Fall in Love from Steamin' by Miles Davis

Sloop John B from Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys

Birthday from Life's Too Good by The Sugarcubes (Bjork's early band)

Great weather means one thing...

...it's time to play more disc golf!

Over the past year I've become an avid disc golf player. And after playing on and off throughout the winter months, whenever warm enough weather appeared (over 30 degrees F.) and there was enough ground not covered by snow, the warm weather has returned and I'm hoping we've seen the last of the snow. That means returning to the course for regular games (at least once each week).

It took a lot of convincing for my friend Bryan, also a PMAC board member, to get me out on the course last year. But ever since that first round, I've been hooked. Earlier this month I took my two sons out for their first round and we had a great time. They've been begging to go back, and I'm planning on taking them this week. Below is a picture of Max driving off the eighth hole at the course I play in Dover. His brother Jake watches on and the white circle is the disc he has just launched.

On My ZEN Micro MP3 Player...

I'm currently listening to...
Canonball Adderly Something Else
Neutral Milk Hotel In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Laurie Anderson Live in New York
Cocteau Twins Heaven or Las Vegas
Branford Marsalis Creation
Nirvana Nevermind

The 2007 Practice-a-thon Comes to an End

April is here, and the 2007 Practice-a-thon has come to an end. I've enjoyed watching the "stars" add up on the lobby chart and hope everyone had fun while building good practice habits!

The Practice-a-thon is an important annual event at PMAC, both for students and teachers. It gives us a fun opportunity to renew our commitment to music. Practicing on a daily basis can be one of the most challenging aspects of studying music - but it is also one of the most important. Each March, the Practice-a-thon give students and teachers the opportunity to experiment with different motivations and methods of practice. If we find ourselves in a rut, unable to pick up the instrument at home, sometimes there are creative ways to break out and move to the next level of musicality.

I hope that the Practice-a-thon accomplishes that and more.
Thank you to all who participated! It was another successful event and I look forward to many more in the future.

The Firebird Ensemble at The Music Hall

Most every American wants to be a rock star - American Idol repeatedly demonstrates this. And tonight it was evident that the members of Boston's Firebird Ensemble are no exception.

Tonight Rebecca and I ventured out to The Music Hall, braving the freezing temperatures, to have a contemporary music adventure. I was intrigued by a luke warm review of The Firebird Ensemble's performance in Somerville, MA last week - not intrigued so much by the luke warm nature of the review, but by the repertoire discussed in the review. It seemed an eclectic and adventurous mix of new classical works and arrangements of pop tunes for classical instrumentations. Something we don't see enough of in Portsmouth. So I felt a strong urge to be there to witness the evening.

The members of the ensemble are more than competent. Though only one member stuck out in the crowd - the talented flautist Alicia DiDonato (described as a "Firebird Frequent Flyer", not a "Core Member" of the ensemble). Of the more than a dozen works performed, her technically and musically brilliant interpretation of Ian Clarke's Zoom Tube (1999) made one overlook the novelty factor of the composition, and merely witness in awe a powerful and natural performer.

The program was pretty unbalanced. It seemed that there was little of substance as far as the music was concerned. Each half was distinctive. Part one was "classical" contemporary music, with the exception with the opening set of Schoenberg Caberet Songs from 1901. It seems they were chosen because the evening was a celebration of Frank Jones in Portsmouth, and since Frank Jones came to Portsmouth in 1901, it was naturally appropriate to perform a piece from that year. Nevermind that the piece was completely disconnected from the tone of the evening that followed.

Next was a series of new works, the oldest of which was composed in 1988, that culminated with the aforementioned Zoom Tube. Unfortunately, the only other piece of note on the first half of the concert was Roshanne Etezady's Unsafe (at Any Speed) (2001), the title of which refers to a classic book by Ralph Nader, and specifically about his criticism of the Corvair automobile. This piece for piano and percussion, was energetic, inventive, and performed with intensity and vigor by Sarah Bob on Clavinova (though I would have preferred a grand piano) and percussionist Aaron Trant. Trant was additionally featured in the first half as a composer. His composition, Dictit (2001), is a series of three pieces for two instruments that are improvisatory in nature, though I'm not sure I get the first movement, which juxtaposes a twelve-tone theme with improvisation. The problem in my mind is that twelve-tone music is the embodiment of compositional control removed from a tonal environment. Yet improvisation is the embodiment of compositional freedom. And the improvised solos, played against the twelve-tone lines, were jarring in their use of recurring and repeated pitches, which seem so foreign to me in a twelve-tone context. So I found my self in a philosophical dilema, one that the music was not interesting enough for me to thoroughly think through. But vexing just the same.

The second half of the program was essentially rock cover tunes, many of which were arranged by a young (17 years old) guitar virtuoso, who made the trip up from Massachusetts to sit in on a few tunes. While the young Fred Sladkey's arrangements were in many ways the most interesting music of the evening, they didn't have the weight to carry a program.

So, all in all, the evening was a bit of a bust. But I commend The Music Hall for its adventurous programming. I certainly enjoyed getting out on this chilly eve to hear some live music. And their batting average is still the highest of any musical venue in the region.

Amanda was right about The Onion Cellar

Last night Katie, Chris and I attended the final show of The Onion Cellar at the American Repertory Theatre's Zero Arrow Theater in Cambridge. Amanda Palmer of the Dresden Dolls, who the show is centered around, has repeatedly expressed anguish and frustration over the show, which was in some ways hijacked from her by the show's director. Now that I've seen the show, I understand her perspective.

Last July, Katie, Adam, Rita, Steve and I attended the ART production of Chopin. It was a compelling show, well produced, very musical and entertaining. We had a great night. It was then that we first saw the posters for The Onion Cellar: Starring the Dresden Dolls. I was intrigued - the idea of a top notch theater company producing a show around a cult punk group - punk cabaret, as the Dolls have defined themselves.

I had read a bit about the Dolls but had yet to hear any of their music. I had the idea of catching The Onion Cellar in the back of my mind, but didn't pursue any of their music at the time. Then, I stumbled across some videos of Dresden Dolls performances on YouTube. I was instantly smitten with the group. I purchased all of their studio CDs (a whopping two) and began to listen to the music. It was an experience not far removed from my discovering David Bowie in my teens. In fact, I'm grateful to be about ten years older than the duo, rather than the reverse - I think I would have followed the group to the ends of the world had I found them as a teenager. I enjoy them that much - and its been a long while since I've been so blown away by a "rock" group. (Smashing Pumpkins'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness in the mid '90s came close.)

It became quickly aparent that I must get tickets to The Onion Cellar to see if the group holds up live. And I was fascinated by the concept - a punk cabaret show based on the Onion Cellar chapter of Gunter Grass' novel The Tin Drum. Though I've never read The Tin Drum, it is my understanding that the Onion Cellar was a place Germans would go after World War II to tell stories while cutting onions, forcing them to cry and purge their tears. An amazing concept - and Amanda Palmer, one half of The Dolls imagined a dark play that dealt with weighty issues of the Holocaust. It apparently was deemed too dark for ART and the concept was reworked into the final product by the show's director, Marcus Stern. The result was uneven, and rather timid for "experimental" theater.

The show attempts to weave together several stories, very intimate and personal stories, of challenged, awkward relationships. A father coming to terms with his daughters death, a daughter he had not spoken to for some time. A budding relationship between a bartender and a woman who lives her life in a bear suit, collecting tragic memorabilia that tells real life stories (the set included a wall full of letters and memories mailed in by Dresden fans - what could have been a better source for story material), and unable to express her love for the bartender. An MC who tells the story of his father berating him and abusing him over the fact that he cried as a child, and boys don't cry. And the story of "Onion Boy" and "Mute Girl", which involved a lot of dance and a fair amount of licking each other. And more - so much that none of it seemed meaningful. In fact, it often came off as glorified acting class.

Particularly dissapointing was the ranting of an actor in a suit, wrapped in tape, with a telephone jack and cord taped to his forehead. The gentleman seems an able actor, but he seemed to take the opportunity to trash talk President Bush, who at the moment is an easy target (rightfully so), and the rant seemed cheap and superfluous - though appreciated by much of the audience, reflecting America's general distaste for the current administration. The problem was that it wasn't politcal satire, or reflective, or even educational. Just mean-spirited.

The same actor, however, gave a touching performance of the husband half of a couple from Wisconsin, "randomly chosen from the audience" (read: plants - very corny!) who gave reflection on the performance onstage as they sat at the bar. Eventually, their backstory comes out - and unfortunately, it is as cliche as the rest of the show. Couple unable to have children. And the midwestern couple becomes just another caricature of what educated northeasterners think of their midwestern countrymen. Another blown opportunity.

Now for the good. The Dresden Dolls shined through all of this. Amanda's voice was going, most likely due to the vocal demands of performing 40 shows in a month. But Brian Viglione's playing - both drums and guitar - was in top form. I'm guessing here because I've never seen them before, but my impression was that Amanda was exhausted, but made the most of the situation. She seemed to soak in the final night atmosphere. Connecting with her audience and in constant communication with Brian. They think as one, make music as one, which is the ultimate goal of all ensembles.

The evening's set included (not in this order) Necessary Evil, Good Day, Coin-Operated Boy, Delilah, Half Jack, a beautiful song that was new to me, which I guess was called The Gardener, and Sing which closed the show and is their best known song. Two encores, Mein Herr and Two Headed Boy by a band called Neutral Milk Hotel were highlights of the evening, as the cast was no longer on stage distracting the audience from the music. Another highlight was Brian's drum solo - in fact, he was THE highlight of the whole show.

So I left with mixed feelings. And looking forward to seeing the Dolls at some point in the future, away from the chains of a theater production. But I will have to wait. This was the end of the line for the duo. They have parted for the time being to pursue their own projects - a well deserved and hard earned break after nearly six straight years of touring. So unfortunately, my beginning with the Dolls comes at what could be their ending. Though I hope not. For when they decide to come together again, I'll be there. But until then, I'll have to follow their individul projects closely. They are each wonderful musicians, after all.

The Whatever Four at South Church

Yesterday The Whatever Four, a sax quartet in which I occasionally perform, ventured out into public to play two services at South Church.

I have a blast everytime I get together with my high school buddies Bryan (who is now on the PMAC board of directors) and Mike. Add Ginna to the mix and the Whatever Four Saxophone Quartet is born. Today's performances included Ulla in Africa, a Bach Fugue, two motets, an excerpt from MacDowell's A Deserted Farm, several hymns and more. Never underestimate the joy and power of making music with friends.

Remembering Michael Brecker (1949-2007)

Yesterday the world lost a jazz great. Saxophonist Michael Brecker passed away following an extended illness. I never had the opportunity to hear him live (though I did see his brother, trumpeter Randy Brecker), but his performances were legendary. He made his mark on the jazz world and will be remembered through his recordings.

Jazz News: Sax Great Michael Brecker Dies

DO THE MATH: Michael Brecker

My Luggage is Finally Home

After nearly three weeks, I saw my suitcase for the first time since checking it as I departed Boston for the Qatar trip. It smells of smoke and gas fumes, but doesn't seem to be permanently damaged. I have my belongings back. And Katie finally got her Christmas gift, on January 12th!

A courier for British Airways called on Thursday night and said my suitcase would be delivered after midnight - is there a safe place it could be left? I had them leave it on the back porch, where I retrieved it the following morning at 6 a.m., wrapped in plastic. I love how they snuck in under the dark of night to leave it outside as I slept. Clever.

London Photos

I've been meaning to write about the London leg of our trip, but this week was a bit crazy. Nothing like jumping back into the fray. But we're all glad to be home and living the life we love. Here are some photos from our London excursion.

Big Ben with the London Eye in the distance.

The kids loved the double-decker buses.

On the day we arrived, one of our first stops was the Museum of Natural History. The boys wanted to go after seeing the movie, "Night in a Museum".

The dinosaur exhibit was a big hit with the kids. The lifesize anamatronic T-Rex was impressive.

Jake insisted on seeing the bug exhibit!

Here I am with a monkey sculpture. Katie makes fun of me because I always wanted a pet monkey as a kid. Don't all boys have that dream?

There were many street musicians in the London Underground. Here's a sax player we happened upon.

Katie was the driving force behind getting us to the Royal College of Music. Unfortunately they were closed for the break. The guard refused to let me in, even after I explained that I'm a famous American musician. (I don't think he thought it was funny.) Maybe next time.

On our second day we went sightseeing to Big Ben and Parliment.

And we checked out Westminster Abbey.

Jake saved his watermelon seeds from the breakfast buffet at the hotel and wanted to plant them in a park.

By next summer there should be watermelons growing behind Parliment!

We also visited the British Museum.

The ceiling design in the museum is stunning.

Here Max points out some hieroglyphics to his grandfather.

He pointed out the electric guitar with two amps carved into this 5,000 year old crypt.

Katie couldn't pass up this photo op.

And my very own hotel. We'll have to stay here next time.

After the museum it was off to Harrods for some shopping.

On our final day we rode the London Eye, a giant, enclosed ferris wheel that towers over the city.

Here the boys look down over the city.

And the whole family reflects on a wonderful trip as we ride the London Eye!

First Concert of 2007

One of my resolutions for 2007 is to blog about each concert I attend (#2007-16), so, to get things off on the right foot, I will now share my thoughts on my first concert of 2007, Countertenor James Bowman with the London Octave at St. Martin in the Fields, London, on Thurdsday, January 4, 2007, 7:30 p.m.

How could we visit London, even if only for 48 hours, and not seek out a musical event. Katie quickly discovered this concert at the concierge desk of our hotel, and we quickly committed to going to see our first ever concert in London, at St. Martin in the Fields Church, no less.

First, it is difficult to be objective about such an important event in our musical lives - our first London concert. History seeps from the walls of this church, and as an audience member, it is simultaneously glorious and intimidating. I found myself in awe of the situation.

We were at the end of our two week journey, the final night of our vacation, and on a limited budget, so we purchased the cheapest seats, restricted view, at 6 pounds apiece. We were there to hear the music after all, not specifically to watch the musicians.

This put us in the side balcony, in the third row, where you have an excellent view of the ceiling, and can see a quarter of the musicians and the soloist only when standing and leaning forward. It was an amazing experience nontheless.

The acoustics of the church are staggering. You could hear a whisper with wonderful clarity, and the "church effect" of lush sound was in full force. We sat awash in the sounds of Bach and Handel, often with eyes closed, fully experiencing the moment. This is what our travels are about, after all. Having experiences. And this one was a highlight of the London trip.

The concert opened with Handel's Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, which epitomized what we were in for - an evening of some of the best known (some might say "overplayed") Baroque music. Yet it seemed appropriate for the evening, and there is nothing quite like hearing this music live.

Other Baroque standards on the program included Bach's Air on a G String (one of the most amusing titles in the history of music), Handel's Overture from Messiah and Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3. The London Octave is an impressive chamber group, and they provided astute performances, though I was not too overwhelmed by the situation to miss the tuning difficulties in the violins. And as a group that works without a conductor, there were rare but noticable disagreements on tempos between the players, though they were quickly resolved.

But the highlight of the evening was the guest soloist, countertenor James Bowman. For those who have not heard a countertenor, he is the highest of the adult male voice ranges in classical music (other than the legendary castrotti, which have been outlawed for a century based on human rights violations of children). It is amazing to hear a man with such a range and the repertoire was remarkable, including the Bach Cantata "Wiederstehe doch der Suende" and several Handel arias (Handel was one of the most prolific opera composers of his time). He was quite phenomenal, very musical, and in complete control of the orchestra (with the exception of one minor difference of opinion on tempo between two violinists). I'm going to have to seek out some of Mr. Bowman's recordings - though I'm not a huge fan of recorded Baroque music. I much prefer to hear it live, as something is lost in the translation to recording. (As is the case with most classical music, in my opinion.)

What a way to start a new year of concert going! We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly, and were grateful for the opportunity to hear this beautiful repertoire in such a majestic setting. If this is an omen of the coming year's concerts, it should be a great year.

Home

We've arrived back home from our fab vaca. I have many photos and stories to post about London - and I hope to get to that later today. For now I'm adjusting to the time change...

I've been up since about 2:30 a.m. - it's 4:30 a.m. now - and I've been listening to music. Max got a very cool book for Christmas: "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die." It's amazing how many of these albums I know of, but have never heard. The list comes with its inherent problems - it is only representative of the opinions of the writers. But it has a lot of great music on it.

So I sit here in the early morning listening to several of the albums from the list that I have downloaded from Napster (I love my Napster To Go service!).

Here is what I find myself listening to this morning. I've begun with the first album listed from each decade - as good a place to start as any. The book covers 50 years, 1955-2005:

• 1955: In the Wee Small Hours - Frank Sinatra
  
• 1960: Joan Baez - Joan Baez
  
• 1970: Cosmo's Factory - Creedence Clearwater Revival
  
• 1980: Kings of the Wild Frontier - Adam and the Ants
  
• 1990: Heaven or Las Vegas - Cocteau Twins
  
• 2000: Lost Souls - Doves

This will be my playlist this week. I'll write about London a bit later. And hopefully I'll be back on local time soon!

How do you like my ghutrah? From my visit to Doha, Qatar in the Middle East. Picture taken on December 31, 2006.

Portsmouth Holiday Parade

For the third year in a row, the PMAC New Horizons Band entered a float in the Portsmouth Holiday Parade, and the bar was once again raised...

Let me first say that I really enjoy participating in the Portsmouth Holiday Parade. And this year the weather was such that we had some of the largest crowds we've ever seen. The members of the New Horizons Band and Wind Ensemble did a wonderful job performing on the float, and the float itself was nicer than it has ever been, much thanks to Aimee, one of our clarinetists who went above and beyond to decorate the float!

Aimee created five large candles and eight pairs of carolers for the float - with plywood and wonderful painting. That combined with the continued hard work of Dick (drums) and Jim (tuba) to create a safe railing around the large truck while overseeing the engineering of the float, made for a successful float and parade. Many volunteers came to our aid in making the parade float possible, and it is because of such community efforts that PMAC continues to thrive.

Our holiday selection for this parade was "Deck the Halls", which we must have performed 20 times over course of the parade. The only down side to the event was the unfortunate accident on a float in front of us, when a young child fell from the float and was seriously injured. But Portsmouth's rescue teams were on the spot quickly and we all hope for a quick and full recovery for the young boy.

This parade is just one of many events the New Horizons Band participates in each year. I can't say enough how wonderful this group of adult student musicians is, and what a life-changing experience participation in the program is (both for the students and the teachers!). Remember, this program is an open to any adult - whether you've played music before or not. We'll have you up and playing in no time!

So a great big thanks to everyone who made the 2006 parade such a big success. Thanks to Ricci Lumber for donating the truck and driver (thanks Bruce!). And thanks to Woodcraft of Newington for donating cutting services to create the carolers and candles for the parade. And thanks to everyone - I'm sure things are slipping my mind and I'm unitentionally leaving someone out. The day was a hit!

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ADDED LATER:
Sadly, I just learned that the 9 year old boy who fell from the float in yesterdays parade did not survive. Unfortunatley he suffered severe trauma when he was run over by the truck he fell from. My sincerest condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

Revenge of the Blog

All right, all right...I already have an entry titled "Return of the Blog", and then I quickly got too busy (read LAME) to write. So here is another, long awaited entry, an attempt to get everyone up to date...


It's been a busy year here at PMAC. We are growing like crazy...so much that we've begun to look into a new building. We even have a new building committee that has been hard at work for about nine months. You'll hear more on this soon!


On the entertainment front, it has been a concert going year for Katie and I. Everytime I'm out at a concert, I want to blog about immediately...but unfortunately that urgency is quickly replaced with a need to keep up with the busy-ness of running an arts school. I could say I'll be better in the future, but I've said it before and you've seen what happens.


There are a few highlights from the past year's concert events. We discovered Brandy Carlisle at the first of two Jamie Cullum concerts we went to. She opened for him at the Opera House in Boston. Katie picked up her CD that night and we were instant fans. You should check her out - and not judge her by the fact that her big break was on the soundtrack of "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants."


Another highlight was Neenna Freelon at the Music Hall. Wow. And through our partnership with the Music Hall, she gave a clinic at Portsmouth High School. It was a great event.
More recently, we saw Bruce Hornsby at the Music Hall. Not really my cup of tea, but enjoyable nonetheless. Three of our students got to visit with him backstage after the show. (See picture below) He has the aloof demeanor you might expect of a musician who's spent too much time in LA.

Other concerts include New Hampshire Symphony Orchestra (for which I am now serving on an education committee), Portsmouth Symphony, Seu Jorge (WOW! What a show!), and so much more that is escaping my mind at the moment. Some great, some o.k., nothing really unbearable.


So its been a good year. But I have a sneaking suspicion that 2007 will be the best ever. New things on the horizon for PMAC. But I shouldn't get ahead of myself. We still have a month of 2006 to go.