Happy Halloween! Burrell, Green, 'Wow!'

Happy Halloween! It is a rainy day here in my part of North Georgia. Last night was so great, cause I went to my son's birthday dinner in Midtown Atlanta. Great fun and my two granddaughters were doing the joyful dance of the night before Halloween. The fella named me was so excited I went home and listened to two fave jazz guitar men, both musical giants of the guitar so "right-on" stream of style elegance. I mean the fabulous Kenny Burrell and Grant Green. The sound of the sleek Kenny Burrell has so much classic bop conception and the man, Grant Green has the comprehensive expressive guitar lines that make him a great guy in the interpretation of blues. I really love the way Kenny Burrell and Grant Green do wonders with ballads. Love Kenny Burrell's work on the haunting, 'Lament.' The huge building of well-grounded musicality in Mr. Burrell and Mr. Green is so wonderful. This creation of fascinating sounds is what drew me to the grand world of jazz guitar a long time ago. Good sounds, smiling children, the beautiful colors of fall--all of these make us give a big shout out once more: "Happy Halloween!"

'Vertigo' loaded with 'Surreal' film 'chic'

Dangerous obsession is a difficult thing to capture on film. However, one of the genius individuals who excelled in this category is the master director himself, Alfred Hitchcock. The development of a comprehensive film experience is often achieved in a brilliant manner by the esteemed Mr. Alfred Hitchcock. An obsession film story is the sleek 1958 Hitchcock movie, 'Vertigo.' This story draws us into a saga of lost love and nerves just totally beaten up. The film brings the rather surreal streets of the mysterious San Francisco to life. Hitchcock has two people, James Stewart and Kim Novak, really in all kinds of strange cinematic adventures. In a sense, Kim Novak is still another one of the Hitchcock blondes, yet she is so much more than a meaningless caricature. She slips in and out of personalities sort of a human existential prototype gone a little off kilter. Indeed, James Syewart and Kim Novak are strongly drawn to each other, but they just cannot seem to get the trust element going. The lost love tone that floats like a weird rhapsody in this film work is certainly engaging. In some ways, George Clooney, among modern stars may some day get this kind of strong acting endeavor going. That's if George Clooney could have the exciting time of working with a master director like Alfred Hitchcock.

'The Letter' is a clever mystery classic

I watched a great classic film last night. It was 'The Letter.' What a fine artfully created work this one is! The story had a tremendous lead performance by Bette Davis and also grand work by Herbert Marshall and James Stephenson. This 1940 release was directed by the extremely creative William Wyler. The incredible William Wyler had a super career. The clever psychology of this mystery story really draws people in with its bizarre story structure showing the odd actions of the wife of a rubber plantation administrator. The wife (Bette Davis) has such an intense acting style that she is a real delight to experience. I feel that Warner Bros. people did a really grand job with this one. What a wonderful artistic delight especially is the fine work of Herbert Marshall who plays the part of Bette Davis' husband. Indeed, it is great fun to enjoy an eloquent mystery film like 'The Letter.'

Ate too much today

Excuse my error. Ate too much today. I have a clogged brain. On the last blog I said the U2show is tomorrow. It is actually today, Oct. 25. Forgive me. The old man has made an error again. I'm only human.

Fitzgerald, Davis, Eldridge, U2: Great Fun!

Jam session jazz music is so wild, a good 'ole whoop-t-do.' I listened today to a fine mainstream jazz session featuring the marvelous vocalizing of Ella Fitzgerald and many musical friends. This grand session from Holland had the great big bountiful sound of the super tenor saxophonist, Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis, Roy 'Little Jazz' Eldridge on trumpet, smooth comping guitar work from the wise Joe Pass and Tommy Flanagan on piano and the steady stylish Keter Betts on the bass. The blending of incredible scat singing by Ella Fitzgerald along with sensual,joyous tenor machinations by Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis and highly thoughtful and provocative work by Roy Eldridge on the trumpet...well Lord, this was almost too much. This music was so powerhouse, so brash and "right on." This kind of jazz gives us all so much wonderful excitement it is kind of like U2 music. Lord, it gets us going. Now, can't wait for the big U2 Rose Bowl show, tomorrow. Cheers, everyone!

'Owl City' has a delightful 'Coolness'

Cool, soothing special music is a fun thing to me. I became aware of a musical unit called 'Owl City' and I confess that the melodic rather soft engaging sound was quite engaging. Sort of remindful of some of the old style pop culture styles of a long time back. I especially like the flowing and shiny sound of the 'Owl City' tune named 'Fireflies.' The electropop musical genre is a fun element of the current pop culture dynamic and I believe the compelling 'Owl City' sound is here to stay awhile. I hear the 'Owl City' project had its beginning in the good state of Minnesota. That fine state of Minnesota has a marvelous history. I know I have always had a lot of respect for the superb Minnesota Vikings, the powerful guys in purple.

Flanagan, Fitzgerald: Greatness in Jazz

Highly sophisticated piano jazz has such tremendous appeal. I listened to one of my very favorite keyboard men today, the great Tommy Flanagan. The man has pure joy going on when he is really cookin' with lilting linear lines of vivid improvisation. It's interesting how he can adapt himself. He gets some fabulous work done on the J.J. Johnson tune, 'Lament.' And also I truly find myself delighted with the sparkling really uptempo number, 'Raincheck.' Tommy Flanagan backed up the great Ella Fitzgerald for a long time. They made grand, intoxicating so joyous music together. The wonderfully honed phrasing of Tommy Flanagan on piano and the delightful vocal nuances developed by Ella Fitzgerald...well these sounds are what one might call the very pinnacle of jazz delight.

Led Zeppelin, Georges Rouault: Power Art!

Some times I find it rather good to expand one's musical horizons. So today with all this rain coming down I moved into some classic rock. I got into Led Zeppelin. That sound of Led Zeppelin is so strong, so radically with the program, people. Jimmy Page and the guys know just the right way to bring off some fire-hot iron-blood music. I recall getting into Jimmy Page and his associates a long time ago. It's good to sample the tough guy songs like 'Whole Lotta Love' once again. Steaming hot rock can shake up the doldrums we get from all this continual rain stuff. Led Zeppelin and studying the paintings of individuals like Georges Rouault of France,that's the kind of stuff that satisfies a person. Georges Rouault has so many works that seem to truly zoom into the inner workings of people. His artistic works focusing on clowns are especially unique. Led Zeppelin and Georges Rouault--two systems of esthetics that are so diverse and yet each concept is covered with an attractive post-modernism that truly delights one's senses.

Valentino designs: Elegant Artistry

The elegant work of the label, Valentino, continues to be a shiny inspiring light in the complex world that is modern fashion. The design work of the Valentino group's Pier Paolo Piccioli is so grand. The vivid world of artful design has strong appeal to most all segments of our contemporary culture. It is interesting that major red-carpet style-knowing souls like major celeb figures find the Valentino label just right. When people like Julia Roberts and Gwyneth Paltrow like the Valentino works then business types know they have a big success going. Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow and perhaps Jennifer Aniston all seem to be pleased with the Valentino label. Therefore those of us who 'dig' the design arts as well as the other modes of expression can all have a marvelous delightful life for ourselves. The Lord bless the sophisticated and truly dramatic label that is Valentino.

Jay Leno: A Wow ! Guy of the Comic Arena

Jay Leno. What a clever, great man of the complicated celeb culture realm, Mr. Leno is! The cultural dynamics of witty, stand-up comic work are so complicated, yet Jay Leno brings all this exuberant comedy work off so beautifully. A friend of mine talked me into catching more Leno late-night work, recently. I need a straight ahead strong pick-me-up emotionally some times. Well, this man Leno provided so much good merry fun. I remember a fairly recent bit he did with another super-funny man of comedy, the fab one, Mr. Robin Williams. What a grand pair, Jay Leno and Robin Williams. Genius is super to watch. Let's all jump right into the big army of American comedy fans. The culture of the comic people is so delightfully, WILD!

Cannonball, Charlie and good 'ole Catfish

Hey, everyone! Remember, jazz cooked up by the small groups is some of the very best music going. The vicarious raw excitement of potent group jazz is so powerfully wild. A great example of this kind of concept is the work of the classic modernist on the alto saxophone, Cannonball Adderley. This rather chilly Georgia afternoon I listened to the delightful mainstay Adderley composition called 'Work Song.' It still sparkles like all great tunes of the past several decades. People realize when they hear the Cannonball Adderley organization that this is really what super contemporary jazz music is all about. Cannonball's brother, Nat Adderley, was right in there on the cornet. Wow, the Adderley brothers did such interesting work delving into a unique musical adventure, creating vivid fresh improvisation with just the right temperature of "freshness." Another stimulating aspect of the Cannonball Adderley group sound was the imaginative work of super-pro keyboard fellas. I have always been a fan of one of the so fine keyboard guys with the unit...of course I mean the mighty Joe Zawinul. The alto saxophone sound can be big and exciting when jazz greats get a hold of it. Charlie Parker knew how to make the alto sax soar into space and so did the explosively creative one, Cannonball Adderley. Two saxophone giants like the one and only Charlie Parker and of course the magnificent other guy, Cannonball Adderley, remind us jazz is a heady brew indeed, a kind of music that can truly thrill us with all of its exciting pulsating magical minutes. Good jazz makes me hungry. I figure we might fry some good 'ole catfish, tonight. Get the fries and honest to goodness scrumptious southern food going for the evening meal. Yeah!

Ben Webster, Teddy Wilson: Fine Jazz!

I love jazz sounds that have lots of enriching nuances. Tonight, I listened to the wonderful tenor saxophone work of the great Ben Webster and the marvelous piano stylings of Teddy Wilson. It was a superb musical experience. When one hears grand mainstream jazz artists like these guys it really puts a smile on one's face. The focused innovative lilting linear lines from these musicians are truly delightful. The Lord bless the elegant pair, Mr. Ben Webster and Mr. Teddy Wilson.

Conan O'Brien comic work dazzles

Good strong comedy is a much needed ingredient in our American culture. Last night's Conan O'Brien late-night tv show had a fabulous bit with a Conan session with the mayor of Newark, New Jersey. It was all a part of a running thing Conan has had with the Newark mayor. When Conan gets rolling he is so great. In the last few days he had comic bits spoofing the rain situation in the Los Angeles area. I have never laughed so hard as I did at this wonderful tv comic wizard material. It is grand that Conan O'Brien is getting steadily into highly creative television comic whoop-it-up wild stuff. I say keep it up, Mr. Conan o'Brien, you are making us folks of the American South really tickled.

Excuse me.

In the last post on Shakira and Lee Ritenour I spelled "and" as "amd." Excuse me, please. When I discussed the great Shakira etc, the ancient ticker of mine got shook, so again...please excuse me.

Shakira, Lee Ritenour: A Super 'Hip' Duo

Shakira is a vigorous musical personality. Her explosive singing amd dancing can really charm us all. In another cultural vein is the shiny jazz guitar work of the very satisfying Lee Ritenour. Each time I experience the marvelous energetic musicality of Shakira it gets me all excited like a little guy again. The one and only Shakira of South American ancestry is a fascinating human being. Then, later when one experiences the stratospheric superb jazz guitar work of Mr. Lee Ritenour on guitar...well that is so much total fun, also. Ritenour's 'Captain Fingers' is an especially enchanting tune. Good musical folks can bring us all big servings of happiness. Lord bless Shakira and Lee Ritenour.

'Mastersounds' and Peterson: 'Fine' music

There's rain in my Georgia again. Had to have a change-up. Looked for something fresh. Good solid straight ahead jazz. Found something I had not heard for a long time. The jazz group was 'The Mastersounds' a fine cadre of musicians showcasing the grand work of the Montgomery Brothers. A friend of mine had reminded me of their fine work. The sounds of their renditions were just right. A solid pick-me-up for a rainy day. It's interesting how sparkling jazz can make us all smile. Also, I got into the strong "groove" music of the elegant Oscar Peterson. Indeed the sleek engaging work of Oscar Peterson can really thrill a person. 'The Mastersounds' and Oscar Peterson make my kind of music--highly complex and yet so emotional, so poignantly right. Jazz is a segment of the American culture that is so refreshing and so incredibly fulfilling. Lord bless the greatness that is jazz.

Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra: 'Magic' Guys

More Tuesday evening fun, people. Gave a listen to a sleek, engaging and so refreshing male vocalist, Michael Buble. His 'Sway' and 'Save the Last Dance For Me' were especially satisfying interpretations. This Michael Buble has loads of talent and it is easy to see why the man has lots and lots of fans. His style reminds one of a young Frank Sinatra. Yes, Frank Sinatra was one of a kind but this new strong voice, Michael Buble can please us well, also.

Black Eyed Peas, Milt Jackson: 'Good Day'

Got some Black Eyed Peas music going tonight. High energy real strong stuff. That's their specialty. I confess. They helped out a lot. Had concerns about reports of huge rains coming here to North Georgia country tomorrow. Black Eyed Peas with their kickin' in high gear sounds are a pick-me-up. Say bye-bye to jumpiness. Lord help us with these floods, surely we dodn't need more like the last go-round. Also, I listened to some grand Milt Jackson work on the vibes. Yes, Mr. Milt Jackson can surely fix things up right. His form of jazz is so clear and brisk. Black Eyed Peas and Milt Jackson gave me a mighty good day. Happiness reigns.

Hitchcock was a Master of 'Twists'

One of my favorite people in film history is Alfred Hitchcock. His films were so full of all kinds of innovations. And the best thing was the fact of all the "twists" that Hitchcock could throw at you when he really got you in the core of the movie. His 1946 film, 'Notorious' is a huge favorite of mine. His dealing with the bizarre machinations of an espionage ring truly put the viewer into a strong cinematic experience. The 1951 work, 'Strangers on a Train' was also especially interesting with such a provocative interpretation of the mind of a villain. Two of his later works also appealed to me. Of course, I am referring to 'Marnie' and 'The Birds.' Indeed, 'The Birds' could vigorously shake up a person. And the superior work of the very clever, Tippi Hedren was marvelous in 'Marnie.' Tippi Hedren is an intense skillful person so well-schooled in the craft of acting. It is grand to have seen so many examples of unique film art and the good "twists" that Alfred Hitchcock gave us. The enjoyment of wonderfully grand film work is a delightful thing for a person to have. Nuances of shrewd film artistry can help us all to grow a bit more, intellectually.

Falcons, Red Garland and A Fine Evening

What a great day this is! I totally enjoyed the superb artistic performance our Atlanta Falcons mighty unit put on. This kind of jazzy so-right pro football is a joyful experience. Matt Ryan, Roddy White and company slammed the fellas from San Francisco real hard. Sorry, West Coast guys. Atlanta Falcons lookin' good. Yeah, the receiver Roddy White and the clever quarterback Matt Ryan can sure get it done. I celebrated! Wowee, did I sure get down...celebration time everyone. I listened to some powerful main brand piano jazz from the marvelous man, Red Garland. Good one, Paul Chambers on the bass--that was grand. Then there was the clever guy Philly Joe Jones on drums. The sparkling tune by Red Garland and friends ('Billy Boy') remains a big fave of mine. It certainly is a "groove" kind of evening here with this big Atlanta Falcons victory topped off with some shiny, delightful keyboard group jazz.

Conan, Jay, 'SNL' are super wonderful

Comedy is great for us all. Since I have got into Conan O'Brien and Jay Leno I have had one great time after another. It's good to be introspective but good old-style laughs from real comic artists like Conan O'Brien and Jay Leno are wonderful pick-me-uppers. Don't get too serious. Good humor can benefit everyone in this country. So have fun with 'SNL', Conan O'Brien and Jay Leno. They can truly get us rockin' right along.

Paramore, Evanescence, 'SNL' energize us

I needed some real "pick-me-up" music today. I got into super performances by two so fine groups, Paramore and Evanescence. The hard-driving, high-energy sounds of Paramore just tickled me good. Especially excited by the mighty track, the number Paramore calls, "CrushCrushCrush." Then, please remember the great unit, Evanescence, gives a soul a huge wonderful send-up, too. The Evanescence number titled "Everybody's Fool" is mighty big satisfaction. True high energy music can get the old adrenalin going beautifully. Big sounds of great power music can prove so refreshing. Lord, so invigorating. I will keep the system going super strong this evening. Plan to catch some nice style-concept Turner Classic films and of course get into comic "whoop-t-do" headquarters...In other words I will "dig" oh yeah, 'Saturday Night Live' a little later on from now. 'Saturday Night Live' is so cool. Paramore and Evanescence have been super good for me today. Now, let's all get down with it and enjoy the evening.

Lester Young, Lauren, Jacobs: So 'Exciting'

Thought a lot today about the exciting arena that is art. Obviously, after many years a person realizes even meeting souls and talking, well even that sort of thing can be an awake mechanism. Art can develop for a human in so many ways. It's time we took art out of the locked in stuff of McCarthy's "Groves of Academe" syndrome. Today I enjoyed the amazing strong jazz playing of the magnificent and so highly influential, Lester Young. This giant of the tenor saxophone is an inspiration. His searing, highly articulate linear lines can totally overwhelm listeners. This man, Lester Young, what a superb solo innovator he is. When one really gets the brain into "diggin'" Lester Young, you can tell why so many greats like John Coltrane and others were so influenced by this guy. The sense of playing the exactly right notes in Young's style is much akin to the delightful artistic and grandly super work of superlatives galore people like the style artistry profound Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs. The works of Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs can inspire us all with their interesting aura of vivid creative flair. Ralph Lauren and Marc Jacobs are top-notch. It is a marvelous autumn afternoon here in the passionate country we call North Georgia and it is so good art is speaking so poignantly to all of us 21st Century souls.

Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga: Fun Times

More fun stuff. Such a beauty of a day kickin' right along. Had plenty of super times a little while ago cause I gave a listen to the big strong voice of Mariah Carey. Lots of so powerful real emotion there. Then it was on to the superb high energy singing style of the fun person, Lady Gaga. It is a good day when a fella can "dig" some pulsating grand singing souls like Mariah Carey and the unique one, Lady Gaga. It's super fine enjoying Lady Gaga and Mariah Carey. What a great musical "cool" time one can have on a bright October day. All is truly good here in Georgia land.

Thelonious Monk, Charlie Rouse: So 'Hip"

It is a perfect day here in North Georgia. Bright sunshine, beautiful leaves. Super good one today, so I got back into my innovative jazz fun life this afternoon. I listened to one of my all-time favorite men on the magic energy instrument, the piano. I am speaking of the fabulous fella, Thelonious Monk. His music is so compelling and yes energetic and full of the depth of marvelous jazz improvisation. Working with him on my listening material was his great sideman, the very fine Charlie Rouse on the good horn, of course I mean the tenor saxophone. I have always "dug" the unusual sounds of Thelonious Monk. And Charlie Rouse is such a merry musical prankster on sax. Monk and Rouse together are solo guys who can really get the "mod" music "cookin'" and so, oh my Lord, "hip." When Thelonious Monk and friends play his engaging 'Blue Monk' it just really sends me out in space. It has so much great "kick" and powerhouse style. Yes, Monk, Rouse and associates can surely get it done.

Kate Spade fashion, Jazz...What a Delight!

While shopping with my lady in an invigorating upscale shopping mall today, I noticed some really nice colorful bags some folks had and also some grand boots. Looked like good 'hip' Kate Spade designs. Unusual flair is characteristic of the super work of Kate Spade. This interesting cultural fashion tidbit reminds one of superb keyboard work by the sleek one, the fella named Brad Mehldau. Real super-fine keyboard work is thrilling. It goes back to the brilliant stylings of Oscar Peterson. Brad M. like Mr. Peterson has a delightful keyboard attack with not even a hint of banality. Jazz and Fashion really help each other out. Fashions of good folks like Oscar, Anna and of course Lauren are so fasinating. Grand art of all kinds lurks in so many forms these days.

Q-Tip, Norah Jones; 'Gossip Girls' Culture

Big energy day. Went looking for some whoopin' good time fun and latched on to listening to Q-Tip and Norah Jones. What a great combination, the fine music of Norah Jones and the Hip-Hop super one, Q-Tip. Sometimes it's a good idea to stretch out the branches on the huge American culture tree and have a blast of fun. What a singer is Norah Jones! And what a good pick-me-up high energy fella is Q-Tip. LOL fine times are coming tonight. Of course there is nothing quite like the grand verbal dervish, the mighty Conan O'Brien. That Conan O. can have me guffawing with his NJ stuff. Yes Conan O'Brien is so super. This is a good evening coming. Gossip Girls, the marvelous duo of Blake Lively and Leighton Meester are wowee grand. Blake Lively and Leighton Meester are so clever with their interesting shenanigans. The American Entertainment Culture world is a tremendous exciting ghoulash of so many fine flavors.

Lady Gaga, Madonna can sure 'Rock Out'

Lady Gaga and Madonna put on a wild, wonderful sketch on SNL last Saturday night. All of us music, arts and culture types surely "dug it." It's funny some people think us creaky nerds can't appreciate a good laugh, but my, my are they ever wrong. When I experienced the sly Lady Gaga and Madonna on my big-screen tv it had me breaking up like mad. Giant "whoop-t-do" comedy sketches are a real blast. Kind of huge scrumptious fun like an old time ice cream sundae. Lady Gaga and Madonna's "Whoopee" musical comedy is truly satisfying. It's great to have a kickin' good time on a relaxing Saturday evening.

Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel: Culture

Pop Culture is a very tricky proposition to understand in this country. Many people say we have too much celeb news and other social stuff happening. But there is a factor to remember. A huge number of people in this land have depression so if there is good entertainment news poppin' then it can be a great pick-me-up for folks' worn souls. The recent rash of Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel news items has been kind of interesting. Mr. Timberlake and Ms. Biel have lots of followers. Some say pondering these souls is meaningless stuff but then again diggin' this stuff about Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel can ignite some folks' tired lives. The melting psycho-chemicals making up Pop Culture can produce all sorts of artistic events. Look how a man like Pablo Picasso was influenced by the unusual goings-on of his time. Picasso could get it done. The same is pretty much true of the strong art soul, Mr. Salvador Dali. Dali and his bizarre style was grand. Let us enjoy the huge gumbo deliciousness of Pop Culture. We all need huge dollops of fun. That's a good thing.

Dali and Renoir can delight our brains

Great imaginative art can cool our brow as the old folks might say. Lord, that DAWGS-LSU thing. After having all kinds of emotional shaking-ups from the rugged UGA-LSU game I decided to go off on one of my art hang-ups late today. I studied a fine Renoir print of mine and got so relaxed losing myself in the rather shimmering colors. But then I dove into the explosive art wild man, Salvador Dali. He has a way of sending us regular people off into a completely different realm from that of the wee bit traditional fella, M. Renoir. Dali was quite eccentric and so "cool" and crafty. He delved into strange dream-like art works that seduced people because of their intensely fantasy-oriented flavor. His "surrealism" conception as an intrinsic factor in his painting drew many legions of fans with its somewhat odd fantasy-prone escalating edgy strength that was so prevalent in a number of his works. His strange paintings have brought many unique art enthusiasts to talking over the years. It is obvious our good friend Renoir with his delightful colors and charming people can enchant but then one must remember that the mystery man, Dali, can also fascinate people because of his sweeping so "mod" style. His works, "Persistence of Memory" and "The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus" are exciting, mind-blasting explosions of vintage art modernism that must be applauded as strongly as possible. To sum up: The Lord Bless the great Renoir but also remember the grand "surreal" man from Spain, the one and only Salvador Dali.

Hey DAWGS! Get With It!

Last night was a low one. The DAWGS had too many penalties and not much on many segments of the big tough game with LSU. The huge thing was what happened to the offense. For a number of years the teams of the Red and Black have had mighty fine offensive units. What's the deal with these current guys? Don't they have a sense of what the oldtime DAWG fellas did before they came along? The clever LSU guys shoved the DAWGS around and it made this ole DAWG mighty upset. I like to see a gridiron unit that has some real fire, knows how to make great things happen and for the Lord's sake don't collapse at the last. I know the DAWG defense was worn out but even in combat you can't let the other guys just crack the whip and steamroll you at the last few minutes of a brutal slugfest. Another thing...why do these berserk penalties just come falling down like bad North Georgia floods on the DAWGS. Current rules seem kooky, who knows maybe they were devised by a Peter Sellers 'Dr. Strangelove' unit. Hopefully in the next few days these fellas called the DAWGS will decide to play some classy football. Kind of get with it. When I was in Air Force training, the tough NCOs would chew and chew if you flubbed up. Maybe a military mindset is what these DAWGS desperately need.

The Dada Art Genre Draws Us All In

In the last few days, I have found myself again with a rather intense interest in the somewhat brash brand of art known as Dada. In its nihilist way, this early 20th Century movement kidded traditional art that was around then. Artists like the legendary Marcel Duchamp and Francis Picabia produced some fiery so colorful and sleekly bizarre works. Picabia's clever, hardnosed passionate work is particularly full of delicious esthetic mystery. Picabia work of the period of the early 1920s is quite fascinating. If one studies the boldness of the Dada genre, then one can recognize the fact that Dada was obviously a huge influence on other powerfully mysterious artistic conceptual mindsets like that of Pop Art. Duchamp and Picabia were quite innovative. Also, an interesting dimension to the mind of Duchamp is that he was quite into the playing of chess.