This Alexander Calder's Strong

Calder art gets me going in the morning.

Alexander Calder's Art Really Connects To Us

 THE ARTISTIC INNOVATION of Calder is so strong. So many super things the man has done...mobile art was one of the special good concepts of his.   I feel the mobiles that A. Calder developed were so brash and incredibly thoughtful.
 HOWEVER, Alexander Calder is not just the man who made fine mobiles. He had super watercolors and sculpture and other great forms and concepts, also. In 2012 try to dig Alexander Calder and you will be a happy soul.

Very Nice Renoir.

This art holds one's interest, well.

Okinawan classic doll.

Great art.

Classic Okinawan Doll

Delicate features make this interesting.

Bill Perkins....A Very 'Hip' Tenor Saxophonist

BILL PERKINS was a tenor saxophone man whose unique sound and style proved so remarkable that he had a huge coterie of delighted listeners. Bill Perkins was basically a West Coast jazz man but his work moved across several planes of the overall jazz genre. He had great work with the units of Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman and Art Pepper.  Also, he worked with the Doc Severinsen Tonight Show Band for about 25 years.  Along with tons of experience the man had so much jazz soul.

THE MAN had a fascinating tenor saxophone tone...full-bodied, yet achingly poignant.  Today, I listened once again to Perkins great album called 'On Stage' on the Pacific Jazz label. It has a timeless power and charismatic jazz approach. One of my favorite cuts on the album is the composition called  'Just A Child' which is believe me a really haunting tune.  On this album there are some fine players...especially Bud Shank on alto saxophone and Carl Fontana on trombone along with the elegant Russ Freeman on the piano. Bill Perkins makes jazz that lingers in one's soul in a vibrant, meaningful way.

My Ibanez guitar

I play a lot of blues, jazz and rock on this instrument. Oh yes!

Wonderful Times

Me and the wife at a festive event in beautiful Metro Atlanta,

Unusual Art Concept

These are the famous Shi-sa Okinawan protectors of the family. They bring good fortune in and bad fortune out.

Lovely Art from our Collection

These dolls are an Okinawan king and queen.

Beautiful Asian Art

Enjoying my Christmas painting at my place on a great day.

Christmas at son's house

Merry Christmas to all my peeps. We're having a good day with the family!

Merry Christmas, 12-25-2011

A BIG MERRY CHRISTMAS To Everyone! This is a beautiful day here in the great state of Georgia. I love all the people and I am so thankful for the Gift of Christmas......The Gift of A New Life.  Jesus brings us JOY!

Christmas Eve.....A Joyful Night!

Tonight was special.  Went to a marvelous Christmas Eve service over in the Virginia Highlands area of Northeast Atlanta.  We had a marvelous time attending that service at son's church.  The children looked fabulous in their Christmas finery....later it was some more fun.  Had a fine meal of spinach soup, special salmon and rice pilaf with some delicious Christmas cookies. Having Christmas fun makes this soul so very happy!

What a Saturday!

YULE FUN TIME:
Out shopping today....and the last minute rush by all the folks was producing plenty of excitement.  The Christmas season is really :somethin' else!

Christmas Is Many Experiences

THE UNUSUAL SEASON:

Christmas is quite wonderful...but there are shall we say other dimensions to it, also.  Our culture has so many levels. While driving through the Eastern part of Metro Atlanta today I saw a homeless woman pulling a gigantic old grocery buggy loaded up with old clothes.  As I slowed down for heavy traffic, the old woman suddenly stopped and picked up what appeared to be an old soup can.  She tried desperately and so quickly to dig out the contents of the can...you could tell the woman was so HUNGRY.  Seeing that image was a strong reminder....Christmas can be a very rugged time for some people.

Great Christmas Souls of the United States Air Force

AIR FORCE MEMORIES:
Many years ago I was a member of the United States Air Force.  I was sent overseas right from the start.  To Japan.  When I was in that far distant country....I became tremendously aware of the great feelings in me generated by my religion.  My belief in God helped me so much.....Especially at Christmas time.  It is good in our culture that we have our religious beliefs.  It is also fantastic that we have marvelous people like the men and women in our military services.  My experiences in the military helped me to love life and to appreciate all the many great friends that were so meaningful to me.  Merry Christmas to All!

The Christmas Coming Home People

TROOPS RETURNING SO FANTASTIC!

This is a special Christmas season time this year, the great 2011.  Our toops are coming home from Iraq.  This makes for an even more wonderful time for all Americans/ And I LOVE IT!  The return is magnificent.........The LOVE and PASSION! .......My, My....So BEAUTIFUL. 

ENJOY!

Ole St. Nick.......Happy Times!

THE GUY IN THE RED SUIT:

The Christmas Season is a time of happiness for all of us...adults and children. But especially a lot of fun is our tradition of Ole St. Nick.  The guy, Santa Claus, is a tremendous merry soul. When my sons were small they loved the fellow, Ole St Nick, so much. Now the Santa story just moves right along making so many happy.


HAPPY GREAT MOMENTS:

Last Saturday I attended a Christmas party in lovely Fayette County. This was an event of the marvelous Atlanta Okinawa Kenjin-Kai, an Okinawan-American group of which I am a member. When the big fellow Santa came marching out into the big room, all the children hurried and gathered around Ole St Nick in his bright red suit. This happy time made the old guy named me smile with joy just watching the terrifically happy children really getting into the so festive Christmas spirit.  All of us Americans have so much greatness this year.....like the soldiers coming back from Iraq.  But also we have all our marvelous families and especially all our great kids. God has given us big happiness at this blessed time that is our Christmas.  God bless Ole St. Nick, too!

Good Monday Morning!

MONDAY CHRISTMAS JOY!

Hi!  It's Monday....So I say "Good Monday morning" in this great thing we call Christmas week.  Having a huge Southern breakfast now.  Lots of eggs, bacon grits and plenty of coffee.  Happy Monday, all!

SOUTHERN CULTURE TIME!

I love our DEEP SOUTH cultural traditions.  So terrific and great.....Yes, Indeed!

Southern Culture Ideas

Grand Time of The Year:

In our Deep South culture the season of Christmas is exciting and quite memorable. Today I attended my church in the Emory University area of Atlanta and the music was just awesome. The organist played a postlude that had so much energized modern classicism. This has been an utterly fabulous Sunday...A tremendous and so vibrant part of the vigorous Christmas season.

Too Much Jazz Coffee

I figure I had too much coffee this afternoon, because my spelling in the last blog piece was hilarious. Oh well....that's the way it goes in the wacky world of Pop Culture, Right?

Jazz Lives Beautifully

Jazz always amazes me. It snares the mind and propgates terrif amounts of tremendous creativity. Listen.....LONG LIVE JAZZ!

Sarah Vaughan....Extraordinary Singer

INTERESTING AND A WEE BIT COY:
Sarah Vaughan comes across to the listening audience as such a fine-honed jazz vocalist. She encapsulates the clever sound that is jazz in such an interesting way. Her vocal interpretations dig deel into one's psyche and create the intricate kinds of memories that beguile us...sometimes these resurrected thoughts overwhem us. But buddy, this mode of emotionalism remains a spirited grand thing.

SO VERY SHINY, INDEED
Her shiny album 'Sarah Vaughan at Mister Kelly's' contains tunes so jewel-like in their poignant sheen. Jazz numbers can refresh the tired mind in wondrous ways. In this Mister Kelly's set, I especially like Sarah Vaughan on the grandiloquent song entitled, 'Be Anything But Darling Be Mine.' The phrasing and harmonic conceptualization is full of unique vocal concepts. Also, another lovely tune in this set is the somewhat of a rocker ditty called, 'Just A Gigolo.' It has brashness. Additionally, still another soulful vocal excursion takes place on the song popularized by Frank Sinatra, the rare one...'How High The Moon.' The art of Sarah Vaughan propagates splendid life memories.

Stan Getz, Chet Baker....Great Music Guys

Gorgeous, lyrical jazz makes me a happy camper. Today, I dug out an album of mine featuring Stan Getz on tenor saxophone and the man himself, Chet Baker on the trumpet and vocals. This kind of poignant and meaningful music proves to be so joyous. The Stan Getz rhythm section puts a superior sheen on the thoughtful jazz happening here. The section is made up of Jim McNeely on piano, George Mraz on the bass and Victor Lewis on drums. The sounds coming from this totally focused, genuine cadre of fellows are pleasingly brash and bursting with life. The group's version of the remarkable Benny Golson tune, 'Stablemates' is so unique. Also...the incomparable George Gershwin composition, 'But Not For Me' springs to life exquisitely thanks to these men. I love another song in this set...the lovely Samuel Lewis and John Klenner number, 'Just Friends.' Listen, for some good, tasteful jazz music that is just right for our December souls right now, dig the beautiful work here of the Stan Getz quartet along with the shiny artistry of the elegant Chet Baker.

Michael Buble: A Dynamic Performer!

Michael Buble produces tasteful and quite imaginative work. Like a young Frank Sinatra, this singer/performer has a sleek sense of style that is so engaging. His recent Christmas album seems such a major achievement...Indeed his clever styling is full of a popping freshness that is the kind of musical fun that engages the listener in such a terrific way. Enjoy M. Buble and place yourself in the driver's seat for fascinating life experiences. We need this kind of enjoyment...Lord, we need yards and yards of loving life soul gifts to happen to us. With the help of Michael Buble delight in the vibrant loving wonderfulness that is a true Georgia Christmas time.

Christmas Season Is Wonderful!

The Christmas season is really happening now. Cultural definitiveness is FUN!Our Deep South culture is loaded with wild, joyful events. Enjoying fine country music, classical, jazz and blues makes this an even more vivid and festive time of the year. Today we are going to a marvelous Christmas party in the south area in the fine area of Fayette County. What a fabulous Saturday this one is.

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Christmas Season Movies on Television

I have loved recently the many Christmas season movies on the grand Hallmark Channel and Lifetime and also Lifetime Movie Network. The films have encapsulated well the delicious and so grand and indeed feisty season that happens this time of year. Get out there by your magic box and enjoy, enjoy the grand shows happening so marvelously.

Martin Scorsese's 'Hugo' and Others

The brilliant man of films, the marvelous Martin Scorsese has gone and done it. His new movie 'Hugo' is a terrific achievement in cinematic artistry. "Hugo' is a quite interesting and visually exciting story of a young orphan boy in the Paris of the 1930s. It shows us how the magical young guy keeps all the clocks running well and he has such a zesty and profound appreciation of the miracle of life. The films of Martin Scorsese have fascinated me for a long time. I especially like his rough and tough 'Mean Streets,' 'Goodfellas' and 'Casino. It is powerful the way Scorsese depicts the violent souls that are often a part of the contemporary American life that prevails in our American cities. See the new film, 'Hugo' and get yourself some marvelous movie going fun.

Warmth

What a blessing today. Warm weather has arrived. Wow....oh my YES.

Michael Buble Christmas Special

Last night I watched a nice show on NBC. It was a fine Michael Buble program and it had classy Christmas season music much of it with a delightful jazzy style. The man, Michael Buble has good cleverness...one might say plenty of style. Buble also was grand in the fact he had unique guests, Justin Bieber and Kelly Pickler. This tv show was good fun. Plenty of excitement from Buble and the good folks at NBC.

Tom Petty, Keith Urban....Super Music

Listening to the good Tom Petty and Keith Urban today. These men make mighty good music. With all this blasted cold it makes me feel fine to hear Tom Petty and the grand soul, Keith Urban. I especially like Tom Petty.

Blues Artists Really Rock!

Blues music provides us with so many dimensions. Sometimes the numbers can be so slow that it almost tightens your jaws to listen, but then at other times....The Big Blues music can really take off. One of my favorites in the Blues world is Little Walter. I listened to an old tune of his today called 'Juken' and it was mind-popping. Good tight music. Also, today I dug John Lee Hooker. Getting into that wild, tough guy song...'Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom' was truly Super. What is it about raw blues sounds that really gets us? Maybe, just maybe it's the rugged emotion and splendid passion that comes with this stuff. Little Walter and Mr Hooker are two powerful musical souls.
Blues artists rock.

Thelonious Monk: Man of Sleek Style

This has been a very delightful Friday. I celebrated a little while ago by digging the robust jazz of the clever powerhouse of piano, Thelonious Monk. I listened to a great tune called 'Nutty' and I'm telling you it blew me away. Strong, exciting jazz is built into this Monk performance. Also the swinging big tenor sound of Monk's friend, Charlie Rouse was so fine. The interesting thing about the jazz music of T. Monk is the fact that it is always so fresh. Jazz...Monk Style...is a huge joy.

Veterans Day: So Meaningful

Yesterday, we had a very important time. It was Veterans Day again. This is a meaningful experience. I believe the contributions of all our veterans are very important to the culture and fabric that is this country. It sticks in my mind so much....all the veterans I have known. These people are unique and they are fascinating examples of how good Americans can be. My father was a brave, strong man. I was proud of my father who was in the United States Army and when I became a man I was proud and feeling good when I got in the United States Air Force. Let us remember the grand people who are our veterans. Let us feel good about our diverse and rich American culture.

Duke, Ella: Really Super Jazz Souls

The superb jazz music of the powerful duo of Duke Ellington and singer Ella Fitzgerald is terrific. The fabulous sounds are so engaging to all. Enjoying the performance of the fine song 'It Don't Mean A Thing....' is a vigorous and joyful human experience. Yes, the work of Duke and Ella is truly somethin' else. My, My....I Love Jazz So Very Much!

Meade Luxe Lewis: Fun Piano Man!

Hey Everyone! Know this....the excitement of really strong boogie-woogie piano jazzy art is terrific and so powerful. And one of the best exponents of this clever style is the muscle piano man, Meade Lux Lewis. Today I've been enjoying Meade Lux Lewis music from the 1940s and it has been a whole lot of fun. On some of this material there was also the strong voice man, Big Joe Turner. Hey now....Jump right into truly diggin' the stride piano music of Meade Lux Lewis and you're gonna have a fun time, indeed.

Laura Bell Bundy...Lots of Musical Talent

I got to say... this person Laura Bell Bundy is a mighty good singer. Been listening to some of her country music material and also interesting stuff from the 'Legally Blond' musical. It is a little simple to say this...but truly when you listen to a charming, high-energy singer it makes you feel so much better.

'Three Musketeers' Is A Fun Movie

I saw the new movie 'The Three Musketeers' yesterday. It was a fun experience. I read some pundits didn't like it because they thought it was sort of all over the place. But my thoughts are that this film was quite a delight, something with a lot of story "tone and imagery." I read the classic Musketeers novel long ago but seeing this new movie version made me enjoy the old Alexandre Dumas story again. The acting was good. I enjoyed the performances of Matthew Macfadyen as Athos and Milla Jovovich as Milady de Winter. Also, Orlando Bloom did very nice work as the Duke of Buckingham.

Pete Jolly And His Clever Piano Jazz

If you are looking for good jazz that is still fresh (even though it was created a long time ago) then check out the finesse jazz piano of Pete Jolly a so clever West Coast musician. Listened tonight to his material and I feel so much better. Been having stomach woes but now things are going OK.

Fantastic Colorful Modern Art

Today, I went to the opening of a show focusing on the modern masters. This exhibit started today at Atlanta's High Museum. This was a fabulous experience. When I walked into the big rooms and saw the explosively creative Picassos, Fernand Legers and also the wild paintings of Henri Matisse, Piet Mondrian and others...well my word...It just "knocked me out." When I am confronted with this kind of massively provocative and so creative experience it is so unique and makes me so terrifically happy. I now realize that true breakthrough art is such a POWERHOUSE feeling!

'House of Strangers'

The kind of movies the braintrusts call "film noir" are mighty powerful. And I confess, I love them very much. The tough dramas hold a person's interest extremely well. Recently, I got to watching a good example of this kind of film magic. It was a jewel of a movie called 'House of Strangers.' Edward G. Robinson was in the lead playing a guy named Gino Monetti. The character of Irene Bennett is played by the marvelous Susan Hayward and the person named Max Monetti is played by the wily actor, Richard Conte. Max gets wildly mad with his brothers and all kinds of tough stuff ensues, but a little later on old Max comes to the realization that his dad had brought about all the bitterness and disgust and then (believe me this is why film noir cinema gets interesting) after careful negotiating the family members finally work out a bit of true peace. The unique spirited passionate mood of this quite tense 'House of Strangers' makes it quite a nice piece of cinematic art.

Carl Fontana...Chic, Creative Trombone Art

Carl Fontana.....The guy plays a tremendous jazz trombone. His stylish and melodic approach to trombone is the kind that keeps cutting into you, it's quite engaging. I listened today to Fontana and friends work out on the grand tune that Yip Harburg wrote...'If I Only had a Brain.' (Wizard of Oz sounds come to life.) What a good set of sounds this one is! The outing had the true finesse chops of Carl Fontana on trombone, Pete Jolly on piano and Joe La Barbera on the drums. The delicious melodic sense of Carl Fontana on the trombone is certainly a lot of fun. Pete Jolly sparkling a heady jazz vision on piano and Joe La Barbera crackling zingily on the drums mix up a sly jazzy tonic. This brand of jazz music makes this man known as me the proud owner of a very good Thursday experience. My, My...the backup individuals on this rendition ...Pete Jolly on piano, Joe La Barbera on drums are superb musicians.

Jazz Brings Us All Some Real True Meaning

You know...Jazz brings so much meaning into a person's life. Whether it's Russell Malone, Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane or Miles Davis or Duke Ellington or Count Basie...so much uniqueness and deliciously marvelous flavors can become a part of one's soul. It is great to have Jazz as a meaningful part of one's very essence.

Shorty Rogers: 'Cool' Jazz Lives On!

Shorty Rogers playing the unusual fluegelhorn is a unique jazz music experience. Rogers unit so wow...Their brand is the "Cool" Jazz popularized by some West Coast guys way back when. I listened today to fabulous Shorty Rogers and friends working out on the tune 'Martian Bossa Nova' and let me tell you people this was a big fun happening for little old me. This Bossa Nova thing also had super work by Joe Maini on Tenor Saxophone and the mighty Pete Jolly on the piano. Good music....Had me a nice Friday.

Metheny playing 'Alfie' .....Greatness!

Pat Metheny is a super jazz guitarist. His very lovely, lyrical jazz approach to musical renditions is overwhelming. Tonight, I had a multitude of bizarre thoughts rumbling through me so I knew I needed a boost. I got it. I listened to Pat Metheny guitar impresario playing 'What's It All About' (ALFIE) and my word the music was so perfect it dove down deep in my soul and made me so happy. There is nothing quite like beautiful jazz guitar.

Computer Culture Brain Shock Waves

The culture of American computerland is oftentimes so baffling. For an edgy raring antique curmudgeon it is enough to make a man tear his hair out. I was raised in the Middle Ages with an old hunt and peck typewriter and also old me worked in the news biz with pieces of paper and a plain no. 2 pencil scribbling away notes and headlines etc. And now I am in the souped-up techie world of iphones, laptops, tablets, ipads, new amazon kindle fire devices etc. Ain't life grand. Had a rugged computer prob tonight but somehow with much praying and sweating I got things fixed up. Life in mod-computer culture U.S. 2011 is quite complex but in its own way it shows a man the value of keeping a positive attitude plunked down in his feisty brain. Norman Mailer-style energy helped old me this evening.

Miranda Lambert....Quite a Fine Singer

It seems the Country Music field constantly jumps up as more and more popular. I figure super country singers like Miranda Lambert help this situation a lot. Oh my goodness...Yes! I know Miranda Lambert voicing a song generates a lot of gigantic smiles. Her song...'Baggage Claim'....is doing quite well now. Join in with the crowds. Decide to enjoy more Lambert songs. Have Fun!

SNL trippin' the Light Fun Fantastic!

Culture is a bag of tricks that can be so slick. One mesmerizing element of our gigantic culture has a fierce social dynamic all its own. The essence I am referencing here is comedy...maybe one might call it bawdy comedy. I am a remarkable devotee of sleek, cunning comedy that at times can prove harsh and blunt and rather scatological. I find myself loving the ebullient comic brew that Saturday Night Live (SNL) is brewing up, lately. Last Saturday night Lorne Michaels and his clever folks hit a massive comic home run. Alec Baldwin was terrific....my man was at his political and cultural best playing at being Rick Perry and also the marvelous superstar vocalist, Tony Bennett. Alec Baldwin's encapsulating feisty quasi-political performance was visceral and raw and so right-on funny. Also, the crafty Bill Hader was so profoundly comic as always. The man has remarkable imaginative talents. Seeing grand comedy on tv represents a provocative and heady cocktail for edgy curmudgeons like me. I find the verbal brandy that is comedy a mighty yum-yum of a wowee drink.

'Revenge' Is a Clever Show

Watched the new tv show, 'Revenge' last night. The plot was so engaging. The lead character, Emily VanCamp was outstanding. What a super show this one is. Lots of brooding, wild emotions and so steamy drama. The thing is rammed full of high-concept entertainment fun. The clever Madeleine Stowe is a grand,strong presence in this production, also. Watch 'Revenge' and get some fun.

Japanese Culture Fun Blooms This Weekend

Hi all. Don't forget.....JapanFest is tomorrow and Sunday in Duluth. 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway..Gwinnett Center. Lots of giant fun for children and adults.

Japan Fest 9-17, 9-18.

JapanFest is Saturday and Sunday 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. Get Ready! Big Fun coming!

Charlie Parker: Lilting Jazz Alto Music!

Charlie Parker is not just a jazz alto sax guy who can play so rapidly. The man's style appears incredible also on slow ballads. A case in point has to be the vivid and so poignant performance on the Gershwin standard, 'Summertime.' That Charlie Parker smoldering fire triggers this jazz tune to the celestial heights.

JapanFest Reminder!

Don't forget everyone....JapanFest arrives this Saturday and Sunday at the Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. Lots of fun for all ages. Super stuff for Children and Adults.

Lester Young: Fabulous Saxophone Genius

Needed inspiration today. Needed mainstream JAZZ. I got it! Yeah...today I listened to the flaming hot tenor sax of the powerhouse Lester Young. The man along with the Kansas City Seven was doing the super jazz standard, 'Lester Leaps In.' This sound with its omnipresent totality of jazz classicism (a la, the fabulous keyboard comping of Mr. Count Basie) packs a brashness and a burnished gold quality that really charms the listeners. Enjoying the big tenor sounds of Lester Young...Well, that's heavenly fun...Indeed!

Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys...So Fine

Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys provide us some engaging music. Bob Wills and his group show us what that style called "Texas Swing" is all about. I enjoying hearing today the old favorite by Wills and Company ...'San Antonio Rose.' Always have loved that song. Also I got a good serving of fun out of Bob Wills and his group doing the solid tunes...'Faded Love' and 'Ida Red.' The sounds of Bob Wills defy convention because his arrangements are tight and cohesive and they are so astute as one of my journalist buddies might say. It is a grand afternoon, this attractive Wednesday. Listening to the shiny sounds of Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys made it an even better day.

JapanFest Coming September 17, 18

Once again the great JapanFest is coming to all of us. I am so excited about this marvelous event. It will be held once again at The Gwinnett Center at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Gwinnett County. The dates are Saturday, September 17 and Sunday September 18. This Duluth location is marvelous for it is convenient for all folks from everywhere to get to. I thoroughly enjoy JapanFest in September every year. It is an exciting experience for both adults and children, There are many performances of folk dances, musical presentations, and also karate and other martial arts exhibitions. It is fun to see the colorful shops and lovely fashions and artful costumes of Japan and it is a remarkable scene because it provides a chance for many people of the Southeast and truly all over the U.S. to experience first-hand the delightful and culturally rich experiences that are indeed a part of the fascinating culture of Japan. Bring all your family to JapanFest in Duluth Ga. Gwinnett County (6400 Sugarloaf Parkway) on Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18. You will have a fantastic time enjoying all the great fun and joy that is Japan.

The Hampton Hawes Quartet

Hampton Hawes Quartet ...A jazz aggregation that engages us with highly lucid inprovisatory stylings. Hawes is a pianist who brings brash jazz modernism to the forefront with his sleek command of the ivories. And in this 1958 unit, the aggressive tenor man Harold Land does a marvelous job. Dig Hampton Hawes and friends. Digest superior jazz modernism.

Elvis and Friends...Big Fun Music!

Elvis time pops up again today!

NOTHING QUITE LIKE THE KING!

Diggin' Classic Elvis songs today...Especially got big fun with the powerhouse numbers 'Burning Love' and 'Blue Suede Shoes.' These musical memories are mighty strong stuff.

I also felt good so the feisty tune 'Don't Be Cruel' was fabulous. Just right for a cheerful Thursday.

SUPER STARS.....

Well, the man called Elvis along with other early Rockers like Carl Perkins and the powerhouse Chuck Berry.....these 'fellas are like....Wow! ....

All these guys could sure light things up with their red-hot steaming music that had a taste of "coolness" too.

Harry 'Sweets' Edison and Ben Webster

Listening this fine Wednesday afternoon to the super mainstream jazz of Harry "Sweets" Edison on trumpet and Ben Webster on tenor saxophone. These men do some very innovative...engaging work. The set I heard today...'Better Go'...had plenty of lyrical, so nice musical moments. "Sweets" Edison is one fine trumpet man and Ben Webster has a big tenor sound that has so much remarkable quality that it really draws listeners in and makes them delighted.

'The Debt'

Am very excited. A new thriller film, 'The Debt' opens today. This is a good one featuring the magnificent Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson and Sam Worthington. The fun that can be had with a good movie thriller is a fabulous experience. Let's all enjoy the new film goodie...'The Debt.'

Shorty Rogers and The Giants ...'Cool.'

Listening today to a superb musician, the flugelhorn man, Shorty Rogers. This "cool" West Coast individualist of jazz is a fellow who creates captivating musical art. His group Shorty Rogers and the Giants had a tightness and a cohesiveness that was so interesting. Also, sidemen like Lou Levy, piano and Mel Lewis on the mighty drums broadly expanded the appeal of this brand of jazz. And do not forget the fine saxophone work of Joe Maini. When he was with Rogers the guy could do a feisty, cool job on his horn. Shorty Rogers group music is just right for this bizarre weekend.

The Modern Jazz Quartet......SO TERRIFIC!

John Lewis and The Modern Jazz Quartet produce a brand of classic jazz that overwhelms the soul. It is injected with a vigorous dose of jazz finesse that really charms one.

THE MODERN JAZZ QUARTET IN LONDON.....FAB PERFORMANCE!


Wow.....When these fellows play the monumental composition, 'The Golden Striker' the thing is certainly a vivid, knockout number. It has a good kick kind of like the delicious taste of a Papa John's Spinach Alfredo pizza. Lord, this kind of jazz makes me smile.

MARVELOUS JAZZY SOUNDS.....

+++++<+++++ = The Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ) puts out big, shiny jazz that enthralls the audience of avid listeners. P.S. GREAT JAZZ HELPS US ALL!

I sign this.....FRANKLIN C. WHITE JR.

ELVIS GOSPEL SONGS...TOTAL JOY!

ELVIS....GOSPEL SONGS...

THE SOUNDS OF A GENIUS!.....

Emotions run rampant zinging through me like crazy...when I hear the beautiful music of the FABULOUS ELVIS doing the SUPER GOSPEL SONGS!

THE VICTORY SONGS like...'You'll Never Walk Alone,' 'Peace in The Valley,' 'Precious Lord Take My Hand' and the monumental 'How Great Thou Art!' ...Wow! ....All these songs stir up so many memories in the man known as me....the soul some people call The Captain.

BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEMORIES TODAY!

I need to say right now that today is my birthday and it has been a GREAT ONE! And this early evening I am still celebrating...ENJOYING ELVIS SUPER GOSPEL MUSIC!

"Amazing Grace' becomes a tremendous total PASSION and GIANT EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE when the great Elvis sings it. Hearing it today made me let loose with big tears of joy!

EMOTIONS...Emotions...LORD YES! ...THOSE GIANT EMOTIONS!

I love the FABULOUS ELVIS PASSIONS!...

SUPER ELVIS GOSPEL MUSIC.......SO FANTASTIC!...

It is a beautiful Sunday! Everyone enjoy life and get it done. LIFE IS GOOD!


I am signing this Post....Cap'n Frank.

This is me signing off...

FRANKLIN C, WHITE JR.

CURTIS FULLER! JAZZ POWER MAN!

HARD BOP JAZZ.....Power Music!


Big boss sounds of Curtis Fuller on trombone and the mighty Benny Golson on tenor...what terrific major jazz truism sounds.

BLUE NOTE........Tremendous!

If you want incredible and provocative jazz...then get stuff on Blue Note. They are so strong in letting us dig high-quality jazz sounds........


MAGIC.....OH YEAH....MAGIC JAZZ!

The gigantic and just right tones of Curtis Fuller on this 'blues-ette' music thing are so fine! Just right for hot August days and nights.


LOVE HARD BOP POWER JAZZ...


The sounds of Curtis Fuller and Benny Golson are so good...but the magical piano jazz work of Tommy Flanagan serves us up a tasty meal of fine jazz creating, also.

CURTIS FULLER ....HE ROCKS!

'The Sound and the Fury'

Seeing the really high-impact movie called, 'The Sound and the Fury' triggered a fusillade of wild thoughts in me. I love good TCM films and this bit of cinematic art bowled me over once again the other night. The story was originally crafted in the complex novel by the famed Southern novelist William Faulkner. This movie contains imaginative enthralling acting by two sophisticated performers, Joanne Woodward and Yul Brynner playing Quentin Compson and Jason Compson, respectively. The unique portion of the ouvre of William Faulkner is the man's ability to fashion a storyline that encapsulates the intricate variations of the mainstream Southern experience in a so impressive way. I find it amusing the way this Martin Ritt directed movie shows well the tone of real Mississippi life way back when. If a man or woman watches this thing it generates a vivid, deep wellspring of intense emotions and it makes new dimensions in a soul's life allowing a person to really feel the remarkable highlights of human experience.

Jason Moran....Keyboardist with Pizazz

I love super jazz keyboard performers. This lovely Monday I enjoyed the finesse work of jazzman Jason Moran and his trio. The vibrant sound of quite lyrical jazz piano is extremely pleasurable. I have heard many versions of the standard 'Body and Soul' over the years. However, when I heard this version of the song it was so fresh and infused with profound delight that the thing propagated so much creativity in me. Also, one of the Jason Moran numbers -- a tune of a bluesy nature got me really smiling. Vivid, finesse-oriented keyboard work makes us appreciate shiny, provocative jazz even more.

Chick Corea Electric Band...A Power Unit

The Chick Corea Electric Band is a fantastic musical aggregation. Listened today to the mighty Chick Corea and compadres doing his tune called 'Spain.' What a powerhouse composition the thing is. Not only is the terrific key attack of Corea great but also the soaring sax of Eric Marienthal is so engaging. This kind of music lights up a person's brain so beautifully.

'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'

Watched a very high-quality film last night on TCM. The movie was the 1939 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame.' This artful work had so much power and terrific zest. The viewer was really pulled into the story based on the tremendous novel by the magnificent, Victor Hugo. Playing the hunchback was the incredible actor, Charles Laughton. When one sees a performance like his one realizes many men that came later are like asinine little kids...they are nowhere near a man of his stature. Not only Laughton but other real luminaries populate this gem of a film. Maureen O'Hara plays the poor girl, Esmeralda. She (O'Hara) has in her possession a fascinating highly-feminine blend of vulnerability and strong feisty soulfulness. I love the melodic and so true picaresque dollops of artfulness that Maureen O'Hara brings to this clever movie. Cedric Hardwicke and Thomas Mitchell are also truly fascinating in this film. It is a heady brew...the storyline of 'Hunchback' because one feels a sense of drowning in the wild river that is ancient French culture with all of its cleverness and so articulate philosophical insights. When Esmeralda is abruptly rescued by the hideous hunchback it is indeed a shiny, all-encompassing miracle and just like in the first 'Rocky' movie many years later men and women want to jump up and cheer. Again, this gorgeous 1939 movie 'Hunchback' is a fabulous movie that really satisfies the human soul.

Jazz and This Odd Economy

Horrible stock and economy news happening. Needed lift...really badly. Enjoyed hearing the gorgeous jazz tune entitled 'Blue in Green' on the powerhouse Miles Davis album called 'Kind of Blue.' The sound of that strong and so emotional Miles Davis jazz trumpet helped me. The bad economy has us all sobbin' right now. Please bring us out of the financial horror.

Mark Isham Paints Fine Musical Art

Mark Isham has really engaging film score music. His reverberating film musical artistry for 'In The Valley of Elah' is remarkable. Good scores can help the dynamic of a film so much.

George Winston's Healing Piano Sounds

Last evening I talked to a good friend about really nice music. The name of the very interesting pianist George Winston came up. Tonight I remembered our conversation so I decided to "dig" out some George Winston music. As the clever pundits might say I gave a really fine-honed listen to George Winston on a tune that literally is bursting with incredible beauty and glistening creativity. The song is called 'Woods.' This thing touches every possible vein of the human soul. We all need healing music and I truly feel the elegant piano styling of this fabulous pianist, George Winston, is indeed a wondrous thing.

Russell Malone, Billy Taylor: Jazz Elegance

I had me a lot of fun early this afternoon hearing the finesse jazz guitar man Russell Malone playing with the quite elegant Billy Taylor Trio. The fine composition, 'There Will Never Be Another You' was beautifully interpreted by Russell Malone. What a terrific lyrical approach to Jazz Guitar this guy has. The comping by Billy Taylor on piano....my, my...so EXPRESSIVE, also. This is a tremendous lovely Saturday and grand, shiny jazz music like that propounded by Billy Taylor and Russell Malone makes the day even more memorable.

Eddie Condon, Davison, Hall: Big Jazz Guys

Old-Time Traditional Jazz can give us all plenty of fun. Today was a nice Friday so I decided to listen to the steady good beat jazz of a group with the wonderful Eddie Condon on guitar, Edmond Hall on clarinet and the powerhouse Wild Bill Davison on trumpet. This material was so great. Gave the man known as me a marvelous Jazz Lift. The lilting punch of this brand of jazz joy is so resonant with all our souls.

Billy Taylor.......Jazz Pianist Who Captivates

Billy Taylor is a jazz piano guy with incredible speed. His fingers fly across the keyboard. His 1951 version of 'What Is This Thing Called Love' is sensational. With him on this ditty I dug today was the vivid, powerful man of the bass, the sleek genius, Charles Mingus. The combination of Billy Taylor and Charles Mingus is greatness, indeed! I feel fantastic being able to dig this kind of passionate jazz.

'Covert Affairs' Is Top Tuesday Night Fun

Happy Right Now. One of my favorite TV shows is coming tonight at 10 p.m. I mean the feisty, fine program...'Covert Affairs' on USA Network. This one has the immensely talented and so creative actress, Piper Perabo. This person did a good job in the 'Coyote Ugly' film a few years back. She has very impressive credits now. Check out Piper Perabo and 'Covert Affairs' on USA. Great TV.

Freddie Fender and His Timeless Songs

Freddie Fender makes timeless Texas music. Heard his two fantastic numbers, 'Before The Next Teardrop Falls' and the passionate 'Wasted Days and Wasted Nights' late this Tuesday afternoon. I used to live in San Antonio and I love the Texas people. Freddy Fender songs hit all the right chords in people. Freddie Fender and his music bring back many great memories for me.

Ray Charles: Steamin' HOT Music!

Ray Charles music listening this afternoon. Good Lord! What powerful, strong right-on music. Heard the mighty songs, 'Hit The Road Jack.' 'I Got A Woman,' You Are My Sunshine' and the FANTASTIC song that truly stirs us up red HOT...'What'd I Say!' I know when I get the huge sounds of the genius Ray Charles going in me...well, then it's for sure all's right with the world. There is nothing quite like the Red-Hot music of the great Ray Charles.

Adele: A Singer Who Can Touch The Heart

Adele singing that great song...'Someone Like You' ...well, that rendition just really gets me thinking. If you ever had a broken heart this Adele number will really dig into your soul and your guts. I know it is a real pleasure to hear a grand singer...a person who does not rely on just wacky gimmicks. Enjoy the music of Adele. Feel a lot better!

NFL Deal A Boost For U.S. Pop Culture

Today we all got a huge boost. This is a marvelous pop culture shock wave. I'm talking about the NFL getting all things accomplished and so now we Americans are going to have our Pro Football. We need this NFL good deal because with this debt crisis and all the other odd economic things happening...we my word, we need what is called GOOD NEWS. I am so happy the Pro Football guys are going to give us great action again. Especially looking forward to watching the magnificent Matt Ryan and Roddy White of my wonderful team...THE ATLANTA FALCONS!

'I Confess' movie loaded with raw emotion

Alfred Hitchcock had a clever way of directing his films. The man managed to stick all kinds of interesting "twists" in his movies. And it got tricky to just keep up with all his witty cleverness. But somehow a soul got snared and the next thing was...the viewer going down deep into the well and finding the fellow 'Hitch' had managed a finesse job again. the man had another bit of film artistry going on. I believe the raw emotion that is a burning portion of the Hitchcock movie works rather resembles the gutsy feelings one gets when listening to old-style rock sounds like those coming frm Elvis, Carl Perkins, Gene Vincent, Jerry Lee Lewis and yes even some musicians who came a little later like Led Zeppelin and the wild fellows, ZZ-Top. Emotion can produce a whole new dimension in a man or a woman's life. It is a fact that when a big serving of wild emotion explodes into a person's brain then a more compelling and fascinating human being's personality is born. Getting back to the clever core of gritty Hitchcock stuff, one of my favorite H. movies is a thing called 'I Confess' that came out in 1953. This one had Montgomery Clift, Anne Baxter and Karl Malden. The story of a priest (Montgomery Clift) is slick. The psychological teeth of this number is the riveting bloodstream of the story that somehow has the priest Clift ending up as a top suspect in a rugged murder. A church caretaker at a Quebec Catholic church confesses to the priest Clift and then inexorably Mr. Clift is drawn into a spidery web making him wonder what in the world to do with this confessed stream of consciousness. When the police figure the priest Clift has something to do with all this then the guy cannot spill his guts and tell stuff. In a strange way I remembered the clever old actor Walter Brennan when watching Monty Clift's performance. Brennan like Clift was seemingly always getting hung up in a tidal wave of roughhouse emotions that had people really strung out. A sleek additional blue note in this interesting 'I Confess' film is the romantic stuff Mr. Clift and the unique actress, Anne Baxter, get themselves into. And the wild, profound actor Karl Malden pounds out a good performance too in this odd story. Just like listening to grilling, powerful Elvis Presley songs the films of Alfred Hitchcock remain well-honed bits of cinematic steel fixed up on the anvil of truly skilled movie making. Intense emotion in movies rings all our chimes and slips us into a deep abyss of a mind-blowing experience we can really sink our teeth into.

Zac Brown Band...Solid Monday Tunes

The Zac Brown Band has a total sound that gets to everyone. As solid musicians they have the ability to connect. Yeah, they make you want to dance right along with 'em. I got myself going today by hearing good Zac Brown Band songs, 'Toes' and 'Chicken Fried.' Raw emotion just jumps at you out of these fine numbers. It is unique how the Zac Brown people can produce songs with so much depth, emotion and pure "guts." I am at the point in my life now where I appreciate more and more strong feeling in my music. It is music that brings us all together. If you listen to Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash or the powerhouse Zac Brown Band, all these musical folks can add a dash of delicious flavor to your lives. The zesty sounds of the merry " Chicken Fried' and 'Toes' put a huge smile on my face and probably for all you grand people out there. Let's have a thrilling Monday and let's enjoy the marvelous music of the Zac Brown Band. Yeah...let's sink our teeth into fantastic music this nice Monday!

Sonny Rollins...Poignant Sounds of Jazz

Jazz tenor saxophone people fascinate me. I think one of the most unique tenor voices is the clever older fella' Sonny Rollins. I listened today to this sly, big-toned sax guy blowing the intricate tune 'St. Thomas' and it was a huge thrill, a collage of sounds that mesmerize us all. This jazzy tune 'St. Thomas' is one of my top favorites. The piano styling of Kenny Drew was superb on this blowing session. Also I heard the sleek jazz tune 'Oleo' interpreted by our vigorous Mr. Sonny Rollins. That development of the composition 'Oleo' with its tricky bridges was so very fine. Jazz tenor sax music makes the mind feel so pleased.

The Doors....Real Strong Music!

Kinda worn out today. Wow....needed huge music energy quick. Got listening to the mighty DOORS. That did the trick...Hearing Morrison sing is truly "somethin' else." I really like that old song....'L.A. Woman.' The thing is so strong. Hope the night time turns out to be the right time as Mr. Charles says.

Carl Perkins.....Super Dance Music

Old-Style Rock is fun. The infectious sounds of true rockabilly music are remarkable. Listened this hot Saturday afternoon to the clever Carl Perkins doing two classic tunes...'Glad All Over' and 'Matchbox.' These numbers have so much truly kickin' style...Wow!....They remind us life is a joy. Carl Perkins stuff is loaded up with terrific punch, Makes you wanna get up and dance!

Al Cohn...Jazz Ace on Tenor

Tenor Sax people are unique. For one thing, it is hard to get a good, big sound... what one might call a fantastic tone out of a tenor saxophone. But listening today to a favorite of mine on tenor sax helped me a lot. The guy I am speaking of is a feisty tenor man named Al Cohn. He along with the clever Zoot Sims were two superb tenor men. I enjoy so much the engaging sounds of attractive tenor playing. Today, the jazz music of Al Cohn on tenor made my life just right.

The Great Clarence Clemons Passes

A giant loss happened to the music world last Saturday. When Clarence Clemons the super saxophone guy passed on June 18 it was rough news to swallow. The man was such a tremendous mainstay in the mighty E Street Band of the great Bruce Springsteen. I always loved the big sound of that special saxophone guy. For so many years he was right there with Bruce playing his fantastic horn. This gentleman will be really missed by all of us.

A Fantastic Father's Day!

It's been a FANTASTIC Father's Day for me and my people. Went over to my son's house in Atlanta. My wife and I had a wonderful time with our son, his wife (our daughter-in-law) and his two daughters. It was a lot of fun. He grilled good pork and we had good green beans, corn and a fine pie my daughter-in-law made. My son gave me a great DVD...the 'True Grit' film with Jeff B., Matt Damon, Hailey S. and Josh Brolin. Wife and I watched it late this afternoon. Dear Lord this has been a magnificent day!

Happy Father's Day, To My Daddy!

Culture blog on my Daddy....On this Father's Day I say, "Happy Father's Day" to my Daddy. I have many memories of this remarkable man who raised me in the town of Cairo in the Southwest Corner of the State of Georgia. Many factors have contributed to the total package that I am as a man. But I remember most of all my FATHER who planted a huge work ethic in me and a remarkable sense of being able to enjoy life. Daddy was a guy who had five brothers. He was born in Jefferson County, Florida in a community called Metcalf that was near Tallahassee. About 1925 my Daddy and the family moved up to Cairo. My grandfather went into the shoe repair business. My Daddy worked so many, many jobs in his life but he was a believer in working hard and he inserted that mindset into me even when I was young. The Great Depression and the harsh 1930s were rough on my Daddy and his people. He married my Mama in 1940 and I came along in '44. Oh...my Daddy was drafted into the Army in 1942 and he stayed with that until 1946. After that Daddy worked in a gas station, then got into the flooring business. A change came about because he got into the business of jewelry in the early 1950s. Later he went into a new calling. He worked himself hard and learned the artisan's craft of picture framing. Did well. Later, he started selling antiques (furniture, lamps, etc.) The thing I most remember is how my Daddy always worked real hard and really attacked this business we call LIFE. He also loved Jazz and he taught me how to enjoy the Fantastic Jazz Piano men like the remarkable Art Tatum When I went in the Air Force, my Daddy and Mama drove a car (with me) all the way to California. I was fixin' to go overseas to The Far East. I remember the great times on that trip...Had lots of fun, especially in Colorado and Nevada, fascinating states. The fact is when I got across the pond and got lonely and sometimes got sad I always remembered my blood, my family and my culture. I realized I was so happy to be a man of Georgia. On this Father's Day of 2011 I salute my Daddy and all the great Daddies of the world. Yes, like Louis Armstrong used to sing, 'It's a Wonderful World.'

My Mother and Times in Southwest Georgia

Culture blog day....When I was a teenager growing up in the Southwest Georgia town of Cairo it was so fantastically hot in the summertime. Also, we had so many gnats (pesky, pesky bugs) that it made us folks pretty crazy. But many times I had great experiences, My Mother was a social worker and a lot of times she would take me on some of her trips to see people. I now know as an elderly soul that these experiences were so wonderful for me. Long before social networking, folks like my Mama helped me to understand the marvelous culture of the state of Georgia. I miss you Mama...Mother believed in getting a good social education planted in the souls of boys and girls. My Mother always treated all people the same. She had a belief that being "stuck up" was a kind of moronic attitude and she did not want her son to be carrying around that kind of baggage. Southwest Georgia is a mysterious, beautiful place with its incredible passion, fine music and most of all truly remarkable people. When I rode with Mama we talked about so many things but I remember us talking on good writing and music so much. She was a big fan of the John Steinbeck book of the regular guys called 'Of Mice and Men.' She said that story of the two interesting characters provided so many interesting insights. My Mama also liked John Steinbeck's masterwork, 'The Grapes of Wrath.' I figure the point was my Mama had lived through the brutal Great Depression of the 1930s so the 'Grapes' book of Mr. Steinbeck's had great resonance for her. I can see my Mama now as we would sit down in our kitchen and have some good, juicy tomato sandwiches and big glasses of iced tea for lunch. Indeed memories like these mean so much to me a man growing up in the remarkable Southern culture that is truly a huge part of the state of Georgia. I miss you, Mama. But I gotta say right now I am so thankful for the job you did in making me a Georgia man with a lot of passion and meaningful understanding.

Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons: Good Jazz Guys

Sonny Stitt and Gene Ammons.....These two men are what we call profound mainstream jazz tenor players. Their free-wheelin' style using the brash big tones of the tenor saxophone....My, My....What great big remarkable sounds come about. This fine Tuesday, I listened to Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt playing a lively up-tempo tune called 'You Can Depend on Me.' It was what I like to call super jazz listening. The kind of music that makes a man want to stand up and just ROCK OUT! Jazz music helps the emotions of the soul so very much. And let me say right now...the Boss Tenor Saxophones of Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt are so profound and TRUE.

'Night Train to Munich' ....A Jewel of a Film

Recently. I saw a sparkling, clever movie (1940) called 'Night Train to Munich.' The film had a skillfully-developed interesting story. This was a tale about the time when the Germans moved into Prague and things got rough. Because of the tension, the scientific type Dr. Bomasch decides to skedaddle to merry olde England. He takes his fine daughter Anna with him. When they get settled in the English set-up, all goes a bit awry. And all sorts of things are triggered. Quite soon all goes south and it's stuck time in a morbid concentration camp. A British agent, played by the brilliant young Rex Harrison, moves into the swing of things trying to save them. Train scenes in this film are great a bit similar to the grande guignol aspect generated by the master Hitchcock in his wily, 'Strangers on a Train.' A remarkable segment of the sly film takes place on a large cable car sort of hovering in the wild Swiss Alps. In addition to the aforementioned Rex Harrison this film jewel also has stellar performances by Margaret Lockwood as Anna and the intense, quite creative Paul Henreid as Karl Marsen, a German officer luminary. I believe the milieu of this film set in 1940s Europe is well sketched and the acting and directorial superb work make for quite a delightful adventure film.

Blog Questions

What do all you out there like to read? More about movies? More on Music or Art? Or area culture and customs? Would be good to get responses. Trying to understand this guy's audience. That's "cool." These are some of my thoughts today.

Wynton Kelly: Super Keyboard Guy

Wynton Kelly is a jazz soul who has musical style that really engages you. I wanted to hear terrific and so linear jazz lines this good Saturday so I said I needed to listen to the man on keyboard who is like tasty wine. The man is smooth. His 'On The Trail' is a delight of a clever jazz composition. On this particular set he had Paul Chambers, one of the best jazz bass men ever. Yes...Paul Chambers has a brilliant, creative style on the bass. The fella can knock you out with his dexterity and meaningful concepts of delightful bass comping and good solo work, too. It is a tickling, good delight of a true Jazz Saturday. It is a vigorous pleasure to be alive.

'The Deer Hunter' Is So Powerful

A few days ago I watched again a movie with profound qualities. The film is 'The Deer Hunter.' It has so much gripping and poignant interpretation into the harsh material that is the modern war experience. In this film the focal point is the Vietnam War. I know the people that had WWII had hard times and of course the people of now with Iraq, Afghanistan and the other Mideast theater experiences are filled with so many things flooding through their minds. But for some of us the huge one was Vietnam. I had many friends who were there. The dimensions of their experiences are so complicated. This film, 'The Deer Hunter' with giant acting names like Robert DeNiro and Christopher Walken is a monumental piece of cinematic art, indeed.

Dizzy Gillespie: A Real Jazz 'Superman'

I am thinking today about one of my favorite men of jazz...the magnificent Dizzy Gillespie. I remember the first time I heard his wild and so starkly original bop jazz music it truly startled me. His revolutionary bop jazz style was so exciting and intensely engaging. Dizzy Gillespie's work along with another jazz superman, Charlie Parker on alto saxophone was brilliant in its acute jazz improvisatory insight. The performance of Dizzy's that really had a major impact on me was his wild work on the surging jazz lyricism of the huge jazz tune called 'Night in Tunisia.' I listened to that one again this afternoon and once again I was transported into a vivacious and so energetic world of sparkling, so-strong jazz music. I think the idea that really pops into my brain when I hear the gigantic music of Mr. Gillespie is the fact that the man's musical ideas are so tremendously exciting. His trumpet can hit your soul like a slamming firebrand. Another really superb work of the man, Mr. G., is the clever jazz composition that is entitled 'Salt Peanuts.' That number has plenty of sparkling style. This is a fascinating Sunday filled with terrific sounds of the mighty music...JAZZ.

Keith Jarrett.......Super Piano Man!

Keith Jarrett....my what a truly fascinating jazz pianist! Listened today to 'When you Wish Upon A Star' and the marvelous standard, 'On Green Dolphin Street.' The merry, lyrical and so pianoforte-poetic genius of the jazz man Keith Jarrett is exciting and makes all music fans thrilled. It is a joy to hear jazz piano styling that has so much poignant lyrical quality. And that is what Keith Jarrett really produces. His rendition of 'On Green Dolphin Street' represents a memorable jazz performance. A fine one!

Elvis Presley, the Great Man of the South

Memorial Day weekend has me really thinking hard about life, music and of course the wild dimensions of American pop culture. Elvis Presley and the man's strong music have sort of dominated my brain today. The giant phenomenon of the marvelous Elvis burst like an exploding rocket on the American popular culture scene and things were never the same again. The raw, visceral and powerhouse sexy music was a mighty profound musical cocktail to swallow. When I was a younger guy I went insanely happy just loving the exciting, fine music of the guy from Mississippi and Tennessee. The sly, rockin' sounds of 'Hound Dog' and 'Don't Be Cruel' were sensational musical experiences, But I figure the thing that got to me was the so marvelous sense of passion that the man of the South, Mr. Elvis Presley had. Certain songs of his hit me deep inside my soul. I especially loved the melancholy and so haunting and beautiful 'Crying in the Chapel.' Also when I first heard that wild and full of passionate, jumping song 'Jailhouse Rock'....well my goodness.....it just got me so excited I just about busted out crying and laughing whoop-it-up style at the same time. Yes, people there are very few joys in life that smack us hard like the mighty Elvis Presley singing those great juggernaut numbers of his. On this very magnificent Memorial Day weekend let us all give thanks for our veterans and also for a super soul of the South (and Also an Army man) the one and only Mr. Elvis Presley.

Joplin Missouri Brutal Tornado

Last night (Sunday, May 22) a horrible tornado hit Joplin, Missouri. The city was hit so hard. The destruction makes all of our hearts so heavy. My closest friend lives in Joplin...Have tried hard to get in touch. So much electricity out...Can't Reach Anyone. Hoping and praying my friend is alive. He and I were overseas together when I was in the Air Force. The American culture is strong. Hoping and praying the people of Joplin and all the Midwest are somehow going to be all right in dealing with this gigantic devastation.

Some Good Vince Gill Songs

'Go Rest High On That Mountain' and 'When I Call Your Name' are two good songs sung by the mighty Vince Gill. I like the man's clear poignant delivery of his tunes. He has a way of bringing the fine nuances of American culture together. His music is like grand, red wine. Today I went to a beautiful picnic and also I listened to some good Vince Gill songs. What a good day.

Frank Sinatra Music...So Satisfying

Frank Sinatra songs are full of so much zesty style. The man has that phrasing mode down, perfectly. And the sleek and wondrous thing about Frank Sinatra is the way the artist really draws everyone into his singing these beautiful songs. I listened today to 'That's Life.' 'Strangers in the Night' and oh my....that lovely stand up and cheer number, 'New York, New York.' How wonderful this Friday is. All has gone great and then having Sinatra music, too.

An 'I Walk The Line Tuesday

Fine Tuesday. I loved listening to Johnny Cash sing the super song, 'I Walk The Line' today. The man called Johnny Cash is full of art and soul. The raw, perfect voice and fine guitar work is so tremendous. Oh my goodness. yes. The sound of the mighty man, Mr. Johnny Cash is so great! Georgia people and all of us enjoy good J. Cash music.

'East of Eden' is Classic Cinema

Yesterday I watched a super film. It was the clever 'East of Eden' with James Dean. I had seen the work before but again it was so good to watch the incredible acting genius....the man of the decades, James Dean. This story based on the good book by the great writer, John Steinbeck, is a unique story telling the tale of a young guy and his tormented family problems as he was growing up in a town in Northern California. The acting work of James Dean, the incomparable Julie Harris and also the feisty Raymond Massey is so truly terrific. It is a fabulous thing being a film buff and enjoying super cinematic art, the kind that is found in 'East of Eden.'

Grant Green, Lewis Grizzard...Happy Times

Fine, easin' right along jazz guitar music sure is interesting to me. Especially when the jazz guitar man is the super guy, Grant Green. I used to have a friend, an Atlanta writer named Lewis Grizzard. He used to write about enjoying all the good, simple pleasures of life. Well I remember the words of Grizzard and when I listen to great jazz guitar guys like Grant Green....well...my, my....it makes me really smile. Today, I massively enjoyed Grant Green playing that fabulous standard, 'My Favorite Things.' That made me a happy camper as us older souls say. On the Green work I was listening to they also had the ace of the keyboard, the marvelous individual, McCoy Tyner. That fella' can produce excellent keyboard jazz. Oh, Yeah! Oh my...this has been a so great Friday. Why yes indeed, my friends.

Good Luck to The Hawks!

Big game tonight. Go get 'em Hawks....Get yourself a good game Josh Smith, Jeff Teague, Jamal Crawford. Hope my great Atlanta Sports Culture Hawks guys get it done with the Chicago Bulls this evening.

Atlanta Hawks: Super, High-Energy Guys

Professional Sports (especially the powerhouse that is the NBA) is an important cog in our cultural engine here in Metro Atlanta. I like to savor super sports times. Lord, yes. OK listen... all of you....last night The Atlanta Hawks really took it to a feisty Chicago Bulls team in a huge playoff game downtown. The Hawks slammed the Bulls by a wild score of 100 to 88. One hot part of this game was the fine defensive work on the part of the Atlanta guys. The high drama got me excited, because I got tickled watching the strong play of J. Teague (Hawks No. 0) while he took it hard to Chicago Bulls superstar, Derrick Rose. The game had plenty of big-time fun for us happy-go-lucky NBA fans. It was sensational watching the high-energy performance of The Hawks mighty Josh Smith as he rolled up 23 points and 16 rebounds last night. I love NBA Playoff Basketball. Lots of rapid, fast-fire action and the joy of watching great guys thinking fast and getting the job done in a terrific way.

Mark Rothko....A Profound Modernist

Here I go with another blog on meaningful creative souls. The powerhouse wild art that is abstract expressionism lights up my being. A favorite artist of mine in this category of "super" guys is Mark Rothko. This man's art has so much vigorous emotionalism built into its structure. In rather clever innovative contexts he was able to mix the systems of expressionism and surrealism. Mark Rothko always backed up the artist's right to total freedom in creating his works. Mark Rothko was born in a part of Russia that is now Latvia. He came to the United States in 1910 and got the others in his family brought over in the year 1913. Later in his life Rothko came up with rigorous indeed profound color field kinds of paintings. Rothko makes his esthetic surges into art sleekness by letting us have quite unusual shapes. He has landscapes and yet indeed they are not landscapes. For they push the envelope much as the unique music of John Cage offers new vistas and poignant journeys into the dynamics of the human soul. In the vivid art of Mark Rothko just as in the modernism-inflected music of John Cage there is an iconoclastic wild tremendousness that is so completely engaging. The art of Mark Rothko has the brilliance of "cutting edge" thought processes. Indeed this essence is refreshing. The color rectangles of the wild art of Rothko.....Ah! This kind of passion injects terrific energy into all our brains.

Jackson Pollock Art Has Terrific Power

I think I'm going to write on art for a little while. Abstract art is so clever. you have to work at it to "get it" as the street folks say. Many times in my life I have been amused by how people react when you say you like brittle, odd abstract art. I know my mother used to only like mainstream art fellows like Renoir and Monet and perhaps T. Lautrec. Therefore, it tickled me when she got befuddled about the very idea that I would be enthralled by a social iconoclast like Jackson Pollock. Anyway I figure the decisive,emotional abstract art of Jackson Pollock has so much linear and vigorous mind processes with its intrinsic and certainly not coy essences of its "Action Painting." It sends one into a terrific sense of lucid happiness when one is engulfed by the bright and loud art of a miracle great man like the sensational Jackson Pollock.

What A Major Story!

The BL story last evening is huge. A giant vibe of strength is going through our culture. There is a truly new music happening. Thanks to all...especially the good intel people.

The Modern Jazz Quartet: Big Jazz Power

Classic modern jazz with its soaring, so haunting melodies can fascinate all of us with our yearning for meaning brains. The heady brew that is the jazz music of the strongly potent Modern Jazz Quartet inserts in one a major impact of dollops of musical superior experiences. Listening today to the beautiful sounds of The Modern Jazz Quartet performing 'Django' was so wonderful. Oh and then there was also the fact I enjoyed so much the vivid and sonorous composition with the terrific defined beat...of course I am making reference to the miracle of poignant jazz tunes...the one they call 'Bags Groove.' Indeed, when one listens to the especially super piano work of the great John Lewis and the sophisticated man of the vibes, Milt Jackson of the MJQ then.....it is a so merry and happy world of musical jazz fun we live in.

William and Kate: A Beautiful Wedding

Gigantic cultural history was made today. The big wedding event was fascinating. I got up early and I confess I enjoyed the whole ceremony totally. It was a great viewing experience. And the media work was tasteful and so well done. Prince William and Kate (or perhaps I should now say Catherine) are so real and both the man and the woman have so much delightful charisma. This has been an historic Friday and best of all it has been a magical one.

Jason Aldean.....Interesting Musical Artist

'Amarillo Sky' is a good song by the clever country music artist, Jason Aldean. The blend of fine vocal approaches that are an integral part of the Jason Aldean style surely inject a lot of charisma into one's listening soul. Thoughtful music that evolves across many genres can be so compelling. This is true of guys like Johnny Cash, George Strait and the fellow by the name of Jason Aldean. The sound of the personality Jason Aldean's song titled 'She's Country' helped me out too, today. Meaningful country music artistry coming from Jason Aldean, Johnny Cash and George Strait is a mighty good thing. Oh Yes!

Bud Powell Is A Remarkable Jazz Artist

The big happiness that is explosive and truly creative wild jazz piano is a vital musical thrill. Thr creativity of the bop master piano man, Bud Powell, got me so excited today. Listened to a superior interpretation of a good tune 'Get Happy' and bless me the clever Bud Powell was flying up and down the keyboard making magnificent sounds. Also, I enjoyed the wily and so introspective Bud Powell on the song of blue notations passion...'There Will Never Be Another you.' Wow, that number overwhelms me with its sparkling linear jazz joys. This is a lovely jazz day. Yes, indeed!

Stanwyck, Cooper Prove To Be A True Joy

Barbara Stanwyck is one of my favorite actresses. She is so strong and is such a feisty persona in the merry way she cavorts around in her rather shiny films. The woman has a terrific amount of the timeless ingredient encapsulated in her cinematic work. I'm talking about the fabulous concept some unique women have...in other words the fine ethos we call style. I recently watched a clever 1941 classic movie called 'Balls of Fire.' This grand film had Barbara Stanwyck and also the sleek and powerhouse acting soul, the elegant Gary Cooper. I found myself entranced with the sleek interpretation going on in this film so artfully directed by the fine Howard Hawks. The wily Gary Cooper is a professorial type in this bit of cinema. Cooper leads a cadre of academics who are working hard on a new encyclopedia. Gary Cooper is also a favorite of mine. I loved his work in 'High Noon' and 'Ten North Frederick.' The combination of Barbara Stanwyck and Gary Cooper is a wonderful blend in this movie. It is very amusing watching these somewhat academic archetypes rescue the gorgeous singer Barbara Stanwyck from The Mob. The coy, innocence that seems prevalent in so many 1940s films can draw audiences in so quickly. It is fun to get one's self going in the joy that is being a moviegoer and cinema enthusiast. Whether one enjoys the tough films of Sidney Lumet, the deep textured French films of Claude Chabrol or the intense Japanese films of Noguchi ...well in so many ways the dashing charm of Howard Hanks cinematic works are just as valid in their creative fire especially because of their visceral attractiveness.

Zac Brown Band...A Passionate Good Friday

It is a thoughtful day. Best of all it is Good Friday....a time of great meaning. Been thinking about a lot of strong ideas today. I started listening to fine, powerhouse music from the Zac Brown Band. So good. I figure that song 'Chicken Fried' and that number about Highway 20 are really loaded with high impact. Fine musical stuff. When a soul like me gets into some meaningful enjoyment of Zac Brown music on a wistful day like this Friday...well then all is right with the world.

Hippity-Hop Time Coming on Strong!

It's Hippity-Hop time everyone. This is the Easter season and all of us good people of the American South are gearing up for the beautiful expression of joy and fine living that is a passionate part of the culture of the states of the Southeast. Of course we all love the beautiful and enchanting Easter church services, but also we enjoy so much the traditional cultural good times of the mighty Easter Egg Hunts. There is nothing quite like these energetic lots-of-fun events. Many moons ago, we enjoyed getting our two sons into the happy egg hunts. The boys loved running around, getting wild and seeing how many goodies they could discover. The beautiful flowers, the redolent smells of Spring and the merry children and parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins....WOW!.....It is such a fine, joyful time. Let's all gear up and let the good times roll. Happy Easter Season to each and everyone of you. Bless you all!

Coldplay.....Really Engaging Music

I feel great. I like unusual music. So, a few minutes ago I listened to the marvelous sounds of Coldplay. The quality of the strange, haunting music was remarkable. The people know how to do a good job crafting their songs. This music seeps into your soul. Good fun. Loved hearing Coldplay do the songs 'Clocks' and 'The Scientist.' Elegant musicality coming from the people in this creative group.

The Bible and Culture Help Everyone

This is a culture and a thinking it all out blog. Sometimes, I wonder what all this culture and education and all the other things I have experienced...well, what do they all mean? Here in my part of Georgia we had rugged weather last evening. I got shook. When the gigantic winds and storms come it makes a soul mighty jumpy. But in the midst of all this it came to me that the experiences I got in my being sure helped me. I know that my religion and my having good literature teachers and history teachers and certainly arts teachers...well all those blessings are so helpful. This is especially true when you are so scared of oncoming tornado stuff and brutal, high-speed straight-line winds. I know that having a lot of passion in my inner soul truly makes me feel better. Having read the skillful and powerhouse writers like Norman Mailer and Philip Roth produced marvelous feelings in me and therefore I was able to deal with the wild parts of life. Also, lately I have read The Bible more and more. And especially beautiful and meaningful in turbulent times is just the act of sitting down and reading The Book of Proverbs. I am so thankful that today....Saturday...is a magnificent and tremendously beautiful day.

Film world's Sidney Lumet Passes

A fantastic man of films...Sidney Lumet...passed away today. The highly respected director, producer and writer died today at the age of 86. He had created some truly memorable films like 'Network,' '12 Angry Men,' and 'Dog Day Afternoon.' I believe one of the unusual characteristics of Sidney Lumet's work was the way the man wove so much cinematic magical passion into the fabric of his movies. Many actors came up with super performances in his works. I think Peter Finch in 'Network' and Al Pacino in 'Dog Day Afternoon' were especially strong film creations. I think we will all miss the shiny, high-impact works of the extremely talented Sidney Lumet.

Clapton, Robertson: Two Rock Giants

I felt so good on this fine, super sunshine Thursday afternoon. Excitement reigns supreme. Just like eating good biscuits I wanted some strong really tight, rockin' music today. I got the kind of good music seasoning I needed. Yeah, I got listening to Eric Clapton and the powerhouse man...Robbie Robertson. These two guys know how to conjure up some music that really has awesome impact on a man's soul. When I was diggin' these Eric Clapton and Robbie Robertson guitar riffs it brought back super memories of when my cousin and I used to tool around in a fabulous Plymouth Fury down there in our town in Southwest Georgia. The Lord bless us...I'm so glad it is SPRING and we can enjoy good rockin' sounds and the tasty Georgia food that happens in the glorious Springtime.

Elizabeth Taylor: A Fantastic Star, Indeed!

Still trying to get over the passing of the fantastic actress Elizabeth Taylor last week. Like many people I had enjoyed her film performances for so many years. Even way back there Elizabeth Taylor was such a glowing magnificent presence on the big screen. So many terrific films had her grand talent reverberating in them. Some special favorites of mine were 'Giant,' 'A place in the Sun,' 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,' 'Butterfield 8,' and 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf.' When the world of the lively arts loses a tremendous acting genius like Elizabeth Taylor it is a tough burden for all of us movie enthusiasts to manage to deal with. She was a beautiful woman with her strong, vibrant eyes and incredibly voluptuous figure. I remember also her performance in the multi-dimensional psychological drama, 'Suddenly Last Summer' was so amazingly poignant and meaningful in its sleek expressiveness. Watching Elizabeth Taylor was sort of like being overcome by one of the superior films of the terrific director Jean Luc-Godard, There was a decisive feminine strength in Taylor's work that could startle and so beautifully beguile us. The dramatic electricity that ignited between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton was so intensely resonant that the screen was burning with their ardent cinematic passion. Indeed when Richard Burton was with Elizabeth suddenly there was evident a gorgeous counterpoint happening that just overwhelmed us with such remarkable and truly engaging passion. Yes, a great star has passed..the fantastic Elizabeth Taylor...a woman who was the embodiment of real feminine grace and a fascinating artist in the wonderful world of films.

Walter Brennan: Quite A Unique Actor

Time to write about moviedom. This blog is about a very clever actor by the name of Walter Brennan. When I was a young guy I saw Walter Brennan in many films...westerns, mysteries...all kinds of stuff. He had a wily way about him and he brought many dimensions of creativity to his character roles. A sleek and powerful man, this guy was. He could take on all kinds of roles...cowhands, military officers and sly businessmen. In so many ways, Brennan was a lot of fun to watch. A very strong acting job was created by Walter Brennan when he worked in 1946 as the rather tough old guy Clanton in the interesting multi-layered film, 'My Darling Clementine.' John Ford did a fine job on that project. John Ford Westerns were unique because of their intense style. Also, I had a lot of fun watching Walter Brennan in the amusing show, 'The Real McCoys' which achieved nice success in the merry '50s. Brennan passed away in 1974 because of emphysema. He was quite an interesting soul in the world of the actors.

Merle Haggard: The 'Okie' With Greatness

Deep down in me in my original Southwest Georgia male soul I am a big fan of what some guys call the "real" country music. Johnny Cash had this kind of greatness. But I figure one of the best of this group is the incredible Merle Haggard. The man had so much bristling, strong passion and he is powerful...he really charges you up when you hear his classic songs. Today was so great so I decided to dig Merle Haggard's two great ones...'Okie from Muscogee' and the strong-beat number...'Workin' Man's Blues.' This music brings back so many fantastic memories of the fine souls of Southwest Georgia. There is so much meaning in the fact of where one comes from and believe me a talented individual like Merle Haggard can really bring that good feeling out.

Willie Nelson, Lucas Nelson: Great Blues

Willie Nelson and his son Lucas make mighty powerful music. Kinda cool, rainy times now so I figured I needed a down-home, pick-me-up. Gave a listen to Willie's son Lucas playing a great tune.....'It's Floodin' Down in Texas.' Wow, this young Nelson guy can make such fine blues music. On this number he knocks us out with a real emotional, so focused passionate performance. Good blues music is a powerful expression of the soul and believe me in this instance, Dad, Willie and Son, Lucas do a truly great job. The music of the Nelson Clan gives us plenty of needed energy on this, the last Sunday in the merry month of March.

Bill Holman: Exponent of Jazz Modernism

It's so marvelous to hear the mighty big band music of the so creative guy...the one and only Bill Holman. This man can do amazing things with the complex mode that is contemporary jazz music. Bill Holman has new sound experiences that are sensational in their spirited passion. His deft arranging is mind-boggling. Whether he is retooling soulful Lennon and McCartney numbers or Thelonious Monk compositions, this fellow Bill Holman comes up with great dollops of creativity. He is like watching a play by Edward Albee. Yes, he engenders a profound intensity that overwhelms. Some portions of his work possess a pinch of Charlie Parker and that seduces us jazz fans even more. Bill Holman is a jazz super fellow.

Boss Tenor Jazz Work Rewards Listeners

Jazz tenor saxophone artists are a wonderful group of souls. One of the best mainstream tenor men...indeed a boss tenor man...is the very strong one, Gene Ammons. He has a giant, full-tone and a grand sense of improvisatory mastery. His approach is kind of what one might call "straight ahead" for there is very little of the abrupt picaresque quality in his passionate playing. Listened this evening to a super rendition of the fine song, 'We'll Be Together Again' and also I loved enjoying the resilient jazz standard, 'Stompin' At The Savoy.' This composition has so much good kick. The song is punctuated with clever accenting of phrases when Gene Ammons performs it. Also I noticed when the rather clever trumpet artist, Donald Byrd, comes along then the huge boss tenor sound of Ammons transforms itself into an even bigger bundle of listening fun. Donald Byrd always conjures up good style. The jazz sounds of the superior soul, Gene Ammons...my...they are marvelous.

Junior Mance: Delight of a Piano Performer

Fine, kickin' jazz piano is lots of fun. Listening today to a delight of a jazz piano guy....Junior Mance. He has a blues style that is full of decisive passion. The song I so much enjoyed today was 'Don't Cha Hear Me Callin' To Ya' and my ...it was so right for this lovely, sunshiney day. The firm, pulsating and rather percussive keyboard work of Junior Mance feels remarkable. Just like other vigorous piano men like Horace Silver and Oscar Peterson, yes, Horace Silver and Oscar Peterson can thrill us with their music, too. Junior Mance has the real energy needed to charm us with grand and profound jazz.

Stan Kenton Big Band Enchants All of Us

Jazz time today. I got excited with this beautiful warm weather. Feelin' super! Been listening to tremendous jazz music. Just finished enjoying the brash and terrific Stan Kenton Big Band. The sound is wild...Gigantic sheets of sound...fine brass work and saxes and a beat that engages one's mind. The tunes that got me going in this Stan Kenton time were 'Limehouse Blues' and 'Harlem Nocturne.' Superior work by the Kenton aggregation.

Today Is A Sad Sixth Anniversary

Today is very sad. Our youngest son Gary passed away six years ago...Sunday, March 13, 2005. He had Stage Four Esophageal Cancer. It started in the esophagus and then soon spread all over the body. It was horrible to see one's son so decimated by this grotesque disease. There are many wonderful memories of this marvelous man. He had a gigantic amount of passion in all of his life's activities. He loved the arts and writing so very much. It was great to see him develop his sense of creative thinking so vigorously. Since my background is in writing and editing it is plain to see that we were so proud of his love for writing. He also loved music with an incredible strong interest in alternative rock. He loved sports and especially enjoyed playing basketball and soccer. But one of the most memorable things about him was his love of the movies. Just like me, he enjoyed so very much the magical world of films. I remember the many times we went to the movies together and I recall how excited he would get when the lights went down, the movie started and he and I were transported into the fascinating world of the movies and believe me it was a great life experience. He used to tell me: "I love it when all goes dark and the film action begins." He had a great professor at Georgia State University in Atlanta...a man named Dr. Smolenski. The man did a tremendous job teaching by son how to really get into the interesting world of films and truly enjoy that. I appreciate Dr. Smolenski and how he helped our son. Let's all try to get as much enjoyment out of life as we can. It is so good to have really wonderful memories.

Japan Valiant in Face of Quakes, Tsunamis

This is a blog about Japan and its culture. Today...March 11, 2011...a giant earthquake measuring 8.9 on the scale hit the Japanese town of Sendai in North Central Japan. Later in central Japan more shocks. A short time later a horrible tsunami hit and tore things up horribly. Then the huge tsunami went smashing across the Pacific hitting Hawaii and the West Coast of the U.S. But Japan had a very harsh set of blows. The people of Japan have great art, dance and film. But also most importantly ...they have huge amounts of courage. Let us pray for the good people of Japan.

Michael Buble.....A Super Intense Singer

Michael Buble comes up with unusual songs. The singer is so very strong with intense ballads and kind of curious uptempo material. The flooding had me edgy today so I enjoyed the singing of a good man, this remarkable Michael Buble. I listened to a haunting song of Buble's....called 'Lost.' This tune is a deep soulful thing that tugs at a person's heart really powerfully. Also I listened to the fine bouncy number tagged, 'Save The Last Dance For Me.' That song also hit me just right today. Brings back superb memories of jumpin' good group, The Drifters. I recall many fabulous times dancing to the fiery music of The Drifters. But getting back to Michael Buble......the amazing bit about him is the fact he is so much like the young Frank Sinatra. Yeah, like the suave Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble has so poignant a warm intensity. Interesting time. Great Buble sounds for a rather strange Wednesday like this one.

Jennifer Lopez: Good Bubbly, Happy Music

Jennifer Lopez is a big talent singer/performer. Her new music video is a good one...yeah a nice high-energy thing....it delights people. When a soul gives a listen to the clever and so 'hip' song stylin' of Jennifer Lopez...well it makes for a real good day. Delightful music with wonderful energy like JLo makes is a very profound and beautiful experience.

The Passionate Art of Edouard Manet

Edouard Manet is one of my favorite men of the art sphere. The passion of this man's painting is so strong. And the brash modernist realism is exciting and briskly remarkable. The painting entitled 'The Absinthe Drinker' (1858) engulfs one in a grand stretch of thoughtfulness with its portrayal of a sleek and wily soul there in the vigorous Paris back streets. 'Spanish Guitar Player' (1862) encapsulates a sort of homage to the Salon cadre and it works with its delicate soothing sophistication. Edouard Manet was a tasteful member of High Society and his art charms people in a unique way much akin to the scintillating paintings of Claude Monet. Of course, Claude Monet much like Edouard Manet, has the ability to engage one's inner soul in such a truly invigorating way. The clever Manet got intensely into the ranks of the impressionists a bit later. A tremendous masterpiece of Manet's is 'Bar at the Folies-Bergere' (1882). This work has a little bit of it all...the barmaid, trapeze artists, couples....it is a sensual joy that is remindful of the reading of the very acerbic and marvelous literary radical, Gertrude Stein. Manet seems to prove over and over that unique art should indeed be very sincere. This imaginative soul is a joy with his art that provokes one in such a good way, intellectually.

Piet Mondrian: Artist of Huge Modern Ideas

I love modern art that is bold and blazing contemporary. One of my favorite painters is Piet Mondrian (1872-1944). His art is so mind-blowing...indeed he took artistic traditionalism and turned it upside down. An interesting fact is that the artist was intensely fascinated with the spiritual aspect of life. Perhaps, this passion propelled him more so into the picaresque modernism that transpired in his work in his later years. In 1912, he moved to Paris and got himself heavily influenced by the aesthetes, i.e. the art of Braque and Picasso. Soon, he broke away from painting that was representational. After a while, Mondrian began a periodical called 'De Stijl.' In this periodical he wrote his essays that described his theory of art, and in a quite unique provocative essence of innovativeness, he came up with the term "neoplasticism." His unique word use was not too much verbosity, but instead amazing, intense feeling. I have always been fascinated with Piet Mondian's unusually bright colors though admittedly in his later years he seems to have progressed thoughtfully into a quite clever use of more and more white and of course black lines. There is a strong sense of higher math about his work and his artistic creations seem often to encapsulate a profound sense of higher science and art fused into a blend that had much intricate enjoyment for the viewer. His design concepts like those of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque have an engaging and remarkable strength and in a sense so much marvelous spiritual intensity that the person seeing Mondrian art can indeed achieve a wonderful sense of joy for herself or himself. Composition N0. 10. 1939-42 (An oil on Canvas) is one of my particular Mondrian favorites. Since I am more and more interested in a spiritual great sense of definitive meaning like the beautiful words of Proverbs 3:5 ("Trust in the Lord.") I find the dynamic powerful qualities of the art of Piet Mondrian with all his neoplasticism and modernism especially thrilling.

The Eagles make Fantastic Music...YEAH!

Fine. Fine. You're fine. That is the soul talkin'...cause when you listen to The Eagles, all is right with the world. This lovely Saturday I listened to two specially magnificent favorites of mine....'Life in the Fast Lane' and the great one...'Take it Easy.' What truly right on and so fantastic music! The sound of the mighty Eagles is so WONDERFUL!

'Casino' 'Goodfellas' represent real art!

Martin Scorsese is a film director who has the amazing ability to create movies with so many complex cultural layers. When you view his cinematic art you are quickly awash in his intricate and so overpowering flooding world of a myriad of marvelous details designed to make you identify intensely with the characters and get you enmeshed in their at times virulent goings-on. Two amazing works of Martin Scorsese ...'Casino' and 'Goodfellas' ....especially have strong, passionate appeal. Of special note is the remarkable acting work Scorsese gets from the engaging soul Robert De Niro in these two films. It is unique how these films illustrate the brittle machinations of the gangster souls so well. There is a grande guignol brashness about this duo of films. It has without a doubt strong appeal to all levels of modern society. Indeed the appeal of Scorsese film styling is potent for both women and men. I find the psychological interplay between the brusque Joe Pesci and the rather suave Robert DeNiro in 'Goodfellas' especially marvelous. My arcane mind tells me perhaps I should not get too amused by somewhat vile film stuff but then again just like reading some vigorous untamed Rabelais material I find Scorsese film art having intense, delightful appeal. In 'Goodfellas,' the work of Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro is memorable for its strident cinematic forcefullness.

Keith Urban: A Music Man of Real Style

Keith Urban has a great, haunting voice. His music can truly delight one's soul. Listened this windy and chilly Saturday to a super song of his...'You'll Think of Me.' What a marvelous voice and clever guitar technique Keith Urban has. Good music like this can draw fans from so many walks of life. This man, married to the remarkable actress Nicole Kidman, is a great one. It is terrifically fascinating to get with the program and truly enjoy the thoughtful music of Keith Urban. The man has a lot of style as some of my service buddies used to say a long time ago.

Tom Petty: Sounds That Really Touch You

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers have a music style that is loaded with gigantic emotion. That's a super ingredient to have in one's music. The best thing about Tom Petty Songs is the fact they have a strong "hook." They really get you. Listened to two solid Tom Petty numbers today....'Free Falling' and "Don't Come Around Here Anymore.' On this so rainy, rugged weather day the giant sounds of Tom Petty and his people were just the right thing for me.

'Gettin' It On' Dance Songs...WOW!

Fine, kickin' so hot dance songs like 'Soul Man' and 'Hold On I'm Comin' by Sam and Dave are so much fun. And Lord, they make you want to get up and dance. There is so much sly energy in the mighty "hot" music of the incredible Sam and Dave. Listening to the happy, smokin' hot songs of Sam and Dave today while floating around doing errands...well, it was a gas. Slick and sexy "hot" music makes me feel so good. Wowee...Yeah!

Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan: Greatness

Rough edge, strong blues music can draw people in, fast. Two true greats in the big, blues business are the terrific Albert King and the man of fiery blues talent, Stevie Ray Vaughn. Heard a great number from Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughn, today. It was 'Don't You Lie To Me.' This blues number really cooks. Another slammin' hard, good tune by Stevie Ray and Albert was their rendition of the mighty fine song, 'Stormy Monday.' That tune has plenty of good, kickin' style...it serves up sensual guitar stylin' like this Georgian really cherishes. It is a sleek and interesting day here in Metro Atlanta. As Proverbs says, I am trusting in the Lord and I am feeling so good.

The Ting Tings.....Great Indie-Techno Stuff

Energetic music post. Heard The Ting Tings late last night on Palladia. Fantastic high oh so high energy music. The song.....'That's Not My Name' is tremendous. Katie on the singing and Jules on the drums...what sensational merry oh so merry music. Yes, Yes. It is indie-techno whoopee music like this that really energizes a soul's being. Bless you...The Ting Tings!

'The King's Speech' Is A Great Film

I saw 'The King's Speech.' What a truly great film this one is. No wonder the movie garnered so many award nominations. Colin Firth is fantastic in his powerful acting in the role of King George VI. Colin Firth is a tremendously creative acting force. There is such a clever, sophisticated tone in his shiny performance. Also, the superlative work in this film in the engaging acting of the mighty Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter is terrifically overwhelming. I have always felt that Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter are tremendous and so marvelous forces in the cinematic world. I highly recommend the remarkable film.....'The King's Speech.' It is a real treasure.

Stan Getz Jazz Proves Very Remarkable

Robust, romantic music created by fine tenor saxophone men can be maddening and ultra-fantastic. The virulent romanticism that swept over me when I first heard the beautiful tenor sax tone of the fantastic Stan Getz just shines in my soul as a bright, shiny memorable time. The vivid, swirling jazz sounds inspired the core of my Georgian being. This attractive Saturday the man known as me listened to Stan Getz on a superior bossa nova medley, especially giving outstanding saxophone work on the lovely classic, 'Girl from Ipanema' and the wily, wistful, 'Desafinado.' The jazz of S. Getz is profound. Also, I heard a good serving of Getz assisted by his friend the grand Donald Byrd on the strong trumpet. Donald Byrd and Stan Getz were really 'cookin' brashly and so innovative on a good jump tune 'Fontessa.; This was from a sleek, meaningful and engaging set in the fabulous country of Germany back in the '50s. The music of Stan Getz on tenor saxophone and Donald Byrd on trumpet is so vividly exciting.

Snow Melting.......It's Big JAZZ times!

A Beautiful Day! The snow is melting! Wowee! Happy, Jazzy Times! I celebrated by listening to super-wild Count Basie, Maynard Ferguson, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins and Miles Davis music. Also enjoyed jumpin' good sounds from the fabulous Oscar Peterson on the keyboard!

Justin Bieber: Great, High-Energy Sounds

Fun culture Blog....RIGHT NOW! The high energy music of Justin Bieber is so much fun. This music is wildly hot and just right. The great song, 'Pray' by Justin Bieber helped me out today. I need the energetic sounds of Mr. Bieber and people like Rihanna to help me deal with the snow stuff. Bless you Justin Bieber!

Snow Culture Shows Georgians' Strength

This is a Snow Culture Blog about Georgia people and their resolve. It is rough again today here in my part of Metro Atlanta.....Stone Mountain, GA. Since Sunday we have had so much ice, snow and tons of problems with people trying to clear freeways, roads and side streets. But through it all I am struck by the passion and strength of the Georgia people. I say it strong....I am PROUD of my people. We are not used to this insane crushing winter and yet we have great, strong blood and like characters out of Dickens or Faulkner books we keep on "keeping on." Faulkner's folks in 'Sound and the Fury' had good resolve. Maybe, soon the situation will ease and we can ease up on this frenzy of edgy feeling slammin' through us. Driving on ice is so nerve-wracking. But like Tiny Tim in Dickens 'Christmas Carol' or the powerful men in Dostoyevsky's 'Brothers Karamazov' we keep moving on, going about our now massively enriched creative lives. God Bless all the Great Women and Great Men of the South!

Theodore 'Fats' Navarro: Jazz Great One!

Profound, high-impact jazz trumpet can prove so engaging because of its raw, powerhouse intensity. Such is the case with the sensational trumpet style of Fats Navarro, a powerhouse trumpet artist coming out of the 1940s era. The sound of Navarro is a smashing sound of passion coming from the fact he packed a wallop with his South Florida roots shining strong in his visceral trumpet big sound with his cracklin' and sensuous BeBop jazz innovations that encapsulate the Jack Kerouac style of prose-oriented modern music that made the late 1940s and early 1950s virile jazz so persuasive and vibrant. The Fats Navarro wonderfulness was heavily influenced by the exciting trumpet of Roy Eldridge and also by the great brass man, Charlie Shavers, who could cut some good jazz music his mighty self. The intrigue of the Fats Navarro sound is so unique with his interpretation of tasty ballads. One of my favorite tunes in this genre is the innovative work on the song, 'The Things We Did Last Summer.' It is a song filled with a shiny romanticism that sweeps the listener in, beautifully. Working with great ones like the highly imaginative Tadd Dameron, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie and Wardell Gray helped bring the luminary one, the noted Fats Navarro even more recognition. I feel the jazz trumpet sound of Fats Navarro is truly remarkable just like that of the immortal Dizzy Gillespie.

'Pink Martini'.....Robust, Unique Music!

Exciting music can boost a person's spirits. This afternoon I listened to a fine, feisty musical aggregation from Portland, Oregon. The group has the name 'Pink Martini' which with a title like that naturally draws a robust man like me's attention. I heard a good performance by this merry group on late night tv the other night. So today I dug around and unearthed a great tune of theirs called...'Hey Eugene! This musical group has huge, plush sounds, nice use of horns and strings and superb percussion. The woman who sings their stuff is amazing, kind of a saucy blend of Gloria Estefan and Nancy Wilson in terms of styles. With this bizarre January weather I highly recommend 'Pink Martini,' a certainly fine group of musical souls.