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.

Cannonball Adderley produces great jazz art

Cannonball Adderley is a strong man of the alto saxophone. Lord, yes. His classic tunes like the mighty, 'Work Song' and the wily 'Mercy, Mercy, Mercy' are two of my great favorites. The heavy dash of blues style that reaches out to you from that great alto sax of his is so intense. The composition, 'Work Song' (written by Cannonball Adderley's brother Nat, a fine cornet man) sends me into total delight. As a southern man like me might say, the tune has plenty of get up and get. A jazz workout by the Adderley men sends me up into a great musical groove as the sixties characters might put it. I figure digging Cannonball Adderley and Nat Adderley is a little bit like viewing a fine set of performances by two dramatic giants like Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino. Really profound performances can be very fulfilling. DeNiro and Pacino are clever and "hip" and so are the good Adderley brothers.