Monthly Archive for February, 2007

Dave Brubeck Quartet

Sure, I’ve heard his music for a long time but never bought any albums. His was in the “nice to hear” but not compelling for my interests.

Last weekend I heard the quartet play for an hour, live on stage. Members in addition to Dave include:

    Bobby Millitello – Alto Sax and flute
    Michael Moore – Bass
    Randy Jones – Drums

Among the highlights was a Disney tune and a Leonard Bernstein selection which apparently doesn’t receive much exposure. This was great music wonderfully performed!

For the second hour I went backstage to join our community choir. We took the stage for the second-half performance of Brubeck’s Mass setting To Hope. The city orchestra was on stage, our choir numbers >100 voices, there were three soloists, and the above quartet joined us for the mass. To Hope is a work of dynamic extremes. Unison passages for a soloist and small instrumental forces were interspersed with all-out extended chords with miked quartet. All the members; soloists, orchestra, quartet, and choir combined to make this a stunning performance. A recording was made. I’m unsure when we’ll get to hear the recording but will spread the word when available.

This was truly among the top five musical experiences of my entire life. Incredible.

Walk the Line

I saw this Johnny Cash bio-pic again recently and was reminded how special this movie is. Great screenplay, great acting, great music; it really has it all. The actors learning to play/sing as they filmed the move is icing on the cake.

Quite an awesome undertaking for all involved!

Naxos store at Amazon.com

Just stumbled upon the Naxos Store under Amazon.com. I guess the titles are no longer in the $5 price range but it still beats $18. And where else are you going to find some of these great artists, titles, and recordings?! Could be a rather dangerous discovery:)

I’m unsure if the link is permanent or some re-direction.