He writes, he sings,he sometimes exchanges blows in the boxing ring. But Bob Dylan is also familiar with another type of canvas as a quietly prolific painter.
Nearly 100 artworks from the iconic musician will be exhibited at the National Gallery of Denmark next year, the museum has announced.
The show, set to open late next year in Copenhagen, will include the world premiere of 30 large-format acrylic paintings as well as works previously displayed in European venues.
Several of Dylan's images reveal an affinity for some of the modernist masters, such as French artist Henri Matisse's works from the 1920s, said the gallery's chief curator, Kasper Monrad, who is organising the exhibition.
"Bob Dylan's visual artistic practice has only been discussed by art historians to a limited extent so critical examination and interpretation are called for," Mr Monrad said. Dylan first put his paintings on display in 2007 at the Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz museum in the small German city of Chemnitz.
Last year, a London gallery hosted an exhibition of his works.
Dylan recently told British music magazine Mojo that he has always drawn and painted "but up until recently,nobody's taken an interest. There's never been any support for it. Now I'm scrambling to keep up with demand".
Friday, September 18, 2009
A tribute to the late King of Pop
Michael Jackson, who was not only one of the most influential forces in MTV's history but also provided its Video Music Awards with some of its most irreverent moments, got reverential treatment on Sunday as Madonna and his sister Janet provided emotional tributes - one through words, one through song.
Madonna kicked off the show at Radio City Music Hall with a poignant speech about her relationship with Michael Jackson, which began when she was a youngster idolising the then child star, then morphed into a friendship when both were at the apex of their careers,and later, grew distant.
Madonna lamented the negative publicity that dogged him in his later years.
"Sometimes, we have to lose things before we can truly appreciate them," said Madonna,dressed in black.
"Yes, Michael Jackson was a human being,but yes, he was a king," she told the celebritystudded crowd, which included Michael's brother Jermaine and father Joe Jackson."Long live the king!"
The musical tribute began afterward as Jackson clones dressed in some of his signature outfits recreated his famous dance moves from videos such as Bad ,Smooth Criminal and Thriller .Then, as Scream , his duet with Janet,appeared on a large screen, his sister came out to recreate the moves from their only video together as the crowd, including Beyonce,cheered her on. Afterwards, she looked heavenward, and bowed.
It was a tender, special moment - a rarity for the Video Music Awards - that didn't last for long. Kanye West, known for his awards show outbursts when he doesn't win, had another one, this time, on behalf of Beyonce.
Beyonce, nominated for best female video for Single Ladies , was bested by country and pop sensation Taylor Swift. The 19-year-old was giddy when she won, saying:"I always wondered what it would be like to maybe win one of these some day, but never actually thought it would happen."
But West ruined her moment when he jumped on stage, and protested.
"Taylor, I'm really happy for you, and I'm gonna let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time," he said, as a shocked Beyonce looked on and the crowd began to boo West.
A crestfallen Swift didn't finish her speech,but the crowd tried to cheer her on and applauded her.
It was another wacky moment for the VMA archives, and a contrast to the tribute to Jackson.Jackson died in Los Angeles on June 25 at the age of 50.
Jackson was not only an integral part of MTV's history - his legendary videos changed the way music clips were made and he was the first African-American artist whose work was aired on the fledgling network - but he also provided the VMAs with some of its most memorable moments, including his infamous smooch with then wife, Lisa Marie Presley, in 1994.
The tribute wasn't the only moment where Jackson's presence was felt. The network also aired a brief premiere of the trailer for This Is It , the documentary about Jackson's preparations for his comeback concerts that were to be held in London. The film is due to release next month.
Comedian Russell Brand also paid tribute to Jackson:"Tonight is dedicated to the great Michael Jackson," Brand, in a top hat, told the audience."Let's honour Michael tonight by loving one another in his memory."
Last year, Brand made his debut as host by poking fun at the Jonas Brothers' vow of purity,among other ribald moments.
This year, he cracked jokes about Katy Perry's posterior.
There were plenty of colourful moments before the show began, as celebrities including Pink and astronaut Buzz Aldrin mingled in front of the cameras at Radio City Music Hall.
Lady Gaga made one of the more intriguing entrances, wearing a top hat, a gold mask looking like something out of Phantom of the Opera and feathered bodice.She also had some intimate moments with a celebrity date even more famous - Kermit the Frog.
They kissed several times, leading Kermit to openly worry about the reaction from longtime pal Miss Piggy.
Not to be outdone, teen sensation Swift arrived in a fairy tale carriage drawn by white horses.
Beyonce and Lady Gaga lead all artists with nine nominations each, but the show's winners aren't nearly as memorable as the wacky and wild moments, and noteworthy performances.
Both superstars performed, along with JayZ, Taylor Swift, Green Day and other acts.
Madonna kicked off the show at Radio City Music Hall with a poignant speech about her relationship with Michael Jackson, which began when she was a youngster idolising the then child star, then morphed into a friendship when both were at the apex of their careers,and later, grew distant.
Madonna lamented the negative publicity that dogged him in his later years.
"Sometimes, we have to lose things before we can truly appreciate them," said Madonna,dressed in black.
"Yes, Michael Jackson was a human being,but yes, he was a king," she told the celebritystudded crowd, which included Michael's brother Jermaine and father Joe Jackson."Long live the king!"
The musical tribute began afterward as Jackson clones dressed in some of his signature outfits recreated his famous dance moves from videos such as Bad ,Smooth Criminal and Thriller .Then, as Scream , his duet with Janet,appeared on a large screen, his sister came out to recreate the moves from their only video together as the crowd, including Beyonce,cheered her on. Afterwards, she looked heavenward, and bowed.
It was a tender, special moment - a rarity for the Video Music Awards - that didn't last for long. Kanye West, known for his awards show outbursts when he doesn't win, had another one, this time, on behalf of Beyonce.
Beyonce, nominated for best female video for Single Ladies , was bested by country and pop sensation Taylor Swift. The 19-year-old was giddy when she won, saying:"I always wondered what it would be like to maybe win one of these some day, but never actually thought it would happen."
But West ruined her moment when he jumped on stage, and protested.
"Taylor, I'm really happy for you, and I'm gonna let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time," he said, as a shocked Beyonce looked on and the crowd began to boo West.
A crestfallen Swift didn't finish her speech,but the crowd tried to cheer her on and applauded her.
It was another wacky moment for the VMA archives, and a contrast to the tribute to Jackson.Jackson died in Los Angeles on June 25 at the age of 50.
Jackson was not only an integral part of MTV's history - his legendary videos changed the way music clips were made and he was the first African-American artist whose work was aired on the fledgling network - but he also provided the VMAs with some of its most memorable moments, including his infamous smooch with then wife, Lisa Marie Presley, in 1994.
The tribute wasn't the only moment where Jackson's presence was felt. The network also aired a brief premiere of the trailer for This Is It , the documentary about Jackson's preparations for his comeback concerts that were to be held in London. The film is due to release next month.
Comedian Russell Brand also paid tribute to Jackson:"Tonight is dedicated to the great Michael Jackson," Brand, in a top hat, told the audience."Let's honour Michael tonight by loving one another in his memory."
Last year, Brand made his debut as host by poking fun at the Jonas Brothers' vow of purity,among other ribald moments.
This year, he cracked jokes about Katy Perry's posterior.
There were plenty of colourful moments before the show began, as celebrities including Pink and astronaut Buzz Aldrin mingled in front of the cameras at Radio City Music Hall.
Lady Gaga made one of the more intriguing entrances, wearing a top hat, a gold mask looking like something out of Phantom of the Opera and feathered bodice.She also had some intimate moments with a celebrity date even more famous - Kermit the Frog.
They kissed several times, leading Kermit to openly worry about the reaction from longtime pal Miss Piggy.
Not to be outdone, teen sensation Swift arrived in a fairy tale carriage drawn by white horses.
Beyonce and Lady Gaga lead all artists with nine nominations each, but the show's winners aren't nearly as memorable as the wacky and wild moments, and noteworthy performances.
Both superstars performed, along with JayZ, Taylor Swift, Green Day and other acts.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
"American Idol" heads for 9th season
For those who are wondering what kind of judge Ellen DeGeneres will be on American Idol , she offered this nugget on Ryan Seacrest's radio show last Thursday:"I really do pride myself on not judging."
Speaking roughly 12 hours after she and Fox Broadcasting announced that she would take the place of Paula Abdul as the fourth judge on the most popular series on television, DeGeneres vowed to fill Abdul's role as the nice one while also offering the perspective of fans at home.
"I'm not going to be mean," DeGeneres said. Referring to Simon Cowell,the UK judge who usually offers the most piercing criticisms of Idol contestants, she added:"I hate when Simon's that mean. You can be constructive and you can criticise somebody in a way that's helpful instead of mean spirited."
For Fox and the show's producers,FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, the appointment of DeGeneres created an immediate stir of excitement around a show that will begin its ninth season in January,2010.
That is no small feat. At the least,DeGeneres' appearance is likely to draw those curious about how she interacts with three colleagues who each have significant experience in either musical performance or the management of popmusic artists.
DeGeneres has neither, and her appointment drew some criticism from an array of professional Idol watchers.M.J. Santilli, the author of mjsbigblog.com ,which tracks all things related to American Idol , wrote that she was dismayed by the news, in part because the addition of a fourth judge last year caused too much focus to be placed on them rather than on the performers.
"Adding an A-list comedian will exacerbate what I see as one of the major flaws in the show right now," Santilli wrote."The kids should be front and centre."
Earlier this year, DeGeneres worked as a guest judge on So You Think You Can Dance , which shares a network and producers with Idol . Discussions about the Idol job began shortly after that appearance.
Several critics wondered how DeGeneres' penchant for making jokes and talking at length will fit in a programme that is performed live under strict time constraints. On multiple occasions in recent years the show has run over its time period, frustrating viewers who record it; in addition, almost every year some viewers complain that the performers are not given enough time to perform their music.
Mike Darnell, the president of alternative entertainment for Fox, called that concern "the silliest thing I've ever heard". He noted that DeGeneres won rave reviews as host of the live broadcasts of the Oscar and Emmy ceremonies.
DeGeneres, whose syndicated daytime talk show is in its seventh year, of course has plenty of experience performing in front of an audience. In addition to a career as a stand-up comic, she starred in a situation comedy on ABC from 1994 to 1998. An episode in which her character came out as gay attracted 46 million viewers.
"I'm speaking as someone who is a huge music fan, and I also am onstage every single day and I've gone through the criticism," she told Seacrest.
Cecile Frot-Coutaz, an executive producer of the show for Fremantle,said that perspective will be a benefit for the programme."Ellen knows what it takes to create a connection with the audience," she said."The show is not just about being able to sing. It is about the ability to create a connection and getting people to fall in love with you."
Frot-Coutaz said the producers were working with Fox to try to expand some Idol shows in the middle of the show's season to 90 minutes from 60 minutes,to deal with the weeks when there are many performers and limited time.
DeGeneres signed a multi-year contract with American Idol , which offers the producers some insurance if she succeeds in attracting viewers to a show whose audience has declined in recent years. Cowell, the most popular judge,has a contract that runs only through next season, and while he has said he wants to return he has also asked for a substantial raise.
Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi,the other two permanent judges, have contracts through the current season as well.
An array of guest judges will fill the spot vacated by Abdul for the audition episodes that take up the first few weeks of the season. But it is possible that DeGeneres will be on hand for "Hollywood Week", where the top 200 or so performers come to Los Angeles to compete for a spot among the final 36.
In past years that week has taken place in November, but this year it has been moved to January, Frot-Coutaz said,and DeGeneres "should be there" if logistical arrangements allow.
DeGeneres will continue to tape her daytime show on weekday afternoons at the Warner Bros studio in Burbank,California, before driving to the Idol studio for the live performance two or three evenings a week.
Speaking roughly 12 hours after she and Fox Broadcasting announced that she would take the place of Paula Abdul as the fourth judge on the most popular series on television, DeGeneres vowed to fill Abdul's role as the nice one while also offering the perspective of fans at home.
"I'm not going to be mean," DeGeneres said. Referring to Simon Cowell,the UK judge who usually offers the most piercing criticisms of Idol contestants, she added:"I hate when Simon's that mean. You can be constructive and you can criticise somebody in a way that's helpful instead of mean spirited."
For Fox and the show's producers,FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, the appointment of DeGeneres created an immediate stir of excitement around a show that will begin its ninth season in January,2010.
That is no small feat. At the least,DeGeneres' appearance is likely to draw those curious about how she interacts with three colleagues who each have significant experience in either musical performance or the management of popmusic artists.
DeGeneres has neither, and her appointment drew some criticism from an array of professional Idol watchers.M.J. Santilli, the author of mjsbigblog.com ,which tracks all things related to American Idol , wrote that she was dismayed by the news, in part because the addition of a fourth judge last year caused too much focus to be placed on them rather than on the performers.
"Adding an A-list comedian will exacerbate what I see as one of the major flaws in the show right now," Santilli wrote."The kids should be front and centre."
Earlier this year, DeGeneres worked as a guest judge on So You Think You Can Dance , which shares a network and producers with Idol . Discussions about the Idol job began shortly after that appearance.
Several critics wondered how DeGeneres' penchant for making jokes and talking at length will fit in a programme that is performed live under strict time constraints. On multiple occasions in recent years the show has run over its time period, frustrating viewers who record it; in addition, almost every year some viewers complain that the performers are not given enough time to perform their music.
Mike Darnell, the president of alternative entertainment for Fox, called that concern "the silliest thing I've ever heard". He noted that DeGeneres won rave reviews as host of the live broadcasts of the Oscar and Emmy ceremonies.
DeGeneres, whose syndicated daytime talk show is in its seventh year, of course has plenty of experience performing in front of an audience. In addition to a career as a stand-up comic, she starred in a situation comedy on ABC from 1994 to 1998. An episode in which her character came out as gay attracted 46 million viewers.
"I'm speaking as someone who is a huge music fan, and I also am onstage every single day and I've gone through the criticism," she told Seacrest.
Cecile Frot-Coutaz, an executive producer of the show for Fremantle,said that perspective will be a benefit for the programme."Ellen knows what it takes to create a connection with the audience," she said."The show is not just about being able to sing. It is about the ability to create a connection and getting people to fall in love with you."
Frot-Coutaz said the producers were working with Fox to try to expand some Idol shows in the middle of the show's season to 90 minutes from 60 minutes,to deal with the weeks when there are many performers and limited time.
DeGeneres signed a multi-year contract with American Idol , which offers the producers some insurance if she succeeds in attracting viewers to a show whose audience has declined in recent years. Cowell, the most popular judge,has a contract that runs only through next season, and while he has said he wants to return he has also asked for a substantial raise.
Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi,the other two permanent judges, have contracts through the current season as well.
An array of guest judges will fill the spot vacated by Abdul for the audition episodes that take up the first few weeks of the season. But it is possible that DeGeneres will be on hand for "Hollywood Week", where the top 200 or so performers come to Los Angeles to compete for a spot among the final 36.
In past years that week has taken place in November, but this year it has been moved to January, Frot-Coutaz said,and DeGeneres "should be there" if logistical arrangements allow.
DeGeneres will continue to tape her daytime show on weekday afternoons at the Warner Bros studio in Burbank,California, before driving to the Idol studio for the live performance two or three evenings a week.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Toddler wins Elton's heart
Look out, Madonna and Angelina Jolie - pop star Elton John may be joining the ranks of A-list celebrities with adopted children.
John and partner David Furnish are interested in trying to adopt a Ukrainian toddler named Lev they met during an orphanage tour.
The singer told reporters in Ukraine on Saturday he had been reluctant to adopt a child until he met Lev at an orphanage where many of the children's parents have died from Aids.
"David always wanted to adopt a child and I always said 'no' because I am 62 and I think because of the travelling I do and the life I have,maybe it wouldn't be fair for the child,"John said.
"But having seen Lev today, I would love to adopt him.
"I don't know how we do that but he has stolen my heart. He has stolen David's heart and it would be wonderful if we can have a home.
"I've changed my mind."
John and partner David Furnish are interested in trying to adopt a Ukrainian toddler named Lev they met during an orphanage tour.
The singer told reporters in Ukraine on Saturday he had been reluctant to adopt a child until he met Lev at an orphanage where many of the children's parents have died from Aids.
"David always wanted to adopt a child and I always said 'no' because I am 62 and I think because of the travelling I do and the life I have,maybe it wouldn't be fair for the child,"John said.
"But having seen Lev today, I would love to adopt him.
"I don't know how we do that but he has stolen my heart. He has stolen David's heart and it would be wonderful if we can have a home.
"I've changed my mind."
Sunday, September 13, 2009
A MUSICAL FAMILY
For the Srikaranonda family, the best way to share their blessings and happiness is by offering their musical gifts to support a good cause. Hence their recent family concert Pan Rak, meaning sharing love, at Thailand Cultural Centre.
The Srikaranonda family charity concert.
The musical family had three reasons to celebrate. First, the joint birthday of National Artist Manrat Srikaranonda and his wife Mrs La-orwan on August 25 when he turns 81 and his wife 63. Second, the couple's 40th wedding anniversary. And third, the latest honour for the ace musician, an honorary doctorate degree from Silpakorn University, Sanam Chan Campus.
When they felt those were good enough reasons to take to the stage to share their happiness by helping children with HIV/Aids and their families under Siam-Care Foundation, friends and well-wishers turned up in full force to support the cause.
National Artist Manrat Srikaranonda is a household name in Thailand's music circles with many all-time favourites to his credit such as Rak Auey and Chua Fah Din Salai, which most Thais over 40 know by heart.
Happy family. From left, Artas Balakauskas, Indhuon Srikaranonda Balakauskas, Asta Balakauskas, Manrat Srikaranonda, La-orwan and Pathorn Srikaranonda.
His daughter Indhuon, son Pathorn, and son-in-law Artas Balakauskas are also accomplished musicians in their own right. For the veteran musician, however, the happiest news is the fact that his only grand-daughter Asta is fast following the family's musical footsteps.
The charity concert gave a rare chance to see National Artist Manrat tickle the ivory, croon a love song Pan Rak and to join his family to delight the audience with the Srikaranondas' favourite jazz number Take the A Train. The concert theme song was penned by Wichian Sukpumarin, managing director of Siam Music Yamaha.
Offering his own musical gift, accomplished composer and a powerful singer Mr Pathorn soulfully rendered Artorn, Lae Chan and Rak Kan Nai Jai with beautiful and moving lyrics by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and HRH Princess Chulabhorn.
The next joy was when concert pianist couple Ms Indhuon and Mr Balakauskas took charge of the two grand pianos to inject a zest of life with the playful West Side Story Symphonic Dances by Leonard Bernstein, whose birthday was also on August 25.
Pianist Suda Banomyong
The star of the show, however, was eight-year-old Asta Balakauskas who stunned the crowd with her sweet, crystal-like voice of innocence. With concert pianist mum at the piano while National Artist grandpa, concert pianist dad, and composer uncle retreated to the background to provide a chorus, Ms Asta movingly rendered Ben and Heal the World to pay tribute to Michael Jackson and to remind music lovers that one of the best ways to remember him is to live his compassion for the less fortunate.
Among the audience who gave little Asta a rousing applause were Privy Councillor Prem Tinsulanonda, National Artists Sawalee Pakapan, Jintana Suksathit, and Suthep Wongkamhaeng, writer Pol Gen Vasit Dejkunjorn, Khunying Wanna Sirivadhanabhakdi, Kamolvan Punyashthiti, Suda Banomyong, Payom and Pirakit Valaiphatchra.
The little girl's sweet voice echoed in the air as the charity concert came to an end with a high-minded note:
Pol Gen Vasit Dejkunjorn
"Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me
And the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough
For the living
Make a better place
For you and for me."
Manrat and Sawalee Pakapan
Celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary.
Khunying Wanna Sirivadhanabhakdi
National Artist Jintana Suksathit
National Artist Suthep Wongkamhaeng and wife singer Pusadee Payakamontree
Siam Music Yamaha executives, from left, Preechapon Vejruk, Sangchai Maeteatanakul, Wichian Sukpumarin, Manrat, Shuji Narimatsu, Sayan Paichayonritta and Somchai Suebboonsripong.
Supaporn Phornprapha, Manrat, and Phornpong Phornprapha
Little Asta crooning "Ben".
The Srikaranonda family charity concert.
The musical family had three reasons to celebrate. First, the joint birthday of National Artist Manrat Srikaranonda and his wife Mrs La-orwan on August 25 when he turns 81 and his wife 63. Second, the couple's 40th wedding anniversary. And third, the latest honour for the ace musician, an honorary doctorate degree from Silpakorn University, Sanam Chan Campus.
When they felt those were good enough reasons to take to the stage to share their happiness by helping children with HIV/Aids and their families under Siam-Care Foundation, friends and well-wishers turned up in full force to support the cause.
National Artist Manrat Srikaranonda is a household name in Thailand's music circles with many all-time favourites to his credit such as Rak Auey and Chua Fah Din Salai, which most Thais over 40 know by heart.
Happy family. From left, Artas Balakauskas, Indhuon Srikaranonda Balakauskas, Asta Balakauskas, Manrat Srikaranonda, La-orwan and Pathorn Srikaranonda.
His daughter Indhuon, son Pathorn, and son-in-law Artas Balakauskas are also accomplished musicians in their own right. For the veteran musician, however, the happiest news is the fact that his only grand-daughter Asta is fast following the family's musical footsteps.
The charity concert gave a rare chance to see National Artist Manrat tickle the ivory, croon a love song Pan Rak and to join his family to delight the audience with the Srikaranondas' favourite jazz number Take the A Train. The concert theme song was penned by Wichian Sukpumarin, managing director of Siam Music Yamaha.
Offering his own musical gift, accomplished composer and a powerful singer Mr Pathorn soulfully rendered Artorn, Lae Chan and Rak Kan Nai Jai with beautiful and moving lyrics by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and HRH Princess Chulabhorn.
The next joy was when concert pianist couple Ms Indhuon and Mr Balakauskas took charge of the two grand pianos to inject a zest of life with the playful West Side Story Symphonic Dances by Leonard Bernstein, whose birthday was also on August 25.
Pianist Suda Banomyong
The star of the show, however, was eight-year-old Asta Balakauskas who stunned the crowd with her sweet, crystal-like voice of innocence. With concert pianist mum at the piano while National Artist grandpa, concert pianist dad, and composer uncle retreated to the background to provide a chorus, Ms Asta movingly rendered Ben and Heal the World to pay tribute to Michael Jackson and to remind music lovers that one of the best ways to remember him is to live his compassion for the less fortunate.
Among the audience who gave little Asta a rousing applause were Privy Councillor Prem Tinsulanonda, National Artists Sawalee Pakapan, Jintana Suksathit, and Suthep Wongkamhaeng, writer Pol Gen Vasit Dejkunjorn, Khunying Wanna Sirivadhanabhakdi, Kamolvan Punyashthiti, Suda Banomyong, Payom and Pirakit Valaiphatchra.
The little girl's sweet voice echoed in the air as the charity concert came to an end with a high-minded note:
Pol Gen Vasit Dejkunjorn
"Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me
And the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough
For the living
Make a better place
For you and for me."
Manrat and Sawalee Pakapan
Celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary.
Khunying Wanna Sirivadhanabhakdi
National Artist Jintana Suksathit
National Artist Suthep Wongkamhaeng and wife singer Pusadee Payakamontree
Siam Music Yamaha executives, from left, Preechapon Vejruk, Sangchai Maeteatanakul, Wichian Sukpumarin, Manrat, Shuji Narimatsu, Sayan Paichayonritta and Somchai Suebboonsripong.
Supaporn Phornprapha, Manrat, and Phornpong Phornprapha
Little Asta crooning "Ben".
Friday, September 11, 2009
META SYMPHONY
Bruce Gaston, the first non-Thai artist to win the Silpathorn Award, will join hands with internationallyacclaimed Thai conductor Somtow Sucharitkul to present their co-composed Avatar Dvadas during the first leg of the "Bangkok:Twelve Incarnations" concert series at the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre, Pathumwan intersection, on Sept 20 at 7pm.
The piece is a meta-symphony in time and space being created right in front of your very eyes and ears with music woven out of the very fabric of Bangkok's newest hub of creativity. It is designed especially for the centre, using all the spaces, shapes and angles to be found within it.
In their first co-composed composition since 1977's Hexaphony , Somtow and Bruce are putting together a year-long artwork, one movement or "incarnation"every month, timed with the constellations of the zodiac.
It's a new kind of art which could only have been created in Bangkok. Part improvisation, part environmental music,part kinetic art, the work is designed to be experienced live. Once the 12 incarnations have been performed, the work will be collected into a gargantuan video set.
This very first incarnation, inspired by the constellation Virgo, will see Bruce and Somtow co-conduct members of the Siam Philharmonic and Fong Nam ensembles.
There is no admission fee but donations will be accepted for the Bangkok Opera's HIV Awareness Project. For more information, contact Bangkok Art & Culture Centre on 02-214-6630/8(10am-9pm on Tue-Sun).
The piece is a meta-symphony in time and space being created right in front of your very eyes and ears with music woven out of the very fabric of Bangkok's newest hub of creativity. It is designed especially for the centre, using all the spaces, shapes and angles to be found within it.
In their first co-composed composition since 1977's Hexaphony , Somtow and Bruce are putting together a year-long artwork, one movement or "incarnation"every month, timed with the constellations of the zodiac.
It's a new kind of art which could only have been created in Bangkok. Part improvisation, part environmental music,part kinetic art, the work is designed to be experienced live. Once the 12 incarnations have been performed, the work will be collected into a gargantuan video set.
This very first incarnation, inspired by the constellation Virgo, will see Bruce and Somtow co-conduct members of the Siam Philharmonic and Fong Nam ensembles.
There is no admission fee but donations will be accepted for the Bangkok Opera's HIV Awareness Project. For more information, contact Bangkok Art & Culture Centre on 02-214-6630/8(10am-9pm on Tue-Sun).
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The essence of JAZZ
As Bangkok's 11th International Festival of Dance & Music moves into October it brings to the stage a double bill: The Starch Jazz Band from Switzerland and the Beets Brothers from the Netherlands. It's an interesting combination that will have you moving from one end of the jazz scale to the other.
Starch, a seven member group describe their music as "a highly energetic mix of different styles, based on funk but mixed up with elements of rock, hip hop and Latin". The Beets Brothers,however, believe that they were "infected with the hard bop virus. We simply love the intense swing approach of the hard bop idiom and try to get that intensity in our live shows".
But first the Starch, who started off essentially as a funk crew, today, the seven musicians bring into play every single musical experience they have collected over the years. A first class live act, they've been playing together for more than 10 years, and have been known to rock every stage they perform on with youthful fun and untamed energy. In the line-up are leader Chris Rax, Pascal Nageli (trumpet), Simon P. Winiger (vocals and bass), Manoo Winiger (keyboard),Benjamin Stalder (guitar), Kay Rauber (drums and percussion) and Andreas Tschopp (trombone and sousaphone).
Says band leader, vocalist and saxophone player Chris Raxx,"Starch is an authentic live band. We perform like we feel. For us it's important to get in touch with the audience and do the show with the audience together. In our music, there is always space for improvisation. So every show becomes unique. We don't like to do every show the same, so that keeps musicians and the audience happy. It's a seven musician collective with an energetic live show. In more than 10 years and lots of concerts the band grew together. It's more than just making music together. It's like a family."
Speaking of their influences he says,"Starch composes its music bringing together influences of the seven musicians. We are influenced by rock, pop, hip hop, jazz, Latin and funk." As for the creative process,"in rehearsals the whole band jams together and each member gives his ideas. That's how we work out most of the songs.The fact that every musician has a different musical background and influences gives Starch's music a special taste. For us, melody is important.We're not into patterns. Every musician contributes his ideas and influences the Starch sound.In the process of writing music, every musician is free to give in what he feels. Once the song is set we always work on it and change things even after we have recorded it".
As a band the Starch believes in the positivity of music. Explains Chris,"It can make you smile and dance. Starch makes a live show an event where the audience can experience something."They have played at more than 200 Swiss shows including the Jazz Festival at Montreux, and have also toured through Germany, Austria, Spain,Hungary and Croatia. The musical world of the seven musicians is full of colour and surprises as countless experiences during concerts, road trips and life in hotels meld into an energetic sound.
The perfect example of this is their album,Music , on which they unite driving indie funk,crazy cosmopolitan rap, dizzy energetic rock
songs and everything else they've come across in the past few years. It is also an example of how jazz has morphed and developed. Chris agrees,"Jazz will always change but you can't say in which direction it's going. The importance of rhythm has grown.Odd-metres have become more important as have the rhythmic variety of the songs and improvisations."
Among its inspirations the seven-member crew count "lots of different musicians ... the list would be too long. Starch bases its music on funk, so James Brown, Prince, Maceo Parker and the like inspired Starch's music since the beginning".Expect to hear that in their nine-song set they have in store for audiences here.
The second half of the evening is devoted to the Beets Brothers, a jazz-quartet set up by three brothers: Marius, Alexander, Peter Beets and a drummer-friend. With a number of albums to their credit the Beets Brothers have an easily recognisable sound that comes complete with swinging rhythmic patterns and blistering energy.The respected European music magazine Downbeat has called them a "A World Class Jazz Act". In the line-up are Marius Beets (doublebass), Peter Beets (piano), Alexander Beets (tenor saxophone), Eddie C.(percussion), Gijs Dijkhuizen (drums) and vocalist Sanna van Vliet, whose new CD,A Time For Love, Remembering Shirley Horn , is making waves. The winner of 3rd prize at the Dutch Jazz Vocalist Competition, Sanna was a member of the all-woman band, Alice in Dixieland, with which she toured Germany,Slovenia, Poland, Belgium, Tunisia, Sweden,Denmark, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Austria and the Azures.
The three brothers play all over the world.Marius is scheduled later this year to play in Colombia and South Korea, Alexander recently gave concerts in India with Saskia Laroo and in the Dutch Antilles, and Peter is a regular visitor to the US, Japan, Poland, Spain, Romania and France, to name a few. The Beets Brothers have a number of albums to their credit as do the Peter Beets Trio and the Marius Beets Orchestra.
The brothers - Alexander, Marius and Peter - grew up surrounded by music: their mother was a classical pianist while their father was a jazz enthusiast.
Asked to describe their brand of music Alexander puts it in a single sentence:"The ultimate hard bop swing. We are always challenging each other on stage, for us it is all about music, so there is no pre-orchestrated show. But there is a lot to see on stage. We find that our audience gets infected by our intense way of playing. Every day is about new music, new confrontations."
Speaking of their influences Alexander states,"I think the great jazz tradition and the Great American Songbook built the fundamentals. You begin there and then you start to work with the music yourself. Compose your own songs and mix it with influences of this time. You see jazz influences all kinds of music. From Michael Jackson to hip hop. It is no longer just a style of music; it has became the essence of music. Good jazz is universal and there are lots of places on earth to be infected with this great music."
For the audiences in Bangkok, however, on the evening of October 1 would be the perfect place to start.
Bangkok's 11th International Festival of Dance & Music is sponsored by Bangkok Bank, B. Grimm,'Bangkok Post', Dusit Thani Hotel, King Power Group, SCG, Thai Airways International, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Toyota Motor Thailand Co, Ltd .
"Jazz Double Bill", Thailand Cultural Centre, October 1, at 7:30pm. Part 1: Starch Jazz Band, Switzerland.Part 2: Beets Brothers Jazz Band, the Netherlands.Tickets are 400,800,1,000,1,200,1,500 baht. Call 02-262-3456, or visit www.thaiticketmajor.com.
Starch, a seven member group describe their music as "a highly energetic mix of different styles, based on funk but mixed up with elements of rock, hip hop and Latin". The Beets Brothers,however, believe that they were "infected with the hard bop virus. We simply love the intense swing approach of the hard bop idiom and try to get that intensity in our live shows".
But first the Starch, who started off essentially as a funk crew, today, the seven musicians bring into play every single musical experience they have collected over the years. A first class live act, they've been playing together for more than 10 years, and have been known to rock every stage they perform on with youthful fun and untamed energy. In the line-up are leader Chris Rax, Pascal Nageli (trumpet), Simon P. Winiger (vocals and bass), Manoo Winiger (keyboard),Benjamin Stalder (guitar), Kay Rauber (drums and percussion) and Andreas Tschopp (trombone and sousaphone).
Says band leader, vocalist and saxophone player Chris Raxx,"Starch is an authentic live band. We perform like we feel. For us it's important to get in touch with the audience and do the show with the audience together. In our music, there is always space for improvisation. So every show becomes unique. We don't like to do every show the same, so that keeps musicians and the audience happy. It's a seven musician collective with an energetic live show. In more than 10 years and lots of concerts the band grew together. It's more than just making music together. It's like a family."
Speaking of their influences he says,"Starch composes its music bringing together influences of the seven musicians. We are influenced by rock, pop, hip hop, jazz, Latin and funk." As for the creative process,"in rehearsals the whole band jams together and each member gives his ideas. That's how we work out most of the songs.The fact that every musician has a different musical background and influences gives Starch's music a special taste. For us, melody is important.We're not into patterns. Every musician contributes his ideas and influences the Starch sound.In the process of writing music, every musician is free to give in what he feels. Once the song is set we always work on it and change things even after we have recorded it".
As a band the Starch believes in the positivity of music. Explains Chris,"It can make you smile and dance. Starch makes a live show an event where the audience can experience something."They have played at more than 200 Swiss shows including the Jazz Festival at Montreux, and have also toured through Germany, Austria, Spain,Hungary and Croatia. The musical world of the seven musicians is full of colour and surprises as countless experiences during concerts, road trips and life in hotels meld into an energetic sound.
The perfect example of this is their album,Music , on which they unite driving indie funk,crazy cosmopolitan rap, dizzy energetic rock
songs and everything else they've come across in the past few years. It is also an example of how jazz has morphed and developed. Chris agrees,"Jazz will always change but you can't say in which direction it's going. The importance of rhythm has grown.Odd-metres have become more important as have the rhythmic variety of the songs and improvisations."
Among its inspirations the seven-member crew count "lots of different musicians ... the list would be too long. Starch bases its music on funk, so James Brown, Prince, Maceo Parker and the like inspired Starch's music since the beginning".Expect to hear that in their nine-song set they have in store for audiences here.
The second half of the evening is devoted to the Beets Brothers, a jazz-quartet set up by three brothers: Marius, Alexander, Peter Beets and a drummer-friend. With a number of albums to their credit the Beets Brothers have an easily recognisable sound that comes complete with swinging rhythmic patterns and blistering energy.The respected European music magazine Downbeat has called them a "A World Class Jazz Act". In the line-up are Marius Beets (doublebass), Peter Beets (piano), Alexander Beets (tenor saxophone), Eddie C.(percussion), Gijs Dijkhuizen (drums) and vocalist Sanna van Vliet, whose new CD,A Time For Love, Remembering Shirley Horn , is making waves. The winner of 3rd prize at the Dutch Jazz Vocalist Competition, Sanna was a member of the all-woman band, Alice in Dixieland, with which she toured Germany,Slovenia, Poland, Belgium, Tunisia, Sweden,Denmark, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Austria and the Azures.
The three brothers play all over the world.Marius is scheduled later this year to play in Colombia and South Korea, Alexander recently gave concerts in India with Saskia Laroo and in the Dutch Antilles, and Peter is a regular visitor to the US, Japan, Poland, Spain, Romania and France, to name a few. The Beets Brothers have a number of albums to their credit as do the Peter Beets Trio and the Marius Beets Orchestra.
The brothers - Alexander, Marius and Peter - grew up surrounded by music: their mother was a classical pianist while their father was a jazz enthusiast.
Asked to describe their brand of music Alexander puts it in a single sentence:"The ultimate hard bop swing. We are always challenging each other on stage, for us it is all about music, so there is no pre-orchestrated show. But there is a lot to see on stage. We find that our audience gets infected by our intense way of playing. Every day is about new music, new confrontations."
Speaking of their influences Alexander states,"I think the great jazz tradition and the Great American Songbook built the fundamentals. You begin there and then you start to work with the music yourself. Compose your own songs and mix it with influences of this time. You see jazz influences all kinds of music. From Michael Jackson to hip hop. It is no longer just a style of music; it has became the essence of music. Good jazz is universal and there are lots of places on earth to be infected with this great music."
For the audiences in Bangkok, however, on the evening of October 1 would be the perfect place to start.
Bangkok's 11th International Festival of Dance & Music is sponsored by Bangkok Bank, B. Grimm,'Bangkok Post', Dusit Thani Hotel, King Power Group, SCG, Thai Airways International, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Toyota Motor Thailand Co, Ltd .
"Jazz Double Bill", Thailand Cultural Centre, October 1, at 7:30pm. Part 1: Starch Jazz Band, Switzerland.Part 2: Beets Brothers Jazz Band, the Netherlands.Tickets are 400,800,1,000,1,200,1,500 baht. Call 02-262-3456, or visit www.thaiticketmajor.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)