Folks we made it to another Wednesday!! I was born Wednesday, Nov 2 in 1994, and this is my 1,488th Wednesday. Wild. Great reminder of how many you’ve made it through. I prefer this number to the # of years before my retirement.
I was down with stomach flu (grOss) last weekend and few things make me feel better than an old Hollywood movie. Something about how pleasant they are. I picked Broadway Melody of 1940, with the elegant Fred Astaire, and music of Cole Porter. Quite funny!
I’m always a little surprised at the wacky humor and sheer entertainment of old flicks. Also dazzled by the absolute glamour and dreaminess of the choreography and costumes. Every element works together. Grand, sweeping yet simple set design that never detracts from the talent.
Look, I don’t love old movies just because they’re old. I can admit when a flick is a snooze. And it could be that these are novel to me because as far as eras go, it’s like Britney Spears vs Bing Crosby. But I like that these movies were meant to entertain, and don’t try to wax deeper meaning.
JUXTAPOSISH
This scene really made me laugh. I guess it’s extra silly because most of the movie is so elegant in comparison. That screwball comedy mish-mash is so fantastic.
Sometimes in old movies there’s just a talent show interlude!
I guess sometimes it’s nice to see a lack of irony, a lack of cynicism, a lack of crudeness in a movie. It’s just nice to see something… nice.
WHAT IS SINGING?! 😱
See, the fun part about art is we all have our opinions. Similar to gossiping and discussing values, discussing opinions on artistic stuff is discussing artistic values (and perhaps more). But I will only indulge myself in thinking my opinion is important amongst birds of a similar feather. Ya dig?
The below are some live recordings I’m really loving right now.
TOTALLY. INVESTED. I think she’s totally in it here ya’ll. No bailing out. Phroar. I think this is freedom. Everyone here knows “My Favorite Things”, yes? Keep the melody close! Betty 🥺🤍🖤
When she really hangs out on low notes 1:11 … god it gets me.
Carmen McRae on “Love for Sale”… also dig what the band is doing. So cool, laid back. Old love, new love, every love but true love 🥲
FORECAST
This is a new section. I feel lucky to have interests that keep me going. I’ve been diving further into jazz history (which I’m loving), connecting dots with musicians and records (+ obviously who dated who).
This coming week I can’t wait to dig into some music saved to my playlists. My ears have been growing and it’s really exciting. I can hear more. Appreciate more. It’s lovely.
Charlie Parker with Strings! I do remember listening to this a year ago but sometimes it takes a while for me to come back around and have the right attention. I was driving through some canyon in Ventura county last July on my way up to the Bay Area. No cell service so I had only “East of the Sun (West of the Moon)” to play on repeat.
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