The couple of days ago I came across an interesting on-line article in All About Jazz. I suggest you read the article by John Kelman, by going to http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=39539 and see what he has to say. I also suggest you read the post and comments on Kelman`s article, which also led me to post three comments where I share my opinions.
So, what do I believe? I believe jazz festivals should remain jazz festivals, just as a blue grass music festival, rap, or classical piano festival should remain true to its audience and supporters. In John Kelman`s article entitled - When is a Jazz Festival (Not) a Jazz Festival? points to non-jazz artist participating in jazz festivals around the World, which goes against my belief, and understanding as to what a jazz festival is. Of course festival organizers deal with the complex issues around funding jazz festivals, with both private and public resources; money. Should festival organizers by-in to corporate dictates regarding jazz festivals by allowing festivals to resemble pop concerts, or should organizers maintain an artistic integrity of a 100% jazz festival.
I am interested to read what you think. please leave a comment this blog.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
My Thoughts of Meek`s Cutoff
Meek`s Cutoff takes place during the early days of the westward migration on the Oregon Trail around 1845. Meek`s Cutoff is a story of three wagon teams of families making the journey West, but hiring an "experienced" mountain man - Stephen Meek. As it turns out, Meeks` claim of being an experience mountain man who knows of a short cut to get these three families West puts them in danger of hunger, thirst, and an erosion of faith. As time goes on they cross paths with a Native American, who they capture. The story is interesting because it places these three families in a situation of who to trust; an unreliable guide, or a man these emigrants deem as their natural enemy.
I enjoyed the rugged and untamed scenery of the West, which provided the tension and practical problems these families had to face. Wordrob and props seem to be very authentic, especially the period musket. Also well done was the acting of the main chacters; Michelle Williams, Bruce Greenwood, Will Patton, and Rod Rondeaux as The Cayuse.
Unfortunately I found Meek`s Cutoff to be very slow paced. Also of concern of mine was the ending. Meeks`s Cutoff cannot be accused of exploiting the basic Hollywood ending, but the ending just kind-of left us hanging. I am sure that was Director Kelly Reichardts` intent, but it just did not work for me. As for the film overall, Meek`s Cutoff is not making my list of favorite films.
I enjoyed the rugged and untamed scenery of the West, which provided the tension and practical problems these families had to face. Wordrob and props seem to be very authentic, especially the period musket. Also well done was the acting of the main chacters; Michelle Williams, Bruce Greenwood, Will Patton, and Rod Rondeaux as The Cayuse.
Unfortunately I found Meek`s Cutoff to be very slow paced. Also of concern of mine was the ending. Meeks`s Cutoff cannot be accused of exploiting the basic Hollywood ending, but the ending just kind-of left us hanging. I am sure that was Director Kelly Reichardts` intent, but it just did not work for me. As for the film overall, Meek`s Cutoff is not making my list of favorite films.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Urban Theatre
About a week ago I received a newsletter from Shawn P Entertainment (May/June Newsletter), and I was truly captured by Lanette M. White`s post entitled L-BOOGIE SPEAKS...The State of Urban Theatre. Go to http://wp.me/pJ4c3-aA to see the post that I agree with.
L-BOOGIE SPEAKS points to the quality of urban theatrical productions by saying there is a downward spiral of productions regarding scripts, and acting. It does seem as though the majority of African-American productions are centered around a "Big Mama"; the Black Church, and a "Boys in the Hood" theme, with clownery, or loud and out of control behavior. Don`t get me wrong, I think these productions should be staged, but as L-BOOGIE SPEAKS ask; can we be more creative with our presentation? Do we have other stories to tell other than big mama, the church, and the hood? I think we do.
L-BOOGIE SPEAKS points to the quality of urban theatrical productions by saying there is a downward spiral of productions regarding scripts, and acting. It does seem as though the majority of African-American productions are centered around a "Big Mama"; the Black Church, and a "Boys in the Hood" theme, with clownery, or loud and out of control behavior. Don`t get me wrong, I think these productions should be staged, but as L-BOOGIE SPEAKS ask; can we be more creative with our presentation? Do we have other stories to tell other than big mama, the church, and the hood? I think we do.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Spend Some Time With Continuum Jazz Ensemble
Just finish rehearsing with Continuum Jazz Ensemble a few hours ago, and I tell you; you gotta come check us out. Continuum Jazz Ensemble features the artistic performances of leader, and drummer Dave Cheney, Ian Bigsby on guitar, Miles Butterfield on bass, and myself - Keith Gamble on tenor saxophone and flute. Continuum Jazz Ensemble is scheduled to play the following places:
Baker`s Keyboard Lounge, in Detroit - May 5, 2011, from 7-11:30pm
Baker`s Keyboard Lounge, in Detroit - May 19, 2011, from 7-11:30pm
Scarab Club, in Detroit - June 18, 2011, from 7-11:00pm
SterlingFest, in Sterling Heights, MI - July 28, 2011, from 10am-1:00pm
If you come out, you`re going to hear some exciting music from a wonderful band. Continuum Jazz Ensemble is a must see.
Be on the look-out for our upcoming CD; it should be out by our June 18 Scarab Club performance. If you have purchase my CD - Meaning, Truth, and Understanding (available online at http://www.keithgamblemusic.bandcamp.com/, and Street Corner Music at 26020 Greenfield, Oak Park, MI ) you will hear Continuum Jazz Ensembles` interpretation of my composition Side Effects. We`re looking forward to seeing you at our performances.
Baker`s Keyboard Lounge, in Detroit - May 5, 2011, from 7-11:30pm
Baker`s Keyboard Lounge, in Detroit - May 19, 2011, from 7-11:30pm
Scarab Club, in Detroit - June 18, 2011, from 7-11:00pm
SterlingFest, in Sterling Heights, MI - July 28, 2011, from 10am-1:00pm
If you come out, you`re going to hear some exciting music from a wonderful band. Continuum Jazz Ensemble is a must see.
Be on the look-out for our upcoming CD; it should be out by our June 18 Scarab Club performance. If you have purchase my CD - Meaning, Truth, and Understanding (available online at http://www.keithgamblemusic.bandcamp.com/, and Street Corner Music at 26020 Greenfield, Oak Park, MI ) you will hear Continuum Jazz Ensembles` interpretation of my composition Side Effects. We`re looking forward to seeing you at our performances.
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