Opening Reception: Sunday, January 8, 2-5pm
Bianca Kolonusz-Partee: Countries of Origin
Megan Madzoeff: Cut It Out!
Bianca Kolonusz-Partee
Countries of Origin
January 8 - February 12, 2012
Offramp Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition Bianca Kolonusz-Partee: Countries of Origin from January 8 - February 12, 2012. There will be an opening reception for the artist on Sunday, January 8, from 2-5pm and a closing reception on Sunday, February 12, from 2-5pm.
Bianca Kolonusz-Partee's constructs intricate landscapes of Asian container shipping ports, using recycled product packaging from the sites themselves. Delicately cut, folded, and pinned to the walls with multi-colored map pins, Kolonusz-Partee's constructions become panoramic pastiches of buildings, roadways, cranes and ships. By exploring these industrial landscapes Kolonusz-Partee hopes to better understand where all the "stuff" demanded by the west is really coming from. The environmental and human sacrifices being made in the East’s efforts to rapidly develop are harshly criticized, but demand for their products continues to come from the west.
Bianca Kolonusz-Partee earned her BFA in studio art from Mount Holyoke College and her MFA from Claremont Graduate University. She lives and works in Guerneville, CA.
Megan Madzoeff
Cut It Out!
January 8 - February 12, 2012
Offramp Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition, Megan Madzoeff: Cut It Out!, from January 8 - February 12, 2012. There will be an opening reception for the artist on Sunday, January 8, from 2-5pm and a closing reception on Sunday, February 12, from 2-5pm.
By pouring paint onto polyester film, Megan Madzoeff frees herself from the constraints of traditional canvas or panel and explores the energy, transparency and movement inherent in liquid. Her paintings present the formal and the informal with a dichotomy of serious and humorous perspectives. On the one hand, they refer to color field painting with their graphically aggressive, high-contrast swatches of color. However, simultaneously, their cut edges, bloopy shapes and drips play to the comic spirit. When the work is attached directly to the wall, it produces an absolutely flat painting that appears to hover, physically confronting the viewer to strike up a conversation.
Megan Madzoeff has a BFA from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA and an MFA from Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, CA. She lives and works in Los Angeles, CA.
Offramp Gallery • 1702 Lincoln Avenue • Pasadena, CA 91103 • 626.298.6931
www.offrampgallery.com
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Buried Beds to release concert film and EP
Buried Beds ready the release of their new concert film, Small Stories, and the accompanying EP. Out January 17th, 2012 on Admiral Byrd Records!
The story goes that during the yellow fever epidemic back in the early days of Philadelphia, the city made everybody bury their bed to curb the spread of the disease. Meaning essentially, Philadelphia is built on buried beds. Inspired by this odd, historical bit, Philadelphia-based chamber-poppers, Buried Beds, craft upbeat and off-kilter songs that are as heavily percussive as they are nimbly orchestrated; rife with strange and imagined histories.
Eliza Jones and Brandon Beaver formed Buried Beds as a duo a few years back. Since then, the band has grown into a five piece featuring a raucous mix of big drums, electric guitars, viola, piano and and heavy doses of three-part harmonies that mesh together with a mesmerizing and palpable chemistry. The band's debut album, Empty Rooms, won them many fans and accolades, including "Best Band" in Philadelphia Magazine and a spot on Believer Magazine's yearly music compilation.
In 2011 Buried Beds released their sophomore album, Tremble The Sails. Recorded by Beaver and Jones and mixed by the Spinto Band's Nick Krill, Tremble trades their previous album's delicate banjos for dueling guitars that create a landscape where love, death and your future-self throw a party. Joyful songs like "Breadcrumb Trail" and "Ivory Towers" will transport you, toes-tapping, into visions haunted by regal ancestors, hollow earth, and mystical creatures that give a general feeling that the world is a dark and beautiful place. The lead track 'Steady Hand' was named NPR's Song of the Day and the band was able to showcase their stellar live show on tours with Dr. Dog, Murder By Death, The Head and the Heart, and mewithoutYou.
In the midst of all this action Buried Beds found to time to craft a 32 minute film piece with friend and filmmaker Nate Johnson, entitled Small Stories. Part live performance, part love letter to their hometown and all of the friends and collaborators it contains, Small Stories takes the viewer through one long, steamy July day in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park. The band performs 6 brand new songs in several bucolic locations around Lemon Hill Mansion, an early 1800s summer estate built for a prosperous merchant. Many familiar faces from Philadelphia's vibrant music scene pop up doing handstands, singing backup, or banging on drums. The joy and camaraderie are undeniable, but the music steals the show. The DVD release of Small Stories will occur on January 20, and the film will be sold with an accompanying EP of several live recordings from the film as well as a brand new studio track from the band's next full-length album
The story goes that during the yellow fever epidemic back in the early days of Philadelphia, the city made everybody bury their bed to curb the spread of the disease. Meaning essentially, Philadelphia is built on buried beds. Inspired by this odd, historical bit, Philadelphia-based chamber-poppers, Buried Beds, craft upbeat and off-kilter songs that are as heavily percussive as they are nimbly orchestrated; rife with strange and imagined histories.
Eliza Jones and Brandon Beaver formed Buried Beds as a duo a few years back. Since then, the band has grown into a five piece featuring a raucous mix of big drums, electric guitars, viola, piano and and heavy doses of three-part harmonies that mesh together with a mesmerizing and palpable chemistry. The band's debut album, Empty Rooms, won them many fans and accolades, including "Best Band" in Philadelphia Magazine and a spot on Believer Magazine's yearly music compilation.
In 2011 Buried Beds released their sophomore album, Tremble The Sails. Recorded by Beaver and Jones and mixed by the Spinto Band's Nick Krill, Tremble trades their previous album's delicate banjos for dueling guitars that create a landscape where love, death and your future-self throw a party. Joyful songs like "Breadcrumb Trail" and "Ivory Towers" will transport you, toes-tapping, into visions haunted by regal ancestors, hollow earth, and mystical creatures that give a general feeling that the world is a dark and beautiful place. The lead track 'Steady Hand' was named NPR's Song of the Day and the band was able to showcase their stellar live show on tours with Dr. Dog, Murder By Death, The Head and the Heart, and mewithoutYou.
In the midst of all this action Buried Beds found to time to craft a 32 minute film piece with friend and filmmaker Nate Johnson, entitled Small Stories. Part live performance, part love letter to their hometown and all of the friends and collaborators it contains, Small Stories takes the viewer through one long, steamy July day in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park. The band performs 6 brand new songs in several bucolic locations around Lemon Hill Mansion, an early 1800s summer estate built for a prosperous merchant. Many familiar faces from Philadelphia's vibrant music scene pop up doing handstands, singing backup, or banging on drums. The joy and camaraderie are undeniable, but the music steals the show. The DVD release of Small Stories will occur on January 20, and the film will be sold with an accompanying EP of several live recordings from the film as well as a brand new studio track from the band's next full-length album
Elephant Revival at the Mint in LA Jan. 19
Amidst the tour by indie acoustic quintet Elephant Revival behind its sophomore release, BREAK IN THE CLOUDS (June 2011, Ruff Shod/Nettwerk Records), the band will play in California this month — while buzz for its “finely tuned” songwriting, instrumentation, multi-genre style and free spirit continues to fly along radio waves and across the Internet.
Elephant Revival plays at 9 p.m. Thursday, January 19, at The Mint, 6010 West Pico Blvd. Cover is $10; information: 323.954.2994.
Chicago Sun-Times says, “The melodic, finely tuned songs are a tribute to the collaborative songwriting talents of each band member”: Bonnie Paine (vocals, washboard, djembe and musical saw), Sage Cook (electric banjo/guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, viola and vocals), Dango Rose (double-bass, mandolin, banjo and vocals), Daniel Rodriguez (acoustic guitar, electric banjo/guitar and vocals) and Bridget Law (fiddle and vocals).
Band members play a lot of instruments, but the band goes further than folk with originals that snap and sparkle with elements of traditional balladry, Scottish/Celtic fiddle, psychedelic old-time indie rock, rustic Americana, world beat, ’40s/’50s jazz and hip-hop.
The album was recorded in Lyons, Colo., and was produced by David Tiller (Taarka) in his studio, The Distillery.
“We have elements from many different styles of music. The cohesive quality comes from the honor and respect we hold for each other and our fans.” Rose told Relix magazine, which wrote, “The band’s multi-layered musical style comes from the various musical breeding grounds of its players,” a particular quality that puts Elephant Revival far ahead of the rest of the crowd. “We create in service to the music,” Rose said. “We do not control what it is or what it will become.”
Elephant Revival upcoming shows include:
January 12, Community Concert Hall, Durango, Colo.
January 13 & 14, Sheridan Opera House, Telluride, Colo.
January 15, Crested Butte Center for the Arts, Crested Butte, Colo.
January 16, KTAO Solar Center, Taos, N.M.
January 18, Raven Café, Prescott, Ariz.
January 19, The Mint, Los Angeles
January 21, The Compound Grill, Phoenix, Ariz.
January 27, Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Ann Arbor, Mich.
January 28, Metro, Chicago
For more information, see www.elephantrevival.com
Elephant Revival plays at 9 p.m. Thursday, January 19, at The Mint, 6010 West Pico Blvd. Cover is $10; information: 323.954.2994.
Chicago Sun-Times says, “The melodic, finely tuned songs are a tribute to the collaborative songwriting talents of each band member”: Bonnie Paine (vocals, washboard, djembe and musical saw), Sage Cook (electric banjo/guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin, viola and vocals), Dango Rose (double-bass, mandolin, banjo and vocals), Daniel Rodriguez (acoustic guitar, electric banjo/guitar and vocals) and Bridget Law (fiddle and vocals).
Band members play a lot of instruments, but the band goes further than folk with originals that snap and sparkle with elements of traditional balladry, Scottish/Celtic fiddle, psychedelic old-time indie rock, rustic Americana, world beat, ’40s/’50s jazz and hip-hop.
The album was recorded in Lyons, Colo., and was produced by David Tiller (Taarka) in his studio, The Distillery.
“We have elements from many different styles of music. The cohesive quality comes from the honor and respect we hold for each other and our fans.” Rose told Relix magazine, which wrote, “The band’s multi-layered musical style comes from the various musical breeding grounds of its players,” a particular quality that puts Elephant Revival far ahead of the rest of the crowd. “We create in service to the music,” Rose said. “We do not control what it is or what it will become.”
Elephant Revival upcoming shows include:
January 12, Community Concert Hall, Durango, Colo.
January 13 & 14, Sheridan Opera House, Telluride, Colo.
January 15, Crested Butte Center for the Arts, Crested Butte, Colo.
January 16, KTAO Solar Center, Taos, N.M.
January 18, Raven Café, Prescott, Ariz.
January 19, The Mint, Los Angeles
January 21, The Compound Grill, Phoenix, Ariz.
January 27, Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Ann Arbor, Mich.
January 28, Metro, Chicago
For more information, see www.elephantrevival.com
Jad Fair to release album
Riot Act is very VERY pleased to announce the extra special handling of Jad Fair's upcoming album, Bird House (out on January 24th on Joyful Noise Recordings).
With "Bird House", the legendary Jad Fair has teamed up with prolific French artist Hifiklub and Germany’s kptmichigan to produce some of his most artistically engaging music in years. Best known as the founding member of Half Japanese, and collaborator with a slew of artists including Teenage Fanclub, Yo La Tengo, Sonic Youth, and Daniel Johnston - Jad Fair has firmly established his stature as a pioneer of lo-fi indie rock.
Unlike the traditionally simple, playful style of Half Japanese the new LP, features hypnotic, fluid musicianship alongside Jad Fair's psychologically imbalanced vocal style. Originally recorded for Jad Fair's art exhibition at Le Dojo - Nice in France, this record exemplifies Fair's signature childhood naivety alongside Hifiklub and kptmichigan's ethereal, jazz-leaning experimental indie rock. Having collaborated themselves with the likes of Lee Ranaldo, Andrew W.K., and R Stevie Moore, Hifiklub and kptmichigan bring a level of sonic mastery to this album which balances the otherwise unruly Jad Fair. The end result is a strangely listenable blend of atmospherically tempered experimentalism.
Bird House is limited to a one-time pressing of just 300 hand-numbered 12" records. This single-sided LP features original Jad Fair artwork which is screen-printed directly on Side B of the record, and is packaged in a picture-disc sleeve. The first 45 copies are pressed on translucent gold vinyl with black ink, and 255 copies are pressed on translucent yellow vinyl with red ink. The album is set to be released on January 24th, and can be pre-ordered directly from the label.
With "Bird House", the legendary Jad Fair has teamed up with prolific French artist Hifiklub and Germany’s kptmichigan to produce some of his most artistically engaging music in years. Best known as the founding member of Half Japanese, and collaborator with a slew of artists including Teenage Fanclub, Yo La Tengo, Sonic Youth, and Daniel Johnston - Jad Fair has firmly established his stature as a pioneer of lo-fi indie rock.
Unlike the traditionally simple, playful style of Half Japanese the new LP, features hypnotic, fluid musicianship alongside Jad Fair's psychologically imbalanced vocal style. Originally recorded for Jad Fair's art exhibition at Le Dojo - Nice in France, this record exemplifies Fair's signature childhood naivety alongside Hifiklub and kptmichigan's ethereal, jazz-leaning experimental indie rock. Having collaborated themselves with the likes of Lee Ranaldo, Andrew W.K., and R Stevie Moore, Hifiklub and kptmichigan bring a level of sonic mastery to this album which balances the otherwise unruly Jad Fair. The end result is a strangely listenable blend of atmospherically tempered experimentalism.
Bird House is limited to a one-time pressing of just 300 hand-numbered 12" records. This single-sided LP features original Jad Fair artwork which is screen-printed directly on Side B of the record, and is packaged in a picture-disc sleeve. The first 45 copies are pressed on translucent gold vinyl with black ink, and 255 copies are pressed on translucent yellow vinyl with red ink. The album is set to be released on January 24th, and can be pre-ordered directly from the label.
Rick Shea in Claremont Jan. 7, I See Hawks in LA Jan. 21
Rick Shea & Mary McCaslin Saturday, January 7th 7:30pm (doors @ 7) $12
Two captivating folksingers, Rick Shea and Mary McCaslin, bring to the stage their solo talents, then join forces for a set of music from Mary's famed duo with the late Jim Ringer, featuring songs from their landmark 1978 album, The Bramble & the Rose.
Visit Rick Shea's website http://www.rickshea.net
Visit Mary's website http://www.marymccaslin.com/
I see Hawks in LA January 21st 7:30pm (doors @7) $12
"There haven't been many bands like I See Hawks in L.A. The group favors the kind of legitimate Stetson-wearing country music you find in 'Nice Price' cassette bins at truck stops along I-5. Of course, what's exceptional about I See Hawks isn't its iconoclastic approach to the L.A. music scene but the quality of its music. The recent California Country is indicative of its whole catalog: bass and drums like a two-step, lap steel paints a constant sunset, and lonesome prairie harmonies ring throughout, charging the poetic lyrics with a universal, approachable quality."--THE ONION
Visit Hawk's website http://www.iseehawks.com/
*call (909)624-2928 for tickets & info..
http://folkmusiccenter.com/
FOLK MUSIC CENTER 220 YALE AVE. CLAREMONT
Two captivating folksingers, Rick Shea and Mary McCaslin, bring to the stage their solo talents, then join forces for a set of music from Mary's famed duo with the late Jim Ringer, featuring songs from their landmark 1978 album, The Bramble & the Rose.
Visit Rick Shea's website http://www.rickshea.net
Visit Mary's website http://www.marymccaslin.com/
I see Hawks in LA January 21st 7:30pm (doors @7) $12
"There haven't been many bands like I See Hawks in L.A. The group favors the kind of legitimate Stetson-wearing country music you find in 'Nice Price' cassette bins at truck stops along I-5. Of course, what's exceptional about I See Hawks isn't its iconoclastic approach to the L.A. music scene but the quality of its music. The recent California Country is indicative of its whole catalog: bass and drums like a two-step, lap steel paints a constant sunset, and lonesome prairie harmonies ring throughout, charging the poetic lyrics with a universal, approachable quality."--THE ONION
Visit Hawk's website http://www.iseehawks.com/
*call (909)624-2928 for tickets & info..
http://folkmusiccenter.com/
FOLK MUSIC CENTER 220 YALE AVE. CLAREMONT
Ted Neeley & the Little Big Band in Ventura Jan. 20-29
The Film, Broadway and National Tour Star of
Jesus Christ Superstar Premieres his New Concert with the Company He Helped Launch in California:
“Ted Neeley and The Little Big Band”
Debuts Jan. 20 - 29 at Rubicon Theatre
Ted Neeley, best known as the star of the Norman Jewison film of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” as well as the Broadway and National Tours, helped launch Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre Company back in 1998. He starred in the then-fledgling Rubicon’s first production -- a concert version of that same show at the Majestic Theatre fourteen years ago. Initially announced for two performances only in the 1,400-seat venue, Rubicon’s Superstar quickly sold-out, a third show was added, and Rubicon Theatre Company was born. Each performance received a standing ovation. Critics from both the Ventura County Star and The Reporter summed up Neeley’s performance in one word: “stellar.”
Neeley returns to the company his talent helped christen next month with the debut of his new concert, “Ted Neeley and The Little Big Band,” an up-close-and-personal musical event which previews January 20, opens January 21, and continues for a limited run through January 29 in Rubicon’s intimate 190-seat home in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District.
Neeley will tell a few anecdotes about his career and will sing in a variety of styles and genres, representing his own eclectic musical passions. Neeley will sing folk and pop hits by his favorite songwriters of the past few decades (both electric and acoustic); perform highlights from rock musicals such as Tommy, Hair, Sgt. Pepper’s… and Superstar; offer excerpts from his film scores for Robert Altman and others; and premiere new, never-before-heard compositions from shows he’s developing for future production. Neeley will be backed by a “little” five-piece band of instrumentalists with big talents.
Tickets are now on sale and may be purchased with cash, check or charge through the Rubicon Box Office at 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001 (Laurel entrance). To charge by phone, call (805) 667-2900 during normal box office hours (Noon to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Noon to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday). Specific seats may also be selected and purchased online 24-hours-a-day through the company’s website: www.rubicontheatre.org.
Jesus Christ Superstar Premieres his New Concert with the Company He Helped Launch in California:
“Ted Neeley and The Little Big Band”
Debuts Jan. 20 - 29 at Rubicon Theatre
Ted Neeley, best known as the star of the Norman Jewison film of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” as well as the Broadway and National Tours, helped launch Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre Company back in 1998. He starred in the then-fledgling Rubicon’s first production -- a concert version of that same show at the Majestic Theatre fourteen years ago. Initially announced for two performances only in the 1,400-seat venue, Rubicon’s Superstar quickly sold-out, a third show was added, and Rubicon Theatre Company was born. Each performance received a standing ovation. Critics from both the Ventura County Star and The Reporter summed up Neeley’s performance in one word: “stellar.”
Neeley returns to the company his talent helped christen next month with the debut of his new concert, “Ted Neeley and The Little Big Band,” an up-close-and-personal musical event which previews January 20, opens January 21, and continues for a limited run through January 29 in Rubicon’s intimate 190-seat home in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District.
Neeley will tell a few anecdotes about his career and will sing in a variety of styles and genres, representing his own eclectic musical passions. Neeley will sing folk and pop hits by his favorite songwriters of the past few decades (both electric and acoustic); perform highlights from rock musicals such as Tommy, Hair, Sgt. Pepper’s… and Superstar; offer excerpts from his film scores for Robert Altman and others; and premiere new, never-before-heard compositions from shows he’s developing for future production. Neeley will be backed by a “little” five-piece band of instrumentalists with big talents.
Tickets are now on sale and may be purchased with cash, check or charge through the Rubicon Box Office at 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001 (Laurel entrance). To charge by phone, call (805) 667-2900 during normal box office hours (Noon to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Noon to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday). Specific seats may also be selected and purchased online 24-hours-a-day through the company’s website: www.rubicontheatre.org.
Freemake Music Box app released
There's new Windows software which lets users worldwide search for music online, play tracks and create playlists. No registration, limits or geo-restrictions. Later on, Freemake Music Box will be enriched with online version and applications for iPad, iPhone, Android.
Intro video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Igv0LIHE5KY
Freemake Music Box provides a fast way to find and stream legally posted online music to user's computer. The free tool delivers music search results sorted by artist, album or specific songs. Due to integrated powerful search algorythm Freemake Music Box can find a certain song using a broad word combination a user puts into a program search bar.
The application allows users to organize found music into playlists which can be edited, removed or renamed. For more convenience Freemake Music Box automatically saves playlists in the program intact so next time a user starts the program, he will find all his built playlists in the same order.
Together with search functionality, Freemake Music Box 0.9 gives control over found music and features an inbuilt music player which rewinds, loops, stops or skips selected tracks. If available, Freemake Music Box displays music clips in a separate window which can be set as hidden upon user's choice.
Vladimir Mikhailov, the Product Development Head says: "Our main idea that stands behind Freemake Music Box was to provide users with simple solution to the task where and how to find free internet music. With future versions we're going to turn online music listening into complete and perfect experience".
Freemake Music Box is in its early stage and planned to get its fully featured web based version, playlists syncronization between computers and mobile gadgets and iOS/Android applications.
About Freemake Music Box
Freemake Music Box is a free music application for online music search and listening. Freemake Music Box runs under Windows XP/Vista/7 and requires Microsoft .NET for proper functioning.
The software is available at http://www.freemake.com/free_music_box/
Intro video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Igv0LIHE5KY
Freemake Music Box provides a fast way to find and stream legally posted online music to user's computer. The free tool delivers music search results sorted by artist, album or specific songs. Due to integrated powerful search algorythm Freemake Music Box can find a certain song using a broad word combination a user puts into a program search bar.
The application allows users to organize found music into playlists which can be edited, removed or renamed. For more convenience Freemake Music Box automatically saves playlists in the program intact so next time a user starts the program, he will find all his built playlists in the same order.
Together with search functionality, Freemake Music Box 0.9 gives control over found music and features an inbuilt music player which rewinds, loops, stops or skips selected tracks. If available, Freemake Music Box displays music clips in a separate window which can be set as hidden upon user's choice.
Vladimir Mikhailov, the Product Development Head says: "Our main idea that stands behind Freemake Music Box was to provide users with simple solution to the task where and how to find free internet music. With future versions we're going to turn online music listening into complete and perfect experience".
Freemake Music Box is in its early stage and planned to get its fully featured web based version, playlists syncronization between computers and mobile gadgets and iOS/Android applications.
About Freemake Music Box
Freemake Music Box is a free music application for online music search and listening. Freemake Music Box runs under Windows XP/Vista/7 and requires Microsoft .NET for proper functioning.
The software is available at http://www.freemake.com/free_music_box/
"Blues- Philosophy for Everyone" at bookstores
THE PASSION. THE HUMOR.
THE SORROW. THE JOY.
THE CATHARSIS.
THE MUSIC.
BLUES
PHILOSOPHY FOR EVERYONE
THINKING DEEP ABOUT FEELING LOW
There is no easy way to define the blues.
The blues takes your breath away. The blues is reparative and transformative. It is anguished and cathartic. Life-affirming. Empowering. The blues is a way of feeling life, the world, and yourself. The blues is a cultural phenomenon. It is cultural expression. The blues is a legacy. The blues is eternal, wonderful magic. The blues is so many things to so many people, so it stands to reason that the blues and philosophy are close kin.
This month, Wiley-Blackwell offers its latest—and perhaps most soul-satisfying—addition to its extremely popular Philosophy for Everyone series. “BLUES—Philosophy for Everyone: Thinking Deep About Feeling Low”, Edited by Jesse R. Steinberg and Abrol Fairweather, Foreword by Bruce Iglauer (Wiley-Blackwell, December 12, 2011) provides reflections, ruminations, and dissections of the blues, as both a form of music and as a force for good.
The pitch-bending and finger-picking of Sam Lightnin’ Hopkins, Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Mississippi John Hurt, Son House, Howlin’ Wolf, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Albert King, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells and Robert Johnson transformed music and culture forever. They inspired fans and luminary rock musicians like Eric Clapton, Jimmie Page and Keith Richards. They provided the most powerful voices that we have that evoke the common experiences of oppression, emotional trauma, loss, adversity, tragedy, and the disappointments of living.
The blues represents the shared subtext of an afflicted people. The songs are the expressions of the common tribulations of the human condition. And the music ain’t so bad either.
BLUES also covers:
* The essential characteristics of a blues number
* The distinction between the blues as form and the blues as expression
* The blues as a platform to communicate to others for emotional release, comfort, and support.
* Live performance vs. written scores
* The relationship between black gospel and blues music.
* The complex response to contemporary blues.
* The female voices of the blues and where their place is in the genre.
* The catharsis of the Blues.
* Religion and the blues
* The acceptability of “white” blues
* The cultural exploitation of the Blues, by rock-and-roll and other entities.
The blues redefined genius and pushed the boundaries of what impact music could have on a people. BLUES—Philosophy for Everyone delves into the genre, examines every aspect, and thinks deep about feeling low.
“We invite you to engage your mind and your soul as you read the philosophical
investigations into the blues collected here. You can approach these essays
musically, culturally, historically, racially, emotionally, or religiously.”
ABOUT THE EDITORS
Jesse Steinberg is currently an assistant professor of philosophy and the director of the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. He has published articles on a range of topics including philosophy of mind, metaphysics, and moral philosophy. Jesse has played guitar in various blues bands over the years, has attended numerous blues festivals, and is an all-around blues fanatic.
Abrol Fairweather teaches philosophy in the Bay Area (University of San Francisco, San Francisco State, Las Positas College) and has published in the area of virtue epistemology. In addition to his interest in various intellectual excellences, he has published on more-popular topics including Facebook and philosophy, and Dexter and philosophy. A number of years ago, Willow told him to ‘check out Mississippi John Hurt’ and that was it; it was all over—he done sold his soul to the blues.
BLUES—Philosophy for Everyone: Thinking Deep Avout Feeling Low
Editor: Jesse R. Steinberg and Abrol Fairweather; Foreword by Bruce Iglauer
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Format: Paperback Original; 220 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0-470-65680-8
Publication Date: December 2011
THE SORROW. THE JOY.
THE CATHARSIS.
THE MUSIC.
BLUES
PHILOSOPHY FOR EVERYONE
THINKING DEEP ABOUT FEELING LOW
There is no easy way to define the blues.
The blues takes your breath away. The blues is reparative and transformative. It is anguished and cathartic. Life-affirming. Empowering. The blues is a way of feeling life, the world, and yourself. The blues is a cultural phenomenon. It is cultural expression. The blues is a legacy. The blues is eternal, wonderful magic. The blues is so many things to so many people, so it stands to reason that the blues and philosophy are close kin.
This month, Wiley-Blackwell offers its latest—and perhaps most soul-satisfying—addition to its extremely popular Philosophy for Everyone series. “BLUES—Philosophy for Everyone: Thinking Deep About Feeling Low”, Edited by Jesse R. Steinberg and Abrol Fairweather, Foreword by Bruce Iglauer (Wiley-Blackwell, December 12, 2011) provides reflections, ruminations, and dissections of the blues, as both a form of music and as a force for good.
The pitch-bending and finger-picking of Sam Lightnin’ Hopkins, Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Mississippi John Hurt, Son House, Howlin’ Wolf, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Albert King, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells and Robert Johnson transformed music and culture forever. They inspired fans and luminary rock musicians like Eric Clapton, Jimmie Page and Keith Richards. They provided the most powerful voices that we have that evoke the common experiences of oppression, emotional trauma, loss, adversity, tragedy, and the disappointments of living.
The blues represents the shared subtext of an afflicted people. The songs are the expressions of the common tribulations of the human condition. And the music ain’t so bad either.
BLUES also covers:
* The essential characteristics of a blues number
* The distinction between the blues as form and the blues as expression
* The blues as a platform to communicate to others for emotional release, comfort, and support.
* Live performance vs. written scores
* The relationship between black gospel and blues music.
* The complex response to contemporary blues.
* The female voices of the blues and where their place is in the genre.
* The catharsis of the Blues.
* Religion and the blues
* The acceptability of “white” blues
* The cultural exploitation of the Blues, by rock-and-roll and other entities.
The blues redefined genius and pushed the boundaries of what impact music could have on a people. BLUES—Philosophy for Everyone delves into the genre, examines every aspect, and thinks deep about feeling low.
“We invite you to engage your mind and your soul as you read the philosophical
investigations into the blues collected here. You can approach these essays
musically, culturally, historically, racially, emotionally, or religiously.”
ABOUT THE EDITORS
Jesse Steinberg is currently an assistant professor of philosophy and the director of the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. He has published articles on a range of topics including philosophy of mind, metaphysics, and moral philosophy. Jesse has played guitar in various blues bands over the years, has attended numerous blues festivals, and is an all-around blues fanatic.
Abrol Fairweather teaches philosophy in the Bay Area (University of San Francisco, San Francisco State, Las Positas College) and has published in the area of virtue epistemology. In addition to his interest in various intellectual excellences, he has published on more-popular topics including Facebook and philosophy, and Dexter and philosophy. A number of years ago, Willow told him to ‘check out Mississippi John Hurt’ and that was it; it was all over—he done sold his soul to the blues.
BLUES—Philosophy for Everyone: Thinking Deep Avout Feeling Low
Editor: Jesse R. Steinberg and Abrol Fairweather; Foreword by Bruce Iglauer
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Format: Paperback Original; 220 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0-470-65680-8
Publication Date: December 2011
Barry Big B Brenner performances this week
Barry Big B Brenner
this week at ...
********* ********* ********* *********
Sonny McLean’s Pub
TUESDAY NIGHT
JANUARY 3rd from 8:30-11:30pm
2615 Wilshire Blvd.
SANTA MONICA
(310) 449-1811
http://www.sonnymcleans.com
********* ********* ********* *********
Firefly Bistro
THURSDAY NIGHT
BURGERS, BEERS & BLUES
January 5th from 6-9pm
SUNDAY MORNING
BLUES BRUNCH
JANUARY 8th from 11am-2pm
1009 El Centro Street
SOUTH PASADENA
(626) 441-2443
http://www.eatatfirefly.com
********* ********* ********* *********
For a Complete List of Big B’s Upcoming Shows,
Go to...
SHOWS http://www.myspace.com/barrybigbbrenner/shows
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/BigBBrenner
YOUTUBE http://www.youtube.com/bluesriff
WEBSITE http://www.bigbbrenner.com
this week at ...
********* ********* ********* *********
Sonny McLean’s Pub
TUESDAY NIGHT
JANUARY 3rd from 8:30-11:30pm
2615 Wilshire Blvd.
SANTA MONICA
(310) 449-1811
http://www.sonnymcleans.com
********* ********* ********* *********
Firefly Bistro
THURSDAY NIGHT
BURGERS, BEERS & BLUES
January 5th from 6-9pm
SUNDAY MORNING
BLUES BRUNCH
JANUARY 8th from 11am-2pm
1009 El Centro Street
SOUTH PASADENA
(626) 441-2443
http://www.eatatfirefly.com
********* ********* ********* *********
For a Complete List of Big B’s Upcoming Shows,
Go to...
SHOWS http://www.myspace.com/barrybigbbrenner/shows
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/BigBBrenner
YOUTUBE http://www.youtube.com/bluesriff
WEBSITE http://www.bigbbrenner.com
Afro Funke Thursdays in Santa Monica
Afro Funké
WEEKLY FUNK INVOCATION
------------------:~0~:---------------------
Afrobeat, Brazilian, Dub, Reggae, Cumbia,
Samba Disco, Batucada, Afro-Latin House,
Indian Beats, Makossa & other deep-rooted
Funk music from around the world
---------------------:~0~:---------------------
Thursday, January 5, 2012
AFRO FUNKE' SOUND SYSTEM
featuring:
resident deejay:
JEREMY SOLE
(KCRW / TheLift / Musaics)
www.kcrw.com/jeremysole
www.facebook.com/jeremysolefamily
www.twitter.com/jeremysole
www.soundcloud.com/jeremysole
resident deejay:
GLENN RED
(Afro Funke' / Eclectica)
www.glennred.com
www.facebook.com/glenn.red
+
TRIBAL SESSIONS w/ AMIR
(Body Marking & Photography)
Amir Magal is a Local Venice Artist, Photographer, and Friend who has been part of the Afro Funké Tribe
for years. His New Art form of Tribal Body Markings has become a powerful movement. This Movement is an
initiation backto our roots through the oldest art form of body adornment.
Be Live Art: Calm, Grounded, and Beautiful.
We are thrilled to have Amir bless Afro Funke' with TRIBAL SESSIONS™
( $10 donation to artist appreciated)
"Uniting the Tribe one Mark at a time"™
www.amirmagal.com
host / co:founder:
ROCKY DAWUNI
*Current album "Hymns for the Rebel Soul" on ITunes!
www.rockydawuni.com
www.sonicbids.com/rockydawuni
www.facebook.com/rockydawuni
afro funke' co:founder, booker, photographer & producer:
CARY SULLIVAN
www.myspace.com/carysullivan
www.facebook.com/afrofunke
---------------------:~0~:--------------------
Afro Funke' Thursdays
Zanzibar
1301 5th Street @ Arizona
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.451.2221 / 21+ (EVERYONE must have ID)
9pm - 2am / $7 beofore 10:30pm - $10 after
(NO CREDIT CARDS FOR COVER !!
Please bring cash or there is ATM in building)
www.zanzibarlive.com
www.myspace.com/afrofunke
www.afrofunke.com
*AFRO FUNKE' is now on Twitter! Please follow us!!
www.twitter.com/afrofunke
---------------------:~0~:---------------------
***UPCOMING***
Thursday, January 12, 2012
DJ GOZAR
(Subsuelo)
www.jweisscreative.com/creative/dj-gozar/
WEEKLY FUNK INVOCATION
------------------:~0~:---------------------
Afrobeat, Brazilian, Dub, Reggae, Cumbia,
Samba Disco, Batucada, Afro-Latin House,
Indian Beats, Makossa & other deep-rooted
Funk music from around the world
---------------------:~0~:---------------------
Thursday, January 5, 2012
AFRO FUNKE' SOUND SYSTEM
featuring:
resident deejay:
JEREMY SOLE
(KCRW / TheLift / Musaics)
www.kcrw.com/jeremysole
www.facebook.com/jeremysolefamily
www.twitter.com/jeremysole
www.soundcloud.com/jeremysole
resident deejay:
GLENN RED
(Afro Funke' / Eclectica)
www.glennred.com
www.facebook.com/glenn.red
+
TRIBAL SESSIONS w/ AMIR
(Body Marking & Photography)
Amir Magal is a Local Venice Artist, Photographer, and Friend who has been part of the Afro Funké Tribe
for years. His New Art form of Tribal Body Markings has become a powerful movement. This Movement is an
initiation backto our roots through the oldest art form of body adornment.
Be Live Art: Calm, Grounded, and Beautiful.
We are thrilled to have Amir bless Afro Funke' with TRIBAL SESSIONS™
( $10 donation to artist appreciated)
"Uniting the Tribe one Mark at a time"™
www.amirmagal.com
host / co:founder:
ROCKY DAWUNI
*Current album "Hymns for the Rebel Soul" on ITunes!
www.rockydawuni.com
www.sonicbids.com/rockydawuni
www.facebook.com/rockydawuni
afro funke' co:founder, booker, photographer & producer:
CARY SULLIVAN
www.myspace.com/carysullivan
www.facebook.com/afrofunke
---------------------:~0~:--------------------
Afro Funke' Thursdays
Zanzibar
1301 5th Street @ Arizona
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.451.2221 / 21+ (EVERYONE must have ID)
9pm - 2am / $7 beofore 10:30pm - $10 after
(NO CREDIT CARDS FOR COVER !!
Please bring cash or there is ATM in building)
www.zanzibarlive.com
www.myspace.com/afrofunke
www.afrofunke.com
*AFRO FUNKE' is now on Twitter! Please follow us!!
www.twitter.com/afrofunke
---------------------:~0~:---------------------
***UPCOMING***
Thursday, January 12, 2012
DJ GOZAR
(Subsuelo)
www.jweisscreative.com/creative/dj-gozar/
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