The Screen St Ives film for July was Senna. Since I somehow missed this documentary when first released, I was very pleased to catch-up with it at this friendly community cinema. I have very little interest in sport - one reason I probably didn't rush out to see the film on release - but this documentary … Continue reading A brief look at documentary…
Month: July 2012
Ben Webster – Stan Tracey: Soho Nights Vol 2
It’s an irresistible combination: thanks to a new release of previously unissued tracks we can witness the pairing of two giants of jazz - the great American tenor saxophonist Ben Webster and the magnificent British pianist Stan Tracey. This second volume featuring these two musicians, both recorded live at Ronnie Scotts' club in London, is … Continue reading Ben Webster – Stan Tracey: Soho Nights Vol 2
Bobby Wellins – Birds of Brazil
Good news! The website of top British saxophonist Bobby Wellins reports that:- Bobby’s CD, Birds of Brazil, recorded in 1989 and long unavailable has been re-released by HEP records. Just checking out who's in Bobby's quartet on this album lets you know that you're in for some quality jazz: there's the late great Pete Jacobsen … Continue reading Bobby Wellins – Birds of Brazil
A fleeting glance at Take Care of your Scarf, Tatjana…
One of my favourite films by Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki, and a brilliant example of how less is more. This is a black and white, ultra deadpan, minimalist comedy which, below its surface, has an abundance of heart. Lana Wilson in Senses of Cinema:- A’60s road comedy about two middle-aged men in a vintage Cadillac … Continue reading A fleeting glance at Take Care of your Scarf, Tatjana…
The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie…
Bunuel's classic 1972 film has been re-released, and comes to the Arts Picturehouse in Cambridge this week. Having recently re-watched it on DVD, I found it as strange and compelling as ever; it doesn't seem to lose its potency, if anything I find it more intriguing as I get older. Even though on the surface … Continue reading The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie…
The melancholy beauty of Vaughan Williams’ 5th symphony…
I'm looking forward to this Prom concert on 16 August which features three consecutive Ralph Vaughan Williams symphonies, played by the Scottish Symphony Orchestra. For those more familiar with RVW through the pastoral beauty of The Lark Ascending, the concert may come as a shock, beginning as it does with the explosively aggressive opening statement … Continue reading The melancholy beauty of Vaughan Williams’ 5th symphony…
when curiosity threatens 