Tuesday, January 22, 2013

My A-ha Moment

Interviewing Sir Paul from A-ha, September 2005, NYC.
Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.
Thanks to everyone who tuned into my radio show, Chrysalis Dreams: 30 Years of A-ha last night. Produced with and aired on WEXT in Albany, New York, the two-hour special allowed me the opportunity to look back on the career of the music group A-ha, who has always been one of my favorite bands... ok, make that the favorite!

The response to the program was fantastic, both locally and internationally. I heard from people from as far away as New Orleans, Quebec, London, Ireland, Norway and Korea... it was pretty wild. I think the station underestimated the appeal of the show and, unfortunately, there were many potential listeners who complained about not managing to access the online stream since it was so busy. According to the station's Facebook page, they promise to rebroadcast the show again soon. If you are interested, please drop them a line to let them know what you think.

Personally, it meant a great deal to be able to share this music with listeners, and hear some of my favorite songs on North American radio for the first time! I found myself getting choked up a couple times during the first hour, because I have such a history with these songs... honestly, they helped me get through some pretty tough times during high school and college. 

With that amount of passion, it has irked me that I have often had to explain such devotion. As I described during the special, A-ha's music has always touched a special nerve within me. These are heartfelt songs, with lyrics frequently tending towards the introverted... so maybe not everyone gets it. I think a larger problem here in the U.S., is that there just hasn't been the ongoing exposure− I have interviewed enough bands over the years to know that promotion is a big part of sustaining a popular music career. Whether it was the fault of the record company or the band, who felt misunderstood and pushed in a certain direction, it's a shame that more people are not aware of the true genius of A-ha's musical output. Hopefully my special, which helps me further shape the template of my video documentary, could help with that.


A couple weeks ago I heard an interesting story on NPR, about a new book called What Are You Doing Here? Music writer Laina Dawes is a huge heavy metal fan, who just happens to be black. In her book, she describes the resistance she has had to endure because her gender and ethnicity don't fit the preconceived notion of who should be listening to that particular style of music. Buying into that stereotype, it might be far less surprising to hear that someone like me (young, white male) was into heavy metal... even though the genre has never really grabbed me.

It was interesting to hear about the difficulty that Dawes has experienced over the years from both white and black communities. Unfortunately, it reinforces this idea of fragmented subcultures, particularly when it comes to music. This quote from the author during the NPR interview really resonated with me: "I think it's just made me a stronger person. Things that you find that you are really passionate about, they usually don't come easy to you. I've had experiences at concerts and shows that have really hurt me and have really made me think, 'why am I doing this again? What's the point?' And really what it comes down to is the music. It makes me feel so good that I'm willing to put up with the occasional challenging experience..."

To that I say "Amen!... and A-ha!"

Related Links:




Sunday, January 20, 2013

Dreams To Remember

Who says they don't like Mondays? I'm certainly looking forward to tomorrow! 

First off, it's Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time to honor the memory of the influential civil rights leader. This year marks the 50th anniversary of his historic "I have a dream" speech, and in a world torn by violence and strife, the words continue to find relevance:

"In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force."


A-ha performing at the Nobel Peace Concert, December 11, 1998,
Oslo, Norway. Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.
Listening to the speech again, I'm struck by its power and poetry. How pleased would Dr. King be to know that this year, on the holiday celebrating his birth, we would also be ushering in the second term of President Barack Obama, the first African-American President of the United States? Progress may be painfully slow coming at times, but it's nice to have such moments to offer perspective.

Continuing on the theme of achievements, I will be returning to the radio airwaves tomorrow night starting at 6 p.m. ET to host a two-hour retrospective of the musical career of the band A-ha. Airing on Albany, New York radio station WEXT, Chrysalis Dreams: 30 Years of A-ha looks at three talented musicians from Norway, who grew up during a time when the small Scandinavian country basically discouraged its artists from thinking they could make it abroad. Moving to London in 1983, A-ha would go on to top the worldwide charts, sell over 35 million albums, and achieve numerous world records and awards, including a knighthood late last year in Norway! The band certainly was pivotal during my transition from childhood to adulthood... you could say I had a chrysalis dream! I truly look forward to catching listeners up on their fascinating musical career:



And yet for all the achievements, the struggle continues for us... whether it be for personal freedoms, artistic expression, or making your own way in life. Thank God we have no shortage of inspired leaders and artists to remind us of what is possible.

Related Links:

The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change 

"Inside Obama's Presidency," Frontline, PBS

Chrysalis Dreams: 30 Years of A-ha, Exit 97.7 WEXT

"Obama sworn in to second term, faces new challenges," CNN, January 20, 2013

Poetic License Festival, featuring "Obamatry"

Friday, January 18, 2013

Dream Myself Alive

Thank God it's third Friday... that means it's time for another gig with the Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe! This is our first show of what looks to be a busy year, with new faces and venues to liven things up. Tonight's show is once again at the Spectrum Playhouse in Lee, MA, starting at 7:30 p.m. Come in from the cold and enjoy some laughs on us... visit our website for information on more shows in the near future.

Also on the horizon, I have an exciting new theater venture I'm involved with in Schenectady. It's early days now, but I'll be sure to post more information soon. 

Promo on WEXT's website: exit977.org
The biggest news of the moment is that my A-ha tribute show is finally airing next Monday, January 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. (eastern time) on Albany, New York radio station WEXT! Chrysalis Dreams: 30 Years of A-ha will tell the story of the Norwegian band's interesting history (from a uniquely American perspective). If you're outside of the Capital Region you can tune into a live stream of the broadcast on the station's website (you might consider downloading their app as well, since there has been quite a bit of interest in the program already). While you're on their website, swing over to the WEXT home page and check out the nice write-up about the show... you can even enter to win a special prize (if you live in the area that is)! I'm very excited about this broadcast, and looking forward to catching up listeners on the band's long and successful career--we'll look at groundbreaking videos, Guinness World Records, knighthood(!) and, of course, the music.

Related Links:



Sunday, January 13, 2013

New Year, New Heroics

A "captive" audience enjoys my exhibition video for
Heroes & Villains at Norman Rockwell Museum.
Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.
Hi again. We're already at the middle of January... can you believe it? I've been keeping busy as usual. This month actually marks my twelfth year of working in the Communications/Marketing department at Norman Rockwell Museum... I know, that's a long time. 

So I have been continuing to give quite a few direct interviews lately. Last week saw me as a live guest on Kingston, New York's WKNY Radio, talking about the Museum's latest offerings; and this weekend YNN News in the Capital Region is airing a segment about the Heroes & Villains exhibition, which includes an interview with yours truly. You can find the link here, but I think you need a Time Warner account to pull up the video.

Speaking of video, without further ado... here is the short documentary I created for Norman Rockwell Museum's exhibition of Heroes & Villains: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross:



I'm happy with the way this one came out, and the way that I succeeded in working on it alongside other duties for the Museum. Being a one-man band, these productions usually take quite a bit of time to do right, and I don't always have that luxury while managing the press department. In the past I have nearly "killed" myself, working literally non-stop from work and outside work to produce such videos... but this time I followed the methods that seemed to work in the past, and simply made revisions along the way. Hence, you are finally seeing a version I consider "complete."

Another great kick for me the other day was to finally see the movie trailer I created for the exhibition. It is currently playing before all main features at both the Beacon and Triplex Cinemas in the Berkshires, and what a thrill it was to see it unfold on the big screen (I even heard a few gasps of excitement from the audience!). I think Ross' artwork really lends itself to the movies... very cinematic.



On the topic of comic books, I finally caught up with some recent copies I had lying around. I have to say, I am not a fan with what they are doing with Spider-Man (artwork or story). Last month they published the last few issues of the long-running Amazing Spider-Man title. Leading up to the final issue of #700 (spoiler alert) was the revelation that Spidey's old foe, Doctor Octopus, had actually switched bodies with the web-slinger. Doc Ock was actually on his deathbed... which meant that it was actually Peter Parker who was on life support (I know, only in comics). The whole story line was very intriguing, but ultimately disappointing as the last issue revealed that Parker had actually died. The new "superior" Spider-Man is a version of Peter Parker who actually has the mind of Otto Octavius... with all of Parker's memories, but essentially a new character... still with me? Meh. It's like New Coke... why tamper with perfection?

Hey you, get off of my wall!... Keeping Spidey real
at Norman Rockwell Museum.
Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.
Of course no one stays "dead" forever in comic books, so I'm sure if enough people disagree with the direction, the real Peter Parker will be back. However, I think they have harmed the overall story line for one of the seminal superhero characters... as if the Clone Saga, One More Day, and Brand New Day messes weren't bad enough! 

I remember talking with Alex Ross back in October about the challenges of sustaining comic book continuity. Played out in real-time (from the point of his first appearance), Spidey would be in his mid-60s by now... so unless you're going to write him as a much older character, you've got a problem. What is the solution... keep revising the history? Rebooting the series for new generations, or keeping the story line very much set in a particular time period? I might favor the latter. There is actually a comic book workshop coming up at a school in the area, which I'm thinking about signing up for... giving the old visual storytelling chops a workout. Whether you are working on ongoing stories in film or comics, I think that a clean narrative is essential, and there are probably smarter ways to work around such issues in a work of fiction (i.e. Terry Moore's books, which my wife loves).

Anyway, the Heroes & Villains exhibition continues at the Museum through February 24, and I am still finding new details in Ross' artwork that surprise me. As for the amazing Spider-Man, I am scheduled to don my Spidey suit once again for the Museum to accompany some upcoming programming... but believe me, I'll be portraying the classic Stan Lee/Steve Ditko version of "Peter Parker," not some cheap imposter... because ain't nothing like the "real thing!"

Related Links:

"Comics in the Classroom," YNN News, January 12, 2013

"Events in landmark 'Spider-Man' issue have fans in a frenzy," CNN, December 31, 2012

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

So... Where Were We?

I woke up this morning to the news that after more than a decade, musician David Bowie had finally released a new song (appropriately titled "Where Are We Now?") on this... his 66th birthday!

Being a fan, I was excited to give this a listen...



... but actually clicked it off less than a minute into it. 


A very gloomy, downbeat song after all this time, and definitely not what I expected. Sure, I am used to Bowie venturing into some odd sonic territories... at his best, that's what makes him David Bowie! But at first, second, and third listen, there is something very awkward and dreary about this one... makes it hard to listen to (not unlike the latest from fellow rock veterans Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones). 

I will say that Bowie earns points for continuing to be experimental. Apparently the song deals with the city of Berlin, where the artist lived in the late 70s, and perhaps looks at how much he and the city have changed since that time (it has a very regretful, sad feeling to it).

Following his tremendous rise in early '70s, Bowie moved to Berlin, Germany, to exorcise his rock and roll excesses, which included a heavy drug addiction. He recorded three very interesting, experimental albums with producer Brian Eno (Low, Heroes, and Lodger), and set the template for much of the electronic sound and style that would emerge in the 1980s. Listening to the song (and watching the video) from that perspective, I am somewhat more sympathetic... it gets better towards the end actually. There is a very heavy conceptual thing happening in the video, directed by Tony Oursler... it wouldn't feel out of place as a video art installation, which is cool. 

At the moment, I'm also intrigued by the upcoming album. The cover design takes one of those 70s Berlin albums, Heroes, and simply places a blank square over top with type that reads "The Next Day" (the new album title). I'm a little more prepared to see the brilliance in that minimalist move, following last year's graphic design class

As for the song... I have to say that it is hard to listen to work by an artist you admire, and admit to yourself that you're not really sure you dig it (I'm ok with melancholy, but prefer a little more melody to balance things out). Maybe I'll have to give it more time... 

In any event, I'm relieved to hear that David Bowie is back. Happy Birthday to one of the true originals, who apparently still has a few tricks up his sleeve...

Related Links:

www.davidbowie.com

"Everything We Know About New David Bowie Album 'The Next Day,'" Flavorwire.com, January 8, 2013

"David Bowie: The Next Day. That album cover design." Barnbrook Blog, January 8, 2013

"Born To Rock," Blue-eyed Soul Productions blog, January 8, 2012

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Higher Resolution

Happy 2013! Hope your new year is off to a good start...

JC + SC... now in HD! Courtesy Mom B. All rights reserved.
So it has taken me a few days to get back to blogging, but fear not dear readers! No, I haven't abandoned the idea of keeping you up-to-date on my ever blue-eyed soulful self during this new year... maybe just easing up on the daily assignment from 2012 (man needs a life too, you know)...

The new year has been fairly good for us so far, starting with a great night out with some of my improv friends for New Year's Eve. Along with a spirited Beatles sing-a-long, we couldn't resist doing a few improvised musical numbers (consider it early rehearsal for our January 18th performance at the Spectrum Playhouse in Lee, MA). 

I was also excited to hear about a film short that my friends Mike and Lex had been busy working on at the end of last year. No strangers to theater (both on-stage and directing), movies are a relatively new venture for them... however it sounds like it was supported in the very best, independent way, with help from fellow artists, friends and family.

On New Year's Day I felt a little "under the weather," so reading and watching movies was about all I had the motivation to do. Sarah and I rented Gayby, an independent feature about two single friends who decide to have a baby... it was an interesting, romantic comedy about a couple that aren't really romantic (Jenn is straight, Matt is gay). With a clever, well-written script, the movie explored some of the issues that such a scenario might hold for these two individuals. We didn't realize how independent the film was until the end credits, which included a thank-you to those who supported the film through the donation website, Kickstarter. It was an impressive debut for writer/director Jonathan Lisecki, and I appreciated the comic book references (the character Matt, played by the charming Matthew Wilkas, works at a comic book shop).

The next day I was supposed to head back to work, but found myself with some car issues... 


Hawkeye #1. ™ & © Marvel & Subs.

On the way back from picking up my car (which suffered from a case of exhausted sparkplugs) I stopped by a comic book shop myself... to promote the Alex Ross exhibition, of course! I also managed to pick up a couple new titles... the book I am especially intrigued by is Hawkeye, which explores the off-duty exploits of the long-time member of the Avengers (also seen in last year's movie). I have always liked the "down on his luck" archer hero, and I have to say that this new book, written by Matt Fraction and illustrated by David Aja, is a perfect bullseye! It is presented in a very subtle, comedic style, and the artwork is just exquisite... somewhat different from typical superhero comic book fare. My first thought, in fact, was that it all unfolds like a good independent movie. Some of the other titles I picked up haven't been quite as successful, and I realize that great art is still dependent on strong storytelling in this medium. Really, the same holds true for television.

We both enjoy The Big Bang Theory, but there aren't too many other shows I consider worth sitting through... clever writing seems to be sacrificed for shock value and crass jokes nowadays. With a lack of quality options, we decided to tune our new HD television into the Me-TV Network, which runs old-time TV classics (Sarah's new favorite is I Dream of Jeannie... :) ). Things really started cooking when we got to The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Bob Newhart Show— I didn't really grow up with these programs (which were airing right around the time I was born), but we have been enjoying them! There is a noticeable difference in the quality of these sitcoms from what is airing todaya little more intelligent and sophisticated... often dealing with cultural issues of the day. The Odd Couple airs right after these two programs, proving that 1970s TV, like film, might indeed have been a "golden age" (the crazy fashion and design choices don't hurt either)!



Yesterday we headed outdoors... braved the elements to help our extended family move, go skiing, and then back inside to watch another movie with Sarah's folks later in the evening: the classic Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, one of my all-time favorites. It's funny, we had just been talking about actor Bob Hoskins ("watching" the British comedy Mrs. Henderson Presents the night before... well, Sarah watched it, I fell asleep... surprising since it dealt with the real-life story of a 1930s burlesque show-!). 

Back to Roger Rabbit, what a joy it was to watch this movie again! I had fond memories of the film when it was originally released back in 1988right before the advent of computer generated imagery. No, this part-animated/live feature was done the old fashioned way... hand-painted animation, puppeteers, robotics, and a little lighting help from George Lucas' Industrial Light and Magic. But where this film differs from Lucas' infuriating Star Wars prequels from the late '90s, is that you actually feel like the animations and live actors are interacting. I think a lot of the credit must go to director Bob Zemeckis (Back To The Future), who I greatly admired for his creativity and technical skills... at least back then. It seems that the late '80s were also a strong time for filmmaking, where more organic, technical achievements more than held their own. Seriously, watch something like The Polar Express or Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, and tell me if it succeeds on the level of our friends Roger and Jessica Rabbit. Bob Hoskin's detective character, Eddie Valiant, is fun too...the film noir, detective-style writing adds to this cinematic delight.



So when it comes to visual storytelling, I guess it's important to remember what has been working in the first place, while being open to explore new technological advances.On that note, has anyone seen The Hobbit? I'm sort of curious... but that comes more from my memories of the great storytelling that my elementary school teacher shared with us back in the day ("precious" indeed)...

P.S.-Sarah is just settling in to watch one of her NEW favorites, Dowton Abbey.  A modern-day classic? Ok, maybe I'll give it a shot...

Related Links:

www.gaybyfilm.com

"Conversing on Comics with David Aja," Comic Book Resources/Robot 6, December 28, 2012

http://metvnetwork.com

"California Films: Who Framed Roger Rabbit," KQED, January 5, 2013