Diamonds Are Forever

Happy New Year.

Stardust Memories, 2016

So far so good. Last night I checked out the Savoy Soul Club--the premier soul night (a la Northern Soul) in the Capital Region. The other day we caught the movie La La Land-- one of the best films I have seen in some time... bring back the musical!

Speaking of music, WEXT will be re-airing my David Bowie tribute this Monday, January 9, at 11 p.m. ET. It's slotted one day after his birthdate and one day before the anniversary of his passing. I remember my dismay at hearing the news a year ago, and I have been thinking a lot about his musical influence ever since.

With this My Exit special, I tried to pick songs by the artist that had an immediate and lasting impact on me. I only had an hour, so I had to give it a good deal of thought (hard to narrow down). 

As I mention on the show, the first I remember being truly aware of him was during the Live Aid concert in 1985, performing with Mick Jagger in that silly "Dancing In The Street" video. That song was catchy enough, but the tune that really caught my ear was a year later-- his theme song for the British film Absolute Beginners, which he also starred in. 

At the time I actually wondered if he was a retro artist, since that lead me into the 1950s-styled Let's Dance album. 

Digger deeper, I found myself captivated by such moody tracks as "China Girl," "Cat People," and "Ashes To Ashes"-- I was beginning to discover the weird, artsy Bowie, and there was no turning back.

My wife's museum, The Albany Institute of History and Art is currently showing a really nice exhibition of rock and roll photography (Bowie included!) by local artist Patrick Harbron. In conjunction with the show, they held an open mic night tonight. We weren't sure what the turn out would be, so I brought my electric guitar just in case. I have been taking guitar lessons for a couple years now, still struggling to find time and motivation to practice, but I decided to give it a shot. Now I have no problem getting up and singing/performing in front of an audience, but playing the guitar and singing adds another level of complexity. Oof... I probably should have sat it out, but I gave Bowie's "Starman" a try. Coincidentally, the line "that weren't no DJ that was hazy cosmic jive" has some relevance with the current news about the discovery of mysterious radio waves from outer space. David, is that you? "Ground control to major Tom..."

Best In Show: "Diamond Dogs" 2016 Memorial Edition.
©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

More successful for me at Albany Institute was my taking part in a recent album cover design contest (also tied in with the rock photography exhibit). Again I chose Bowie as the subject, and reinterpreted his 1974 album Diamond Dogs. 

I had the perfect model: our dog Trixie. My illustration took things quite literally-- I sprinkled diamond shapes across the vinyl sized design, and Trix was decked out in full Bowie "Ziggy Stardust"-era glam (even the shoulder pads from the "Ashes To Ashes" video). The assemblage was mixed media, with elements of collage, colored pencil, paint, and glitter, as well as type created on the museum's old printing press. You can view some photos of my creative process in this Facebook album.

In addition to David Bowie, the through line for these projects is that they were about me focusing on artistic projects. I wish I could master the fearless creativity that Bowie had--I guess that's a big reason I admired him so. The other attractive part of his legacy is that his work transcended--as if he was the conduit for its creation. Although he is gone, his songs remain... and I think he understood, whatever his obvious fears and demons, that he should get out of the way of being creative. 

My Diamond Dogs reissue ended up winning the cover design contest! I know... it may seem a little fishy with my wife working at the museum, but this was entirely voted on by the public. I even saw a couple of people admiring the work when it was on display (even taking photos). So "bully for you, chilly for me..." I'll try and keep David Bowie in mind, and keep out of my own artist's way in the new year.

Listen Live: exit977.org

Soul Power

Day off! I spent today doing my own thing... working on some music research, and practicing my own (with help from my new purple velvet guitar strap - R.I.P. Prince). 

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings giving the people what they want
in Cooperstown, NY, May 28, 2016. Photo: Jeremy Clowe

It’s been a rough year for music losses this year. This past month, soul diva Sharon Jones joined the ranks of the dearly departed, finally succumbing to the pancreatic cancer she had bravely battled over the last couple years.  

Classic soul music has long been one of my favorite musical genres, yet it took me a while to truly appreciate Ms. Jones’ talent. Oh sure, I had admired her backing band The Dap-Kings, after hearing their work with the late Amy Winehouse, and knew the Daptone record label was quality, but at first I wasn’t sure Jones (or her songs) had enough grit for my taste… but, as she sang, “I learned the hard way…”

In 2013 I heard her song “Retreat!” a perfect, urgent slice of retro soul. Suddenly I found myself digging (and digging) a little deeper into their discography. The music was hearfelt... impeccably performed and produced, and preserving a style I have grown to love over the years. Seriously, I love soul music… can't get enough of it. I feel like I was born a little late (well, I was in the single digits when Philly Soul and funk were happening). My admiration for  Sharon Jones grew even more when I heard her state in a radio interview that she could be doing any kind of musical genre (and there are plenty more successful at the moment), but her heart was with classic soul.

Photo: Jeremy Clowe

I think it was around the same time they released the brilliant album Give The People What They Want, that we first heard about Jones’ cancer. Talk about heartbreaking. This past weekend I finally watched the 2015 documentary Miss Sharon Jones!, which follows the singer’s musical and personal life from the onset of her illness. It was touching and inspiring to learn how she battled the cancer and found strength to keep performing (with help from her bandmates). The documentary was also revealing in the way it showcased the very real struggle that working musicians face when their livelihood becomes threatened… they loved Sharon and they loved the music, so they found a way.

Photo: Jeremy Clowe

I was so glad we finally had a chance to see Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings perform this past May. It was one of those shows that just made me happy. Of course I was dancing… of course I was taking loads of photos. The concert took place at the hip Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, and I just learned from the documentary that Jones was receiving much of her treatment in the area. Rest in peace, miss lady soul. I cross my fingers that the Dap-Kings find a way to continue... in these “dark times,” we need them more than ever.

On a brighter note, I just learned that Albany has it’s own monthly soul music night at the swanky Savoy Taproom. I think we’re talking DJs spinning their own boatload of rare vinyl (a la Northern Soul)…. Wow. Very exciting news. I’m also looking at ways to return to radio... use music as a way to get through the next year and new administration. I’ll keep you posted. Sho’nuff.

sharonjonesandthedapkings.com

Starman

I am the DJ, I am what I play...

I should have known back in January that this would be a rough year. Let's keep good thoughts — if you need a little musical inspiration, tune into my tribute to the late, great David Bowie tonight at 11 p.m. ET on 97.7. WEXT's MyExit. 

I've been wanting to do this ever since the news of Bowie's passing, and finally got around to recording the other week with the great KTG. If you have listened to one of my (or others) MyExit shows, you know they let you play an hour of your favorite music...so obviously, this was a daunting task when it comes to a musician with the body of work like David Bowie. I'm happy with the way it turned out though... and only just learned that it would be played tonight, election eve (cue "I'm afraid of Americans"). If you miss it, it should be replayed on Saturday, November 12, at 11 a.m. 

Speaking of Bowie, this past weekend I visited family in my hometown, and had a chance to meet up with a local filmmaker who is working on a documentary about the artist's arrest in Rochester back in 1976. You have probably seen the infamous mugshot that was "discovered" several years ago. It's a haunting image, and I enjoyed hearing about all of the threads that the filmmaker has discovered about this story (I believe the only time Bowie was arrested - for pot). Perhaps it explains why he never returned to the Flower City... I had tickets to his 1987 Glass Spider tour that was supposed to take place in Rochester in September of that year, but it was mysteriously canceled (we all thought it was because U2 was coming to town the next month in support of the breakthrough, The Joshua Tree... which I did see!). In any event, Bowie's legacy lives on... I hope I'll be able to assist with the documentary in some way — I'll be sure to keep you posted.

Afraid of Americans (or maybe just Rochesterians), 1976

Hopeful lyric for tonight/tomorrow. Inspired by LA riots (which I survived):

"We reach out over race and hold each other's hands
Then die in the flames singing 'we shall overcome'
Whoa! What's going on?
There'll be some blood no doubt about it
But we'll come thru don't doubt it" - "Black Tie, White Noise" (1992)

Pop Life (Everybody Needs a Thrill)

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to give to this thing called life..."

On what would have been his 58th birthday-- remembering Prince (1958-2016), one of my all-time favorite musical artists. I just received a CD of his 1987 album, Sign O' The Times- that's where it really started to click for me...right through my college years- I could not get enough.

In 2004, he released the album Musicology, which was a return to form. Around the same time, I started hosting a TV music show, and had a chance to record part of his concert in Boston.

As I set up backstage, I had one of those truly surreal moments... I looked up to see the artist himself, walking straight towards me in all of his purple glory! I didn’t know quite what to do… except say, “Hey, you're Prince!” (well, not quite that obvious, but a greeting nonetheless).

It turns out he was walking over near me to check on the set up for his opening act, legendary saxophonist Maceo Parker (he also played during Prince’s set, and on the Musicology album). I was working, so I tried to remain somewhat professional... so that I didn’t get kicked out. As he started to leave, I patted him on his purple shoulder pads, and wished him a good show. It was. 

R.I.P. and thanks for your talent. 

"I wish you heaven..."

Love To Turn You On

Photo by Chris Ware/Keystone/Getty Images

I read the news today, oh boy...

We have lost another great in the world of music. The Beatles became "The Beatles" (and one of my forever favorite groups) because of George Martin. I have had that discussion with several people over the years. Shaping the sound...bringing color to the studio...facilitating the experimentation...it's truly remarkable what the band were able to achieve with help from the producer, and it still holds up. 

After hearing of his passing this morning, I was in for a treat during my drive to work, as I discovered local WRPI Radio basically playing the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album in its entirety...on vinyl, no less (you could hear the "pops!"). This reminded me of my first discovery of the Beatles at age ten, following the tragic death of John Lennon. Seeing my growing interest in the band, my mother kindly gave me her old vinyl copies of Sgt. Peppers and Abbey Road-- those two albums were really what sealed it for me. Martin, of course, played a huge part in both, bringing classical music elements to the sound, clever sound effects and notation, and adventures in stereo, all while leaving it enough room to breathe... I remember being entranced by that opening of "Come Together"... the creativity of the side two medley... and blown away by the eccentric and dramatic elements present throughout Sgt. Pepper's, building up to the melancholic "Day in the Life"... I would put these albums on in the early evening, and marvel at the musical journey I was experiencing...my first, really... 

To you, Sir George, with sincere gratitude... you were the gold standard, and played a big part in igniting my passion for music and becoming a musician. R.I.P.

Sound + Vision

"Turn and face the strange...ch-ch-ch-ch-changes, just gonna have to be a different man..."

I'm sure it's pretty obvious to anyone who has seen me take the stage- David Bowie was a HUGE influence. I always had him in the back of my mind... how I imagined the perfect rock star should sound and look. It was art and rock and soul.

This past summer I had my first shot as front man (really) for a live music band- it seemed absolutely fitting that I start by singing a medley of two of his biggest tunes, "Suffragette City" and "Fame." Honestly, I could have done a whole set of his songs.

All that is good... alternative/indie rock...whatever they are calling it these days...owes a huge debt to Bowie. He was always exciting and consistent...one of the few. A true performer, who brought drama and intelligence and tons of creativity to the world of music.

I'm so glad I had a chance to see him live on a handful of occasions, and sad that I won't have another chance. But his spirit will live on, that's for sure... how could it not?

R.I.P. and THANK YOU, Ziggy Stardust.

Force Awakened

My imagination soars... circa 1977

Happy New Year…and, conveniently, Happy National Science Fiction Day! I say “convenient” because a “long time ago” (last year) in a “galaxy far, far away” (this blogosphere), I had been meaning to write about a couple things related to the genre. Today’s “holiday” celebrating the birth date of sci-fi author Isaac Asimov, seems the perfect excuse to revisit that idea.

My introduction to science fiction, like most kids born in the 1970s, was through Star Wars. I already had a pretty active imagination (fueled by comic book super heroes and monster movies) by the time that George Lucas’ classic, space western exploded on the big screen; I would, however, be lying if I said that that the film series wasn’t a huge turning point for my creative mind growing up. Weird-looking aliens, droids, spaceships, and futuristic battles…I was absolutely hooked. I forgot just how much these films took over my creative world, until a recent trip back to my parents’ house where I uncovered box after box of action figure, play station, and comic book (some of my own creation), which I would use to reenact Lucas’ amazing fantasy world.

The Ghost of Christmas Past
(aka the droids I was looking for)!

As I grew older, the world of Star Wars became a little more distant, but it never stopped being an inspiration for me as an artist. Maybe that’s why the prequels, which started rolling out during my late 20s, sort of soured that experience. Design-wise, The Phantom Menace recaptured the imaginative brilliance of those early films, but something was definitely off…even with all the hype, I could sense that the first time I saw it and the subsequent films (i.e. I only saw them once... that's saying something).

By 1999 we had entered the world of digital filmmaking and, ironically, the huge advances in special effects actually made the movie experience seem less special. I no longer believed these characters were interacting in this world, and the spectacle seemed to take over the human element (don’t even get me started on Jar Jar).

So this past year I approached the news of a “reboot” of Star Wars with a little more weariness. Truthfully, it applies to all big budget Hollywood films these days… most of the time they feel cheap and unwatchable in comparison with the films (from the Golden Age of 70s/80s) that I grew up with.

Then I started seeing previews for Star Wars: The Force Awakens with Harrison Ford (reprising his role as Han Solo) telling his Wookie friend, “Chewie, we’re home…” how couldn’t I get excited? 

Furthermore, I began to feel reassured to learn that director J.J. Abrams, who also grew up with these films, was on board; a couple years ago he had rebooted Star Trek, and I loved those movies! I was never much of a Star Trek fan, but he actually rekindled my interest in that science fiction world (which were probably more science-based, in retrospect)... his updated movies, with their nod to the original TV series, felt more organic, more fun than most big budget movies these days… more like the original Star Wars, actually.

  

The Force is strong! Two thumbs up,
post-screening, December 17, 2015

By late last month, I couldn’t wait. Sarah and I caught a sneak preview of The Force Awakens the day before it was released. It was a 3D spectacle, but Abrams brought a human element back to the series, and I actually found myself quite absorbed in the new characters’ story before any of the original cast returned to the screen. That being said, there was something so comforting about the site of the Millennium Falcon, the droids, and all these players, and the way it connected to a new generation! The movie series was always about family struggles and this new installment adds to that drama (but no spoilers from me!). It’s got me excited about The Force again, and I want to go back and watch the originals (which I haven’t seen in ages).

The only sad, perhaps inevitable note is hearing that George Lucas was disappointed. Apparently, he considers this new outing “retro"—that has been a criticism of the new film, that it basically retells the original plot of the movie with slightly different settings and actors. I understand that, to an extent, but I also see plenty of fresh ideas—the biggest plot twist took me by surprise, and I thought it was really interesting. The difficult thing is that I now have to wait a couple years for the sequel (it’s an odd experience…this instant, Netflix generation), but it just might be worth the wait, as I hear that its director, Rian Johnson, is quite innovative… apparently he directed some of the more memorable episodes of Breaking Bad (that’s saying something), as well as 2012’s Looper, a film about time travel… hmmm….

Related Links:

Star Wars - official website

Charlie Rose: George Lucas interview

Time Marches On...

Saving the clock tower, fall 1991

In honor of Throwback Thursday, here's a red letter date: November 5th!

Not only is this the date that Doctor Emmett L. Brown invented time travel (60 years ago), it is also the date that my mother was born (Happy Birthday, Mom!). Here are a few photos to mark this significant date in history.

That's me and my Mom (below) at Universal Studios Hollywood, taken during my year in Los Angeles, studying film. I remember being thrilled to see the actual set where they filmed parts of Back To The Future, as well as taking part in a little performance based around the film. Believe it or not, that's me standing on a mock clock tower set in a Doc Brown wig (one of my finest performances, I assure you). Also, a shot of me in front of one of the actual vintage cars used in the series. Somewhere I also have a photo in front of one of the screen-used DeLoreans, but it seems to have gone missing (as has my copy of the Gray's Sports Almanac...hey!).

If I had access to that time machine, I wouldn't mind traveling back to June of 1964, and watch the two crazy kids pictured on the left (my Mom and Dad) get married...talk about the power of love!

Thinking a lot about family and friends today, and those I have loved past, present, and future.

"Nov. 5, 1955: A Flux of Genius," Wired, November 5, 2009

The Future Is Now!

Greetings from the future!
DeLorean/hoverboard courtesy: Jeff Rothenberg

On this date at precisely 4:29 p.m., time travelers Dr. Emmett Brown and Marty McFly will descend on Hill Valley, California, from the year 1985...making movie history! Let's all give them a warm welcome, shall we?

And how! This month, media and fans have been talking up a storm about the 30th anniversary of Back To The Future and the arrival of Future Day (October 21, 2015, as depicted in the second film from 1989). I couldn't be more happier... as a fantasy film geek, it's fun to see how many things from the future did or did not pan out (how about those hoverboards?!?)

Back To The Future has to be my all-time favorite movie, and the combination of the first and second films (and their clever storytelling, performances, and effects) is really what inspired my idea to pursue filmmaking (for better or worse). In any event, I've been looking for the opportunity to celebrate the occasion, and this weekend it will become reality, as Norman Rockwell Museum will be presenting a "Back in Time" family festival, assembled in "heavy" amounts by your's truly.

This Wednesday at 8 a.m. ET, you can hear me and my colleague Rich Bradway on Pittsfield, MA radio station, Star 101.7, describing how this unique event came together. Rich, our new Director of Digital Learning + Engagement, has experience with and came up with the idea for a classic car show, and I proposed enhancing it with a celebration of all things BTTF in time for the anniversary. Yes, we will have a DeLorean on display!

In addition, I managed to line up a real, honest to goodness, flying automobile that appeared in the second movie. I contacted car owner, Jeff Chabotte, from Connecticut, after seeing this great video about how he restored the character Griff's Hover BMW:

The car is actually up for auction during the huge "We're Going Back" celebration, being held on the same day as our event in Los Angeles, California. Disclosure: it doesn't really fly (and actually needs a lift getting here), so this may be your first and last chance to see the car. Pretty exciting. 

Designs on the future:
Robert U. Taylor shows me examples
of his production design for "Back To The
Future: The Ride." Photo: JC

Another connection I made is with local filmmakers who worked on the acclaimed "Back To The Future: The Ride" for Universal Studios. I had heard that film visionary Doug Trumbull (2010, Blade Runner) had put this ride film together with a crew from the Berkshires, where he is based, but I did not know until last week that the film was literally created down the road from the Museum, in one of the old paper mills. I have lined up the ride film's production assistant, Robert U. Taylor, and model maker, Dai Ban, and they will join us on Saturday as well, to talk about their experience bringing the movie series to life. They lent some great illustrations, photos, and video, that we will  be sharing.

This afternoon I also received a rare, signed print from movie poster artist, Drew Struzan, who created the iconic posters for all three movies. This was very exciting (and generous on his part), and I expect that it will be a highlight among a small display of objects (I have quite a few that I have collected over the years, including issues of the old Back To The Future fan club, which was active during the release of the second and third movies).

Great Scott, I almost forgot to mention: we will be screening the new documentary, Back in Time, which looks at the cultural impact of the film trilogy. I have previewed the film, and it's very well-done, including interviews with fellow fans, screenwriter Bob Gale, director Robert Zemeckis, executive producer/Norman Rockwell Museum trustee Steven Spielberg, and members of the cast, including Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd... "heavy" indeed! 

Well... it's all about time, and I'm running out of it, but I will share more soon... "the future" has yet to be truly written!

Related Links:

Time is on our side! Photo: Universal Pictures

"Back To The Future" official site

Norman Rockwell Museum's "Back in Time: Cruise In"

"Norman Rockwell Museum Goes “Back In Time” with Family Festival To Celebrate 30th Anniversary of “Back To The Future” (press release written by JC)

"Back To The Future II: What did it get right and wrong?" BBC News, October 20, 2015 

"Back in Time" documentary site

Forwards, Backwards, Twisted Round

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” 
― Søren Kierkegaard

"Is it life or just to play..." Taking on 1985- again.

Try as I might, I can't seem to escape 1985...even after all of these years. Is it nostalgia for a simpler time? Remembering myself as a teenager, starting to get the hang of things? All I know is that I am constantly reminded of that particular point in time and, in some cases, quite determined to collect as many memories as possible. 

This Monday, October 19, starting at 11 p.m. ET., I'm going to have some fun with the idea, hosting another MyExit show for my friends at WEXT, and going "back in time" to play some of my favorite music from that year. Coincidentally, the radio show will be broadcast on the 30th anniversary of the date that A-ha's "Take on Me" hit number one on the U.S. Billboard charts. One of the most glaring differences since then: I'm rather sick of the song...can you blame me? For the most part, that is all the band is known for here in the U.S., and mentioning that you're a fan tends to mark you as being stuck in the '80s (well, guess this post isn't helping). 

Recent A-ha "sighting" in the U.S.

But, yeah, I can't avoid including some A-ha on Monday's show. As you know from this blog, I have been a pretty devoted follower of the band since 1985, when I could not stop playing their debut, Hunting High and Low (wore out that tape a couple times). The band has just released a super-deluxe version of the album, including about five discs worth of demos, alternate takes, previously unreleased songs, and the videos that helped make them famous. I'm even more excited about the news that next week they are giving a similar treatment to their later, more rock-oriented albums from the 1990s: Memorial Beach and East of the Sun, West of the Moon; the latter came out around the time they earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for largest attendance (198,000 people) at the Rock in Rio festival in Brazil. Last month, they revisited that experience by headlining at the 30th anniversary of Rock in Rio. 

I know what you may be thinking... didn't they break up? Yes, they went on a world tour just five years ago dubbed "Ending on a High Note," citing irreconcilable differences (I made all of the handful of U.S. dates, and busted my ass to finally finish my documentary, utilizing the interviews I conducted with the band in 2005). Maybe the lure of playing Rock in Rio, making more money in celebration of their debut...etc. etc... was too hard to refuse? 

Nowadays, retiring seems a flexible concept... bands do this all the time...and last month A-ha released a brand new album of material, Cast in Steel. Surprisingly, I wanted to hate it. Putting aside the emotions lingering from their retirement five years ago, part of me just wanted to move on. Yet I couldn't shake the curiosity... bought the album, really dug it, and now I'm back to feeling a little conflicted about it. The title track is a return to form, though:

One nagging thought though (made more clear after doing more of my own music) is that singer Morten Harket needs to adjust to a more comfortable singing range. There are plenty of old clips of him really belting out and sustaining the high notes that are a hallmark of their early '80s work, but listening to their new material and watching last month's Rio concert, it sometimes seems a little forced. Come on, the man is 56 now... give him a break and transpose those notes. Musically, A-ha is still great (minus the repetitive, cheesy keyboard or two), but they would do one better to shake things up. Below is a clip from Rock in Rio 2015 where I think they're on the right track; it's an album cut from the previously mentioned East of the Sun album, called "Sycamore Leaves." This live version harkens back to their prog-rock beginnings, which I covered in my documentary, and seems miles away (in a good, progressive way) from "Take On Me." Simply put, it looks like they are having fun, giving it some soul, and enjoying being back together for the right reasons:

As you'll hear in Monday's MyExit special, I actually find myself traveling "ahead" more than I do back... my tastes may be changing. However, I am well aware of my attraction to a retro vibe (come on, have you heard the dreck they call most modern top 40 radio?!) Nowadays, I find comfort and great musicianship in classic soul and the blues. I don't think I'm alone... hell, even vinyl has made a comeback.

Objects in the rear view mirror are closer than they appear...
Photo: Yutaka Nishimura / Rhino

So,sometimes the past = present: the Mets, "Bloom County," even Classic (aka Mexican) Coke have made comebacks (thankfully, New Coke remains forever trapped in 1985). As I have wrote earlier this year, I'd love to see a DVD release of that "future superstar" 84/85 season of Saturday Night Live; I still enjoy and have become known for singing some of those classic '80s tunes; and... my favorite movie of all-time, also from 1985, is about to celebrate its 30th anniversary in a big, 1.21 jigawatts way... Great Scott!

Back To The Future should be everywhere this upcoming week, as we finally reach October 21, 2015, the date that Marty and Doc traveled into the future. For a child of the '80s and fantasy movie geek like me, it is too cool to resist. I am going so far as to put together a "Back in Time" family festival next weekend at my workplace, to celebrate the occasion. 

But I think I'm getting ahead of (or behind) myself. This deserves a blog post all it's own. So expect more reflections on time (and travel) in the days ahead...

Related Links:

Exit 97.7 WEXT (listen live)

Rock in Rio 2015

"A-ha's Hunting High and Low 30 years on: classic or classical?" Sydney Morning Herald, October 9, 2015 (might be reaching here, but I think the writer's on to something about the album's lasting appeal)

Infinity (and Beyond)

Infinite possibilities: I have fond memories of Hartford and my alma mater,
including the creativity that came out of the Hartford Art School...
I still love visiting and seeing the students' work. Photo by JC, 2015.

Earlier this week I wrote about my recent interview with WNPR for their program, Where We Live. The Hartford-based NPR station is part of the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network, located just down from where I used to live.

In addition to their quality radio programming, CPBN appears to produce some fine TV shows as well. The one I am most intrigued by is Infinity Hall Live, a nationally-syndicated program, filmed at the historic Infinity Music Hall in Norfolk, Connecticut. Think "Austin City Limits: the East Coast version"... from what I have seen, the show is an entertaining mix of performances and interviews with national music acts. The show seems similar, in concept, to what I have attempted to do with my own Berkshire Soundstage program over the years; the added bonus is that it is filmed in an intimate, beautiful setting.

Alt-rock heroine, Tori Amos comes to life from the stage of 
Infinity Music Hall. Courtesy: Infinity Hall Live.

Infinity Hall Live begins their fourth season this weekend with America, the uh, American rock band. A little before my time, but I recognize the songs: "Ventura Highway," "Sister Golden Hair," "You Can Do Magic"... anyone with access to a radio during the late 70s knows these songs as well as they can recall "A Horse With No Name."

Other acts scheduled for season 4 include Toad the Wet Sprocket; Tedeschi Trucks Band; Jackie Greene; and Sadie and the Hotheads, fronted by Downton Abbey's Elizabeth McGovern (my wife will be thrilled!). As they say, check your local listings, or you can catch the premiere on the show's website.

A couple months ago I met up with some of the staff at CPBN, to discuss the possibility of future collaborations. To give them an idea of what I can do, I created a short promotional video using footage from their show. It features some clips from Tori Amos and Robert Cray, who will be featured this season, as well as Wilson Phillips (my favorite was Wendy Wilson...swoon). I had good fun putting this together... hopefully they won't mind me sharing: 

 Always a supporter of live music, I wish IHL luck with their new season. I am also excited about the start of summer, and hopefully the chance to see some more live shows myself (Psychedelic Furs, anyone?). Inside... outside... it's all good.

Related Links:

Infinity Hall Live website

Infinity Music Hall

It's a Living

The Berkshires' summer season has begun. In my opinion, there's no better time to visit the area. 

First impressions: entering the Berkshires from New York's Hudson Valley.
Photo by Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

A couple weeks ago I appeared as a guest on the WNPR morning show, Where We Live, extolling the virtues of a trip to Western Massachusetts and Norman Rockwell Museum. Not my smoothest interview, but I was happy to take part. I was joined by representatives from Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival (coincidentally, how I first learned of the area), Shakespeare & Company, and The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, where the radio interview was broadcast. 

WNPR is based in Hartford yet the show's host, John Dankosky, lives in an area of Connecticut not far from the Berkshires and so decided to broadcast his show live in Great Barrington, on the occasion of the Berkshire International Film Festival. It's interesting for me to recall that during my own years in Hartford, where I attended college, I had no concept of the Berkshires and frequently drove right through its outskirts (none the wiser) during trips to visit my family in the Hudson Valley. 

Go pro: courtesy "Out" magazine.

As I mentioned to Dankosky before we went on the air, my first impression of the Berkshires was that of a "summer camp" for artists, after being tipped off to area by a dancer who was studying at Jacob's Pillow. While working part-time in New York City and living in the Hudson Valley over ten years ago, I started making frequent trips to the Berkshires, enjoying its beautiful countryside, finding part-time work at the Pillow, performing with acting troupes in the area and, of course, working full-time at Norman Rockwell Museum. The rest, as they say, is history.

In the May issue of Out magazine, I offered further insight into my time spent in the area, and was featured as a "pro tip" on the joys of hiking the Berkshires' scenic hills. This is certainly a unique aspect of the area. 

As I mentioned in the WNPR interview, right down the street from the Rockwell Museum  you can take a hike up the mountain where Herman Melville was inspired to write Moby Dick. We talked about the other significant artists and activists who lived in the area, including Norman Rockwell, and theorized about what it was about the area that continues to draw such people. Following the interview, I drove a few miles away to finally visit the newly opened W.E.B. Du Bois homesite, dedicated to the influential American humanist and civil rights activist, who grew up in Great Barrington. Like much of the Berkshires, it was a pleasantly meditative stroll through both nature and history.

History happened here:
entrance to W.E.B. Du Bois homesite.
Photo by Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

They say the grass is always greener... for me, living in the Berkshires for a few years started to feel a little claustrophobic (especially during the winter), so I am happy to now be commuting from the nearby Capital Region. It's the best of both worlds. Due to a technical glitch, you'll hear my mic cut out at the end of the radio segment, but what I was trying to say is that the Berkshires is an easy drive from such areas as Albany, Boston, and New York City, and visitors are in for a real treat this summer (we just opened a show on New Yorker artist Roz Chast, and I'll write more about that shortly). Personally, I'm looking forward to the exhibition of Vincent Van Gogh's landscapes that will be on display at the Clark Art Institute... Van Gogh is one of my favorite artists, and what could be more fitting than a show about the great outdoors here in the Berkshires?

Related Links:

"Live from the Mahaiwe: Arts in the Berkshires," Where We Live, WNPR, May 29, 2015

"Spotlight on the Berkshires," Out Magazine, May 25, 2015

Berkshires.org

Encore!

Exciting news to share: I made it into the finals of the karaoke competition at Bourbon Street Bar & Grill! Around 22 talented contestants took to the Colonie, NY venue's stage last Wednesday, singing to a full house on a cold, wintery night. With both friends and family there to cheer me on, I won myself a spot as one of the lucky ten finalists chosen to advance to the final round next Wednesday night. I say "lucky" because the competition was quite strong—there are some seriously talented singers in the Capital Region... I have my work cut out for me next week! Nevertheless, I have been doing my fair share of practicing, and my stage presence continues to receive high marks... thanks to everyone for the continued support and well-wishes.

Set to rock in Rio! A-ha photographed by
Just Loomis, December 2014. Photo © and courtesy
www.a-ha.com

Speaking of music awards, I was reminded that last week marked the 24th anniversary of my favorite band, A-ha setting a Guinness World Record for largest concert attendance during their show at Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã Stadium on January 26, 1991. Over 198,000 people attended the concert, which was presented as part of the Rock in Rio II festival. Here is a link to a video of me interviewing band member Magne Furuholmen about the experience, back in 2005.

Brazil's Rock in Rio festival began in 1985, the same year that A-ha had their worldwide breakthrough with the song "Take On Me" and debut album Hunting High and Low (to say those works made an impact on me is an understatement). Late last year it was announced that this year's Rock in Rio will celebrate the 30th anniversary of both festival and band, by inviting A-ha back for a reunion concert. The Norwegian trio, which officially disbanded at the end of 2010, will play together once again for this special September show in the country where they were a household name, with a string of top charting hits. You can read more about the upcoming concert on the band's website.

With friend at Seattle's Music Experience Project, October 2014
Photo ©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

As far as I have heard, this reunion concert will be a one-off, but who knows... maybe 
A-ha will take us on once more?(there is an offshoot Rock in Rio festival taking place in the U.S. this May but... I won't hold my breath.

Ok, back to my own practicing...

Related Links:

"A-ha Return to Rock in Rio for a Very Special 30th Anniversary Concert," press release, December 4, 2014, A-ha.com

A-ha - Rock in Rio 2, Maracanã, January 26, 1991 (news report), MTV News

A-ha at Rock in Rio II, Brazil, January 26, 1991 (full concert)