|
Assorted Jottings January 2nd 2014 Hello Fred,
A few assorted jottings:
1) Music lovers wondering why they have not heard the
inaugural recital of the Festive Arrangement in Real
Time of John Cage’s 4’33’’ may like to know that its
premiere has been delayed: although most of the
instruments have been assembled (concreted-up post horn,
reedless clarinet, stringless banjo and headless
side-drum), and the services of expert players secured,
there has a problem acquiring the unique frameless
triangle (once used to great effect in tacet passages by
Horst Kitzinfangel) from the Symphonic Hall of
International Triangles (in Baden-Baden). The
difficulty has been in getting the Certificate for
Repatriation of Alternative Percussion, although Moe
Green (Government Emissary Negotiating Triangle
Shipment, as well as Keeper And Registrar of Special
Instruments) has been doing his best to ease its
passage. It is now hoped that the first performance of
this distinctive air will be at Yuletide 2014.
2) I have been listening again to the CD McJazz and
Friends, featuring Sandy Brown and Al Fairweather.
Sandy was surely a world-class player, with his original
compositions, wonderful arrangements and terrific
melodic improvisational style on clarinet, far removed
from the arpeggio-based approach of some others (and Al
Fairweather was an excellent trumpeter). Any jazz fan
with a Postal Order to redeem (a Christmas present from
a great-aunt, perhaps) could do worse than put it
towards some of Sandy’s music.
3) In November I depped with Martin Bennett’s band at
The Black Swan (Hollins Green) and was pleased to see
Colin Smith (and Linda) in the audience. Could I remind
folk that although Colin has retired from Mart Rodger’s
Band, he has NOT given up playing and is available for
deputising on double bass?
Best wishes to you Fred, Barbara and all your readers
for a Happy, Healthy and, above all, Harmonious New
Year.
John Muskett
04/01/14 - I would like to update everyone on the current situation regarding the staging of the John Cage composition 4'33 as mentioned by my co-producer John Muskett. In my position as Gov. Emissary for Negotiating Triangle Shipments I have been making movements to obtain the illusive Certificate for the Repatriation of Alternative Percussion but have run into problems with the Board of the Museum in Baden Baden known as the Worshipful Committee who apparently will only issue the certificate at their convenience. I am taking the appropriate measures to bring this sticky subject to a satisfactory conclusion. Yours Hopefully Moe Green 04/14/14 Hi Fred: "Oh what a relief!" to read John Muskett's news re the Cage concert postponement. It should give Moe time to achieve Peristalltic Perfection, and myself time to master enough wind to perform the Alto passages on the valveless Tuba which the work requires. I mean, of course, "Play along" to the CD when it comes out, as gigging to me is a lovely memory. Hopeful new year to all. Jon White 05/01/13 My surprise at the omission of Moe Green from the New Year's honours list is increased by John Muskett's revelations of Moe's appointment as G.E.N.T.S. a position requiring the use of tact, particularly where C.R.A.P. is a burning issue, further complicated by the controversy surrounding the involvement of Vin Daloo (the bi-polar sitar player). This situation will tax to the limit Moe's supreme diplomatic skills, notably displayed in raising issues to push the form his centennial celebrations will take into limbo. That feat alone should have been worth a knighthood at least. Don Bridgewood |