Category Archives: Music

Sydney Symphony Orchestra: “Elektra”

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Eddie Pensier

Eddie Pensier writes: Possibly the key thing to know about Richard Strauss’ Elektra is that this opera is LOUD. Delightfully, magnificently loud. How loud? Well, most Mozart operas are scored for 50-60 orchestra members, most Verdi calls for 70-80, and even … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Performers | Tagged aeschylus, Australia, christine goerke, elektra, Opera, Richard Strauss, Sophocles | 6 Comments

Ike, Tina, and the Ikettes

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Fabrizio del Wrongo

Fabrizio del Wrongo writes: In the recent documentary “20 Feet from Stardom,” which is pretty good, one of the interviewees claims that sexy female backup singers are tools of The Man because they cater to hetero male interests. This person is … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Performers, Sex | Tagged Ike Turner, phew!, The Ikettes, Tina Turner | 1 Comment

Music Du Jour: Brook Benton’s “Hotel Happiness”

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Paleo Retiree

Paleo Retiree writes: From 1965 on Hollywood A Go Go, here’s an elegant, unforced yet sexy, very masculine groove that I really adore. First, check out the suit Brook Benton is wearing, as well as how he wears it. It’s understated yet … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | Tagged brooks benton, Music | 2 Comments

Tango Du Jour

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Eddie Pensier

Eddie Pensier writes: Rumor has it that Libertad Lamarque (1908-2000) left her native Argentina to work in Mexico, after an on-set dispute with fellow actress Eva Duarte grew into a feud. After Duarte married autocrat-to-be Juan Perón, the feud became … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Movies, Music, Performers | Tagged Argentina, eva peron, libertad lamarque, tango | 1 Comment

Sunday Jazz Selection

Posted on May 4, 2014 by Fenster

Fenster writes: Dizzy Gillespie, Man from Monterey

Posted in Music | Tagged Dizzy Gillespie, Man from Monterey | 1 Comment

Knockin’

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Fabrizio del Wrongo

Fabrizio del Wrongo writes: Slim Pickens’ demise in “Pat Garret & Billy the Kid” is probably my favorite movie death scene. Pickens, a cowboy-movie staple, was typically a farcical figure — the guy you’d laugh at between the shoot-outs and the daring feats of … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Performers | Tagged Bob Dylan, Film, Katy Jurado, movies, Pat Garret & Billy the Kid, Sam Peckinpah, Slim Pickens, westerns | 10 Comments

Ben Heppner–Recollections

Posted on April 27, 2014 by Eddie Pensier

Eddie Pensier writes: Canadian tenor Ben Heppner has announced his retirement from the opera and recital stage, at the age of 58. Heppner found his calling as a heldentenor, specializing in German repertory, specifically Wagner. He won the Metropolitan Opera’s … Continue reading →