Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts

Sunday, August 1, 2021

Across the Board

 Across the Board



It's been a very long time or so it seems since I've made any posts. This posts will go across all three blogs so it's going to be a long one. At least that's the way it appears inside of my head. Being an artist, I like to visualize things before I proceed, but in the course of doing something or making a decision, things can change and they do often. 

Is it just me or do you feel as if this year is passing by quickly? It's August already, can you believe it?


This was not the plan - There are things that I would like to do, but I don't committ to anything. I will write thing down and make a list and just go with the flow most of the time. As I've written before it's best because things change in an instant. I especially don't like promising things to other people because sometimes people don't understand why you have to cancel.

Because of the effects of Katrina, within the last 8 years I've been having issues when it rains. I thought I was over it, but it seemed to resurface. Sometimes I'll watch the news and see flooding and it will take me back to that week. If it happens to rain while I am at work I will be concerned that there might be flooding. Although I know it won't be like it was during Katrina it's just the idea of driving in the rain and any type of flooding.

This doesn't happen all the time. Sometimes I have no problem driving in the rain. It's like everything else. Some years the thought of my parents on certain days passes by and other times they are on my mind and I just don't feel like doing anything.

I'm at a point now where I am trying to figure out what I want to do. I've been working now for a little over 6 months. I'm thinking about retiring so that I can collect social security. There are things that absolutely need to be done around the house. I am still trying to throw stuff out because I just want to take my time, but I am becoming more and more realistic. There are magazines that I really don't need to hold on to. No one is going to come over that I need to keep them. I have been photographing different things of importance and then it gets donated.

I'm going to keep one or two issues of every magazine. There are some that I have because of the covers. That will be a bit of a challenge,, but I'll make the right choice.

I still am thinking about going to Paris. I don't know when that will happen as this variant of covid is changing the trajectory of things. It looks as if we are back to square one or headed in that direction. It bothers me now because even though people have been vaccinated they could possibly still catch the variant or pass it on to someone else. The vaccine is supposed to make it not as severe. Just have to live each day one at a time and be as cautious as possible. Not much will change for me. I try to stay in my cubicle at work and keep my mask on when I am near other people. Everyone usually has their mask on when they come to my cubicle. I don't get that many visitors as we use the computers to communicate.

I was thinking of trying to visit my family and some friends, but that is definitely going to be on hold. The unpredictabiliity of what each day will bring is the new absurdity as a friend recently said.

I just don't understand why people won't get the shot. I was thinking about how many drugs people have in their cabinets that are not approved by the FDA. So what makes them use those drugs, but they won't get the shot? Conspiracy theories? They don't have any proof. You have to act now because you don't want to get sick because by that time it could be too late.

Taking chances sounds like a good thing, but if you've known people who were sick you definitely don't want to go through what they have gone through.



Beyond the Valley of the Dolls I finally got to see this movie which is a cult classic. It was written by movie critic Roger Ebert and Russ Meyer who also directed it. Now I want to see Faster Pussycat, Kill! Kill! There are many movies from the 70's I was to young to see or they didn't interest me. I've been playing catch up. This movie has nothing to do with Valley of the Dolls based on the book by Jacqueline Susann. It's a comedic raunch fest of the entertainment industry in Hollywood. There still appears to be a lot that was cut from this Criterion version. It had an X rating, but so did Midnight Cowboy when it was released and I didn't see anything to really warrant that now. I will watch the special features next time I watch the movie. It is very interesting. The movie stars Dolly Read, Cynthia Meyers, Marcia McBroom, Michael Blodgett, David Gurian, Harrison Page and John Lazar. If you are looking for a fun movie to watch then this is it. It'll definitely be a conversation starter if you were to throw a themed party.


Mary J Blige - I can say that I am a fan of the singer turned actress, but There are some things I've heard and seen that I liked. I was not really into female hip hop artists. I watched the documentary that is on Amazon. It's celebrating the 25th anniversary of the album My Life and how it changed Mary's life and that of the people who were her fans.

There are many songs that I've heard that reflect my life or things I am going through at that moment. It just depends on who you listen to. In the late 80's it was Simpliy Red's Holding on and in the 2002 it was Alice Dejay's Alone. Sometimes it's only the title of the song, or one line that really resonates with me.

In the documentary you get a look inside of an entertainer that was thrust into an industry that they were not sure they could be a part of it.

The entertainment industry can be very scary and it is not for everyone. You can lose control and who you are at times if you don't have a plan.

About a month ago I saw a movie with Mary J. Blige that was filmed in New Orleans called Body Cam. She plays a cop that is dealing with some paranormal stuff on various calls. It's not the best and I'm sure it looked good on paper, but it just wasn't the best for me.

If you are a fan of Mary J. Blige you will definitely love the documentary. If you like her music or you may be interested in getting into the music industry then I do recommend that you watch it.


 






Thanks for stopping by and do come back to see how things play out. Keep an open mind.



www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

www.artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

www.filmlover4pg@blogspot.com


Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Movies, movies and more movies 2020

 I spend emost of my time watching movies and the pandemic has put it in hyper drive. A few weeks ago I had to get internet so I could do my job searches and that opened up a new world. I had gotten Amazon and there is a catalog of movies I had never heard of and some from the 80's that I enjoyed, but not enough to add to my collection.

I believed the first thing I watched was the series American Playboy- the story of Hugh Heffner, playboy, activist and entrepreneur. I enjoyed the story, but I think it would have been better if it were just a documentary or just a series instead of incorporating both.

Low Winter Sun is another series I just finished watching that was very interesting. It stars Mark Strong and Lennie James from The Walking Dead series. They play detectives trying to cover up several secrets that just seem to snowball one after the other. I really enjoyed watching this.

There were a few quirky movies that I watched, Slice which featured Chance the Rapper as a pizza delivery guy. I guess it was somewhat entertaining. I can't remember if I laughed or not as it is part horror, part comedy.

One Eyed Monster was another silly part horror, part comedy, part porn movie that starred the iconic porn stars Ron Jeremy and Veronica Hart. It's a funny look at the porn industry with a sci fi twist.

I was still watching movies and films from my own collection, Dirty Pictures with James Woods and Diana Scarwid about the Cincinnati case involving the controversial Robert Mapplethorpe exhibit of his photographs. I've seen is several times before, but its always good to take a look at things that changed the way we look at certain types of art. Sometimes we move forward and sometimes we take steps back.

I have a double Blu ray called The Wave/The Quake set in Oslo. I really like these films and I have seen them a few times since I purchased them. Last week I started watching The Wave and then when I went to watch The Quake it wouldn't play. I wiped down the disc, but the movie won't play. All of the special features and previews will play and I can't figure out why I can't get it to play. It's weird. I will keep trying.

A few years ago I had a conversation with a couple of people about the possible remake of Lord of the Flies with a female cast. I couldn't believe it. First of all it would be a very different movie. I remember when I read the book how much of an impact it had on me. Then I saw the 1950's film. It was in black and white and it captured the characters as I have envisioned them. In the 90's there was another remake and I didn't have a real issue with it. It starred Balthazar Getty. I remembered seeing him in Versace ads and because I was familiar with the book I decided to check it out. It had a more modern take and the students were American.

So, I was checking out Amazon and I saw an ad for something called The Wilds. I wondered if this is what became of the project. Hollywood has a way of changing things up. It's a series about a group of girls. They are much older than the boys in the book and there aren't as many. They do go down in the plane and now they are having to survive. Each girl is from a different background, but the story is told from the perspective of each girl in flashback which I am not a big fan of this type of story telling. First of all, when the girls aren't together 24/7 how do they know what someone else is doing on the other side of the island. I'm still watching it so I'll see how it pulls itself together. It does have some good moments.

There are many other movies I've watched and I have created a playlist of others. I'll try to cover some of them next time.


Thanks for stopping by and do keep an open mind. Come back again.

Thursday, November 26, 2020

Virtual Turkey Day

 

(Roderick Sanford, Judy Arnold and Kenny Williams perform outdoors at the Motown Grooves concert on the front stairs of ZACH's Topfer Theatre)


For some people, with Co-Vid in the background, you aren't really focused on Thanksgiving or any other holiday, but for those that are be safe. Think about how you want to schedule the day. In most families it all starts the night before. I remember when I was younger helping out in the kitchen, chopping okra with the mandolin, careful not to cut my fingers. Peeling potatoes or eggs for the potato salad. When I got older I began preparing certain dishes. Everyone in the family had their signature dish. Eventually I mastered the potato salad that my sister said was something everyone could eat. Just the right amount of everything. Whenever I would go to NOLA she wouldn't let me leave without making some potato salad.


It seems despite the CDC asking people to stay home, people want to be with their families and will risk their health to get there. Politicians often say that they don't want to say something to cause a panic, but there are a lot of people who are afraid. The future has an uncertainty. It's always been that way, but this virus makes it all the more realistic.

I purchased two cornish hens. I am not planning to have anyone over, but we'll see what happens. I bought what I needed to make gumbo. I couldn't find the gumbo base so I had to get the mix. I am hoping the shrimp will go on sale Wednesday and I will get a pound or two of fresh shrimp, but if not I have some frozen shrimp already peeled. I use the heads on the fresh shrimp to make my roux for the gumbo. Thanksgiving in 2007 was when I first made gumbo. My mother would always make the gumbo, but I never really made it while she was alive. I had to think back and my sister and nephew came to visit and we got into the kitchen and peeled shrimp and put our heads together to make it the way mother used to make it.

I was looking at a photograph and it seems the last time I was in NOLA was in 2015. I thought it had been longer. Time has a way of getting away from you.


This week I have to start doing a job search in order for me to continue to collect benefits. It seems strange, but I will do whatever is necessary. I just hope things come together and the government helps people out to start off the new year. There may be companies hiring, but how long will that last? Jobs can only hire so many people. I'll see what happens. I am trying to come up with a plan to see if there is something I can do online.


I watched a movie that I had not seen in a very long time. It was a studio copy of the film Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. It starred Michael Rooker who most people may remember from The Walking Dead and The Bone Collector. I believe I originally saw the film at the Prytania, but I can't be sure. I don't even know how I ended up with the studio copy. I don't recall meeting any of the producers or actors. 

(Note: A studio copy is what they send out to be screened when a film or movie is first released. During award season they send them out to SAG members to vote.) At the time the film had a profound effect on me. Human behavior has always been something of interest. The mind of a person that wants to harm other people or animals. Sometimes it stems from childhood traumas, but sometimes it is something in the brain that still amazes doctors.


I need to take my vehicle in for an inspection so I can get my new tag for next year. I took the earliest appointment available. I hope everything goes smoothly.


11-22-20 I went to my first gathering today at ZACH. It was an outdoor concert called Motown Grooves. The day before I decided to drive over just to see what things looked like. Despite Covid, there is still a lot of construction going on and streets were blocked off so I am glad I went so I knew how to plan my driving time. Normally it only takes me about 15 minutes to get to ZACH. I wanted to see what parking would be like and the set up in the area. 


ZACH has done a few of these concerts and they seem to be doing well. This one was brought back because of its popularity. I was skeptical about going at first, but as it got closer I knew ZACH would take every precaution in keeping people safe. Before Covid ZACH went above and beyond to accommodate and protect patrons and staff. Making sure those with disabilities could enjoy performances. Having a variety of price points to fit certain budgets, and making people feel welcomed.


A cold front was supposed to come through and there was the mention of rain. So I packed my backpack and I was prepared for whatever came. I had my large bandana which created several layers, but when I arrived the volunteers said I had to wear a mask. I followed the protocol since there weren't a lot of people around me and I didn't have to wear the mask while seated. The show started a little past 2:30 PM my time, but it wasn't too warm with the sun out and I got a chance to mingle with some people I had not seen since before the layoffs started. Most of the box office staff was able to work from home and I would go in to man the phones.

Everyone seems to be getting along and their spirits were high. There are people I miss seeing and the conversations we used to have, but we'll catch up when we can.

Judy Arnold, with her powerhouse of a voice performed along with the great voices of Roderick Sanford and Kenny Williams. I remember them all being in the show The Gospel at Colonous. I had seen them around before that, but I didn't really get to know them until they performed in Gospel which had been done at ZACH many years prior.

Before the performance began they sound system was playing some music and one of the songs was the O'Jays, Money, money, money and all I could think of was Roderick singing the song in David Steakley's version of A Christmas Carol. This had become a tradition at ZACH and I would see this show every year Christmas night. I wonder if ZACH could sell the show and stream it?

The dark clouds had started to move in and Kenny and Judy sang a gospel song and it all just seemed to pass right over ZACH. Miracles do happen.

Roderick acted as the Emcee of the show and they all got their solo moments to showcase their great voices. The trio has known each other for many years. They all sang in church and have worked together on many occaisions at ZACH.

It was a very pleasant afternoon. It was definitely something that I didn't know I needed. After the show I caught up with another employee who I hadn't seen since March. We had a good conversation and then I headed home. I could see it had been raining, but it never made its way to ZACH.


Poetry


Kicking and Screaming

(c) Dlonzo 2020


There is a poison

seeping through 

the veins of society.


If you fill the air

with lies,

no one will believe 

the truth.


Although no one likes 

to lose,

there comes a time

when you have to accept

defeat.


A demi god

can take over the weak

they want to drink 

the kool-aid.


They will take the leap,

off of that bridge.

They only know,

how to follow.

They can't think,

not for themselves.


When once a winner,

becomes a loser,

one has to be dragged,

kicking and screaming.


It's fake, it's rigged,

it's not over, the fight continues.


I sent out texts to just about everyone in my phone. There are some people that don't texts and some that I plan on calling. I prefer the face to face or hearing the voice, but for some texting is the easier way. I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. I had a few text conversations and that can really pass the time away. The holidays make you reflect on what you have, what you miss and the great times. There are lots of great memories of all of the holidays. I am truly thankful for all that I have. It's not something I take for granted.




(Next up: Back Inside my bubble)



www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

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www.psychedmaster.org


Thanks for stopping by; keep and open mind and do stop by again.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Jaston Williams

When most people hear the name Jaston Williams they immediately think of Greater Tuna. I of course will always remember the first performance that I saw, which was his role as Truman Capote in his one man show Tru. The only other performance I had ever seen was Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike until a few weeks ago when I saw Maid Marian in a Stolen Car.
 (Because Jaston is a comedic actor I thought it would be interesting to do something different. The door happened to be locked so I had to be somewhat creative.)

Working with the actors, to make sure they have a parking space, I get to know them a little. Toward the end of the run of Tru, I had a chance to talk to Jaston and he told me about a project he had been working on. It had been in the works for many years, but he was now able to pull it together as the performance it is today.

Now he is back at Zach’s Whisenhunt theatre with Main Marian in a Stolen Car for three final days. September 26, 27 and 28.

I found Maid Marian to be an homage to the theatre world which Jaston knows first hand. It’s a personal story which I am always in awe of any artist that is willing to bring their life into the open. Digging deep to be so personal whether its about loved ones, close friends or demons is what people like to hear about. Sometimes it helps the audience to connect with the artist and other times it just helps people to understand the artist is just like everyone else.

There are some heart felt moments and lots of funny moments that will truly make you laugh. You’ll also think about what you were doing in certain periods of your life. Some more than others depending on your age.

I’ve always thought a good actor really doesn’t need a lot of props to pull off a performance. Jaston proves my point. With three chairs, a bean bag and a few costume changes Jaston works the intimate area of the Whisenhunt stage perfectly.

From his beginnings as an actor in high school and all of his adventures along the way we get to relive his experiences.

Catch this show if you can, its really great entertainment. Check out zachtheatre.org for more information.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

http://dlonzo.OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

Monday, June 2, 2014

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

I try to see the performances at ZACH as early as possible so if someone asks if I've seen the show I can be truthful. I wasn't really expecting anything, but to see a good show. I had seen two of the performers, Jaston Williams and Beth Broderick in previous performances at ZACH.

Once again, the set design team out did themselves. The stage had a lot of depth as a three story home was in front of us. We see the long foyer, living room and the stairs leading upstairs.

Immediately the audience is laughing as Jaston (Vanya) sits in a night shirt drinking coffee, then enters Lauren Lane (Sonia) and its a hilarious roller coaster ride. I must say Lauren steals the show and her performance just continues to escalate as she is the adopted child who feels invisible. When she is invited to a costume party she then embodies Maggie Smith as the witch who is nominated for an oscar... you had to be there. LOL


If you are in need of a good laugh, this is the performance. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike runs until June 22, 2014. I may have to try to see it again if I can. The play revolves around Chekhov characters and plays.

There's a little something for everyone with Michael Glavan playing Spike who spends a lot of time in his underwear and gyrating on stage. Carla Nickerson as Cassandra, has some great moments that garner applause from the audience. Cassandra is the house keeper that is part psychic and part voodoo practioner. Morgan Macinnes plays Nina, the young neighbor who Masha finds as a threat. Masha is the successful, somewhat selfish sibling that has to deal with becoming an aging actress and wanting to be the center of attention.

I was not expecting to get a message from the play, but things happen that way. As the family on the stage thinks about family and holding on to a family home it made me think about my own situation. It's a great show which I highly recommend.

Thanks for stopping by and do come back again. Keep an open mind.

Friday, April 18, 2014

The Gospel at Colonus


This retelling of the story of Sophocles' Oedipus is currently running at the Zachery Scott Theatre. Directed by Dave Steakley, the producing artistic director, this show brings some of the best talent Austin has to offer.

The Gospel at Colonus was an inspirational play for me. As I continue to toy with the idea of putting together a musical, this performance includes, song, dialogue and the spoken word.

Once again the set design was interesting. There were no changes of scenery, it was set in a revival tent and there were a few special effects used. The pond was an awesome feature and the rising of Oedipus played by Tim Curry was great.

Colby Cotton gets the audience in a gospel mood as he plays the organ as the audience is seated and waits for the show to begin. The play opens as some of the audience members are greeted as if we are a part of the revival. The voices come through the audience and enter onto the stage from both sides.

In this performance the men seem to have the cool songs and the great moments. Roderick Sanford, Mark Anthony Hall and Kenny Williams made you want more. Judy Arnold has a voice like Patti Labelle.

The Gospel at Colonus is one of those shows that makes you reflect on your own life. It’s filled with music that makes you wanna get up or at least stomp your feet and clap.
The choreography was done by Christa Oliver.

Felicia Dinwiddie plays Evangelist Ismene, and Eugene Lee is Preacher Oedipus. It would make for a great family outing to see the show Easter Sunday. The show does run until April 27, 2014.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Justin Beiber


I don’t know why I’m writing about this, but I guess I just needed to write. LOL. Last night Justin Beiber hosted SNL and he was better than Adam Levine. Now what does that mean? Does it mean Justin is a better actor or were the ideas just better? I felt when Adam hosted the show there was a theme and every joke seemed to be the same.
I was not crazy about the opening, but then I got the joke. Justin made some comments early on in his career getting a few things wrong. So his knowledge of Black History was totally off the mark. With the help of Keenan Thomas and Whoopi Goldberg the joke came together. Of course you know the NAACP is going to have something to say.

 Justin did his best and he showed he is not a flawless singer and he is still working on his craft. The new versions of his songs show the mature side. You can feel the heartache in his recent breakup, but maybe he and Selena Gomez will get back together like Rhianna and Chris Brown. Hollywood, it’s an imaginary life.

Justin made fun of himself which is what SNL is all about. From teen idol to adult hood Justin is in that transitional stage. The slight change in his voice and modifying his look with a new haircut. The only criticism that I have is his choice of pants. What is up with the skinny version of MC Hammer pants. It just doesn’t work. Looks like he went to the bathroom on himself.

Other than that, he’s going to be exploited even more. I’m guessing SNL took into consideration that young girls might be staying up late to watch the show so it wasn’t as raunchy as it could have been. Perhaps Beiber didn’t want to do certain skits. In any event, it worked. I’m sure it got some high ratings and they will run it again soon.
A primetime edited version of Adam Levine’s hosting was done prior to the run of Beiber’s hosting. Was NBC just out of things to run or were they trying to draw in viewers?

Coming up: Scenes from Mardi Gras in films, More movie reviews, Rubbing elbows with celebrities

Thanks for stopping by; Keep an open mind. Life is Good

Friday, May 18, 2012

Thank God It's Friday

There are some people that choose to call films that they don't think they should enjoy guilty pleasures. I am not one of them. I love all films. The fact that a person can put something together is quite an achievement and if they succeed in telling a great story that's even better.

There are certain things that are hard to capture on film. Thank God It's Friday attempts to capture what happens in a night at a Disco in California called the Jungle. An up and coming Diva flirts and lies her way into the DJ booth to get her song played. The club owner places a bet to sleep with a first time patron to the Jungle and the DJ's career is on the line as he prepares to go live with the Commodores performing, but their instruments haven't arrived. Love is lost, and found and dreams are shattered and some come true.
The clothing will make you laugh and for those of you who remember the 70's you'll ask yourself why did I ever wear that? What was I thinking?

It's an interesting film and if you don't like it, you'll love the music just the same. The soundtrack includes many songs by Donna Summer including the 1978 Oscar winning song "The Last Dance" and songs by other singers including The Commodores, Patti Brooks, Diana Ross and Paul Jabara. The films Theme song Thank God It's Friday, by Love and Kisses sets the pace for a musical experience.

The film introduced some up and coming stars, Jeff Goldblum, Debra Winger, the Late Raymond Anthony Vitte who plays DJ Bobby Speed. (He passed away at the age of 33.) Singer Paul Jabara also has a part in the film and his song trapped in a stair way plays in the background. There were a number of comedic talents in the film as well as great dancers.

Coming up:  Another letter to the Levee Board, Selling Stuff, It’s all about Survival, What if we’ve seen each other for the last time,  Behind the Photograph (Models) (Go to http://ArtbyDlonzo.blogspot.com)

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind. Why not become a follower while you’re here.

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http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=58144381
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54325957
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54365247


Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgUzGZGt98

The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-qcybZsUzc

The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Country Strong


       It took me quite some time before I sat down to watch this film. I’m not a big fan of Gweneth Paltrow, but I do like the movies that I’ve seen her in. I thought she was great in The Talented Mr. Ripley. The fact that the film was about country music may have had something to do with me not wanting to see it. I also didn’t know anyone else that was appearing in the film.

After watching the film I must say it was quite entertaining and I was impressed with the performance by Leigton Meester as a wanna be country singer. It’s almost as if the film were made for her. I’m not sure if she did her own singing, but she has shown that she is more than the actress that we see on Gossip Girl.

Stories about the music industry are usually all the same. Someone has an addiction or get burned out and some new comer who idealizes the star comes in to add tension or take over.
Despite that it is still a pretty good film.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.


http://artbydlonzo.blogspot.com

http://vimeo.com/27482821

http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=54325957

Sunday, August 7, 2011

D's Wonderful World of Cinema

Star Maps - This film stars a young unknown actor by the name of Douglas Spain. Since this film Douglas Spain has appeared in several films including But I’m a Cheerleader and an episode of Criminal Minds or one of those CSI shows.

Douglas Spain plays an aspiring actor that sells his body on the side for his father. The front of the prostitution ring is selling maps to the stars homes in Los Angeles. It’s rather quirky with an array of interesting characters.

I’ve been trying to watch films in my collection that I’ve recently been able to have transferred to DVD. I love film so it doesn’t matter if it’s the best quality as long as the picture is as clear as possible and you can understand or read the subtitles.

http://artbydlonzo.blogspot.com

http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=54325957

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=54365247


Songs in the Key of Life - In my opinion this is Stevie Wonder’s best album. This album had a story that everyone could relate to and learn from. I learned a lot about black history. We all know how rare it is that we buy an album or CD and only listen to a few of the songs. Now with the Internet and iTunes you can download just the songs you want and forget the rest. There have been many great songs that never get air play. The promoters decide which song is going to make people run out and buy the album. A lot of times singers are forced to rush projects if they are on a roll so that their fans don’t go elsewhere. They should know by now that fans don’t desert who they like unless what they are producing is crap.

Songs in the Key of Life is a documentary on the process Stevie Wonder when through to put the magnificent album together. The deal he made with Motown which was one of the largest at the time for $13 million. The special equipment created with Stevie Wonder in mind and his work ethic. Because Stevie Wonder is blind, he doesn’t seem to get sleep depravation and works at the weirdest hours.

Meet the people that were a part of the project. The producers and musicians all talk about their experience working with Stevie Wonder, including Berry Gordy, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, his wife, daughter Aisha and many others.
If you life documentaries and you love music, this is one that you should catch if you haven’t seen it already. You might find a rare copy some where or you can start a campaign to get PBS to run it. I think that is where is was originally run. Luckily a friend had a copy in his collection so I was able to see it many years later. My copy was on VHS and I recently had it transferred to DVD. You have to love technology.

Thanks for stopping by and do come again. Why not become a follower and be notified when I make a new post.