the space cadets

at last - the boys club has been further infiltrated

sandy evans has been the single dominant female on this scene

that of traditionally male-oriented jazz/improvised live music

but tonight another lady is on stage with the space cadets

founder/leader john pochee on humour, drums and percussion

warwick alder as his foil and also playing trumpet

matt ottignon on tenor saxophones and main composer

greg coffin left of stage providing piano noises and tunes

and...zoe hauptman on double bass keeping the boys in check

first impressions are that john pochee is loud and expressive

piano barely audible, bass just there and brass doing the job

mr pochee totally dominating at least in my front row position

he's big on the snare drum but is all over everything in his reach

the first tune is titled pochee's opener which may explain his dominance

by the time the next few tunes are played things have changed

all members of the band have time in the spotlight

or together are combining to make some fine music

sax and trumpet harmonising nicely or leading confidently

then stepping aside to let the piano based trio take over

which confirms the strength of a quintet such as this

one moment the brass section demanding all the attention

then the next the pianist in charge and providing a gentler sound

both backed up by a rhythm section content to provide the anchor

between tunes john pochee takes the time to give credit where credit is due

consistently announces the names and composers of each piece

which i find as a latecomer to this music to be invaluable

in one sense this information provides a reference point

allowing the listener to attach a style or tune to a known name

donald henderson, ornette coleman, christian mcbride covered tonight

in another sense it allows the listener to appreciate those on stage

this when a piece of music composed by a member is played

greg coffin's ode to rodger frampton is titled to all those who have gone before

john pochee gave an emotional introduction to this tune

written for and dedicated to his departed colleague

a lovely, slow, piano-based melodic tune given due respect

the first set closed with a tune titled trigonometry by ornette coleman

which really had the brass section in particular digging in

sparring off each other with quite different stanzas of music

that to me seemed to require serious concentration to get through

and highlighting quite a complex, unusual and engaging tune

the second set was dominated by a work by matt ottignon

4 movements making up a long, sprawling, impressive tune titled spaces

each movement individually titled and standing on it's own

all the musicians deferring to sheet music throughout

indicating the depth of thought that had gone into this composition

and similarly indicating the skills of the musicians on stage

a small but very appreciative audience providing the appropriate ovation

the final tune for the night a blues based tune by christian mcbride

with lots of smiles, happiness and a giving of all on stage

at the conclusion i was once again left to ponder on this scene

another exceptional, highly individual, unpredictable night's music

but largely ignored by the millions of people outside

still my head was nicely filled for the long walk home

i think i may have an addiction problem

oh well, nevermind

shine a light

martin scorcese tipped the balance here
i have never been any kind of rolling stones fan
his involvement in this film was a temptation
there was also a feeling my judgement had been misguided
maybe this band deserves all the plaudits thrown at it
the film opens with preparations for the show
they have agreed to perform for a charity
2 nights in a small theatre in new york
small in comparison to their usual stadium show
the opening scenes show scorcese and the band at odds
they not wanting to reveal the set list and the director is frustrated
the lads presumably having a reputation to live up to
after all this is rock'n'roll and they are the kings
the hudson theatre itself looks like a great live venue
bill clinton is in attendance as patron of the charity
there's some great footage of him meeting the band
laying on all the charm and personality he naturally has
hard to see new presidential candidate obama doing this
even more bill's vanquished wife who trails him around here
a poignant moment in the film considering the timing
barack today announcing the winning of the democrat primary
bill does the introduction duties and off we go
straight into jumping jack flash as the band take over
mick out front strutting his stuff most convincingly
(fitness factor x age = results off the scale)
keef and ronnie assuming most preferred positions
on stage, guitars strapped on, eyes mostly fixed on the left hand
the lovable charlie watts still looking on bewildered
laying down the beat that defines this outfit
there's another bunch of musicians on stage also
darryl jones on bass going through the motions i suspect
a brass section, keyboards and a trio of backup singers
the sound in the theatre of my choice not the best
but thankful in a way for that as volume was not wanted
i was here for the visuals and not to be pummeled by sound
after 3 songs i'd seen enough i was thinking
confirming my lack of desire to see 'em live
and wondering how much longer this would go on for
but there's some respite as the first guest appears
jack white from the white stripes duets with mick
not long after buddy guy is on stage joining the band
performing a muddy waters number titled champagne and reefer
and in one song explaining and defining the rolling stones
white boys may plunder and revere the blues
but there's nothing better than the real thing
buddy guy has soul and style oozing out of him
keef in particular seemed rather in awe of his company
a non-plussed buddy guy the recipient of keith's guitar
payment for services rendered presumably
one excellent tune and the stones are back to it
grinding out a set of hits and lesser known tunes
an acoustic version of as tears go by quite impressive
sympathy for the devil is cranked out most convincingly
start me up is still the average tune it has always been
the highlight of the night for me is faraway eyes
ronnie playing a lap steel guitar very confidently
mick on vocals proving how versatile the band can be
christine aguilera makes an appearance to duet with mick
she matches it well with him though it seems not quite right
that a 20-something is in sexy poses with a 60-something
and so it all finally gets to the end of the show
one thing i was constantly on the lookout for
was crowd reaction to the presence of greatness
my impression was that this new york crowd was underwhelmed
a few excited individuals seen on camera at different times
but there just did not seem to be a savouring of the moment
which may well be typical in this overspoilt city
but possibly they were there for other reasons
curiosity, hype, nostalgia, see and be-seen
the rolling stones (nearly) live
cross that one off the list
been there done that
...moving on

the deep field

science fiction is a genre i traditionally avoid
i hold it out there in the same manner as classical music
in that there is a whole world(s) of discovery to be had
but there is always more in known fields to be absorbed
the occasional dabble though is mostly satisfying
this book was encountered in a second-hand bookshop
an appealing cover, an interesting synopsis and bit of a rave
winner of australia's prestigious age fiction book of the year
the deep field is a sensuous and haunting meditation on love, time and loss
the book opens and closes well into the future as an old lady reminisces
she is examining some photos taken by her famous mother anna
the story then comes back in time into the near future
as anna is on a field study in country china
the official photographer on a fossil dig with experts in the field
it's a bleak, timeless setting with the introduction of fossils paramount
the first few chapters also reveal the state of the world post nuclear war
near anarchy in china with the pla in control and causing chaos
anna makes an escape back to her familiar sydney surroundings
the author knows the city well and many places and landmarks are mentioned
he has also has a good understanding of developing technology
and so the time in sydney provides for interesting reading
as anna uses vidphones to communicate visually or aurally
she has a codex as a pda (blackberry?) which has advanced features
including a searchware component to trace and report on her missing brother
she visits premises where she enters a merse tank
providing a virtual experience of anything she chooses
all the time with the backdrop of extreme poverty and a police state
anna finds herself drawn to finding out more about fossils and shells
ammomites in particular which are fossilised marine life
this journey of discovery leads her to an encounter with a blind professor
the author cleverly includes excerpts from his book in this one
each one of these is numbered and titled as apocrypha
(texts of uncertain authenticity or writings where the authorship is questioned)
providing an absorbing insight into the structure of ammomites
so the reader then also joins in anna's voyage of discovery
she finds herself falling in love with the young professor
but she has issues from her past days in china to deal with
and so the book moves between times and places as all is revealed
the disappearance of her twin brother in hong kong also absorbs her
she has also been infected with malaria which makes a comeback
leading to a very fragile physical and emotional state of being
this is the other strength of the book as the reader feels her pain
there are many passages in the book that demand re-reading
this one in particular as she ponders her emotions and fragility
love is not completeness, it is a perpetual incompleteness
a movement towards a boundary that is always in view but never attainable
it is the desire for immersion, for the oneness we can never have
a reaction against the very nature of what we are, our aloneness
stunning stuff really and relevant to all humans i suspect
i must admit i did find the book wandered somewhat in the second half
the author moved away from an interesting past/future expose
to a more narrative based straight-forward story of love, loss and redemption
in which a lot of disparate characters are introduced and have a role
overall it is a very enjoyable, educational and entertaining read
author james bradley resides in sydney and has written other books
so i will be on the lookout for those

flight of the red balloon

i have over-indulged big-time lately with french films
or at least on those few that get a release in australia
one thing mostly guaranteed with them is slice of life stuff
human stories, emotions, interactions, love (of course)
super-heroes, violence, sci-fi, action, etc totally devoid
there are a few actors that appear quite regularly
stars that add an appeal to a film that lacks it otherwise
juliette binoche being the case in point
last seen in the ensemble cast of paris
and many films prior to that providing the x factor
x-tract the dollars from the film lovers of the world
in the flight of the red balloon she is the deciding factor
so even with lukewarm reviews i decided to take it on
she plays the part of suzanne - solo mother living in paris
employs a chinese media student to mind her young son
while she provides the voice in a small chinese puppet theatre
this film is a french/chinese collaboration
with strong overtones of chinese culture in paris
which is the other appealing component of the film
it's quite refreshing to see asian overtones in a european setting
but the looseness of director hou hsiao-hsien is challenging
a lot of scenes where nothing happens apart from being there
which of course is the point - slice of life stuff
but taken to the extreme with the actors improvising
so there are a lot of gaps in the dialogue
and times when the dialogue seems unrelated or trite
which really proves how carefully constructed most other films are
of course this may well be the directors intent with this one
the red balloon itself makes quite a few appearances
hovering above or near wherever young simon is
but this is no average balloon as it moves in a jerking manner
as though attached to some invisible carrier
there are no real explanations for the balloon's presence
though the fact that only simon is aware of it offers a clue
and in one scene song his minder makes a relevant comment
overall it's quite hard to get too attached to this one
usually with french cinema i find the actual story quite simple
and the ambience of the film becomes it's strength
in this one the story is almost non-existant
and more so it lacks a binding component
though the music is quite memorable
a few well known french performers including the piano of erik satie
i had a brief discussion with someone who had seen the trailer
had to agree that this one is well in the 'art' department
maybe another viewing will be more enlightening?

trio apoplectic

apoplectic = intense enough to threaten or cause apoplexy

apoplexy = a fit of extreme anger, rage

so an interesting name for this previously unheard trio

part 2 of a 2 part series of trios this night at the sound lounge

the three omegas had set the scene quite resoundingly

and passed the baton or at least the drumsticks to their friends

a similar lineup but electric guitar substituted for alto sax

and a rare opportunity to hear 2 trios in quick succession

visually the trio apoplectic are quite unique

radical haircuts indicating a youthful attitude

and pre-performance banter confirming this

swinging into the first tune revealing fine musicianship

dave jackson on a sweetly sounding alto saxophone

abel cross playing a very lyrical double bass

alex masso on percussion filling out the sound

leading the audience back to a lovely melodic sound

my first impression was that of a very skilled outfit

most comfortable with their place in the musical world

but exuding a confidence that promised much

which came to pass as they worked through their set

a mixture of standards and their own material

dave jackson's confidence grew with each number played

nothing too flashy but able to lead every tune with aplomb

most of my attention was on abel cross on double bass

again seemingly playing quite conservatively

but at the same time demonstrating amazing dexterity

as his hands constantly moved all over the strings

producing a very rhythmical bottom end that was just there

occassionally stretching out with some slap style playing

admittedly the haircut also unfairly demanded attention

signifying quite unintentionally that this music has a future

in the hands of such young and able (sorry) musicians

alex masso over on drums and percussion was similarly solid

no need for solos or look-at-me bravado performances

just a very efficient, layered, fill-in-the-gaps mix of sounds

the small audience showed great appreciation for each tune

demanded and received a rare encore at this venue

which brought to mind a line from the flier

don’t miss your chance to hear the next generation of australian jazz

well a lot of people did miss their chance

but not i - thankfully

the three omegas

so, so disappointing - you have to feel for these musicians
showtime rolls around at 8:30 as they come on stage
and the sound lounge isn't exactly packed to the rafters
14 people in the audience - friday night, big city, world's best music
i just don't get it at all - has me questioning my music taste
for about a millisecond
then about 2 bars of music dispels such thoughts
master percussionist jame waples brushing and tapping cymbals
double bass player extraordanaire mike majkowski gently plucking strings
i've seen both of these 2 before in various lineups - they do good
dave de vries on electric guitar promising an eclectic combination
he closes his eyes and strums his guitar in quite a unique way
sounding slightly off-key but strangely appropriate
together it's a very gentle sound reminiscent of 1980's ambient
which is fine by me as i loved some of that music
and in the hands of these 3 anything is possible
the first piece is back-announced as untitled
written by a member of the audience we are told
her partner on double bass then leads with his piece titled posting
a more up-tempo number that confirms this outfit is out there on their own
has me thinking that there really is something special about a trio
especially one such as this where musical skills are unquestioned
confidence in each other and themselves is a given
and the willingness to push out is a driving force
confirmed by dave de vries announcing some improvisation
seriously hoping not to offend anyone he offers
but actually not really caring too much anyway he counters
now things are about to go out even further i suspect
mike majkowski has displayed his noise-making skills in the past
doing all sorts of things with strings, fingers, hands, bows and wood
but tonight he added a whole bunch of other sounds to the mix
using his bow to beat the floor mic for a bass drum effect
whipping the bow through the air for a swishing sound
and expelling air from lungs at volume for a similar effect
totally stole the show while his musical partners wigged out
had me thinking after listening to much recorded improv
that live and in the right hands it is a totally valid form
cleverly they segued into a composed piece of music
a touch of clarity is a beautiful tune showcasing the lineup
had me shuffling through the mental filing cabinet of sounds
pausing briefly on early pink floyd, wes montgomery and others
but nothing so obvious for any length of time as this was their own
at the conclusion there were 3 happy musicians on stage
and a bunch of very lucky music-lovers in awe
which may have assisted in their confidence as they wound up the set
taking the liberty to demonstrate their absolute lack of fear
take on any style, make any noise possible, engage the moment
so they cranked into hard-rock mode belting it out big-time
dave de vries madly working a chord on his guitar like a man possessed
james waples giving his drumkit a belting rarely seen at this venue
mike majkowski actually screaming as he also thrashed his instrument
what an amazing noise - the complete opposite of where we started
but absolutely proving the power of a 3 piece
and this is the support act for the night
with still only 14 people in the audience
go figure

lars and the real girl

i had been aware of this one for a while
something about a bloke with a life-sized doll
kind of takes over his mind and life
so first impressions were that a light comedy was in store
wrong
there's a few laughs at the start pre-arrival of the doll
as lars is presented as determindly single, shy and alone
he lives in the garage of a house he co-owns with brother gus
they having inherited it jointly from their father
he having raised the boys alone after the death of their mother
gus has a sweet wife karin who is expecting their first child
she is particularly fond of lars and tries to connect with him
lars has a regular job sharing a cubicle in an office
his co-worker stumbles on a porn site with a difference
this one offering full size dolls intended for more than company
before long lars takes ownership of the beautiful bianca
which is where the film really kicks in dramatically
for lars sees her as real and treats her with respect
his family, friends and workmates are soon with him
as the town psychiatrist has advised caution
she recognises the deep problems in his mind
seems his mother died when giving birth to lars
his father led a heart-broken life until his death
and his brother ran off as soon as he could
so the film has quietly moved on from light comedy
we see lars and bianca in various roles and situations
at the dinner table, at the hairdresser, on a picnic, etc
and unbelievably i was with everyone else and seeing her as real
so some great acting and directing successfully allowing the leap
and therefore a foresight into the mind of lars
as he imagines life with the perfect partner
this film has had some rave reviews
the first part had me unwilling to give over to it
but then i was totally engrossed and seeing the truth
that anyone can be affected by external circumstances
then possibly triggering mental illness or instability
when it strikes community support is most important
which provides the feelgood factor in this film
as the whole town it seems rallies to the cause
the conclusion of the film is not unexpected
but nonetheless it does wrap things nicely
leaving the audience to ponder the power of this film
another low-budget film from small town america
seems american modern day introspection is now a genre
striking a chord with film audiences
this film is not for everyone
but i got a lot from it
thought provoking
and very enjoyable

bernie mcgann quartet

friday night = sound lounge
got there as the mc was on stage doing the big intro
a scan of available seating revealed one unoccupied table
front row, centre and about 1 metre from the stage
so as bernie mcgann strode on stage
i also took my cue and settled into position
some in-jokes on stage indicating a fine night was in store
before launching into the first tune
this outfit didn't even have to warm up
a count-in by bernie mcgann and away they went
he on alto sax and warwick alder on trumpet
perfectly harmonising and producing some sweet sounds
sounding more like a couple of clarinets than serious brass
these 2 out front and displaying a special connection
the new (to me) rhythm section behind but also linked
brendan clarke almost outsized by his double bass
andrew dickeson inhabiting drums and percussion
together displaying mutual respect for their fellow musicians
it would be hard to imagine a more balanced lineup
the 4 of them producing a beautiful, clean, swing-like sound
bernie mcgann leading and confirming his stature
giving his all as though nothing else existed at the time
before retiring seemingly drained to a chair on stage
leaving warwick alder to similarly lead with his gentle trumpet sound
before he too steps aside to allow the rhythm section to take over
brendan clarke is not flashy but totally also in the moment
after his first spot leading i'm sure he was close to hyperventilating
then andrew dickeson was left to display his virtuosity
producing an eclectic array of sounds and beats
a quick glance and nod and they are all back in unison
which left me with two words uppermost in my head
pure music
and this only the first tune - 30 minutes or so of sublime noise
back announced by bernie mcgann as a tune by thelonious monk
he of course being a piano player but confirming my impression
these 2 on brass making the need for keyboards redundant
a george gershwin piece up next and given the same treatment
4 chaps on stage totally absorbed and giving their all
at least 1 chap in the audience experiencing transendence
but a quick look around confirmed i was not alone
2 superb sprawling engrossing tunes in the first set
the opportunity to take a breather and charge the glasses
the second set was equally as enthralling for all involved
3 more long pieces each with multiple sections
culminating in d day written by bernie mcgann
sitting so close to the stage gives a great insight
there can be nothing better than witnessing such joy
for these musicians know they are totally in the moment
aware that the 4 of them are bound in a way beyond musicianship
the audience a necessary component to provide the love
which is why i guess they keep doing it
playing superb music to a small crowd
which continues to defy me
but i'm now hooked
long may it last

un secret

pronounced une sea-cray - beautiful french phrasing
and not some twist of the english language for a e.g. a non secret
which was a bit of a relief really as i had it pegged as a hollywood film
but it's another one from france and about as french as it gets
according to margaret and david this one failed to get into cannes and vienna
but scooped the pool at the nearly as famous montreal film festival
unusually as it seems lately they both loved it and gave 4 stars
so tonight on opening night i shared a theatre with 20 or so others (huh?)
the opening scenes are very reminiscent of swimming pool (the film)
showing a very fragile looking boy in a beautiful pool setting in 1955
watching his beautiful mother tania (cecile de france) swimming and diving
he is the son of her second husband maxime (patrick bruel) who has a (the) secret
the son sees a ghost of a brother and suffers nightmares
his athletic father is openly disappointed with his son
though fast-forward to 1985 and a reconciliation occurs
the son played in later life by mathieu amalric
last seen as the star of the diving bell and the butterfly
then it's back to 1935 so we can be let in on the secret
there's a jewish wedding underway in paris
this is maxime's first wedding to hannah where his eye falls on tania
hinting at a sordid affair or some other kind of tête-à-tête
but first there is the serious business of world war 2 at hand
tania innocently comes and goes in the life of maxime and hannah
and the perception of hannah detects the yearning of her husband
maxime is a non-practicing jew and baulks at yiddish tradition
even having his first born son secretly yet overtly baptised
he also believes france is tolerant and not in hitler's plans
but of course the weight of history is against him
he agrees to escape to unoccupied france to set up a new life
then eventually sends word for his wife and son to join him
and casually mentions that tania has also innocently shown up
his wife and son never make it - the reason being the big secret
which then has a ripple effect down through following generations
this film is another beautifully crafted piece of french cinema
superb acting, beautiful costumes, and stunning scenery
a story that hangs at times by a thread as the film goes on
which is something i find the french can do so well
have such confidence in the mood and ambience of the film
that the thing most resembling a plot lurks around in the background
then is gently brought forward usually in the most moving way
in this case in the scene where maxime and tania finally submit
both being free of past true loves and ready to love again
fast forward again to 1955 and then 1985 and it all makes sense
we are now armed with the knowledge of what the secret is
and now able to fully understand it's long-term effect
another charming french film
un success

the year the gypsies came

this book the result of a flying visit to a second-hand bookshop
one book about to end and a train journey about to start
a few minutes available to ensure book-reading continuity
this title is from 2006 and met the current selection criteria
a story of people in another place and in another time
therefore in line with other recently read and enjoyed titles
the book is set in a well-off white household in 1960's johannesburg
bob and lily iris have teenage daughters named sarah and emily
he runs and works hard at a successful chocolate import business
she plays the dutiful wife though most happy spending the cash
for there are imported fashions, cosmetics, records to be bought
to complete the picture of self-absorption she is having an affair
her oblivious husband allows a transient family to take up residence
parking their land-rover and caravan on their sprawling property
jock is an australian wildlife photographer married to peg
their 2 sons otis and streak are uneducated, clumsy and ill-mannered
having endured their gypsy lifestyle for all of their lives
also living on the property are 2 blacks on minimal wages and long hours
lettie is the housekeeper and the elderly zulu buza is their security guard
the youngest daughter emily has a great rapport with both of them
so while her parents indulge themselves in their shallow and insular lives
their daughters are exposed to and absorb stories and experiences of the land
buza is one very wise old man and foretells trouble with the gypsies
his foreboding is justified and soon unchecked teenage testosterone makes its mark
a lid is briefly kept on the results of this problem that sees the gypsies scarper
but tensions run high and before long the truth escapes explosively
at this point in the book i was totally absorbed with the story
in a short amount of time a lot of issues had been touched on
family relationships, abandoned lifestyles, apartheid, puberty, spiritualism
even politics in the form of nelson mandela are included in the story
the book is written in the first person from emily's point of view
adding another dimension as she struggles with all that surrounds her
but thankfully buza is there as her companion, mentor and guiding light
he passes on stories and expressions from his own life and ancestry
providing the reader with a expose to zulu customs and language
their relationship is the strength and truth in this wonderful story
showing that the wisdom of indigenous people is a powerful force
able to help anyone who is prepared to listen - even a 12 year-old girl
the final chapter reveals emily now as a grown woman with her own child
still in contact with buza now close to death in his zulu homeland
a beautiful, moving, gut-wrenching, unforgettable story
based on the upbringing of author linzi glass
surely a film is following

the counterfeiters

die falscher - austrian for - the counterfeiters
i had seen the trailer for this one and had it on the maybe list
something in me says warning wil robinson - it's a war story
but in this case the academy had slapped an oscar on it
best foreign film for last year so that made a difference
an extra appeal being that the film is based on a true story from w w 2
so off i went and braced for another visit to a concentration camp
the film opens on the (stoney) beach at monte carlo pre-war days
salomon sorowitsch (sally) is seen to be in contemplative mode
then shows the swaggering anti-hero character at work and play
using his chips bought with counterfeited cash to win large
he is on a roll and wins money and love as a result
the action cuts back to pre-war underground berlin
giving an insight to changing attitudes towards judaism
he senses the danger and plans an escape while the going is good
but his libido gets the better of him and a final fling is his undoing
leading to his deportation to a brutal concentration camp
but he is a wily and pragmatic man who seizes opportunities
putting his artistic skills to work on the egotistical germans
then as his criminal background is realised he is transferred
he is then in isolation with other selected prisoners in another camp
they are forced to put their skills to work to produce money
initially english pounds in large quantities and then the us dollar
the nazis in desperation have determined to use this tactic
dump the money in the respective countries and ruin their economies
it is about here that i found my own belief system wavering
totally unconvinced that a few prisoners could achieve this
but the point of the film is more about the moral dilemma
some prisoners will do anything to preserve life and acquiesce
others take the higher ground and choose to resist the nazis
by determining that subtle sabotage of the cash is required
it is from this conflict that the film is further developed
backing up each prisoners position with background information
the strongest opponent having lost his wife and child at auschwitz
as the war comes to an end the germans turn to jelly
a farcical scene sees the nazi commander cowering
in a scene that just seemed to be too unrealistic
which pretty well summed up my take of the film
an interesting story delivered in an unconvincing way
even with excellent acting and bleak cinematography
it took a complete read of the credits rolling at the end
to state that the counterfeiters actually produced a lot of cash
4 times the volume of the english foreign reserves at the time
something i felt had not been well documented in the film
so in the end i was impressed by the historical fact
just not totally swept away by the film as a whole
certainly not my best foreign film 2007
but worth a look-see

the blackwater lightship

there's a bunch of second-hand bookshops in the nearest town
the kind of shop traditionally i had not frequented much
but these days books come from either libraries or recycled
which is fine by me as it means no or less reason to accumulate 'em
and even more reason to take a punt on a book with little to go on
case in point being the blackwater lightship by colm toibin
an irish author based in dublin writing in this case an irish story
we shall be reading and living with the blackwater lightship in 20 years
so reads a bold statement on the cover from the independent on sunday
along with a heading stating shortlisted for the 1999 booker prize
the synopsis on the back cover read ok and so the $5 changed hands
this novel is about a now grown-up dysfunctional family
sister helen is now a successful school administrator
married to hugh with a couple of young boys of her own
her younger brother declan is gay and has fallen ill
their estranged mother lily is a career woman
her own mother lives alone in coastal ireland
close to a place called the blackwater lightship
it is at the grandmother's place that the family gathers
including a couple of male friends of brother declan
so the book is set up with 6 quite disparate people under 1 roof
3 males, 3 females, 3 generations, old and new relationships
before long it becomes apparent that declan has aids
and his illness dominates proceedings in the house
as he is tended to and some old family issues re-surface
seems the 2 siblings were dealt with cold-heartedly
when their own father died of cancer when they were young
leading to a real resentment to and detachment from their mother
which really is what the book seems to be wanting to highlight
that the treatment of children is formative for their own lives
the issue of aids is dominant but reactions to his illness seem odd
leading to a check of the year that the book was set in
i could not form an affinity with any of the characters
and the 3rd person narration got to be quite annoying
mostly short sentences prefaced with he/she said/did
not an endearing writing style to encourage re-reading
i think i must have missed something in this one
i kept waiting for something appealing to develop
even expecting an inkling to get back to ireland one day
but the charm of that country and it's residents was lacking
as the end of the book drew nearer i'd given up
there was not going to be any big revelations
it became a case of get through it quickly
even the climax to me was a letdown
which was actually quite a relief
no big surprises with the ending
nothing missed along the way
anyway take the good with the bad
back to the second-hand bookshop we go
i'm sure someone else will pick it up and love it
but it don't come highly recommended from me
beware the quotes of critics on back covers
his prose rises to heights of extraordinary beauty
this is the most astonishing piece of writing
lyrical in its emotion and spare in its construction
yup - definitely missed something
nevermind - over

mark isaacs resurgence band

i had been very much looking forward to this show
based on seeing this same band perform a wonderful show last year
so unusually i had convinced a few friends to join me on this night
mostly i self-indulge big time with my sound lounge visits
not one for forcing my musical adventures on others
but this one came with satisfaction guaranteed
we got there close to showtime so best spot was at the back
the mc for the night gave a long and rambling introduction
most memorably telling us that mark isaacs is a transient
only sticks with a project as long as it works for him
which seemed to indicate this combo's days are numbered
the first tune was a gentle wandering piece titled minsk
giving time and space for the band to settle in
hinting at what i knew they were capable of delivering
memories of my last experience still exciting me
but something about what i was hearing was unsettling me
i tried to put it down to a rare seat at the back of the venue
or that i was very much wanting a great performance
so that my friends would understand my obsession
things became clearer as mark isaacs spoke between tunes
he informed us the band had not played for 6 months
but more than that he just seemed not that happy to be there
which then became true of the other 4 musicians
to their credit they used their skills admirably
matt keegan on sax doing his nod to kenny garrett
james muller proving again he is a master guitarist
tim firth on drums providing anchor and focal point
brett hirst on double bass being mr reliable as always
but...but...but there was something just not right tonight
even from a distance i could sense the animosity on stage
which spilled over to barbed comments between tunes
by the end of the first set my companions were on to it
admiring and impressed by the music (phew)
but questioning the point and in fact the need of the banter
me - feeling a little underwhelmed on this ocassion
all i could do was hope for a resurgence (groan) in the second set
but it seemed the damage had been done and more of the same
impressive soloing, professional playing and attitude
but the big totally necessary and undervalued component missing
no on-stage vibe, no sense of joy of the moment, no respect
which to me actually then seemed to find it's way into the music
at least a couple of times i sensed they had lost the plot
aimless meandering and ball-tossing on stage
long, indulgent, uninspiring, begrudging solos
providing mostly an excuse for a visit to the bar
something i usually avoid to the nth degree
in the end we all gave respectful applause
but in this case it was the end that i wanted
for whatever reason tonight was a letdown
my friends seemed not unimpressed
just not overwhelmed
me neither
...damn

alister spence trio

sound lounge - friday night - a favourite time and place
got there way too early and first into the room
advantage being the best seat in the house was secured
smack bang centre-front all but on the actual stage
by show-time the place was sadly less than half-full
leading me again to despair the irony of this situation
world-leading (and loved) musicians playing in their hometown
but largely ignored by their very many fellow citizens
alister spence is an accomplished pianist, composer and noise-maker
lloyd swanton on double-bass would be rated number 1 in australia
toby hall on drums, percussion and glockenspiel would not be far behind
this trio has been invited to play at the tokyo jazz festival
presumably meaning they will perform in front of large crowds
but tonight there's a few of us ready and willing to lap it up
things start gently and even tentatively with the first tune
being so close to the stage reveals some fine-tuning on stage
as the musicians discreetly adjust various settings and settle in
but all the time confirming their skill set and connection
the next tune luminescence sees the band really crank it up
3 musicians hard at work pulling all sorts of noises
there's a great energy to be had with a piano/bass/drum combo
that on a good night means a real transcendence can be enjoyed
as the melody, beat, and rhythm takes over the headspace
but then as in this case add another 3 channels of input
with each musician using imaginative noise-making techniques
and the result is almost overwhelming in it's originality
alister spence has no fear of adding any noise to the mix
on occasions he would stand and hammer the strings of the grand piano
at other times he would fire up the sampler and add textures
noises like the wind in trees, or a boiling kettle were heard
lloyd swanton circling the palm of his hand on the bass
toby hall dragging drumsticks over cymbals
his skills on the glockenspiel also evident at times
so an amazing musical intensity was achieved fairly quickly
and by the end of the first set of 3 or 4 songs it was clear this was special
confirmed by the large smiles and happy exchanges on stage
certainly it was good for us all to have a break and prepare for part 2
which was another set of 3 or 4 tunes delivered stunningly
the standout tune being a track titled mercury from the latest album
opening with a set of improvisation that had me hooked
then in the formal piece i was playing a favourite game
relax the body, close eyes, let go, crank up the hi-fi
acknowledge that at this time there is no better place to be
then open the eyes and see what is right in front of you
brings a smile to my face every time it happens
and in this case a smile coming back from the stage
lots of those as the lads obviously also enjoyed the night
which to me is the best thing about this kind of music
they love what they do and they do it brilliantly
just a real pleasure to be a witness to this magic
pha! who needs a crowd anyway?
the bank manager mostly i suspect
here's hoping japan embraces them
they thoroughly deserve it
new album soon too
....great

the secret river

this book came both highly recommended and as a gift
the timing of the reading of this one also of personal significance
the secret river is the hawkesbury river in the early 19th century
the book starts out in cold, depressing, harsh, unforgiving london
william thornhill is born into poverty and lives in rancid conditions
no social welfare in these times so the poorest live abysmally
work is scarce and poorly paid, food and clothing is minimal
wil's near neighbour and friend sal is the daughter of a waterman
he takes him on as an apprentice boatman working on the thames
so over a period of time learns some useful skills and falls in love
before long there is a child and a wife to provide for
part of the survival process for the poor is petty crime
being caught leads to corporal punishment or execution
in wil's case he and his family are sent on a convict ship to sydney
this sets up the second part of the book as the family settles in
initially in sydney as wil works the boats on the harbour there
before long he is also working on the hawkesbury river
spots a very desirable neck of land and secretly imagines ownership
in the meantime the family is expanding and outgrowing their digs
sheer hard work means wil can buy his own boat and the move is on
sal reluctantly agrees to try out life on the land (and water) for 5 years
and so it is that the 100 acres of thornhill's point becomes his own
which is where this book becomes more than a great history lesson
for it is only a matter of time before the natives of the land are encountered
as a reader i was partially dreading what would unfold in this part
the accuracy, detail and identifiable emotions revealed so far were a clue
and knowing even vaguely the history of the white colonisation of australia
meant that more than likely there may not be a happy ending coming up
the author (kate grenville) however takes the time to introduce the locals
and eloquently allows us to learn more of their lifestyle and habits
friendships are formed between black and white and tolerance has a chance
there are some new australians with a heart and mind to co-habitate
but there are some hard characters amongst the convict whites
and some distant law-makers not interested in accomodating alternative lifestyles
the final part of the book sadly depicts the brutality the locals endured
wil and sal and family survive and prosper in their new home
but they are unknowingly affected by what has happened
this pointing to a possibility of repercussions for future generations
there's a bunch of superlatives on the front cover of this book
passionate and disturbing, outstanding, fiercely intelligent
overwhelmingly beautiful, unforgettable, subtle and satisfying
a book everyone should read, breathtaking, vivid and moving
i actually read this book mostly doing my daily train commuting
so crossing the hawkesbury river took on extra meaning
as i took and had the time to be engrossed in the book
it's not often i am so moved by a work of fiction
and in my case another superlative to add
...life-changing...
(watch this space)

the painted veil

while not exactly a chinese film the location totally is that
which was the main appeal for me - see some of that country
i was also curious to see how the husband/wife acting team would go
naomi watts (kitty) in a leading role and liev schreiber (charlie) as her lover
i also admire the acting skills of edward norton who plays a doctor (walter)
and then as a final teaser diana rigg is mentioned in the cast
the film opens with kitty and walter dumped in country china
then cuts back to explain how they have ended up there
he is a bacteriologist briefly in london where he meets kitty
she is from a rich family with a mother keen to be rid of her
so kitty decides to scarper and accepts walter's proposal
and hi-ho hi-ho it's off to china we go - shanghai
i was looking forward to some scenes of 1920's china
but mostly what we see is a bored kitty with her new man
hubby finds out and gives her a choice of a divorce
or a trip to the country to deal with a cholera outbreak
take the divorce i was thinking - she being in love with charlie
but seems as a woman that is not the done thing
so then it's off to the country with a grumpy husband
this gives the director the opportunity for some impressive shots
plenty of scenes featuring china's unique mountain ranges
upon reaching their destination kitty is totally isolated
walter won't touch her and barely speaks to her
so she befriends the mother superior (diana rigg)
and finds some solace in her work with orphaned children
eventually after a drunken night they reconcile
fall into bed and she finally in love with her husband
gets pregnant, they live happily ever after, etc, etc
well not quite he gets the dreaded disease and snuffs it
which is about the most unpredictable part of this film
the rest is just too obvious - even boring in places
i found myself too aware that this is just a film
and not transported as film can do when done well
the costumes were grand (how many suitcases did she take?)
the acting was ok but naomi watts tends to rely on her beauty
i don't think this one will pick up any prizes for directing
of maybe the editing is at fault as it felt very jerky
a lot of scenes but not flowing very well
you could almost sense the one scene a day feel to it
all very well set up with totally unbelievable lighting
literally that is - bright spot lights used for dramatic effect
silhouetting characters or showing off beauty and/or dress
the chinese actors given or giving very wooden roles
some things going on that lacked explanation
or seemingly there because the budget allowed for it
which made me think - should have read the book first
but somerset maughan is not someone i am drawn to
ok - enough panning - not a bad film
just not a great one

the edge of heaven

or it's original german title - auf der anderen seite
cannes slapped a few awards on this one including best screenplay
though i was not aware of that until after seeing it
the attraction for me was a continuing run of luck
having seen a number of foreign (read sub-titled) films lately
each providing a great sense of enjoyment and satisfaction
so on this night the stars named time, location and appeal all lined up
the edge of heaven is a german-turkish collaboration
though the opening scene looks like something out of an american road film
the action then cuts to hamburg with no explanation of that scene
an elderly widower turkish immigrant takes in a prostitute for company
much to the chagrin of his caring university professor son
who learns that his father's companion has a long-lost daughter
an unfortunate brain-snap sees the death of the prostitute come companion
with the father sent to prison and the body back to turkey
the son wants to make amends so also returns to his ancestral homeland
to search out the lost daughter and pay for the education her mother wished for
in the meantime the daughter is a part of an illegal political organisation
flees the country and heads to germany in search of her mother
so there is a very appealing father-son, mother-daughter storyline
the daughter is lost in germany and befriends a university student
their relationship develops and this time to the chagrin of the student's mother
eventually the police catch up with our illegal immigrant and she is deported
and herself ends up in prison in turkey for her political activities
her new german friend then heads to turkey to try and help her
takes lodgings with the young professor now book-store owner
then naively gets caught up in a bad situation leading to her death
allowing the director to neatly portray another body being transported
her own mother then comes to istanbul to understand her daughter's death
meets the professor and so a tantalising situation is set up
we the audience know of the 2 degrees of separation of these people
but frustratingly they themselves do not know the connection
(and i suspect my explanation is even more disguised than in the film)
putting all that aside this film has so much to offer
beautiful cinematography showing the allure of turkey and istanbul
the simple kindness and empathy of humanity is highlighted
as is the danger of gross nationalism and religious fervour
but in the end it is forgiveness and enlightenment that wins out
leading the professor son to travel to find his banished father
and thus explaining the opening scene now shown in context
with a final scene that had me glued to my seat
watching the credits roll over the top
i think i need to see it again
stunning film-making

the colour

a novel based in the 1860's in the south island of nz
the colour being the term ascribed to the precious metal
that drove men and women to join in the goldrush of those days
the main 2 characters are a couple of unhappily married uk migrants
joseph blackstone has left behind a past he wants to forget
harriet has a sense of adventure that sees her accompany her man
they have his solitary mother lilian for company as they start their new life
buying a few acres of land and building the simplest of homes
then trying to survive off the land at the mercy of nz's harsh weather
joseph discovers a few grains of the colour in their creek
and soon is obsessed by this discovery and wants more
he acts secretly but fails and so decides to join in the rush
that sees him on a very risky boat journey to the west coast
leaving harriet to tend to the farm and his ailing mother
their wealthy neighbours providing the company she needs
befriending their young son who has a secret visitor
being a maori lady who nursed him while young
but banished after an accident that continues to haunt them
at this stage of the book i was well and truly hooked
rose tremain the author has a way of providing excellent insight
so that all the characters she introduces are easily understood
the weather and beauty of the south island are deftly described
with pare the maori lady in the mix a spiritualism is also present
explaining the at-one relationship between maoris and environment
back in the story and lilian finally succumbs and passes on
joseph is unaware as he is mired in the desperation of the goldrush
so harriet takes to her horse to find him and break the news
she longs to be in the mountains and heads there on horseback
looking for a way through to the other side where joseph is
but her sense of survival is stronger than her sense of adventure
so she resorts to the risky boat-trip and arrives in hokitika
finds joseph and then assists him in his part in the goldrush
i don't recall reading about or studying this time in nz history
but the last part of this book provides such an insight
cleverly describing the conditions, desperation and determination
using the story of these 2 totally different people
the climax to the book is actually quite moving
as harriet finally finds what she didn't know she was looking for
and joseph's pays his penance as his past finally catches up with him
some books i read i get to the ending with a sense of relief
in this case i didn't want to part company with it
just so totally engrossing and satisfying
would make a great film
go peter jackson

paris

the continuation of the viewing of films based in paris
inside paris, je t'aime paris, 2 days in paris and now - paris
starring romain duris the down on love brother from inside paris
a similar role in this film but in this case his heart is also physically sick
requiring a heart transplant and some tlc from sister is also needed
she played by juliet binoche - the other big appeal of this film for me
the opening credits gave some indication of the style of the film
lots of them and everyone it seems gets a mention
there are about 10 main characters mixed in the plot
all living, working, socialising in central paris
some close relationships but others more tenuous
in the opening scenes it's a case of hold on as best you can
as all the characters are quickly and fairly randomly introduced
meaning the eyes are rapidly moving between scenes and the sub-titles
but once past that it's a case of settle in and enjoy the journey
reminisce on time spent in paris as familiar territory pops up
then give in to the fact that really the city is the star of the film
for it feels like the director is not trying to illuminate anyone
though juliet binoche inadvertently does that effortlessly
there seems to be a real intent to show these people as typical
for they all have idiosyncrosies that seem very real
in one case a respected history professor blocks his parents
cannot believe that his own brother cries at their fathers funeral
then has a shrink in near laughter as he casually mentions this
soon after he is seen wooing an attractive student via mobile texting
then delivers up a hilarious mime-dance scene a-la tom cruise
relationships are never far from the spotlight in this film
it's easy to start out thinking the city of love is the cause of this
but before long and after some quite unlikely couplings
it becomes apparant the director is pointing to another cause
desperate loneliness, lack of fulfillment, the need for affection
the city's reputation then justifying the flinging together of bodies
and not only odd couplings but very odd settings
the meat section at the city markets had me squirming
there are parties thrown in a blatant attempt to resurrect friendships
a not too subtle jab at the right-wing direction of france is there
and not too far away is the case of the fragility of life
as the most dominant character struggles with his illness
and his lovely sister (jb) supports and also indulges
as expected there is no happy ending to this film
no conclusion, no revelations, no hidden message
just a great slice of many lives in this city
2 hours went by very quickly
still want to go there again
ah...paris

drop city

a book coming recommended from one of those 1001 list things
from an author touted as 'one of america's most valuable storytellers'
but that is on the cover of the book so to be taken with a grain of slight
t c boyle being the author in question - or thomas coraghessan boyle
this book is a back to basics tale about life on the land
it starts out on a hippy commune in california in 1970
giving an almost nostalgic insight to life in those times
free sex, drugs aplenty, music, apathy, eeking out an existence
take it as it comes, no rules, no expectations, no demands
in parallel there is also a couple living in deep alaska
also back to basics and at the mercy of the weather
meaning life has to be very structured and planned
summer spent earning cash from hunting and trapping
growing vegetables, catching fish, preserving food
winter spent in lockdown in survival mode
things get out of hand on the hippy commune
the author seems to enjoy documenting a decline in ideals
meaning jealousy, possessiveness, envy, distrust take their toll
the straights seem intent on destroying their lifestyle
or at least forcing them out so they flee the bulldozers
and head north to alaska where their leader has a claim on some land
which of course is next to the couple living in blissful isolation
and so we are witness to a serious clash of cultures
hippies being unheard of and not welcome in redneck alaska
but they are here to stay and some friendships are formed
demonstrating that character traits override ideals
so a hippy with bad scrupples can befriend a like-minded redneck
and an isolated housewife can enjoy the company of other women
i enjoyed the way the book was set up to this point
but towards the end i was looking forward to a conclusion
and the more it went on the more i felt uncomfortable about it
it kind of dawned on me (eventually) what the author's intent was
best summed up by suggesting he would be a g w bush supporter
or at least a member of the national rifle association
guns are never far from the action in outback alaska
animals are purely there for killing, eating and/or stripping
a woman's role is to be housekeeper, cook, subservient
minority groups to be sneered on and not helped
free sex leading to an outbreak of an std amongst the hippies
except for the devoted couple who befriend the local man/wife
who become expectant parents along the way
the token african americans are dealt with ruthlessly
their names appropriated for new dogs in the sled team
the hippy leader abandons the flock when the going gets tough
just too many such happenings at the end of this book
which led to a feeling of relief when it finally comes to an end
no big climax - certainly no encouragement for alternative lifestyles
much better to give in to a traditional way of life
him - armed to the teeth and out there taking them down
her - at home alone, baking bread and getting pregnant
makes you wonder what really killed the hippy culture

ten part invention

i used to live about 3 minutes walk from the sound lounge
at the moment it's about a 3 hour trip - each way
involving lots of walking and a long train trip
but this band plays so rarely it has to be done
a modest crowd at start of set meant a choice of seats
so well positioned centre stage second row as they started up
ripping into a roger frampton tune titled jazznost
that does everything to confirm the strength of this outfit
a rollicking number of very many different styles and sounds
seeing everyone contributing on their respective instruments
or giving way to a gentle drum/bass/piano section
john pochee as drummer/leader then back-announcing the tune
and seemingly in fine form as on-stage m c and story-teller
a trio of tunes composed by sandy evans were then played
including a new tune that surely means recordings will follow
sitting as close as i was meant total absorption was possible
and with 10 excellent musicians on stage there was plenty to observe
not least the camraderie and respect given and received
my feeling with this outfit is that it is an absolute pinnacle
each musician totally dedicated to their role in the band
giving their all musically and soaking it up equally
closed eyes, nodding heads, tapping feet, smiling faces
all in evidence as other musicians took the spotlight
and when all 10 of them are hard at it
i cannot imagine a more glorious jazz sound
loose but tight, melodic but shambolic, loud but gentle
any rhythm, style, beat or speed in their easy grasp
tunes counted in and the band then just so together
which in any other outfit would indicate lots of playing or rehearsing
but i suspect given the difficulty of uniting 10 highly prolific musicians
in this case means connection, intuition and feel is at play big time
then when a classic such as blues for clancye is rolled out they let rip
adding to the mixture a fallback to a very well known piece of music
but still played with unchecked passion and enthusiasm
10 part invention have played together for over 20 years
i have had the great fortune of seeing them only a handful of times
and now have them on the not-to-be-missed list
making me part of a small but growing club
judging by the reaction at the end of the performance tonight
loud, long, appreciative and deserving applause
best band in australia?
put them up there

housesitting part 1

i'd been aware of this lark via friends, etc
circumstances now dictate that this a viable option
low (no) cost accomodation, flexibility, adaptability
have registered on a web-site specific to housesitting
i.e. pay some dollars, advertise, browse, respond, engage, etc
and in passing mention to a few friends that this has happened
which in this case led to a phone-call - you serious about this?
...because i have some friends about to head off around australia
concerned about leaving their house and i mentioned you, etc, etc
a dinner was organised at the house in question to meet the people
conversation soon turned to - the neighbours are great
come and go as you like, make yourself at home, etc
i.e. no formal do you want the gig? - or - am i suitable?
nothing to sign, no money to change hands - just a set of keys
and so i find myself in official house-sitting job number 1
what a beauty - a house in the central coast hinterland
close to a train station on the main sydney/newcastle line
20 minutes walk along a dark, winding road uphill
to a house perched on a hill surrounded by gardens and bush
a swimming pool, citrus trees, herb garden, solitude
lawns the size of paddocks but a ride-on mower on site
ye olde house (12o years) lovingly restored and extended
large kitchen, rooms to get lost in, privacy, internet (ahem)
and owners now on the other side of this continent
rising at sun-up to do the tai-chi in the back yard
the best way to soak up the many and various bird sounds
while coffee brews on the large and old electric range
then pack the essentials for the commute to the city
a book, the mp3 player, laptop and off down the road
20 minutes downhill to the local train station
and a guaranteed seat (so-far) into the city
do the honours there during the working day
and all the time looking forward to the return journey
back to this oasis of a house i have been charged with
oh what a pleasure - housesitting
weekend 1 coming up
hope i don't get bored
but there are books to read
and lawns that need to be mowed
provisions to be replenished somehow
and a musical outing in sydney
so far...so good

u23d

the musical journey continues
you've got to hand it to the lads
they continue to be the first to deliver
in 1993 they put on the biggest and best stadium rock show
and have ridden the wave since then with stunning live concerts
me - hell - i was there from the beginning - bono is my brother
well at least he should be given the amount of money tossed his way
tonight set a benchmark in ticket prices at $25 for a film
which eclipses what i used to pay to see 'em live
and now i find myself willing again to pay to pray
at the altar that is u2 live and glorious
the imax theatre was almost overflowing
something i have also not seen for a while with a film
took a seat quite low down, stage (screen) left and donned the 3d glasses
watched the opening credits roll with 3d effect and sensed the occasion
speakers cranked up and the concert launches appropriately with vertigo
maybe not unintentionally adding a new meaning to that song
immediately the sensory experience that is 3d is under way
you're just so there - on the stage like never before
it really does feel like you could reach out and touch them
and a conscious acknowledgement that this is totally relevant
delivering an experience centred between film and reality
the hits just keep on flowing and delivered expertly
proving more than ever how good this band is
edge the guitarist is just stunning
bullet the blue sky featuring an unbelievable solo
had the goosebumps pounding and the eardrums ringing
bono in such fine voice and almost operatic and always in control
cleverly engages the camera at times and so making it very personal
adam clayton mr cool bass-player as solid as ever
prowls the stage and cannot be denied his obvious smugness
larry mullen jr as usual emotionless but drumming expertly
the camera hovering above the kit providing a unique 3d view
the hits, all the hits and nothing but the hits is what they do
60 minutes of them churned out in blistering fashion
the crowd going crazy on the screen and surely also in the theatre
ah no actually the 3d effect puts you right there amongst it
but consciousness gives a reminder that this is a film
and we're actually seated not uttering let alone singing a word
a quick glance around confirms the actual reality
lots of people with silly glasses on and not much movement
so much better to switch back to virtual u2 3d world
where the music does most of the talking
these guys are so overwhelmingly comfortably big
and so confident in their material it seems to lack a use-by date
i totally enjoyed this new sensory experience
even better that it was my old mates u2
on a very significant day
happy birthday to me

sailing away...

i have a very good friend who owns a yacht chartering business
boats owned thankfully by others but managed by him
so occasionally the call comes - wanna go out for a sail?
the first time this happened i said yes
had such a wonderful time i then understood
why it is that this activity is so revered
and so now as with a few other things in my life now
the rule is never say no to such invitations
get out on the water as much as possible
enjoy the company and the experience
get back to basics and be at the mercy of weather
turn up or otherwise look down noses at stink-boats
on this day i was asked to crew a boat in a race
gulp - my reaction was that all i could offer was ballast
which in fact was really all that was wanted and expected
and so it was that 4 lads crewed up on the good ship orinoco
a fine vessel designed more for speed than comfort
hoisted the sail and boldly sailed off from the mooring
only to fairly instantly be at the mercy of a gentle breeze
determined to drive us into the wall of the bay of departure
under the watchful eyes of a bunch of landlubbers
though some last-minute leg push-offs saved the day and pride
and out with the motor to get us to the allotted start-line
then a stalled motor as we manoevred for position
20 or so other craft already jostling for a good start
us - becalmed - and well off the pace even pre-start
but then the god of wind gave us a gentle blow
crossed the line just as the starter did his/her thing
waved the other crews goodbye and settled in for the race
race to me has always meant speed, aggression, tension, selfishness
but on this day that word is very much redefined
and coming down to a simple competition
where even the various crews assisted each other
e.g. 'you need to go around the high-water mark'
a friendly wave and chat about respective boats
and back to the serious business of sail-trimming
or in my case adjusting ballast by bum-shifting
we spent a good 4 hours out on the water
negotiating a course around 3-4 specific points
all the while seeing sydney harbour the best way
totally on it and amongst it with fellow sailors
fine weather and a gentle breeze added to the day
we came in third in the race so well satisfied
and then retired to the yacht club headquarters
being the blues point hotel - classic stuff
no pretentious, see-and-be-seen sailors here
just a bunch of people aware of this pleasure
fully aware of the rare enjoyment of the outing
sydney harbour, saturday afternoon, sailing away
exceptional - recommended - no is not an option

the red queen

throwing caution to the wind in the book reading department
means bypassing normal stringent selection criteria
and in this case taking on this historical, female-oriented novel
the red queen is in fact a real-life korean crown princess
the first part of the book is the telling of her life story
from the point of view of the princess now in spirit form
the author has based the book on historical documents
and so it is a great insight to life in that time and place
the princess is born into an upper-class family and has a happy childhood
then at the age of 10 is married off to the crown prince
and then faithfully stands by him through thick and thin
for her husband is at the mercy of his dictatorial father
the then king of korea who rules with an iron fist
her new husband also has a mental health issue
known today as paranoid schizophrenia
but in the late 18th century has no identity, drugs or cure
and so prince sado lives a wretched and unhappy life
which affects all those around him particularly his young wife
but she has a strong affection towards him and makes allowances
it's very easy to get drawn into this story
ambition, jealousy, politics, entrapment, loyalty are strong themes
brutality and murder is a part of life and comes close to the princess
particularly when her own husband suffers a long, slow death
she turns to writing and documents her sad life in 4 differing volumes
by the time of her own death at old age we know her well
the first chapter (ancient times) is in fact 166 pages long
but it is all just so easily consumed as it sets up part 2
the second chapter (modern times) is in the 3rd person
dr barbara halliwell has mysteriously been sent the books
on the eve of the departure to seoul for a conference
she is drawn to the story of the princess from the past
and upon arrival in korea has some unexpected encounters
that sees her absorb and observe korean culture
including visits to the palaces where part 1 is based
this all results in a great empathy to the princess and her story
for the doctor has suffered very similarly in love, life and loss
this second part of the book covers just 3 days in korea
but again by the end of it we know the leading lady well
and are aware of the spiritual connection from the past
the climax of the book reminds us this is more than a novel
as the author herself cleverly steps into the story
to legitimise the facts of at least the story of the ancient times
and presumably the actual existence of the journals
this is one totally engrossing and entertaining read
or as the book is described on the cover
a transnational tragicomedy
...if not a travel guide
seoul here I come

i served the king of england

or in czech - obsluhoval jsem anglickeho krale
i'd seen the trailer which to me made it out to be quirky
a few reviews i had read were fairly lukewarm as well
i had a desire to see a film on this night and choice was limited
so the decision was made to take it on come what may
the film opens in the early 1960's outside a prison
jan dite is being released after a near 15-year sentence
sent away by the communists at the end of world war 2
1 year for each of the millions he had at the end of the war
having by then realised his dream of being a millionaire
we then travel back in time to prague in the 30's
jan is working as a frankfurter seller on prague railway station
his attitude to work and money does not go unnoticed
and before long he is working his way up in the hotel business
he's a small and solitary man lacking in skills but not confidence
his places of employment are of the highest class
so he is exposed to the opulence of the rich and comfortable
there is no holding back in the displays of this lifestyle
but done in such a stylish way without judgement
food, women, clothing, decor, decorum all beautifully filmed
music and choreography used to enhance the scenes
at times i felt i was witnessing live theatre
other times babettes feast came to mind
the second world war slowly works it's way in
with very effective use of actual radio transmissions
as hitler announces his intentions and czechoslovakia surrenders
so the director then gives us a gentle history lesson
not taking sides but effectively telling us as it was
the film cuts back several times to jan as an older man
now living a life of solitude in an abandoned village
and ruminating on his life that we are now familiar with
these scenes are in total contrast but just as beautifully filmed
cutting back to the war sees jan bid farewell to his wife
she being of german descent and off to join the war
leaving him to run his hotel now used as a fertility clinic
ayran soldiers mixing it with beautiful blonde women
in one of hitler's schemes to ensure the prospering of the master race
i cannot recall ever seeing such beautiful scenes of nudity
as the women frolick in the pool at the grand hotel
but only a few scenes later and the hotel is now a hospital
and we witness disfigured soldiers now enjoying the pool
the war eventually comes to the hotel with force
leading to the eventual incarceration of the now owner
the film wraps up with a simple and effective final scene
other patrons bolted for the door i gathered in dismay
leaving me alone in the theatre after the 2 hour journey
enjoying the last piece of classical music as the credits rolled
a reminder that all the music used was superb
another feature of this beautiful, beautiful film
overuse of that adjective really but...
easiest way to describe this film
one to own on dvd is my thinking
repeat playing totally feasible

dead air

dead air is the buzzword for any time not filled with noise
something to be avoided at all costs apparantly
when you are an announcer on a commercial radio station
which is the job of kenneth nutt the subject of this iain banks novel
told in the first person it covers a year or so of his life
starting at a wedding party in london on september the 11th, 2001
this book is on a 1001 books you must read list i have been referring to
is written by an author whose name i see often in book shops
and the synopsis on the back cover was quite tantalising...
a novel about politics, trust, paranoia and perhaps - redemption
dead air is iain banks at his coruscating best
coruscate - 'be lively or brilliant or exhibit virtuosity'
so i took the plunge and committed myself to this 400 page book
it didn't take too long before i formed a dislike for the man
he is a well-known radio announcer with a very loud ego
lives on a barge on the thames but mostly out partying
alcohol, drugs, sex on demand and devoured feverishly
has few close friends and even those he has cheated on
sleeping with their partners at different times
or close to bedding the young daughter of one of them
conversations he has with friends and acquaintances
are used as the basis for comment or discussion on air
his producer phil and he have a great rapport
there are some quite funny pages of dialogue in the book
as these 2 bounce off each other during the radio show
invariably belittling or insulting some caller or another
about half-way through the book i had just about had enough
it's a very london-centric read with a lot of local references
music companies and dj's are mixed in the plot
but beyond that the promise of an in-depth story was lacking
it's a sure sign of boredom when constantly checking the page count
admittedly though the second half as a crime novel was better
not that i am a huge fan of that genre but something was needed
so through another secret affair things get rather messy
his latest conquest is the wife of a ruthless crime boss
in parallel with this he oversteps the mark on air
his long-term partner dumps him for a band's lead singer
and his best friend finds out about the affair with his wife
so life gets rather complicated and even lonely for him
he makes one big mistake too many and places his life in danger
desperate times call for desperate measures it seems
which also allows the author to have a lot of fun
in the final chapters of the book as our man escapes his fate
...and lives happily every after with the love of his life
all in all not such a satisfying read lacking any substance
i couldn't help thinking throughout there's a film in here
the cad could be played to perfection by hugh grant
it's that kind of book - ok - but....

vantage point

the assassination of the president of the us - potus as he is called here
seems to be a popular choice for the plot of a film these days
in this film it's taken to the extreme with 8 stories rolled into one
each one covering the same brief period of time before and after the event
involved are some big name actors (sigourney weaver, forest whitaker, william hurt)
i can take or leave dennis quaid but the rest meant i was in for the show
potus is in spain for a big summit on international terrorism
but those blasted muslin extremists are also in town to spoil the party
at midday potus is in a town square before a huge crowd to basque in the glory
he is shot, and shortly after a bomb goes off creating pandemonium
the first mini-film is set in a tv network remote studio nearby
and gives a fascinating account of the process of live event coverage
by the end of this one i'm actually thinking this is going to work well
the next few mini-films depict the event from different vantage points
using seemingly innocent crowd members or security force personnel
in each case the director tantalises with a snippet of cross-reference
so that there is connection between action or people seen elsewhere
there's a lovers quarrel in the mix and a mother-child outing
people engage in conversation and a tourist is videoing the event
this all builds very cleverly to reveal more and more of the plot
and interestingly there is an unexpected counter-plot revealed
it's all quite fast-paced, with bright outdoor lighting dominant
technology behind and in front of the camera clearly in use
the groundhog day feeling of constantly revisiting the scene
overcome with the radically different vantage point in each case
but (there has to be one) it all got spoilt as everything peaked
the car chase scene (there has to be one) was just unbelievable
quite literally in this case - up until then i was totally with it
but it went on and on and on and.....and just silly really
there has to be some secret hollywood challenge at work here
see who can come up with the most exciting car chase
how many cars, buses, trucks, cafes, shops can be destroyed
with the hero chaser emerging at the end as the winner (takes all)
i actually decided part way through this to suspend interest in the film
and laugh out loud at the totally unrealistic happenings during the chase
eventually it came to an end and our terminator type hero staggered on
to wrap up the film as the saviour of potus and therefore the world
i felt a bit robbed actually - what started out with promise and interest
ended up being another hollywood block-buster action flick
the goodies emerging triumphant - the baddies now deadies
and u s of a imperialism intact and glorified
get the impression there is more coming
hollywood will milk terrorism for years
still - some good films will come
this one halfway there