High Priestess of Soul

Nina Simone was born on February 21, 1933

When I began appreciating jazz, blues, and soul music, I wasn't very interested in the music of Nina Simone. First, her vocal style seemed too "cool" or "mellow" for my tastes, a bit too understated. Where I was listening for vocal gymnastics, she would deliver pauses and gradual modulation of notes. When I wanted staccato flourishes of scat improvisation, she would segue into spoken word.

Therefore, I was not very enthusiastic over the works of Nina Simone.

Later, when I was forming my feelings towards "authenticity" of performance in classical music, specifically the role of the performer as "re-creator" of a work, rather than "historical reenactor" or impersonator, my attention returned to Simone's works, as a modern example of how a performer can creatively reinterpret a piece creating a new experience and entering into an aesthetic dialogue with past performances. From this perspective, I finally realized her great talent.

Nina Simone did things her way. When she performed a piece, she channeled it through her own unique artistry, shaped by her distinct life experiences and colored by her personal interests and emotions. Each song was created anew through her interpretation.

I am now quite the enthusiast of Nina Simone. ;-)

So, let's celebrate her birth date with a bit of music.

Writing Love Letters

Detail of Young Girl Writing a Love Letter (1755) by Pietro Antonio Rotari

This week, we've got a bunch of holidays crowded together. When celebrating Mardi Gras, two days ago, I posted up an appropriate work of art from the local art collection. I figured that would be a fun thing to do again with today's Valentine's Day post.

Therefore, here's Pietro Rotari's Young Girl Writing a Love Letter, one of my favorite paintings from the Norton Simon Museum. I adore her coquettish, sidelong glance and confident, almost saucy, demeanor. Her actions indicate that she's daydreaming about the object of her adoration, but her pose implies that this object is actually the viewer!!! It's a playful piece that I enjoy visiting time and again, both to appreciate the work and to observe how other viewers react to it.

It's especially fun to see the difference in reaction between women and men. ;-)

Anyways, we can't have a holiday post without Barbie.

Queen of Hearts Barbie (1994, designed by Bob Mackie) says "Happy Valentine's Day!!!"

Likewise, whether you have a sweetheart or are currently going solo, this day, like every other, can be as good as you can make it. So, seek out that which makes you happy and have a wonderful time!!!

Just an Old Fashioned Girl

Eartha Kitt in St. Louis Blues (1958)

Many a week has passed on by since we last celebrated a classic female vocalist's birth date. So, let's return to the tradition by giving great thanks for the wonderful works of Eartha Kitt, one of the sultriest and smoothest of mid-century songbirds.

Her most iconic performance was the original 1953 recording of "Santa Baby," a rendition that stands out above subsequent performances for its playful yet sexy lyrics, not too coy and not too vulgar; Eartha does it just right.

But her songbook is way deeper than this one Christmas novelty piece. From jazz to disco, she had a rich array of musical styles, expressively mixing them up into a unique blend of influences and ideas. Honestly, her aesthetic depth is frequently overshadowed by the focus on her strong personality and activist efforts. That's not to say that she shouldn't be appreciated for speaking out in support of unpopular or anti-establishment positions, but, rather, that she was an artist of the highest caliber, a fact that should not be forgotten.

Eartha Kitt as Catwoman (Batman, season 3, 1967-68)

With that being said, let's listen to some artistry. ;-)

Point of View

Silently searching for something to show;
Three blue seats empty, arranged in a row.

Again, we're going a bit light on content in tonight's post. I was hoping to get to it earlier, before sleep started to press down upon my eyelids. However, distractions plagued my day. Oh well, at least I can still write "quality" poetry. ;-)

Well, let's send out a Happy Birthday to Cassandra Wilson, one of my favorite contemporary jazz singers. She was born on this date in 1955.

It's been a long time since we featured some Jazz music at this blog. So, let's listen to some fine songs.

I'm Still Here

Stop sign with pink and white balloons

Alright, it's been a while since my last post. Sorry. ;-)

I've been mighty busy, a bit fatigued, and writing a whole lot, just not here at Paideia. This has been the longest period of blog dormancy in well over a year. Honestly, I apologize. Hopefully, I can get back on track here and lay out some awesome posts for you all.

Certainly, we'll be putting up quick hit "Image of the Day" posts. At least that will keep things moving here.

Thanks for sticking around.

Castles in the Sky

Clouds reflected in the high windows


Lately, the cloud formations have been beautiful down here in the South Bay. So I decided to take a few photos. ;-)

I've never been much of a cloud-gazer, but I think that I can become one. There's something restful and dreamy to watching the wispy white vapors drift across the blue sky, changing along the way in a slow and subtle manner.

It's beautiful.

Sunlight streaming through dark clouds


And the shapes inspire the imagination.

Fountain in a Heat Wave

H. Clay Kellogg Memorial Fountain at the Rose Garden, South Coast Botanic

Ugh!!! It's brain-meltingly hot and humid today. Living down in the South Bay of Los Angeles, the marine layer from the Pacific Ocean is supposed to keep the temperature mellow. Well, that's true; it is significantly cooler than the rest of the city, but being less miserable than the poor folks out in the Valley is little consolation.

Looking at this fountain, I just want to plunge into the cool, clear water.

Splash!!! ;-)

Clouds in My Coffee

Carly Simon was born on June 25, 1945.

Music appeals to me on so many different levels. There are those pieces that I enjoy for their accessibility. For others, I appreciate them for intellectual reasons, compositional creativity or clever lyrics. And then there are those that bring back memories, regardless of whether or not I like the music.

For the most part, it is in the last category that I place Carly Simon. I've never been a great enthusiast of her music, but her voice and style comfort me. That warm and folksy quality, free-spirited and passionate, it echoes down through the decades, eternally young and full of the emotional intensity of youth. It takes me back in time, makes me reflect on where I was and where I am now going.

Although it is mainly her music from the 1970s that have this effect, her later works do, to a lesser extent, evoke the same nostalgia. And that's why I occasionally turn away from the classical music and the jazz, turning instead to Carly's introspective and vivacious songs.

Detail from Carly Simon's album, Anticipation (1971)

So, let's celebrate Carly Simon's birthday with some music.

And One for Your Dreams

Nancy Sinatra's recording of These Boots Are Made for Walkin' hit the top of the Billboard chart in February, 1966

Nancy Sinatra was born on June 8, 1940.

Well, go go boots never looked so good. ;-)

You all know that I adore the songbirds on the 1950s. Well, Nancy Sinatra may have been singing in the 1960s, but her classiness and sophisticated style of singing kept the tradition alive. She delivered her songs smooth and swingin'. Some people credit her fame to her father; there is some truth to that. However, her personal mark on the music leaves a sexy playfulness that Frankie could never match. ;-)

Nancy Sinatra was born on June 8, 1940.

And so we wish Nancy Sinatra a Happy Birthday. And keep on walkin'!!!

I Want a Clydesdale

Parked Budweiser truck making a delivery, but where are the Clydesdales? ;-)

Nothing much to share tonight. Honestly, I'm a bit drained, hoping to get my mojo back in order soon but realizing that I'm going through one of those cyclical phases of the "blahs" that all writers, great or small, experience. But that doesn't mean that my ability to write has up and vanished.

It just means that I'm having a tough time developing a thesis with eloquence and artistry. My words are not failing me, but I might be failing them. ;-)

But, hopefully, we can amuse ourselves with meandering thoughts and whimsical play. We can dream of ponies and balloons.

Well, there are no ponies, but we've found some balloons.

A bit of popcorn and lemonade go a long way to having a good time on a hot Spring afternoon.

Yum!!! LJ loves kettlecooked popcorn and fresh squeezed lemonade!!!

And some music will make the night go right.

Look of Love

Dusty Springfield was born on April 16, 1939


Another quick hit to celebrate the birth date of a lady with a meltingly smooth and warm voice, Dusty Springfield.

You all should know by now that I adore the "songbirds" of the '50s and '60s, from Julie London to Sarah Vaughan; few things please me more than a female vocalist soulfully winding a song in rich and fervent tones. Whether the piece is uptempo and bright, leisurely and hot, or gentle and slow, the passions are authentically conveyed by the singing traditions of the era.

I have many favorite "songbirds" on my Top Ten, a list that is always changing, but Dusty Springfield is a constant. Her voice became the sound of "white soul", introducing this powerful style of music to a broad audience. Yes, she played up the campiness of her stage persona, but, underneath the mod and glam, there is a powerful expression of life and emotion, from the painful to the blissful.

And that's what I want to consider, this veracity of sensation, to admire in celebration of the day.

Girl from Ipanema

Astrud Gilberto was born on March 30, 1940


"When she walks, she's like a samba that swings so cool and sways so gently that when she passes, each one she passes goes -- aah."

I don't do Internet memes, blogfests, or networked "pass along" posts. That's not because I look down upon them or believe that they are an inferior sort of writing. Not at all!!! Anything that inspires one to write is totally cool with me. The reason that I don't do such posts is because I always have something that I want to write about; there just isn't the time or energy to pick up a blog challenge, like the very cool "A to Z Challenge", which would totally dominate my blogging focus for a whole month.

Just to use the A to Z Challenge as an example, it would be easy to make up a list of Los Angeles galleries and museums to highlight over the course of the month: Angles, Blum & Poe, Corey Helford, DNJ, Edward Cella, Frank Lloyd, George Billis, Honor Fraser, Icon Projects, JK, Koplin del Rio, La Basse Projects, Mark Moore, Nicodim, Otero, Patrick Painter, Quarum, Richard Heller, Schlesinger, Thinkspace, UCLA Fowler, Vielmetter, William Turner, laXart, Young Projects, Zask. But I have other things that I'd rather write about on any given day.

But sometimes things synch up. So, over at Spunk On A Stick, they are doing a Sad Songs blogfest, which goes with my selected birthday celebration of the day. Astrud Gilberto was born on March 30, 1940. Her most famous song is "The Girl from Ipanema", which, in spite of its mellow and sweet bossa nova sound, is actually a song about being ignored, overlooked by the focus of your desire, unrequited admiration.

Astrud Gilberto, the Queen of the Bossa Nova

But we shall not overlook this classic songbird from Brazil. ;-)

The Divine One

Sarah Vaughan was born on March 27, 1924


We can't let this day pass without paying tribute to Sassy, the Divine One, the wondrous Sarah Vaughan!!!

Born on March 27, 1924, Sarah Vaughan become one of the leading Jazz vocalists of her generation. Considering the competition, that's an impressive feat. Her voice, smooth but sassy, is seductive and playful, soulful and light, expressing a mercurial mood.

I'm always reluctant to name my favorites, but, for tonight at least, Sarah is my favorite Jazz songbird. ;-)

Sarah Vaughan, "Sassy"

Let's listen to some music.

All I Could Do Was Cry

Etta James was born on January 25, 1938.


It's always sad to celebrate the birth date of somebody who has recently passed away.

Since her passing last week, there has been much written about Etta James, her unforgettable voice, and her distinct place within the development of modern American music, specifically blues, R&B, and jazz. I don't think that I can add anything significant to the praise that has been heaped upon her memory, but I can express my admiration and appreciation for her music.

I can think of no singer who could combine such soulful passion with a rich sense of warmth and comforting smoothness. Smoky or sweet, gentle or lush, dark or delightful, Etta James could wind the passions into her music with unrivalled skill, her voice resounding into the depths of our souls.

Etta James from the cover of At Last! (1960)

So, let us consider her legacy and give thanks for the beautiful music that she had given us over the decades.

Only Trust Your Heart

Diana Krall was born on November 16, 1964


When I first heard Diana Krall in the early nineties, her voice, so smooth, silky, and sexy, was not enough to win my enthusiasm for her music, which seemed too "tribute" or "homage" based. Certainly, it made for good listening and Diana's jazz performance style could not be overpraised, but there was a "old fashioned" pop predictability that just turned me off.

I had been there. I had done that. She was exploring jazz's musical vistas which I had seen. Maybe it was because I was so immersed in classical music at that time, but I felt that, for all of her charm, she was bringing nothing new to these well worn standards. Classy and competent, no doubt, but her performances didn't innovate. They were just "standard rep."

Towards the end of 1999, I was listening to her music late at night. Her voice was so comforting, a warm caress of sound, passionate, inviting, and playful. At that I moment, I thought to myself, "Screw it! Her music stirs the passions and lifts the soul. Who cares if she's covering old ground, when she covers it so well?"

Diana Krall from the cover of All for You (1996)

So I am now an enthusiast of her music. Diana has also developed as an artist, growing more assured and distinct in her performance style. Whereas her early work feels very dependant and referential towards previous performers, she is now setting the standard for future jazz singers.

Jezebel of Jazz

Anita O'Day from her album "Incomparable" (1964)

With a style that was as cool as the other side of the pillow, Anita O'Day was the quintessential hipster of '50s era jazz, enchanting her audiences with a voice as rich and sweet as honey.

By turns playful, sultry, or sad, her voice ran deep with passion. Yet, Anita kept a sharp beat driving her lyrics with a percussive tightness. Words were too precious to waste on empty flourishes and, like a “Beat era” poet, she measured her phrases for maximized effect.

And her bebop talents for improvisation were without peer. Other songbirds might have greater range or longer phrasing and that's admirable, but Anita O'Day had precision. She was the unrivaled Mistress of Metre.

Anita O'Day was born on October 18, 1919.



So, let's take this day to remember the classy Queen of Cool.

Torch Songs

Julie London from the cover of Lonely Girl

Whenever I think of "torch songs" or the cool jazz/blues vocal standards of the '50s or early '60s, the performer that immediately comes to mind is Julie London. Her smooth and sultry voice defined the way "sexy" sounded in that era. Yeah, there were singers with greater vocal talents in terms of range or technique. But Julie had a special quality of sensuality and suggestion in her performance style.

Sometimes she would be warmly inviting. Sometimes she would be playful and mischievous. Sometimes she would passionately express her yearnings. Whatever the premise of the song, it was delivered with a melting seductiveness. Classy but coquettish, Julie was the Torch Singer.

Julie London was born on September 26, 1926.

And so we celebrate Julie London's music today on what would have been her 85th Birthday. We still carry a torch for her. ;-)

Girly Talk

Blossom Dearie (1957)

Blossom Dearie was born on this date in 1924. A jazz singer and pianist, she was never a blockbuster name. Certainly, she was a fantastic singer, but her voice was notable for its girlish quality. There is something a bit disconcerting when you hear some "mature subject matter" expressed with such an innocent sounding voice.

When I first heard Blossom's music, it didn't work for me. Fortunately, I kept an open mind on the matter and eventually came to appreciate her performances. I got past the childish vocal quality and came to enjoy its brightness and implied coyness. Additionally, I grew to admire her technique and articulation.

So, here's to Blossom! We'll not let her go unappreciated at this blog! ;-)

Here's a link to Blossom Dearie's Wikipedia page.

Enjoy!!!

In a Mellow Mood

I guess one song isn't enough to celebrate Ella. So here are a couple more, playing against type this time. I could have linked to "Get Happy" or "That Old Black Magic" or "If I Was a Bell" but I thought it would be nice to switch it up.

Someone to Watch Over Me

Cry Me a River

Enjoy!!!

First Lady of Song

Ella Fitzgerald performing in Chick Webb's Orchestra

I'm a Jazz enthusiast. So I could let the day pass without celebrating the birthday of the great Ella Fitzgerald, born on this date in 1917. For pure vocal artistry and skill, she was probably the best of the classic Jazz songbirds. With beautiful phrasing and an incredible range, she is the Voice of the Jazz era.

Personally, I prefer Billie Holiday, Anita O'Day, and Sarah Vaughan. These singers have certain intangibles of performance that I find more appealing. Sometimes Ella feels too pretty and clean, a little light on the "Soul" content. But this is a relative criticism. Saying that you've got less "soul" than Billie or less "cool" than Anita or less "verve" than Sarah, doesn't mean that you're deficient in any of those qualities. And so it is with Ella Fitzgerald.

Anyways, nobody beats Ella when it comes to "sweet":

Here's a link to Ella Fitzgerald's Wikipedia page.

Enjoy!!!