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. ;-)

Faraway Thoughts

Marriott Hotel in Torrance

Honestly, my mind just hasn't been up to blogging over the past few days.

But it's a passing state. ;-)

I've been spending too much time looking at the Olympics, reading, and just letting my concentration drift. Let's just say that I'm on vacation.

Some place faraway. . .

What, Me Worry?

Busy in Redondo Beach. Yeah, that's Alfred E. Neuman overlooking the street.

So, I was driving down Artesia Blvd. in Redondo Beach. Sitting at a stop light by the South Bay Galleria, I notice high over the street an image of the Mad Magazine mascot, Alfred E. Neuman, on a sign that read "Simpin!"

I have no clue as to what it means. Nevertheless, I was charmed by the absurdity of the image and its unusual placement. It might be some type of local publicity campaign, maybe for a band or performer. I wonder why anyone would want to associate themselves with ol' Alfred.

In any case, I'll keep my eyes open for other images like this to share with you all.

A close-up view of the "Simpin!" sign with Alfred E. Neuman.

And while were on the topic of Mad Magazine. . .

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.

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.

Wandering Through a Field

Dandelion in a field

I don't have much to post right now, but I figured we could listen to some music.

Throughout the day, I take random photographs of anything that catches my attention. Yesterday, I saw this white dandelion all by itself at the edge of a local field. (Yes, the Los Angeles area isn't totally paved over or loaded with McMansions.)

So, our theme for today is dandelions!

Straighten Up and Fly Right

Nat King Cole was born on March 17, 1919

Who's the smoothest, coolest cat to ever croon a classy tune?

Let's put down the Guinness for a moment and spend a few moments remembering one of the most distinctive voices of the Great American Songbook, Nat King Cole. With his rich baritone sound, Cole become an icon of the cool mid-century style, pre-Rock and post-Swing. Moreover, he trail blazed a path to stardom for the many African-American performers that were soon to follow in the Pop/R&B scene.

As regards most male vocalists of the era, such as Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin, I'm not much of a fan. The music simply doesn't appeal to me and neither do the performance stylings of the period. However, Nat King Cole stands out with a subtle jazziness that gives depth to his songs. The typical "Rat Pack" performance was mostly style and little substance, but Cole had both.

Nat King Cole

So let's listen to a few classic pieces. ;-)

Time for a Schubertiade

Schubertiade (1868) by Moritz von Schwind

Franz Schubert is my favorite composer. He has influenced me more than any other creative genius, in any of the arts or sciences. No works of art resonate within my mind with the potency of his music.

Why? There are too many reasons to articulate in a coherent and accessible manner, but I think it can be boiled down to two main points: Romanticism and Melody.

Schubert's Romantic style fully embraces the wandering and dark musings of the imagination. However, he maintains Classical tightness and eloquence, avoiding the overblown excesses that weigh down the work of later Romantic composers. For Schubert, all of the passion and inspiration of the Sublime can be articulated, with effectiveness and efficiency, into a tightly structured, highly melodic song

As regards melody, it is through this that the Romantic narrative is expressed. Moreover, these tales of sound and emotion have the narrative purpose at their core, as their premise. Sometimes the story is vague, simply a progression of emotion, and, sometimes, it is direct, programmatic in design. In either case, one can't listen to this music within being drawn into Schubert's narrative mindscape.

Portrait of Franz Schubert (1825) by Wilhelm August Rieder

I could go on endlessly about these two topics, as well as countless other aspects of Schubert's music. However, in celebrating his birth date, born 1797, I think it is only fitting to let his music make its own case.

Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien

Edith Piaf was born on December 19, 1915.


I never liked the sound of Edith Piaf's voice, back in the days when I was obsessed with vocal performance, way back in the early '90s. Rough, flat, goat-like, these were some of the ways in which I would describe it. My idea of vocal quality was limited to those classically trained operatic or "art song" performers. Piaf's style didn't fit into my conception of beauty.

Well, it is in the nature of the practicioner of aesthetic pettifoggery to quibble over nuances, in an ever escalating display of greater intellectual rigour and purity. So, I found myself defending the expressive and impassioned performance style of Maria Callas against accusations that she was an inferior singer to other great operatic divas. My argument was that Callas was sacrificing purity of tone as an aesthetic choice to intensify the drama of the words. The singer is not merely a pitch-perfect tone-generating automaton, but an interpreter and unique articulator of the music's premise.

A few days later, I got into a discussion with an Edith Piaf enthusiast. As I was about to denounce her music, I realized that my defense of Maria Callas applied equally to Piaf. Those rough spots in her performances are deliberate choices, annunciations of the human spirit, granting poignancy to the words. At that moment, I had a conversion to the imperfections of human expressiveness, away from the foolish conviction that regarded the voice as a mere instrument with which to generate clear and uninflected notes.

And, so, I want to remember Edith Piaf's artistry on her birth date, born in 1915.

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.

Flows On In an Endless Song

Image from the video of Enya's Caribbean Blue (1991)


Twenty years ago, Enya's Shepherd Moons album was released. I wasn't familiar with Celtic "New Age" style music, but I immediately became a fan, enchanted by the ethereal beauty of Enya's voice.

My compact disc collection started to swell with Irish music. I'd listen for radio programs that would feature it, such as NPR's "The Thistle & Shamrock" or KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic." This passion for Celtic music soon drifted into an enthusiasm for World Music in general. My musical horizons broadened at a rapid pace.

But at the root of my growing appreciation for exotic sounds was a love for the female voice, a romantic infatuation with sweet lyricism and dreamy melodies. When I imagine the voice of my Muse, she sings like Enya.

Shepherd Moons by Enya was released on November 4, 1991

Let's listen to some music.

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. ;-)

Half Sick of Shadows

The Lady of Shalott (1888) by John William Waterhouse

Alfred Tennyson was born on this date in 1809. His works have become the paragons of Victorian poetry. To commemorate his legacy of beauty, here are a few stanzas of my favorite Tennyson poem.

The Lady of Shalott (Stanzas 2-5)

Willows whiten, aspens quiver,
Little breezes dusk and shiver
Through the wave that runs for ever
By the island in the river
Flowing down to Camelot.
Four grey walls, and four grey towers,
Overlook a space of flowers,
And the silent isle imbowers
The Lady of Shalott.

By the margin, willow veil'd,
Slide the heavy barges trail'd
By slow horses; and unhail'd
The shallop flitteth silken-sail'd
Skimming down to Camelot:
But who hath seen her wave her hand?
Or at the casement seen her stand?
Or is she known in all the land,
The Lady of Shalott?

Only reapers, reaping early,
In among the bearded barley
Hear a song that echoes cheerly
From the river winding clearly;
Down to tower'd Camelot;
And by the moon the reaper weary,
Piling sheaves in uplands airy,
Listening, whispers, " 'Tis the fairy
Lady of Shalott."

There she weaves by night and day
A magic web with colours gay.
She has heard a whisper say,
A curse is on her if she stay
To look down to Camelot.
She knows not what the curse may be,
And so she weaveth steadily,
And little other care hath she,
The Lady of Shalott.



The Lady of Shalott (1905) by William Holman Hunt

 Absolutely beautiful.

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!!!

Scent of Magnolias, Sweet and Fresh

On this date in 1939, Billie Holiday recorded the song "Strange Fruit." It is a song about the lynching of African-Americans in the American South. The lyrics are from a poem by Abel Meeropol, expressing his horror at the vile practice that was a common feature of the "Jim Crow" era.

It's hard to believe such barbarism was until relatively recently a part of US history. But it is also hard to believe that a lady as troubled as Billie Holiday would have the courage to speak out, publicly and loudly, against it in an era where racism was a pervasive part of society, even outside the South.

I'm grateful that she did. Sometimes, I get annoyed at entertainers who get political or drive an agenda. Sometimes, I want to say "Shut up and Sing!" But when this pops into my mind, I think back to Billie and wonder what I would think about somebody who would say that to her.

Then I swallow my irritation and listen to the message with an open mind.

Here's a link to Billie Holiday's Wikipedia page.

Thank you, Lady Day.