Path to Greatness

If a sign reads "Great" then it must be, right?

Alternatively, it's just a sidewalk in the middle of a suburban neighborhood, dreaming of greatness. Maybe it just needs a little more cowbell. ;-)

"Grazing in the Grass" by Hugh Masekela

Enjoy!!!

In a Mist

The last rays of the setting sun paint the undersides of the rain clouds a gentle pink hue.

I'm too tired today to do any quality blogging. The Daylight Savings switch always messes me up, especially if I have a late Saturday night. Throughout the day, I've been fuzzy headed and aimless. It's like my mind is in a mist.

At least the weather seems to have cleared up and gotten a bit warmer. Being a native Californian, I like my days pleasantly sunny and warm. However, I do appreciate the beauty of dramatic weather, at least if I don't have to spend much time outdoors actually dealing with it.

Oh well, I think that I'll call it an early night. ;-)

While the Thrill Is On

Mardi Gras Barbie says "Laissez les bons temps rouler!!!" Now, throw her some beads. ;-)

Well, it's Fat Tuesday and we can't let the day pass without some type of celebration.

I've been taking a couple days off. That'll put me in good spirits to power through the Lenten season, in which I plan to post each and every day. I might even write on occasion about religion or spirituality, topics that I avoid but, oddly enough, about which I have a considerable amount of knowledge.

Normally, I don't like writing about matters that might upset my readers. We're here for the fun, not to quarrel across the internet. But changing things up every so often is probably a good policy, keeping fresh the random stuff that pops up here at Paideia. We'll see how it goes.

Boulevard Montmartre Mardi Gras (1897) by Camille Pissarro

But, for today, let's let the good times roll. ;-)

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.

Beyond the Beautiful Crowd

Tim Kelly Lifeguard Memorial statue at the Hermosa Beach pier, facing the Strand's nightlife district

All of the beach cities in the Los Angeles South Bay have a peculiar feel at night. They have bustling and busy centers of people partying, socializing, and drinking late into the night, filling the quiet hours with laughter, raucous sounds, and music of all types. However, when one wanders just a short distance away to the beach, leaving the lights and crowds behind, the Pacific Ocean's constant murmur washes away the noise.

It is an interesting contrast, a little creepy. It makes you feel small and transient.

But if the sublime loneliness of the beach is too much to handle, the shimmering lights of the party places are just a short stroll away. ;-)

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.

Dancing and Singing for the Muse

SZC Project performs a dance across the LACMA campus as part of the Muse Artwalk events

My friends sometimes ask me, if I have the normal member's free admission to LACMA's galleries, why would I attend the bustle and crowd of the annual Muse Artwalk? The answer is obvious: the performances. Certainly, I can visit the museum whenever I wish. Likewise, I'm no stranger to the Miracle Mile art galleries. But it is a rarity that I can view some engaging modern dance performances.

Moreover, the manner in which the choreography incorporates the unique features of the site absolutely cannot be replicated anywhere else. This makes for a "one time only" experience, an aesthetic moment that is transitory, constrained in time and space. For me, this limitation makes it a precious and much coveted art event.

Yeah, sometimes the throng of visitors might get annoying, especially if they have some rambunctious children with them. However, for the uncommon taste of performance art and dance, I will happily tolerate an occasional screaming babe. ;-)

Invertigo Dance performing in front of Chris Burden's Urban Light (2008)


Now, the hazy and humid heat might present another problem, but, if the performers can endure it, then I can do so as well. After all, it's not me jumping around, kicking and twisting and writhing, upon the hot concrete of the BP Grand Entrance. And that's a very good thing. :-P

A dancer from kDub Dance, constrained within the boundaries delineated by colored tape.


The performances were well worth the effort. I especially enjoyed SZC Project's performance upon the exterior stairway of the Broad Contemporary, but each dance brought something new and engaging. They really inspired me to make more of an effort to attend dance events. Every year, the Artwalk inspires me, but I rarely follow through. This time, I intend to hit at least three shows before next year's event.

Mood Indigo

Model for Duke Ellington Memorial (1988) by Robert Graham, on view at UCLA

Last year, I wrote a whole bunch of posts expressing my adoration for the music of Duke Ellington. It's a topic about which I can endlessly discuss, but I'll spare you all the gushing fanboy enthusiasm. ;-)

Ellington was born on April 29, 1899. There have been many excellent American composers and musicians, but, for me, Duke stands out as the greatest. So, let's spend some time this evening listening to some swinging American music, beyond category.

Friday Flowers: Marguerite Daisies

Argyranthemum Frutescens: Marguerite Daisies

World's Bliss
(By Alice Notley)

The men & women sang & played
they sleep by singing, what
shall I say of the most
poignant on earth the most glamorous
loneliest sought after people
those poets wholly beautiful
desolate aureate, death is a
powerful instinctive emotion—
but who would be released from
a silver skeleton? gems
& drinking cups—This
skull is Helen—who would not
be released from the
Book of Knowledge? Why
should a maiden lie on a moor
for seven nights & a day? And
he is a maiden, he is & she
on the grass the flower the spray
where they lie eating primroses
grown crazy with sorrow & all
the beauties of old—oh each poet's a
beautiful human girl who must die.


Well, I haven't much to say tonight. It's been a long week and I'm quite happy to see it come to an end. It may be 420 today, but, since I don't partake, I'll have to get my high off of good poetry. ;-)

Alice Notley brings the bliss of beautiful words, imaginative vision, and engaging concepts. Now, if only we could find a way to make brownies out of her poems. . .

Argyranthemum Frutescens: Marguerite Daisies

As for the Marguerites, I figured two consecutive weeks of daisies would be a nice way to celebrate a bright April. Anyways, they certainly are a lovely bunch.

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.

Springing into Spring Time

Detail of Irises (1889) by Vincent van Gogh


A Prayer in Spring
(By Robert Frost)

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,
Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;
And make us happy in the happy bees,
The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting bird
That suddenly above the bees is heard,
The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,
And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,
The which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends He will,
But which it only needs that we fulfil.


Finally, we've made our way past winter, my least favorite season. The cold, the gloom, the lack of flowers, these all drag on me, weighing down my spirit. Writing helps alleviate the heaviness, but I hate the inefficiencies that nag at all my projects.

If I keep on blogging for a series of years, you'll recognize the seasonal pattern. But Spring is finally here!!! And I'm ready to have some fun! ;-)

Detail of Spring (1896) by Alphonse Mucha

So, let's listen to some music.

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. ;-)

Sophisticated Giant

Dexter Gordon was born on February 27, 1923/


I can't let this day pass without celebrating Dexter Gordon, one of my favorite jazz musicians.

Smooth, cool, and sophisticated, Dexter's music could enflame the passions while chilling the blues. He could lift up the heart while casting down the troubles. In short, the soulful sounds of his saxophone were transcendent.

Listen.

"Don't Explain" from A Swingin' Affair (1962)

Enjoy!!!

Friday Flowers: Birds of Paradise

Strelitzia Reginae: Bird of Paradise

What My Child Learns of the Sea
(By Audre Lorde)

What my child learns of the sea
of the summer thunders
of the riddles that hide in the curve of spring
she will learn in my twilights
and childlike
revise every autumn.

What my child learns
as her winters grow into time
has ripened in my own body
to enter her eyes with first light.

This is why
more than blood
or the milk I have given
one day a strange girl will step
to the back of a mirror
cutting my ropes
of sea and thunder and spring.
Of the way she will taste her autumns-
toast-brittle or warmer than sleep-
and the words she will use for winter
I stand already condemned.


Audre Lorde isn't one of my "go to" poets for inspiration or comfort, but she's got an interesting style and a distinct voice. One of the cool things about dedicating a post to a poet each week, usually in celebration of their birth date, is that I've taken the time to reexamine some writers. And that's the case with this Friday's featured poet, Audre Lorde, who is way more interesting than I remember from when last I read her work, nearly fifteen years ago.

Strelitzia Reginae: Birds of Paradise

And what of the Birds of Paradise? I often overlook them, ubiquitous as they are in the Los Angeles area. However, the Norton Simon Museum's sculpture garden had a beautiful enough collection of the Strelitzia that I figured it was about time they were featured.

Stairways

Blue sky at the top of the stairs

It's one of those days where my interest goes from topic to topic, incapable of settling down for a leisurely read or write, but hopping around the conceptual lily pads of my imagination.

And, for some weird reason, I have stairways on my mind.

Well, since I'm not up for writing anything of coherence tonight, I might as well share a couple photos with you all. ;-)

Bookshelves at the bottom of the stairs

I leave it to you clever readers to derive significance from these words and images.

There's a Quiet Storm

Sade Adu; photo from Diamond Life (1984)


Helen Folasade "Sade" Adu was born on January 16, 1959.

I adore her voice, dark and soulful, smooth but passionate. Her gentle articulation subtly expresses great emotional intensity. Her songs are inviting, beguiling, and seductive, pulling the listener into an aural whirlpool of primal emotions, love and sorrow and hope.

I've occasionally debated the style of music that Sade performs? Is it smooth jazz? Or is it soul? How about the generic "Adult Contemporary"? I still haven't found a genre or niche into which I can fit her music, which I think is a good thing. The music has hints of many styles and influences, but doesn't conform to standards.

I'm the type of person who likes to label things, work them into a fixed scheme of types. Yet, I can respect and admire the artist who creates a unique and distinct type of expression.

Sade Adu; photo for the Best of Sade (1994)

So, the style of music that Sade performs is simply the style of music that Sade performs. ;-)

Wizard of the Vibes

The great jazz vibraphonist, Milt Jackson, was born on January 1, 1923.

Let's start the New Year off with a heavy dose of coolness. And you can't get any more cool than some old school jazz vibraphone, played by Bags himself.

Yeah, I'm a big fan of the vibes. They have such a rich, mellow sound, so smooth and easy, that I can't help but feel laid-back when I hear them. Sometimes I fancy trying to learn how to play them, but time and money have always got in the way, and the instrument tales up a lot of space, not something that will put away easy in a closet or a case. ;-)

Yet, I'm happy to just be a listener and enthusiast, admiring the artistry of Milt Jackson, who brings out the beauty of the vibes like no other musician. It's magical.

Milt Jackson playing at Parnell's in Seattle circa 1980 (Photo: Steven M. O'Kelley)

Good vibrations for certain!!!

Time Out

Dave Brubeck was born on December 6, 1920.

I can't let the day end without celebrating the birth date of jazz legend, Dave Brubeck. His music defines West Coast cool jazz, with a complex yet accessible smoothness.

When I head out to listen to live jazz at local venues, it is clear that Brubeck's influence is still going strong. There's a sense of play and mellowness, enthusiasm and placidity. The music holds an invitation to do what you wish, dance or sit back; it's all good.

The sound is vital, but laid-back; it's too cool to stomp and hop, but not too cool to have a good time. ;-)

Detail from the cover image of Time Magazine, November 1954

So, let's send a Happy Birthday to Dave Brubeck and give thanks for his wonderful music.