Thursday, February 26, 2015

Musical Postcards: Viper's Dream


A consequence of my recent, rather breathless, world travels has meant that I'm way behind on my posts. I caught this lively bunch in the UK in the autumn of last year. The band's name is taken from a Django Reinhardt tune and they emphasize the resurgence and continued popularity of the the gypsy jazz genre. Some of my earliest memories of jazz were of my Dad playing a Quintet of the Hot Club of France LP on our home gramophone and I guess I've been imprinted with an avid liking of the stuff ever since. Encore!

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Demon Stalking

"Shoki creeping up on hidden demon" Ryakuga Yoshitoshi, 1839-1892

I came across this marvelous Japanese ukiyo-e period woodblock recently. It's full of stealth, hidden menace, bravery and allegorical suggestion. Love it! Now where's my katana...?

Sunday, February 22, 2015