Dave Holland Performs with Kevin Eubanks in Healdsburg Jazz Festival

The final evening of jazz for the Healdsburg Jazz Festival ended on a high note.  It was held at the new Jackson Theater last evening.  The first half of the program was a free style performance with legendary jazz bass player and composer Dave Holland and Kevin Eubanks on electric guitar.  Holland said he and Eubanks were "...going to play free style and take us on a journey."  For the next hour the jazz artists riffed on their instruments.  Their technical techniques were on display.  Sadly, the showmanship did not compensate for a cacophonous, atonal and arrhythmic sound.  It wasn't until the last 15 minutes that Holland and Eubanks connected with each other's playing in a way that aesthetically pleasing.  Holland's bass playing didn't entirely mesh with Eubanks playing.  Eubanks' sound was a pastiche of Hendricks and  B.B. King.  Holland's sound varied between classical and jazz.  His fingering were often below the neck on the body of the bass.  The deep tone of his double bass was not a match for Eubanks playing or vice versa.  It's interesting to watch great artists collaborate.  Still, I would have found it more enjoyable had they played a shorter improvisational set and set about sounding like a polished duet.  The parts fell short of a harmonious jazz performance that was bewildering and not bewitching.  After a break, Holland returned to the stage with pianist Kenny Barron and drummer, Obed Calvaire.  The program featured music of the trio's recent album, "Without Deception".  In March of 2020, the trio was in Paris where they had two performances when Covid shut everything down.  They were thrilled to be back together and performing live in Sonoma.  Pianist/composer Barron shared with us that his friend sent him a photo while he touring saying she was without makeup.  This lead him to name the single and album he was working on, "Without Deception."   Holland and Barron both composed on the album.  Calvaire received the lion share of solos to the delight of everyone.  Holland's bass playing underscored the drums and piano.  The relaxed tempo and energetic melodies flowed with a swing jazz sound mixed with Latin fusion.  Intricate keyboard melodies and upbeat tempo on percussion kept the music lively and richly layered.   Listening to the jazz trio allowed the listener to appreciate each of the instruments apart and as an ensemble.  Holland is a multi-Grammy winning bassist whose played and recorded with Miles Davis and Stan Getz.  He's lead his own jazz orchestra and big band.  Now in his mid-70s, Holland's style continues to evolve.  Without a doubt, I'm going to listen to "Without Deception" and attend another Dave Holland live performance.

African Cuban Arenas Dance Co and Jazz Singer Bobi Cespedes

Last nights program for the Healdsburg Jazz Festival featured two African Cuban artists, the Arenas Dance Co. and jazz singer, Bobi Cespedes at the Raven Theater.  The Arenas Dance Co. lead the program with vast styles and influences of Cuban dance.  Artistic Dir. Susana Arenas Pedroso diverse choreography captured the multi-influences of African and Catholic religions as well African spiritual traditions and African, Spanish and Haitian Creole languages.  The glorious, kaleidoscope colored costumes for each of the dances shimmered and flowed.  The outfits were stunning and enhanced dancers' undulating body movements.  The twirling of the layered skirts captured the syncopation of the bata drums.  Rippling of the dancers' shoulders and rolling of heads felt languid and fluid.  Folkloric storytelling and African call and response were ingrained in the choreography.  I loved the women enacting laundering using wicker baskets and colorful silk garments.  The dancers portrayed the joy of daily chores done with humor and camaraderie.  My favorite number was a salsa style dance.  The women's props were neon colored fans that matched their flowing skirts. The twirling, opening and shutting of the fans was hypnotic.  The all female bata drummers were the sturdy backbone to the various styles.  Women were forbidden from touching bata drums until 1988 because of religious taboos.  Onstage female vocalists accompanied the dancers. Their soulful, clarion voices rang clear.  Warrior dancers used a shrill call and response that was piercing.  The program was dedicated to the strength and dignity of women.  The second half of the program brought the energy to a luxurious, jazzy Afro-Cuban style.  Bobi Cespedes' rich contralto voice posted a velvety quality that was mesmerizing.  She brought a feel for both African and Cuban musical heritage.  The Orisha influence blended South American and Caribbean rhythms with a contemporary funk sound.  The folklore heritage made a "Funkloric" soothing sound bringing together the past and present in a relaxing and stirring style.  Bobi improvised several numbers in a call and response style.  The talented quintet consisted of two percussionists on bongos, timbales and congas.  The pianist/arranger, Orientz Lopez playing was phenomenal. The music reverberated viscerally making it impossible to remain inert in one's seat.  The enthralled audience could not be contained in their seats for long.  Soon most got up and   danced in the aisles moving to the front of the stage.  A glorious, spontaneous dance party ensued.   I could have danced all night.  And, I thought to myself, what a wonderful world.

Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend Steals a Award for Best Show Worth Watching

The toughest culinary contest for top chefs is the newest iteration of the Iron Chef airing on Netflix.  Iron Chef Quest for an Iron Legend has the tried and true ingredients to make this challenging caper of culinary skills and creativity an enticing offering.  Returning as host is Alton Brown along with smart side dish, Kristin Kish, former Iron Chef winner,  to add spicy banter to the mix.  Also returning is Mark Dacascos as Chairman for the right amount of kitch to keep things cool.  The secret ingredient makes its revelatory debut on a reprised set that takes you aback with its detailed reality.  Five culinary giants are pitted against rising young chefs.  The timed contest tests chefs and crew for creativity, spontaneity, technical and innovative skills as well as their composure under fire.  As one chef put it, "the hour felt like 10 minutes."  There's a lot to be savored during the fray of preparing four food courses with libation concoctions.  It's a thrilling master class in cooking.  When Alton counts the final seconds and says "don't panic, but panic..." I felt my heart racing.  Hearts, brains, organs are all fair game.   There's repartee battered between dueling chefs basted in camaraderie doused with beer and good cheer.  The presentations to the three judge panel is where the chef's shine describing their creations and displaying their artistry.  The professional panel offer intelligent critiques and marvel over the combustion of flavors bursting their taste buds.  It's enough to make your saliva glands come unglued.  This longtime vegan is willing to throw in the towel given the chance.  There's no chance the Iron Chef reboot doesn't continue to rise above the competition of reality cooking shows.  Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend is perfect mirepoix of fun and intensity, artistry and whimsy combined to make the best series, period.  

Jennifer Lopez Doc-HALFTIME JL's Life/Career Buildup to the 2020 Halftime Show

The HALFTIME doc. on the omnipresent Jennifer Lopez (JL) was entertaining albeit, self-indulgent and self-aggrandizing.  However,  JL is to be admired for her triple threat talents:  singing, dancing and acting.  She's the real deal.  And, if at first she had to do some convincing when auditioning for roles, she's more than proven herself to be a dancer, that can act and sing or a singer, that can act and dance.  You'd be hard pressed to find another talent who has the  same magnitude of talents.  Well, maybe Beyonce, but beyond that...I can't think of anyone.  The two divas are two of the world's sexiest and most beautiful people alive.  Despite HALFTIME feeling a little overly long, it's easy viewing and JL is easily likable.  Without a doubt,  JL is a superstar and she's still "just Jenny from the block."  When JL talks to the cameras it feels as though she's talking just to you.  She comes across as earnest.  I believed her sincerity and tenacity.  Her work ethic and commitment are inspiring.  And, as a mother and mentor, she is loving, generous and tender.  While I didn't doubt JL's drive, I didn't catch the play that JL was making a political statement against the barbarity of Trump's immigration policies that resulted in children being separated from their parents and put in cages.  "There are things you just don't do as a human being," JL told us.  I also didn't realize being the half-time entertainer was the pinnacle for an entertainer.    Nevertheless, its import never fell short.  NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell opposed the cages being part of JL's number and ordered they not be used.  JL was not going to backdown after all the hard work and collaboration that went into whittling six minutes into a power play.  The intent of the choreography was on par with NFL players taking a knee.  There was no suspense as the 2020 Super Bowl is a fait accompli.  JL's halftime show was a homerun and went on without a hitch as planned.  Shakira was the co-star.  There was no doubt who was MVP; not even close.  There was a little solo by Jennifer's daughter Emma (aged 12) singing "Born in the USA."  Trump and Lopez share a penchant for nepotism.  I tend towards cynicism.  Nevertheless, Jennifer Lopez is omnipotent.  Watching her perform is watching a consummate entertainer who continues to dazzle and amaze.  I can only wonder, will she and Ben find happiness this second time around?  

THIS IS GOING to HURT - BBC Medical Series Seriously Worth Watching

Tired of the thousands of shows that suck?  Sure you are.  I have the remedy.  It's a new series on the BBC, THIS IS GOING to HURT.  It's a medical series starring Ben Whishaw as Dr. Adam Kay and British Acting Royalty;  Alex Jennings and Harriet Walter.  This is not a medical soap opera, pshaw!  Rather, a piercing drama that depicts the physically exhaustive and emotionally draining life of a junior doctor in obstetrics. The series is based on the best-selling memoir by Dr. Kay.   The Dr. is in when he  breaks from character to speak to the audience.  In these rare cases, the 4th wall is effectively broken for clarity.  We meet a dazed Dr. Kay as he's being roused in his car.  Apparently, he slept there to save time commuting for his next marathon shift.  Dr. Kay is outside the hospital where he's waylaid by a woman already in labor.  The infant is partially dangling from her body while Dr. Kay tries to steers her to an OR. This requires some skepticism and jumping from a moving lift. Have patience, don't permit this farfetched scenario to deter you from this riveting and realistic examination into the fatigue and frenzy of caring for patients.  The authentic depictions of operations are gruesome.  There's a balance of fast banter and dry humor offsetting heart wrenching outcomes.  Dr. Kay's forever neglected partner seems too good to be true.  And, Alex Jennings's portrayal of an acerbic hospital director is too much of a sitcom, stereotype. Nevertheless, this series handles the responsibilities and frustrations of tending to patient care on a serious and profound level.   THIS IS GOING to HURT does get under one's skin.  It's an eye-opening and sometimes painful show to watch.  It's never routine.  I prescribe this real life doctor's dramatization to be followed regularly.        

TOP GUN MAVERICK - Don't Think Just See It

The long awaited sequel (at least according to Tom Cruise) to TOP GUN released in 1986 tears into theaters, shattering box office records.  TOP GUN was a cultural phenomenon in the 80s alongside shoulder pads for women, shopping malls, cabbage patch dolls and MTV.  Whatever killed off these trends didn't quell the lingering fascination with TOP GUN.  Cruise gives a shout out to those who made the movie possible and credits its fans.  This unctuous tribute did little to ingratiate Cruise with his audience.  But then, he didn't need to. The film soars on its cliched, but winning formula.  This family friendly, guilty pleasure is highly entertaining.  Don't think about it, just go see it.  Known for making movie franchise history, Cruise's films have oft quoted one liners.  Although, not necessarily spoken by Cruise, these quotes will live on in movie infamy.  "Show me the money!"  "You had me at hello."  "You can't handle the truth!" And, "I feel the need for speed."  Buzz kill alert for the take away line from TOP GUN MAVERICK, "You told me not to think!"  Fans of feel good films which defy the odds, build camaraderie from rivalry, loaded with irreverence, and stupefying sky-high chase scenes, the film more than hits its target.  The unabashed nods to the first film adds luster to the screen.  Adding to the winning formula  are an elite cast of actors as wingmen include the timeless beauty, Jennifer Connelly, Val Kilmer reprising his role as Ice and Jon Hamm as the nemesis superior officer won over by Maverick's valor.  The two hour, glossy joyride elevate the film's G force with its younger crew; Glen Powell, Lewis Pullman and Miles Teller, playing Goose's son and is a doppelgänger for a young Robert Mitchum.  Collaborating with composer Hans Zimmer and movie producer Jerry Bruckheimer help ensure a successful blockbuster.   TOP GUN MAVERICK classic old time movie making and 21st C tech that just soothes the soul.    

Future Farmers Bid Their Livestock Farewell at County Fair Animal Auction

This city slicker was gobsmacked by the prowess the Future Farmers (FFA) and 4-H students demonstrated bringing their animals to the local county auctioning block.  The animals, not to be confused with pets, mind you, include lambs, goats, hogs, steer, rabbits and chickens.  These savvy, sophisticated young people will gladly clarify the difference between a calf and a steer, a kid and a goat, a lamb and a sheep, and a pig and a hog.  To simplify for unknowing urbanites, livestock less than a year a year and 120 pounds are referred to by their "puppy" names.  Egads! You mean these youngsters raise their livestock to put on the auction block knowing these animals will be going to the chopping block?  Oh grow up!  Of course they do.  Ten year old Elizabeth with blue eyes, freckles and pigtails proudly told me how she cared for Biscuit, her 149 lb. 8 month old sheep.  "I feed him twice a day, walk him around twice, clean his stall and practice standing him everyday."  Standing is the term for presenting the animals for the judges and bidders similar to dogs at Kennel shows.  "What if you have to go away?" I asked.  "Then I'm responsible for getting someone to care for him."  Elizabeth went on to say she sheared him with an electric clippers.  Elizabeth and older sis McKenzie had gone with their mom to the breeder and purchased their lambs at 3 months.  They lambs weighed about 40 lbs each.  Today, at 8 months, Biscuit weighed in at 149 lbs.  "Excuse me, I have to get ready I'll be going into the ring next," Elizabeth told me.   And then I went there, "Will you miss Biscuit?"  Putting her arms around Biscuit and nuzzling his neck she said, "Yes."  She did tell me what they paid for the lamb, what it cost her to feed him and what she hoped Biscuit would fetch.   Biscuit sold for $28/lb, a hefty $8/lb more than she wanted and had calculated for a $1,500 profit.  You do the math.  Elizabeth certainly did earning a nice income and my admiration.  Elizabeth is also a competitive cheerleader and has a Labradoodle, named Chip.  Most of the FFA and 4-H students were in high school.  Senior Madeleine auctioned off her goat and a steer.  She'll be heading off to Stanford this fall.  Golly ghee, this New York City girl was in awe of how worldly and mature these young people were.  Whatever my expectations, I wasn't expecting to have so much fun and perhaps, some envy.   Shucks, this gal was taken down off her high horse.   

Film AFTER YANG-Pinocchio Tale

What does it mean to be human.  What's so great about being human?  The visually stunning film, AFTER YANG ponders these theoretical questions.  Yang (a marvelous Justin Min) plays big brother to Mika.  Mika (Malea Tjandrawid in a star making performance) is the precocious and adoring little sister. Yang and Mika, both of Asian ethnicity, are in the family of a bi-racial couple.  Set in a utopian looking, not too distant future, Yang is an android, a.k.a., technosapien. He was purchased by her parents to help care for their real, adopted daughter.  The couple convince each other Yang was bought to teach Chinese and Asian culture to Mika.  Mika rightly asks, "What does it mean to be Asian?"  Yang is a steadfast friend and mentor to Mika.  During a lesson in grafting tree limbs  Mika points out fake limbs attached to trees by tape.  The overriding lesson Yang brings to the family is there is no substitute for being present in your child's life and in one's own.  The tangents on wake up and smell the roses trope stems from the genesis of the movie's heart.  This theme echoes and reverberates throughout in poetic and astute imagery.  Director Kogonda and cinematographer Benjamin Loeb have collaborated to create a stellar work of art. The film's dreamlike quality transends threads of recognition into our consciousness.  Memories makes us who we are.  Our memories spring from sensations and emotions.  Are humans capable of never telling lies?  Did Pinocchio want to be a real boy?  It was tears that transformed Pinocchio into a real boy?  Mika asks her father watching a documentary, "Are those tears of boredom?"  For the vast audience, the turgid pace and pretentiousness will put them to sleep, perchance to dream.  For a watered down audience, this is a movie to revel.

Fast Paced SLOW HORSES is a Spy Thriller that Thrills

The spy thriller series SLOW HORSES based on the Mark Herron novel is brilliantly cast and totally captivating. The British series stars the irrepressible Gary Oldman as a slovenly M15 agent Jack Lamb and Kristin Scott Thomas as Diane Taverner, the unflappable Deputy Gen. Director of M15.  Lamb in charge of "Slough House" dubbed for being M15's purgatory punishment for agents who've messed up.  Lamb is a lush who relishes assigning tedious tasks to his misfit cast who possess skills that belie their banishment to Slough House.  Meanwhile, there's murderous subterfuge amidst a major fiasco brewing under Taverner's watch at M15.  Could the measly, motley staff subjected to Lamb's abuse assemble into an ace team of espionage agents and bring down the duplicitous M15 Goliath?  One doesn't have to be a sleuth to deduce the outcomes but you should come along for the roller coaster ride of sinister intrigue.  Thomas is in top form as the icy Director who keeps everything running at race horse pace.  Goldman playing the washed up detective who still has game will win you over.  The supporting ensemble cast include Jack Lowden, the latest casualty sentenced to Slough House along with Saskia Reeves as Lamb's perpetually abased assistant Catherine Standish are sensational. The rest of cast is uncommonly good whether playing deranged assassins or innocent pawns.  The late night London hours lend a glossy look to this slick production. The indubitable game of chess in SLOW HORSES is checkmate.   

The Pottery Throw Down is a Reality Show to Get Down With

Tired of reality shows that melt your brain cells?  Even if you're not, "The Pottery Throw Down" is a hot contestant show that breaks the inane mold.  Watch, learn and enjoy.  There is much to praise including an exciting elimination competition.  We observe the burgeoning camaraderie formed out of a compelling contest of skill.  The show is hosted by expert potters Keith Jones and Kate Malone.  They act as judges for a group ten amateur potters that gets whittled down to a final four.  Keith and Kate are not your belligerent judges taking sadistic pleasure in finding faults.  On the contrary, they're discerning and encouraging.  Both judges take pride in the contestants' efforts and achievements.  Keith is known to cry when he finds something especially well done which feels genuine and well deserved.  The motley mix of contestants and judges share a passion for potting.  This is what melds everyone from divergent backgrounds together.  The challenges are demanding and intriguing.  Contestants must draw on their technical skills, problem solving and artistic creativity.  I was blown away following the process and seeing their final creations.  This show is produced by the same people who bring us the "Great British Bakeoff."  "The Pottery Throw Down" lets you have your cake and eat it too!