June 4, 2011

• Expanding my horizons…

  Earlier this week I stopped into my local library to find a few books to share with my colleague Amit. This was inspired by my brother dropping off a copy of Esquire Magazine’s 2011 Big Black Book, after his stay at the Hotel Intercontinental in SF. I ended up with 3 books, two of which were what I was originally looking for and one that was by pure chance.

  On my way to check out, I stumbled upon the Jazz collection of CDs.  I immediately recognized Stan Getz and Miles Davis and picked up stuff from them.  One that I didn’t recognize but thought I’d give a try was from Lionel Hampton and Oscar Peterson.  A total of four CD boxed sets.  I listened to them over the course of the last few days and have discovered something truly amazing.  Miles Davis has yet to grow on me.  I listen to him in order to help me appreciate the brass I love from contemporary trumpeteers like Chris Botti. I’m in love with one track from Getz. A separate post later on Stan Getz. 

  Lionel Hampton’s “Tenderly” is beautiful and I’ve yet to find this somewhere on Youtube.  In my search, I found this footage from 1957, where Mr. Hampton performs “Flying Home”.  I’m in awe.

  /// <embed here>

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_rTICMVXQQ

  His passion for playing the vibraharp infectious.  Listening to the CD’s was amazing.  It was a completely different thing to watch him perform the piece live on this video.  He just rocks! What an amazing entertainer!  He just screams energy and passion on the stage.  More here from Youtube. If a time machine were available, I would go back just to be part of the scene where he was performing.  Although the US of the late 1950′s must have been some interesting times.  I couldn’t help but think that many of the things that I admire today are from that era: art (Pollock/Rothko), music (jazz/rock n’ roll), cars (Vette’s/pre-mustang), and architecture (mid-century modern).  Things just aren’t made the same way anymore.  Life seemed more simplistic and easier to understand back then.  I wonder what will be remembered of today, fifty years from now???

  Yes, my library is amazing.  I love this resource for the variety of things that are made available to everyone in the community.  If you haven’t been in to your local library, check it out!  There must be at least one thing there that will expand your own horizons!

  • 5:25 PM
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