Waukegan Public Library - music

Have You Heard About... Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite

Fran J — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 07:59:13 +0000

… what happens when you mix a classical favorite with great jazz? Anna Harwell Celenza and Don Tate bring the story to life in Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite. In 1960, Duke Ellington and his best friend Billy Strayhorn were hot. A record producer offered them the opportunity to do whatever they wanted – any music at all – if Duke signed a contract with him. He wanted to push himself and try music that was completely new, so he decided to take Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and add his own special twist to it. Duke and Billy created something that was both Tchaikovsky’s and theirs, and is unmistakably jazz.

This book is based on historical events, confirmed through letters, memoirs, photographs, and other records, and embellished by the author’s imagination. Both the text and the art cleverly show the hard work that went into making this beautiful music. The Sugar Plum Fairies become a West Indian beauty named Sugar Rum Cherry, and the “Waltz of the Flowers” turned into “Danse of the Floreadores” (flashy big spenders). To help readers get in the mood, the book is accompanied by a CD with a recording of the jazzy Nutcracker Suite.

Reviewed by Fran (staff)

Have You Heard About... Light & Shade

Fran J — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 06:48:16 +0000

… the mastermind behind one of the greatest rock bands of the 1970s? Light & Shade: Conversations with Jimmy Page by Brad Tolinski is a detailed view into the extraordinary life of guitar icon Jimmy Page. Mr. Tolinski is a former editor in chief of Guitar World magazine so he had great access to the guitarist as well as a technical understanding of his craft. As he says in his introduction, “Led Zeppelin dominated the seventies and continues to resonate decades later.” Being a fan of Led Zeppelin, and guitar playing, this book was an easy choice for my vacation reading list.

I learned a lot of inside info on recording rock music as well as the history of the band. One startling fact that came out of the book was that Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton all modern day guitar gods, grew up within a twelve-block area of London. Wow, think about that. Talk about the stars lining up. Pick it up and if you love rock or heavy metal…you won’t be disappointed.

Reviewed by Richard (staff)

Have You Heard About... Stomp Live

Fran J — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 07:50:13 +0000

… the group that can make music out of anything? Stomp Live is an awesome DVD! As the title implies, anything that makes some type of noise is part of this wonderful production. Hands, feet, brooms, Zippo lighters, beer cans and even the kitchen sink can be used to make music.

The co-ordination and physical strength of the cast is amazing. Facial expressions are a big part of what make this video funny. Think improvisation. When you think it’s over, keep watching until you get a black screen for at least 2 minutes or you’ll miss the very ending.

Two of my favorite parts were the use of newspaper to be annoying and how to make music with the kitchen sink. This DVD is not to be missed.

Reviewed by Terry (staff)