It's getting near to Christmas. Tomorrow will be the 1st of December. Time to get out the tinsel, dress up your gnomes like Santa, and listen to that music that's only acceptable for 25 days of the year.
But in the palarva that surrounds Christmas, the real message is often lost. Sure, it's fun to get a really expensive watch or ironing board cover, but the whole message of love and peace are almost forgotten. These last so much longer than your ordinary Duracell-battery operated video game.
No saying that we shouldn't do the whole present thing, but over the next month why not look deeper inside yourself? You might find that when you're surrounded by your friends, people who are very close to you, you get filled with an emotion that makes you feel powerful, crazy, reckless, confident, brave, and a whole host of other things that we normally just take for granted. It's a marvellous feeling, indescribable, and I don't know why I'm trying in that case but it's a bloody fantastic feeling.
And it's one thing to feel it yourself, but then to see others around you who are obviously feeling the same thing makes my heart sing with joy. In a world where the media paints a portrait of everyone out for themselves, where a person might stab another on a whim, to see people totally oblivious to this as they look into their lover's eyes or as they kick back with friends they've had since time began is fantastic. Hate may dominate, but love always rises above it.
What touches me even more is to see two oldies, in their 70s or older, holding hands, holding each other, seeing that through their whole long lives, throughout wars, troubles and the odd economic depression, their love has not diminished in the slightest, fills me with real hope. it's always a constant, it cannot die and whatever evil befalls Humanity it always raises us from the ashes.
I know it seems like I'm rambling (again) but next time you're feeling blue, like you're alone and noone appreciates or understands you, think, think of all those you hold dear to you, how much they mean to you and how much they love you, and you should feel much better. Because with your friends and loved ones behind you nothing can keep you down.
Motherfros, I've taken up too much of your time, so until next time, peace and love to y'all x
Sunday 30 November 2008
Saturday 22 November 2008
Bosco D'Oliveira - 22nd November 2008
Tonight I went to the Barbican Freestage to see Bosco D'Oliveira (what a cool name!) and his band strutting their stuff. And man could they strut! His band was a Brazillian samba band, the perfect kind of hot stuff you need to relieve the chills of these winter nights. Bosco had a solid line-up consisting of:
Bosco Himself on drums, percussion and vocals
Fabio de Oliveira on drums and percussion
Andy Lafone on bass
Ugo Delmirani on piano
David Bitelli on tenor sax, clarinet and flute
The band started off with a lovely samba tune that really got the crowd going. It took a while to get started; David was playing his flute and to be honest it didn't quite work with the whole samba feel, but once he moved onto his sax things really started to heat up. Bosco and Fabio had a wonderful counterpoint happening with their drums; Fabio's solo in the second number really defined that set. Together they created a strong driving force that was full of rhythm, but they were never overwhelming and the wind player always managed to lead the band. Bosco's singing wasn't up to much, but luckily the sax doubled most of what he sang anyway.
The group featured a couple of guests: one, a tambourine player who had little overall effect on the music, but he certainly added to the spirit of the music, having a good time up on stage. The other was a trumpet player, and boy did he have style. He seemed a bit nonplussed at first during the chorus, but once the solos came about he let rip, and he could sure play that horn. The combination of the sax and trumpet worked very well too, both being rather typical in samba.
The fifth number they did was an old Brazillian tune written, according to Bosco, in 1897. This was by far the most enjoyable piece of the night, as it sounded the most authentic and really got the musicians playing to the best of their abilities. Notably David played the clarinet for this piece, and the low, throaty sounds he achieved worked very well with the piece.
The foyer itself, around where the stage was situated, was packed! There were dozens of people squashed in around the stage, and at least as many standing around and above in the mezzanie. Still goes to show you how popular this sort of stuff is. I suppose a lot of it had to do with the fact it was free, but that's beside the point....
All in all a good night, and a very good deal considering the gig was free!
Bosco Himself on drums, percussion and vocals
Fabio de Oliveira on drums and percussion
Andy Lafone on bass
Ugo Delmirani on piano
David Bitelli on tenor sax, clarinet and flute
The band started off with a lovely samba tune that really got the crowd going. It took a while to get started; David was playing his flute and to be honest it didn't quite work with the whole samba feel, but once he moved onto his sax things really started to heat up. Bosco and Fabio had a wonderful counterpoint happening with their drums; Fabio's solo in the second number really defined that set. Together they created a strong driving force that was full of rhythm, but they were never overwhelming and the wind player always managed to lead the band. Bosco's singing wasn't up to much, but luckily the sax doubled most of what he sang anyway.
The group featured a couple of guests: one, a tambourine player who had little overall effect on the music, but he certainly added to the spirit of the music, having a good time up on stage. The other was a trumpet player, and boy did he have style. He seemed a bit nonplussed at first during the chorus, but once the solos came about he let rip, and he could sure play that horn. The combination of the sax and trumpet worked very well too, both being rather typical in samba.
The fifth number they did was an old Brazillian tune written, according to Bosco, in 1897. This was by far the most enjoyable piece of the night, as it sounded the most authentic and really got the musicians playing to the best of their abilities. Notably David played the clarinet for this piece, and the low, throaty sounds he achieved worked very well with the piece.
The foyer itself, around where the stage was situated, was packed! There were dozens of people squashed in around the stage, and at least as many standing around and above in the mezzanie. Still goes to show you how popular this sort of stuff is. I suppose a lot of it had to do with the fact it was free, but that's beside the point....
All in all a good night, and a very good deal considering the gig was free!
Wednesday 19 November 2008
The Throne
The throne, the toilet, whatever you call it. I believe it should be called the epiphany pot, for reasons I shall now disclose.
How many times have you been sitting on the loo, and you're just taking your time, mulling things over as you let loose? It's so strange that you can be so relaxed on the loo, that you can actually take time to think about life and things of that nature, but at the same time it's rather fulfilling. You can get lost in your thoughts in the private silence of the bathroom, where noone is around to see or bother you. Unless of course someone is hammering away at the door wanting to go so badly they might soil themselves where they stand. At which point you must snap out of your reverie and flush, sad that you must go, but looking forward to your next visit.
The next time you feel stressed out and need a break from life for a bit, go to the loo, and take your time about it! It ain't in no rush so why are you? I'll see you there ;)
How many times have you been sitting on the loo, and you're just taking your time, mulling things over as you let loose? It's so strange that you can be so relaxed on the loo, that you can actually take time to think about life and things of that nature, but at the same time it's rather fulfilling. You can get lost in your thoughts in the private silence of the bathroom, where noone is around to see or bother you. Unless of course someone is hammering away at the door wanting to go so badly they might soil themselves where they stand. At which point you must snap out of your reverie and flush, sad that you must go, but looking forward to your next visit.
The next time you feel stressed out and need a break from life for a bit, go to the loo, and take your time about it! It ain't in no rush so why are you? I'll see you there ;)
Saturday 15 November 2008
Jazz at Ray's
It's been a musical day for me today. Not only have I played with the Morley College Jazz Orchestra (I know, THE Morley College), which was in itself an insane workout, but I visited Ray's Jazz Cafe on Charing Cross Road to watch a Norwegian band led by Froy Aagre (that's her name, I swear).
You would think, from Charing Cross Station, that it would be a fairly simple matter of finding the road of the same name. How wrong you'd be! I managed to arrive in the middle of Trafalgar Square, head down the Strand, "cut" through Covent Garden, and manage to eventually wind my way back up towards the road I was looking for. Only to discover that Charing Cross Road begins BEHIND the Royal Gallery.
A few words were said at this point.
Nevertheless I managed to make it to Ray's at the time I said I would meet my dad, only to discover that he was about half an hour late. More words were said, but I didn't repeat them to him. In any case, when the rather short show began it was worth the aggravation.
It was interesting, a cross between modalism, folk and modern, atonal classical music. It sounds rather crap on paper I know but once the band really started to get going all these wonderful cross-rhythms and melodies started to come out, and it was very entertaining. Indeed, no one musician seemed to be following a score of any kind; they would keep playing until another idea was reached, at which point they would all start playing to this idea. And they all played around each other, in that in more instances the saxophonist (Froy Aagre) seemed to be following the drums than the other way round. Very good stuff.
I know I usually knock that sort of music but seeing it live is always different, and it turned out to be a good waste of half an hour. The coffee wasn't bad either (I remember the last time I visited it I couldn't finish whatever the hell they served me). It was all part of the London Jazz Festival (yes, there is a jazz festival in London! Don't believe me? Check the internet) so if you're looking for something a little different, and more intimate than the raging battle that is the rock gig, then look something up.
You would think, from Charing Cross Station, that it would be a fairly simple matter of finding the road of the same name. How wrong you'd be! I managed to arrive in the middle of Trafalgar Square, head down the Strand, "cut" through Covent Garden, and manage to eventually wind my way back up towards the road I was looking for. Only to discover that Charing Cross Road begins BEHIND the Royal Gallery.
A few words were said at this point.
Nevertheless I managed to make it to Ray's at the time I said I would meet my dad, only to discover that he was about half an hour late. More words were said, but I didn't repeat them to him. In any case, when the rather short show began it was worth the aggravation.
It was interesting, a cross between modalism, folk and modern, atonal classical music. It sounds rather crap on paper I know but once the band really started to get going all these wonderful cross-rhythms and melodies started to come out, and it was very entertaining. Indeed, no one musician seemed to be following a score of any kind; they would keep playing until another idea was reached, at which point they would all start playing to this idea. And they all played around each other, in that in more instances the saxophonist (Froy Aagre) seemed to be following the drums than the other way round. Very good stuff.
I know I usually knock that sort of music but seeing it live is always different, and it turned out to be a good waste of half an hour. The coffee wasn't bad either (I remember the last time I visited it I couldn't finish whatever the hell they served me). It was all part of the London Jazz Festival (yes, there is a jazz festival in London! Don't believe me? Check the internet) so if you're looking for something a little different, and more intimate than the raging battle that is the rock gig, then look something up.
Wednesday 12 November 2008
What a couple of days
As you probably know I've been ill the last couple of days, but (rejoice and hallelujah!) the dreaded cold has failed to keep me down for long, so I'll be rejoining you tomorrow. Try to hold back the tears of joy.
These last couple of days of quarantine have given me time to think though. Uh-oh I hear you say, he's been on the paracetamol. As a matter of fact I have, but that only accounted for half the trips I made. Well no, I've been thinking about the future.
Isn't it a scary place? On the global stage, the world looks set to turn topsy-turvy, in all but the most literal sense, and aside from the various economic changes that will be made, and political, there are going to be countless little wars that might mark this 21st Century even more bloodthirsty than the previous one. And that's a tall order to beat. Also, the world's rising climate will undoubtably have some sort of effect on us. And we're the lucky generation, and the one following ours, that will have to sort this mess out. And the way our generation seems to be going, boy it's gonna be a close call.
Still, I know that for every hooded twat out there there are likely to be two or three people that will do all they can to save the world from going to pot, so maybe there is hope.
But on a more personal level, we are reaching the end of an era. For seven years we've lived our lives comfortably and usually fairly happily at school, doing well in our studies, not worried because we know that next year, we'll be back here, no matter what happens. We're safe and sound. But not this year. This is it, end game. This year counts. This time last year, we all knew where we were going to be. Not this year. I can't see where I'll be in a year, and I find that terrifying.
Maybe terrifying is a tad extreme. But it is still worrying. All the questions, what if I don't get into a great university? What if my A levels are shite? Will I have to redo the year? Did I leave the gas on? All troubling questions. Enough to lose sleep over sometimes. Or at least enough to dream of blood-drooling monsters chasing you around until you die in a bloody murder.
I think the school lays far too much pressure on us. Sure, we're meant to be uber-intelligent, but does that mean that if we don't achieve all As we're going to be failures in life?! I'd like not to think so, but I've had it drilled into me so much that I can't do anything BUT worry about it. And then that leads me to worry about what I'm going to do AFTER university! Will my degree be worth anything? Will I find a job I enjoy? Why, when I'm 25 years old, am I still living with my fucking parents?!
I'm sure things will work out fine but at the moment my mind is in turmoil about these things, which really doesn't help when you're trying to prepare for exams.
Just thought I'd give you a little insight into my mind.
Peace, y'aaaaaal
These last couple of days of quarantine have given me time to think though. Uh-oh I hear you say, he's been on the paracetamol. As a matter of fact I have, but that only accounted for half the trips I made. Well no, I've been thinking about the future.
Isn't it a scary place? On the global stage, the world looks set to turn topsy-turvy, in all but the most literal sense, and aside from the various economic changes that will be made, and political, there are going to be countless little wars that might mark this 21st Century even more bloodthirsty than the previous one. And that's a tall order to beat. Also, the world's rising climate will undoubtably have some sort of effect on us. And we're the lucky generation, and the one following ours, that will have to sort this mess out. And the way our generation seems to be going, boy it's gonna be a close call.
Still, I know that for every hooded twat out there there are likely to be two or three people that will do all they can to save the world from going to pot, so maybe there is hope.
But on a more personal level, we are reaching the end of an era. For seven years we've lived our lives comfortably and usually fairly happily at school, doing well in our studies, not worried because we know that next year, we'll be back here, no matter what happens. We're safe and sound. But not this year. This is it, end game. This year counts. This time last year, we all knew where we were going to be. Not this year. I can't see where I'll be in a year, and I find that terrifying.
Maybe terrifying is a tad extreme. But it is still worrying. All the questions, what if I don't get into a great university? What if my A levels are shite? Will I have to redo the year? Did I leave the gas on? All troubling questions. Enough to lose sleep over sometimes. Or at least enough to dream of blood-drooling monsters chasing you around until you die in a bloody murder.
I think the school lays far too much pressure on us. Sure, we're meant to be uber-intelligent, but does that mean that if we don't achieve all As we're going to be failures in life?! I'd like not to think so, but I've had it drilled into me so much that I can't do anything BUT worry about it. And then that leads me to worry about what I'm going to do AFTER university! Will my degree be worth anything? Will I find a job I enjoy? Why, when I'm 25 years old, am I still living with my fucking parents?!
I'm sure things will work out fine but at the moment my mind is in turmoil about these things, which really doesn't help when you're trying to prepare for exams.
Just thought I'd give you a little insight into my mind.
Peace, y'aaaaaal
Monday 10 November 2008
Conformists?
There's so much emphasis on being "yourself" nowadays. People pride themselves on being different from everyone else, listening to "unpopular, underground" music that noone's heard of. But as soon as the band goes mainstream, the fans run away claiming they've sold out to the masses.
No they haven't, they've just made it that's all.
What we don't seem to get is that by all being individuals were all conforming to individualism. Of course if you say this you'll be shouted down, but it's true. People still dress the same, listen to the same types of music, just as they did 40 years ago. Nothing's changed people!
And I realise that I listen to different music myself, but mine will never become popular in a million years so I don't have anything to worry about.
So, life is going fan-bloody-tastic. Apart from A levels I can't think of a thing wrong. Apart from the fact I'm ginger, but there's not much I can do about that.
And if someone says I should dye my hair, so help them...
No they haven't, they've just made it that's all.
What we don't seem to get is that by all being individuals were all conforming to individualism. Of course if you say this you'll be shouted down, but it's true. People still dress the same, listen to the same types of music, just as they did 40 years ago. Nothing's changed people!
And I realise that I listen to different music myself, but mine will never become popular in a million years so I don't have anything to worry about.
So, life is going fan-bloody-tastic. Apart from A levels I can't think of a thing wrong. Apart from the fact I'm ginger, but there's not much I can do about that.
And if someone says I should dye my hair, so help them...
Saturday 8 November 2008
Memorial Sunday
The 11th of November is nearly upon us again, which means tomorrow will be the day when we can reflect on the soldiers (and civillians) who have died protecting our country.
Many nowadays do not fully understand or appreciate this day, or even worse, they couldn't give a damn. They are not proud of being British, what being British means and our illustrious history. It's seen as not politically correct to be patriotic, lest we annoy someone who has had bad dealings with us in the past (which, let's face it, is most countries somewhere along the line).
I will be the first to admit we have done some terrible things in our past, slavery and the extermination of native populaces such as the Aborigines. That is unexcusable. But what people love to overlook is the fact that we have done a many great things as well. Apart from being one of the first countries to start changing its ways about slavery, we have sacrificed so much in order to keep the world out of the hands of evil madmen.
Look at the First World War. Granted, the war was controversial in that it didn't concern us much, except that we had a rivalry with Germany going on. However, as the Kaiser's armies swept through France we had an obligation to go and defend our allies, which we did with great haste, for King and Country and all that. Many hundreds of thousands of ordinary men went to their deaths to make sure that Europe was not consumed by the mighty armies of Germany. They faced terrible conditions and a formidable enemy, but despite all odds managed to defeat Germany with the help of the Russians, sometimes the French and eventually, the Americans.
Look at the Second World War. When Poland was taken over by the Germans, it was not in our interests to liberate it; it had no strategic importance and probably few resources, but nevertheless again we sallied against the enemy, who having crushed the French resistance in weeks, promptly threw us back into the sea. It could have ended there; we could have surrendered, let Hitler's boats come across the Channel unhindered, and become powerful allies with him. Only we didn't. We stood resolutely for 3 years, holding back wave after wave of German attacks with courage and skill that the Germans could not match. Not only did we manage to hold off the might of the Nazi military machine, but we launched a devastating counter attack right back into Europe, which, coupled with the Russian onslaught in the East, toppled the Nazi regime forever, thus saving Europe and much of the world.
Since then we have fought in campaigns where it has not been essential for us to fight. Korea was a foolish war to involve ourselves in, as it was just an anti-Communist American fiasco, but nonetheless we fought with determination and skill that the Americans could never match. We fought in places like the Falklands and Kosovo to save people from invading armies, and succeeded in saving many lives, even if it was not in our interests. We fight today in Afghanistan against a rather bloodthirsty regime, and even if we are fighting a losing battle, even if the war was started with ulterior motives that are just as perverted as the enemy we claim to fight, our troops still fight with a courage and skill that constantly places us above our American allies. The same is true for Iraq, but there I will not condone the government's actions, it is a travesty that we ever went there in the first place.
People say that there is no reason to be proud or patriotic to Britain, but which other country in the last century, when the skies have darkened and cries of help have been raised, fought resolutely to defeat whichever evil was bearing down on us? Which other country has fought battles that are not in their interests but have done so anyway because it is the right thing to do? The Second World War, in my opinion, is the crowning moment of British history, where we stood alone and raised our banners against the tides of the enemy, and refused to take a back-step even though the odds were firmly against us? How can one fail to feel even the slightest bit of emotion when they remember the ultimate sacrifice so many men made in order to stop a tyrant taking over the world?
I'm sorry that I've rambled, but it saddens me to think about what has happened to our society recently, for which these men fought and some died for, and to think that maybe was it in vain? But ultimately, I am here to say that we have very good reason to be proud and patriotic to Britain, and that we should not be afraid to say so. We should all show respect, even if for that one tiny minute of silence we give every year, just to reflect on what past generations have given us, and how we can emulate their example, even in the smallest of ways, to bring Britain back to the proud nation that we were before.
They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Many nowadays do not fully understand or appreciate this day, or even worse, they couldn't give a damn. They are not proud of being British, what being British means and our illustrious history. It's seen as not politically correct to be patriotic, lest we annoy someone who has had bad dealings with us in the past (which, let's face it, is most countries somewhere along the line).
I will be the first to admit we have done some terrible things in our past, slavery and the extermination of native populaces such as the Aborigines. That is unexcusable. But what people love to overlook is the fact that we have done a many great things as well. Apart from being one of the first countries to start changing its ways about slavery, we have sacrificed so much in order to keep the world out of the hands of evil madmen.
Look at the First World War. Granted, the war was controversial in that it didn't concern us much, except that we had a rivalry with Germany going on. However, as the Kaiser's armies swept through France we had an obligation to go and defend our allies, which we did with great haste, for King and Country and all that. Many hundreds of thousands of ordinary men went to their deaths to make sure that Europe was not consumed by the mighty armies of Germany. They faced terrible conditions and a formidable enemy, but despite all odds managed to defeat Germany with the help of the Russians, sometimes the French and eventually, the Americans.
Look at the Second World War. When Poland was taken over by the Germans, it was not in our interests to liberate it; it had no strategic importance and probably few resources, but nevertheless again we sallied against the enemy, who having crushed the French resistance in weeks, promptly threw us back into the sea. It could have ended there; we could have surrendered, let Hitler's boats come across the Channel unhindered, and become powerful allies with him. Only we didn't. We stood resolutely for 3 years, holding back wave after wave of German attacks with courage and skill that the Germans could not match. Not only did we manage to hold off the might of the Nazi military machine, but we launched a devastating counter attack right back into Europe, which, coupled with the Russian onslaught in the East, toppled the Nazi regime forever, thus saving Europe and much of the world.
Since then we have fought in campaigns where it has not been essential for us to fight. Korea was a foolish war to involve ourselves in, as it was just an anti-Communist American fiasco, but nonetheless we fought with determination and skill that the Americans could never match. We fought in places like the Falklands and Kosovo to save people from invading armies, and succeeded in saving many lives, even if it was not in our interests. We fight today in Afghanistan against a rather bloodthirsty regime, and even if we are fighting a losing battle, even if the war was started with ulterior motives that are just as perverted as the enemy we claim to fight, our troops still fight with a courage and skill that constantly places us above our American allies. The same is true for Iraq, but there I will not condone the government's actions, it is a travesty that we ever went there in the first place.
People say that there is no reason to be proud or patriotic to Britain, but which other country in the last century, when the skies have darkened and cries of help have been raised, fought resolutely to defeat whichever evil was bearing down on us? Which other country has fought battles that are not in their interests but have done so anyway because it is the right thing to do? The Second World War, in my opinion, is the crowning moment of British history, where we stood alone and raised our banners against the tides of the enemy, and refused to take a back-step even though the odds were firmly against us? How can one fail to feel even the slightest bit of emotion when they remember the ultimate sacrifice so many men made in order to stop a tyrant taking over the world?
I'm sorry that I've rambled, but it saddens me to think about what has happened to our society recently, for which these men fought and some died for, and to think that maybe was it in vain? But ultimately, I am here to say that we have very good reason to be proud and patriotic to Britain, and that we should not be afraid to say so. We should all show respect, even if for that one tiny minute of silence we give every year, just to reflect on what past generations have given us, and how we can emulate their example, even in the smallest of ways, to bring Britain back to the proud nation that we were before.
They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Tuesday 4 November 2008
Parent's Evening
Woah boy, that was rough. You know when you get an innocent enough looking towel and rub it on urself, only to find you've lost a lot of skin? Well, that was roughly what it was like tonight.
Emdon and Wilko, particularly the former, laid into me about how they don't expect me to reach the grade. It's bad enough hearing this, but they have let me down, I feel, in not being very good teachers, especially the former. I cannot blame it all on them, I am a dunce at musical theory, and I suppose my "playing music for fun" doesn't help much in an exam, but the man has done little to help me except promise to give out fictional sheets of paper that will supposedly secure my A level.
Anyway, it's the past, I won't use him anymore, and when I get an A ill stuff it down his throat so hard he'll be shitting A's for years to come. I guess you could say he's a bit of a A-hole.
Sorry, that was terrible. So, onto better news.
US elections. We're hours away from either rejoicing or committing mass suicide by wandering into the sea. Personally, I don't want to be part of the task force heading into Iran, so I'll be at the head of that mass suicide.
I don't have much else to say, I just needed to vent. Peace to y'all, I hope tomorrow brings more joy to us than today.
Emdon and Wilko, particularly the former, laid into me about how they don't expect me to reach the grade. It's bad enough hearing this, but they have let me down, I feel, in not being very good teachers, especially the former. I cannot blame it all on them, I am a dunce at musical theory, and I suppose my "playing music for fun" doesn't help much in an exam, but the man has done little to help me except promise to give out fictional sheets of paper that will supposedly secure my A level.
Anyway, it's the past, I won't use him anymore, and when I get an A ill stuff it down his throat so hard he'll be shitting A's for years to come. I guess you could say he's a bit of a A-hole.
Sorry, that was terrible. So, onto better news.
US elections. We're hours away from either rejoicing or committing mass suicide by wandering into the sea. Personally, I don't want to be part of the task force heading into Iran, so I'll be at the head of that mass suicide.
I don't have much else to say, I just needed to vent. Peace to y'all, I hope tomorrow brings more joy to us than today.
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