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Soviet Film Wednesday: Seasons
Seasons, made in 1969, with its beautiful stop-motion animation, is one of the most beloved Russian short films. Seasons was directed by Yuri Norstein and Ivan Ivanov-Vano, set to the music of Tchaikovsky. The detailed stop-motion animation, much done with delicate lace, features a couple gliding through the seasons, all set to brilliant renditions of “October” and …
From Irish Folk to Punk Rock: The Pogues
Happy birthday to The Pogues drummer Andrew Ranken, born on this day November 13, 1953 in Ladbroke Grove, London, England. The Pogues, a band known for its distinctive fusion of Irish folk and punk rock, came into prominence in the 1980s under the charismatic leadership of Shane MacGowan. The band’s unique sound, blending traditional Irish …
Neil Young: A Musical Journey Through Time
The Heart of Gold: Neil Young’s Lifelong Musical Odyssey Neil Young, a name synonymous with raw authenticity and musical innovation, has been a towering figure in rock music for over five decades. From his early days in Canada to becoming a counterculture icon, Young’s journey is a testament to the power of artistic integrity and …
How Webley Edwards Introduced Hawaiian Music to the World
Webley Edwards was an instrumental figure in the popularization of Hawaiian music on the global stage. Born on this day November 11, 1902, Edwards was a broadcast journalist who worked in Hawaii for many years, but he is most widely recognized for his contributions to the world of music. He was fascinated by the rich …
The Master of Irish Portraiture: Louis le Brocquy’s Unique Artistic Style
Born on this day November 10, 1916 in Dublin, Louis le Brocquy, a renowned Irish painter, has etched his name in the annals of art history as an eminent master of Irish portraiture. His unique artistic style, characterized by a blend of the figurative and the abstract, has deeply influenced the world of visual arts. …
Behind the Lens: Discovering the Visionary World of Winston Vargas
Born on this day November 9, 1943, Winston Vargas, an esteemed photographer, has masterfully captured the essence of urban life through his lens. His visionary grasp of photography is most evident in his vivid portrayal of Washington Heights, an iconic neighborhood in New York City. Through his photographs, Vargas invites viewers to step into a …
Billie Holiday’s “Don’t Explain”: A Jazz Era Masterpiece
In the smoky clubs of 1940s New York, a voice emerged that would forever change the landscape of jazz. Billie Holiday, with her raw emotion and unparalleled phrasing, stepped into the recording studio to lay down her version of “Don’t Explain” – a song that would become synonymous with her name. The Recording: A Snapshot …
Joni Mitchell: How Her Artistry Continues to Inspire Generations
Born on this day November 7, 1943 in the town of Fort Macleod in Alberta, Canada, Joni Mitchell, the legendary singer-songwriter and painter, continues to be a profound source of inspiration for generations of musicians. With an artistry that transcends the boundaries of time and genre, her influence is felt across a broad spectrum of contemporary …
Soviet Film Wednesday: Hedgehog in the Fog
Today we have another wonderful Yuri Norstein film, Hedgehog in the Fog. Norstein is best known for this animation, as well as his Tale of Tales. Hedgehog in the Fog was directed by Norstein, written by Sergei Kozlov, with music by Mikhail Meyerovich. It was produced by Soyuzmultfilm in 1975. It is the story of a hedgehog and a bear cub who …
The Artistry of Louis Rhead: A Glimpse into the Life and Legacy of a Master Illustrator
Louis Rhead was an English-born American artist, illustrator, and author, widely recognized for his unique artistry and significant contributions to the field of illustration. Born into a family of artists on this day November 6, 1857, he showcased a profound interest in art from an early age. Rhead’s artistic journey began under the guidance of …