MUSIC
From New York to Powell River
by John Silver
High-definition broadcasts of live opera from the stage of New York’s Metropolitan Opera have come to Powell River in the outstanding facilities of Max Cameron Theatre at Brooks School. Approximately 120 opera fans saw the first broadcast, Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette, on Saturday, December 15 at 10:00 am.
Anna Netrebko (Juliette) and Roberto Alagna (Roméo) were in fine voice as they headed a uniformly strong cast. Renowned tenor Plácido Domingo was the conductor. Sets and costumes were stunning.
Watching a live performance on screen is a different experience from being in the opera house itself. You see only what the video director shows you but, with an expert such as Brian Large at the helm, there is a superb balance of close-ups of the singers and overall stage action.
Adding to the experience are views of backstage while sets are changed between scenes and performers chat to each other or quietly ponder their next appearance.
During the intermissions, the broadcast continues by interviewing the stars just as they have come off-stage and others involved in the technicalities of the production.
For those in need of refreshments at intermission, coffee and goodies are served by students of Brooks School, with proceeds going to school projects.
Since the broadcasts are live matinees in New York, this means morning in Powell River. Even if you normally like to stay in bed on a Saturday morning, I recommend breaking that habit to give the Metropolitan Opera a try.
Future performances are Macbeth (February 9), Manon Lescaut (February 16), Peter Grimes (March 15), Tristan und Isolde (March 22), La fille du régiment (April 26) and La Bohème (May 3).
Judy Brunet and Bruce Wing—Connecting the heart of a songwritter with the soul of a jazz player
www.judybrunet.com
Bruce and Judy have been performing together since 2005 and have since impressed their listeners with their original material and intuitive playing style that naturally compliments the other. The debut of their newly released CD “Saying Hello Feeling Goodbye” was just in time for their performances at the Vancouver Island Music Festival. It’s understated production testifies of the power of simplicity and captures the endearing quality of their acoustic performances. Whether the genre is contemporary folk, rock, gospel or jazz, the lyrics are heartfelt expressions and the music is a stirring collaboration of composition and arrangement.
Judy’s warm vocals and expressive nuances have made her a memorable acoustic performer. Born in Southern Alberta, and raised in Calgary, she has been making up songs for as long as she can remember, and gradually learned to articulate the more complicated landscapes of life, love and ambivalence. Her musical influences include teen favorites Carole King, and Christine McVie, however her inspirations are always found closer to home in fellow musicians, songwriters and performers.
Judy Brunet and Bruce Wing perform at Local Loco’s on Friday February 15th at 8pm ($8 cover)
CD REVIEWS–Full Disclosure New Music Report
Full Disclosure was a radio show hosted by Luke Brocki and Amanda Bell broadcasting cutting edge music every Thursday night. on CJMP 90.1 FM. Be sure to check out Powell River’s new cutting–edge radioshow “Freaking Open the Head” Friday nights from 6-8pm on CJMP 90.1 FM with DJ Cinnamon Bun.
Hedwig & the Angry Inch:
[Soundtrack]
(July 2001)The play/film behind these songs is a ready and sexy rock musical that will blow you... away. Now, the songs may be more meaningful and amusing to you if you have seen the film, but even if you have not, this bucket of glam is solid enough to enjoy on its own. Cover bands, air guitar enthusiasts and karaoke divas need not worry. From ballads about Aristotle’s origin of love to anguished woes about a botched sex change operation this album brings out the glam rocker in us all.
(by Amanda Bell)Serve with: Tommy soundtrack, early Bowie and vermouth on the rocks.
Okkervil River:
“The Stage Names"
(August 2007)This band will still be standing when all the indie hipsters move on from the 80s thing to reinvent grunge, designer plaid and all. No gimmicks here, just timeless songs about pornography, commitment, suicide and being yourself. Everything from the stirring opener to the straightforward poetry of the ballads is just real. This album doesn’t know how good it is; it doesn’t need to try too hard. It’s all here: great lyrics, smart instrumentation, pure emotion and striking vocals. It’s the album you’ll keeping coming back to no matter where your tastes lead you.
(by Amanda Bell)Serve with: a long car ride and a date
Iron & Wine:
“The Creek Drank the Cradle”
(September 2002)I was late for work, but couldn’t be bothered to catch the downtown bus. I strolled down East Hastings instead, smiling at the sun in the sky and the wistful melodies in my ears. To the north, the mountains looked whiter than the finest hotel sheets. It was the first sunny day after a long and depressing string of windstorms and rain showers and I grooved to an old favourite record of mine: The Creek Drank the Cradle, the debut release from Iron & Wine, aka bearded folksinger/songwriter Sam Beam. All easy strumming and soft harmonies, it proved the perfect garnish to a gentle January morning.
(by Luke Brocki)Serve with: Nick Drake, Simon (with an optional dash of Garfunkel)