10/25/19 The WHO, on the Smothers Brothers 1967

52 years ago The Who had already conquered England, and were on their way to becoming world famous as "that rock band that smashes their equipment".

I just saw The Who at the Hollywood Bowl the other night, and they are still rocking. Roger Daltry and Pete Townsend are now well into their 70's, but they sounded great!  Here is a blast from the past, The Who on The Smother Brother's Comedy Hour. Pete claims his hearing problems started when Keith Moon blew up his drums on this show.

https://youtu.be/OiSKu7SbGNQ?t=90

10/18/19 Horowitz Plays Schubert

Horowitz - Schubert Impromptu #3

I had to honor of seeing Vladimir Horowitz at Boston Symphony Hall in 1975. Many people consider him to be one of the greatest pianists that ever lived. This video from 1987 (2 years before he died) at his penultimate public recital is stunning in its focus and apparent simplicity, but a careful listening reveals intricacies that are detailed and carefully crafted.

Watch the video, and it seems like nothing moves except his fingers.

Horowitz's hand position was unusual in that the palm was often below the level of the key surface. He frequently played chords with straight fingers, and the little finger of his right hand was often curled up until it needed to play a note. For all the excitement of his playing, Horowitz rarely raised his hands higher than the piano's fallboard. His body was immobile, and his face seldom reflected anything other than intense concentration.

Horowitz preferred to perform on Sunday afternoons, as he felt audiences were better rested and more attentive than on weekday evenings. Listen to this today, and again on Sunday, in honor of his death, 30 years ago (November 5, 1989)

https://youtu.be/FxhbAGwEYGQ

10/11/19 - Bill Evans -Never Let Me Go

Bill Evans made only a couple of solo recordings, but when you listen to them you realize that this is what he loved most and what he was meant to do: just play piano, for himself and the person that cares to stop and listen. Evans played to audiences of no more than a dozen people, he didn’t care. He had to play, he had to be heard even if by just one person. There was no hero-worshipping this guy when he was alive. Maybe some people took his style for granted, or he was so ahead of his time that people just didn’t notice that what he was doing was legendary. Regardless, Bill Evans was a no-ego guy who just adored his piano. And, naturally, it shows. This recording, made in 1968 when he was in a high period with one of his best trios, in a loving relationship and with his drug habit in remission, is a gem - and it won the Grammy for Best Jazz Album.

https://youtu.be/uEyvjHuMR4E