Best International Record Store Day ever!!

First of all, thanks to my FB friends who informed me that it was IRSD!  No clue without you:)

Was it kismet then, that Jannet, Marla and I were going to see Sound it Out that very day at Bloor Cinema?  Must be so. There is no down side to this doc, so good.  Maybe one downside.  Two of the boys needed sub-titles, couldn't understand a word they were saying.  Hilarious!!

Check out the link, see if you can download, buy it, rent it at Queen Video, get to Bloor Cinema before Wednesday, April 25.  If you are a music fan and swoon when you see a record shop, this one's for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8tNPh405V4


But there is more kismet-ness.  We had time before the film and, with the intent of getting something to eat, we walked down Markham Street, one block east of Bathurst off  Bloor. Our hearts were going pitty-pat at the vintage clothing shops but, then we see a tiny, used record shop.  How could we not go in on IRSD!!

I am always searching bins for flamenco albums mostly for the cover art. Often over-the-top hilarious.  As we didn't have loads of time, I inquired if they had any.  Sadly, nothing turned up in the Latin section.  I wandered and half-heartedly checked out a few other bins.   And then, I saw it.....da da daaaaa.  (FYI-album was in store because it was produced by Tony Visconti, producer extraordinaire of Mr. Bowie.)  I cannot describe the good time that followed with the shop owner, his computer, his turntable and this group!!

Sit back, flashback and enjoy flamenco 1973-style.  Carmen on Midnight Special '74.  Also performing, The Troggs and David Bowie.  You have to last until 2:29 for sure!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxCGT8l0Rao

something non-flamenco this month

Several friends in London send me the best info on what is happening in TO which is how I discovered this exhibit.

First thing you need to know is, I am a HUGE fan of Douglas Coupland.  Stood-in-line-for-hours-at-a-book-signing type of fan!!!  Polaroids from The Dead was the first book I read of his and that was the beginning of my DC book collection.   I'm one of those people who goes to the library for a book, so, to become a buyer was big.   Over his career, he has morphed from author of fiction and non-fiction into a modern day renaissance man putting his spin on art, photography, sculpture, film and television.  I don't love, love, love everything he does, but, I can't stay away!!!

The gallery was also a new discovery for me in the Lansdowne/Bloor area.  Kudos to Douglas for supporting a gallery off the beaten path in TO.

Check out the exhibit:

 http://danielfariagallery.com/artist/douglas-coupland


Check out his website:

http://www.coupland.com/

been so long......

Hola todos!!! No excuse for my lengthy absence....I am a serious procrastinator. April has been a frenzy of flamenco with a Film Festival, workshops and performances plus I am still rehearsing for International Dance Day on April 29 plus I got to London for a few days over Easter and I've had job interviews (still no word yet).

Above link is from one of the films at the Flamenco Film Festival.  Several films were part of a four city festival that took place in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Winnipeg, all active flamenco centres in Canada.  Who knew, you say!!!  (A shout out to Halifax, St. John's, NL, Vancouver and Victoria, all cities with mad passion for flamenco, but not part of this film tour.)

The singer is Enrique Morente and the woman you see in pink, is his daughter Estrella Morente.  Both stars in the world of flamenco cante (song).  Loads of videos on You Tube for both of them if you want to hear a sample of their style.  All singers have different flavours and tones and I enjoy both of their voices.

The film is about a project Enrique worked on putting the poetry of Pablo Picasso to flamenco song.  You see Morente in concert, rehearsing and recording as well as him interacting in song with Picasso's artwork at the Museum of Reina Sofia.  He was a pioneer of fusing musical styles, particularly his album "Omega" which features versions of Leonard Cohen songs.

Enrique passed away shortly after the film was completed.  He had gone in to the hospital for routine surgery and died from complications....a great loss of a gentle, compassionate and talented man who saw music as a way to bring people together through the common language and love of music.

hasta luego, ttyl!!