In the fifteen minutes it takes to perform Ravel’s Bolero, the drummer plays 4050 beats, all within a repetitious pattern. During those fifteen minutes, there is no respite. The drummer has to get through the best way they can. Here is the French comedian Jacques Villeret’s … [Read more...] about No Escape for the Drummer
Resources
The Trombonist Dances Flamenco
In 1988, Frank Zappa took his band on a world tour. His set included his version of Maurice Ravel’s Bolero. When the band played in Barcelona, the trombonist, Bruce Fowler, broke into dance. (I think Fowler danced Flamenco, not Bolero. Not being a student of dance, I can’t be … [Read more...] about The Trombonist Dances Flamenco
Jeff Beck Breaks the Mould
Jeff Beck was one of three great guitarists to come out of the 1960’s British group, The Yardbirds. The two others were Eric Clapton, who co-founded the supergroup Cream, before embarking on a successful solo career, and Jimmy Page, lead guitarist for Led Zeppelin. Despite being … [Read more...] about Jeff Beck Breaks the Mould
Maurice Ravel Shows How it’s Done
It is said that French composer, Maurice Ravel, grew up in a household where he was much loved by his mother and father. Whatever the truth, Ravel had an intuitive understanding of how a nurturing environment is created, one where a person can grow. Here is the … [Read more...] about Maurice Ravel Shows How it’s Done
What’s More To Know
In my last blog, You Must Know!, I discussed Alanis Morissette’s song, You Oughta Know! from the perspective of the narrator’s fight to maintain her self-esteem in the face of her lover’s betrayal. Here, I’m going to consider one of the less developed themes in the song. … [Read more...] about What’s More To Know