Power Trip - The Movie

For the week of Thursday, March 01, 2007
CATEGORY: Movies

Power Trip, by Paul Devlin, starring Piers Lewis is an outstanding documentary about when an American multi-national tries to solve the electricity crisis in Tbilisi, capital of the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. Besides being incredibly entertaining, Power Trip captures the many problems that arise when a state run power system confronts capitalism. Many dramas unfold during the course of the film - corruption, assassination, street rioting - and one also gets an unusual window into daily life and culture in Tbilisi. If you do not buy this film, by all means rent it.

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The Birthday Concert [LIVE]

For the week of Monday, February 26, 2007
CATEGORY: Music

In 1981, the late Jaco Pastorious turned 30 years old. This remarkable CD is a live recording of a gig he put together for this occasion. It is a big band of outstanding players from the time including Michael Brecker, Peter Erskine and Bob Mintzer to name but a few. The music is full of amazing energy and drive; often it feels like you’re flying down an interstate highway at 110 with your head out the window. The solos are simply amazing and Jaco’s playing is as always intense yet beautiful. Near the end of the CD the band’s playing gets a bit rough with a few of the members completely lost; someone pulls it back together by yelling out rehearsal numbers, but this only adds to the immediacy and vibrancy of the production.
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When We Were Kings

For the week of Monday, February 19, 2007
CATEGORY: Movies

It's 1974, Muhammed Ali is 32 and thought by many to be past his prime. George Forman is ten years younger and the Heavyweight champion of the world. Promoter Don King wants to make a name for himself and offers both fighters five million dollars apiece to fight one another, and when they accept, King has only to come up with the money. He finds a backer in Mobutu Sese Suko, the dictator of Zaire and the "Rumble in the Jungle" is set.

As the story unfolds, there is amazing footage of not only the fighters, but of the entire spectacle surrounding the event - the people of Zaire, the promoters and backstage hands, Mobuto, and what knocks this viewer’s socks off are the musicians (James Brown, B.B. King, The Jazz Crusaders) who are simply outstanding. You hear these guys play and sing and it makes the present day performers at the 2007 Grammy’s seem like rookies auditioning for some high school talent show.
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New CD by Louis Romero and Mazacote

For the week of Sunday, February 11, 2007
CATEGORY: Music

One leaves the country and weird things happen. This year two CDs were released that featured composing and arranging work by Paul Lyons, the creator of the Pelican Cafe. Mazacote is a fantastic band from San Francisco that Paul worked with for many years. Check out Sky Blue and Como se llama. You can also hear live versions of these tunes in the Music Room.


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