Sinclair Lewis is not a name most younger readers recognize anymore. If, indeed, there are many young readers. But in the 1920’s Sinclair Lewis was probably the most popular of all American novelists. In fact, he was the first American writer to receive the Nobel Prize. Today he is overshadowed by his slightly younger contemporaries like Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Faulkner. […]
Sinclair Lewis (1885-1951) Read More »
Mencken was called the “Sage of Baltimore.” He was a noted satirist and writer from the early 20th century. He is widely considered one of the premier prose stylists this country has ever produced. He admired Nietzsche and was a fierce critic of religion and populism. We are currently undergoing another wave of populist politics, empty promises of redemption and
H. L. Mencken (1880-1956) Read More »
Antonio Carlos Jobim (nicknamed “Tom”) was a Brazilian composer. His music became famous throughout the world in the 1960’s through various hits like “The Girl from Ipanema” and “Corcovado” but he accomplished so much more. His music was part of the soundtrack of my childhood like that of The Beatles and Bacharach. These influences are obvious in my own music
Antonio Carlos Jobim (1927-1994) Read More »
“Elis and Tom” (Elis Regina and Antonio “Tom” Jobim) is the title of an album recorded in L.A. in 1974. It was not released in the U.S. until 1989 but I found a copy of it years before 1989 and it has always been a favorite of mine. Perhaps the reason it was not released in this country until 15
Elis and Tom (1974) Read More »
I recently saw the film of the William Luce play “Barrymore.” Christopher Plummer reprises the central (and nearly only) character. The play depicts the great American actor John Barrymore in the last year of his life. Plummer, as usual, is great. My interest in the film is natural since I did see the play at the Music Box Theatre in
Barrymore (Christopher Plummer) Read More »
Since Django only lived to the age of 43 it may seem odd to refer to any point that could be considered a “late” period. Yet, the recording he did from about 1948 until his death in 1953 are what I am referring to. This was the period immediately following his short tour of the United States with Duke Ellington.
Django Reinhardt (late period) Read More »