The Same Old Song and Dance: Banning Video Games

The unfortunate tragedy in Newtown has seen a large number of people on both sides of the political spectrum attempt to further their own agenda in the aftermath. The politicians on both sides understand full well that it's easier to try and blame one particular thing for the shooting instead of coming up with any real solutions. United States Senator from West Virginia, Joe Manchin, was recently interviewed by West Virginia Metronews and said "Look at Grand Theft Auto, put out by Rockstar Games in New York City and see what it promotes." He later added, “Shouldn’t that be looked into and maybe be banned?” This coming from the same guy who said earlier in the interview "I'm not supporting a ban on anything."

After every major shooting involving a school, the idea of banning certain video games always is drummed up by certain people. They seem to believe that it's these games fault that a school shooting occurred instead of perhaps better mental health programs or better gun control laws. It's worth noting that we have absolutely no idea if the killer from Newtown even played Grand Theft Auto or even video games at all. However, that did not stop Senator Manchin from jumping to a conclusion about what needs to be done.

If video games were the root cause or at least a contributing factor to this gruesome violence then why are we not seeing this occur more often? After all, there are millions of teenage boys and girls that play video games. The Call of Duty franchise is the top-selling video game franchise year after year. It would be safe to assume in that case that the violent crime rate is spiraling out of control as we have a national pandemic on our hands. Except, we don't.

The violent crime rate in this country has actually been steadily decreasing since 1991. In fact, violent crime in the United States is currently at the same level it was in 1973. The opposite of what should be occurring due to the amount of violent video games being played if you follow the logic of those who would like to see them banned.

It's also worth noting that the majority of the rest of the world have all these same video games. Games like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto are played all over the world. So if video games are a contributing factor at the very least to all these shootings then why are not also occurring on the scale they are in the United States? 

What we need in this country to prevent tragedies like Newtown from occurring again elsewhere are real solutions. Banning video games in order to stop more shootings is not a real solution. It's an attempt to implement censorship by using tragedies as justification.

Jazz Spotlight: Stephane Grappelli - Afternoon in Paris (1971)

Afternoon in Paris is a wonderful and unique album from french violinist Stephane Grappelli. The album also features drummer Kenny Clare, bassist Eberhard Weber, and pianist Marc Hemmeler. Although the album features no original tracks from Grappelli, his own versions of these ballads and other pieces are fantastic. Afternoon in Paris was released in March 1971.

Afternoon in Paris heavily features Grappelli's violin and Hemmeler's playing on the piano. It is difficult to categorize the album into one category or genre but the album as a whole has a swing feel to it. The instruments on the album for many of the tracks are played with an uptempo and are done wonderfully.

The first track "This Can't Be Love" quickly starts off with Grappelli's playing and quickly establishes the tone for the album. Grappelli does a brilliant job and the rest of the band does as well. The second track "Time After Time" starts off slower than the first track and has a heavy emphasis on the piano to begin the track. Grappelli's playing on this track is slower and softer but it works perfectly. The group's sound as a whole mixes beautifully especially on this track.

The third track "Undecided" immediately reestablishes the album's swing feel as Grappelli and the band get back in full swing (no pun intended). Grappelli's playing on the track is consistently great throughout. The fourth track "Vous, Qui Passez Sans Me Voir" returns the album once again to it's slower pace with Hemmeler's playing taking emphasis alongside Grappelli. The band does a stellar job of making it work.

The fifth track "Tangerine" has the piano returning to a more swing feel as Grappelli plays tremendously. The sixth track "Chicago" continues the swing with the entire group really doing a great job playing together. The seventh track "Manoir De Mes Reves/ Daphne" returns the album once again to it's slower pace on both the piano and violin. It's worth noting that this track was originally created by Django Reinhardt. Grappelli and company are able to do this track justice and pull off a wonderful version of their own.

The eighth track "Misty" originally was co-written by Johnny Burke and Erroll Garner. The track continues the slow pace as Grappelli's violin takes precedence on this track throughout. Grappelli does a brilliant job of showing his skills and range on this track. The ninth track "Afternoon in Paris" is also the title track for the album. The album returns to it's more upbeat tempo and there's also a solo for Weber on this track.

The final track of the album "Autumn Leaves" is also the longest on the album. The last track does a great job of showcasing the skills for the quartet and also is a great track to end the album.

Afternoon in Paris is unlike many of your typical jazz albums from this time period since the tracks range from the shortest at 3 minutes and 17 seconds to 5 minutes and 32 seconds. It's also unlike many typical jazz albums since it heavily features a violin as the main instrument. However, Afternoon in Paris is a magnificent album and some of Grappelli's best work in his career. This album is worth listening for any jazz fan. This album is also available for listening on Spotify.

Jazz Spotlight: Getz/Gilberto (1964)

Getz/Gilberto is one of the greatest jazz albums of all time and cemented bossa nova as a jazz subgenre.  The album featured American saxophonist Stan Getz, already known to many jazz fans at the time due to his previous bossa nova album Jazz Samba. The album also featured Brazilian guitarist/singer Joao Gilberto, who played a pivotal role in creating the style of bossa nova. The majority of the tracks on the album are at least partially written by composer/pianist Antonio Carlos Jobim. The album also features Joao's wife Astrud Gilberto singing on several tracks.

Getz/Gilberto was released in March 1964. The album garnered critical acclaim by both reviewers and audiences alike. This acclaim culminated in the album winning the 1965 Grammy Award for Best Album of the Year among several other awards. This would be the first time that a jazz album has received the distinction of Album of the Year in the history of the Grammy's.

The first track on Getz/Gilberto is perhaps the most famous, "The Girl from Ipanema". Ipanema is a neighborhood located in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The track does a wonderful job of combining the Portuguese lyrics sung by Joao with Astrud's singing in English. Meanwhile, Joao does a fantastic job on the guitar and Getz adds a great deal to the track with his saxophone.

The second track "Doralice" is one of the few tracks on the album not written at all by Jobim. However, Joao does a wonderful job singing and playing while Getz chimes in with a wonderful solo midway through the song for the rest of it. The third track "Para Machuchar Meu Coracao" heavily features Jobim playing on the piano and Joao's singing.

The fourth track "Desafinado" has become a jazz standard covered by several other jazz artists and it's not difficult to see why. The fifth track "Corcovado" features Astrud singing and once again she does a wonderful job. The sixth track "So Danco Samba" has some brilliant saxophone playing from Getz and the track itself is superb.

The seventh track "O Grande Amor" heavily features Getz playing the saxophone. The combination of his playing along with Jobim on the piano is terrific. The eighth and final track from the original LP is "Vivo Sonhando". It's an enjoyable track to end the album as it ends with Getz's playing.

Getz/Gilberto is not just a bossa nova staple but a jazz staple. It's a great example of the perfect combination of people coming together to make an album. It's not hard to see why Rolling Stone included this album on its list of the 500 greatest albums earlier this year. The album itself is an essential list for any jazz fan. The album is available for listening on Spotify.

Reflections on Newtown and After

The following post is my opinion and my opinion alone. Ultimately, I am just a guy with a blog and my opinion doesn't carry any weight anyway. The following post isn't to discuss any political aspect or motives on the part of the killer. I am certainly not an expert in either category and any discussion about gun control or anything else political just seems inappropriate at this juncture.

20 children and 6 adults lost their lives yesterday in a tragedy that is one of the worst in this country's history. It's daunting to consider for a moment that yesterday's tragedy had a death count that was double Columbine. Yesterday's shooting was a tragedy whether it was one person or 26 who died either way.

Yesterday was one of those days that test the human spirit and make people (including myself) question a number of things. After all, it's one thing to read about unspeakable evil and another to see the results of it developing live on television. However, it's especially important to keep things in perspective after yesterday's tragedy. The tragedy in Connecticut is a stark reminder about how fragile life truly and what is important. Every day is worth cherishing. It's just unfortunate that it often takes a tragedy to occur either on a large scale or in our own lives to remind us of that simple statement.

It's these type of tragedies that cause many people to lose "faith in the human race" so to speak. However, Mr. Rogers said it best: "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of disaster', I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world."

In the coming weeks I'm sure we'll be subjected to hearing about every detail of the killer's life and all the signs that were missed that could have prevented this tragedy. However, it is also worth noting those who did their best to help as many children as they could survive this shooting. It would be another tragedy to let the actions of one person define people as a whole when there are plenty of good people out there.

I will not withhold my disgust however for much of the national media's coverage on this tragedy. The mere fact that someone even attempted to interview children who were involved in this shooting is appalling. Never mind the fact that it was recorded and actually broadcasted on several television stations. Anyone who had a role in perpetuating the exploitation of these children should be ashamed of themselves.

I am also disgusted by many in the media simply rushing to get all the information they can out there, in many cases not checking to see if the facts are correct. It's no better than attempting to read a Twitter feed for news about the tragedy. One of the biggest mistakes they made was mistakenly naming Ryan Lanza the killer and not Adam Lanza. This man was being accused of these heinous killings, while being faced with the news of his mother, and little brother's deaths. His picture was flashed across the television.

I am sure we will hear countless reasons about why the killer committed this heinous act in the next couple weeks as people on both sides of the political spectrum attempt to use this incident as a way to push forward their agenda.

I'm not going to pretend that I have the answers for what happened yesterday because I don't. All I can say is that my thoughts go out to those families who were impacted by this tragedy. Especially the mothers and fathers who will be spending this upcoming Christmas without their children. My only suggestion to anyone reading this is to remember what is important in your life and commit to looking at each day as a valuable one. I know I will certainly be attempting to do so.

Five More Introductory Jazz Albums

As a followup to my original post about introductory Jazz albums, this is a list of five more. This post is an attempt to help guide new listeners to jazz albums that anybody can find accessible and enjoy. It is certainly not a definitive introductory list and is merely one of opinion. The following five albums range from a short period of jazz's history (1956 - 1969) but all offer a great foundation for listening to jazz. All of the following albums can be found on Spotify or Youtube.

1.) A Love Supreme - John Coltrane

A Love Supreme is largely not only one of John Coltrane's greatest albums but one of the greatest jazz albums of all time. Released in December 1964, the album offers listeners a mixture of hard hop with some of Coltrane's earlier free jazz sound. The album is so widely popular that it was ranked number forty seven (47) on Rolling Stone's list of 500 greatest albums of all time in 2003. A Love Supreme can largely be considered a spiritual album.

Coltrane is both the bandleader and plays tenor saxophone for the album. Jimmy Garrison plays the double bass. Elvin Jones is on the drums and McCoy Tyner plays the piano. A Love Supreme is a must-listen for any would be jazz fan.

2.) Brilliant Corners - Thelonious Monk

Brilliant Corners is considered largely by many to be Monk's finest hour and it's not difficult to hear why. Released in 1957, the tracks on the album have such an energy to them. The album can be considered a great hard bop listen. The album also has a lineup of some legendary musicians. The album consists of mostly original pieces by Monk.

Monk plays the piano on the album and the celeste on the track "Pannonica". The legendary Sonny Rollins plays the tenor saxophone and Max Roach plays the drums. Ernie Henry plays the alto saxophone on multiple tracks and Oscar Pettiford plays the double bass on multiple tracks. Clark Terry plays trumpet on "Bemsha Swing" and Paul Chambers plays double bass on "Bemsha Swing".

3.) Count Basie at Newport - Count Basie Orchestra

Count Basie at Newport is one of the greatest jazz live albums of all time. It also happens to be a recording of one of the greatest sets at the Newport Jazz Festival that takes yearly in Rhode Island. Recorded on July 7, 1957, this album certainly does not disappoint as Count Basie and his orchestra give a roaring show for listeners. The album also consisted of a 21-man piece band to go along with Count Basie.

Count Basie himself plays the piano. Notable musicians in the band on the album include Lester Young on tenor saxophone. Roy Eldridge is also one of several trumpet players on the album. The album clocks in at 54 minutes including the almost 5 minute introduction.

4.) Saxophone Colossus - Sonny Rollins

Saxophone Colossus is one of Sonny Rollins's greatest albums ever recorded. Released in 1956, this album marked the high point for Rollins's time at Prestige Records. Out of the five tracks on the album, three are originals from Sonny Rollins. The other two are standards.

Sonny Rollins leads the group playing the tenor saxophone. Tommy Flanagan has piano duties on the album and Doug Watkins plays the bass. Max Roach plays the drums on the album as well. The album clocks in at a little under 40 minutes.

5.) A Boy Named Charlie Brown - Vince Guaraldi Trio

A Boy Named Charlie Brown is a unique album on this list since it is the only one that is actually a soundtrack used for an animated film. The album marks the first time that Guaraldi would do a soundtrack for Peanuts and would introduce many pieces that are beloved by millions today. The track "Linus and Lucy" is one of the most well-known jazz pieces of all time. The album itself is a delightful cool jazz listen for all jazz listeners and not just Peanuts fans.

A Boy Named Charlie Brown is an important album within the jazz genre since it is likely the first introduction to jazz for millions of children. Guaraldi composes all of the tracks on the album except for the last, which is a cover of "Fly Me to the Moon". The album consists of Guaraldi playing the piano, Colin Bailey playing the drums, Monty Budwig, and Gigi Gryce playing the alto saxophone. This album is certainly a classic that has stood the test of time.

You Should Watch: Enter the Dragon (1973)

Enter the Dragon is one of the greatest and well-known kung fu movies of all time. The film is best known to the average movie fan as Bruce Lee's final film. The film was actually released only six days after his death. The film clocks in with a running time of 98 minutes.

Enter the Dragon begins with Lee (Bruce Lee) receiving an invitation to a martial arts tournament on an island put together by a person known as Han (Shih Kien). Soon after, Lee is approached by a man named Braithwaite (Geoffrey Weeks) from British Intelligence. It turns out that Han is suspected to be involved in the drug trafficking trade and prostitution. British Intelligence is unable to do anything about Han due to the location of the island formally and request Lee's help to go undercover.

Lee learns from his teacher before he leaves that Han's bodyguard O'Hara (Robert Wall) had been involved in the death of Lee's sister a few years ago. Lee now must go to this mysterious island in order to not only compete in the martial arts tournament but also stop Han.

The film also stars John Saxon as Roper. Saxon is best known to moviegoers for his roles in A Nightmare on Elm Street and Black Christmas. The film also stars martial artist Jim Kelly as Williams. The film was directed by Robert Clouse.

Bruce Lee is not only the main character in the film but also had a part in writing the film and staged the fighting sequences. His fighting scenes are superb and certainly do not disappoint. Lee also manages to do a good job of acting. The film is excellent at making Han a formidable villain for Lee and company. Enter the Dragon does a great job in setting up the plot and therefore giving more weight to the important fighting scenes.

Lalo Schifrin composed the film's musical score. He is probably best known to other moviegoers for his work with the Dirty Harry films. He did a wonderful job of creating tension in fight scenes for Enter the Dragon. His score certainly adds to the film and make it more enjoyable to watch.

Overall, Enter the Dragon is a must see film for any fan of kung fu movies. It has some of the best action scenes of any film to-date. Lee does a fantastic job acting and the only downside to this film is that it was his last.

I would give Enter the Dragon a nine (9) out of ten (10).

Here is a trailer to the film on Youtube.

The film is available to be viewed on Netflix.

Van Morrison - Born to Sing: No Plan B (Album Review)

Van "The Man" Morrison returns in his 35th solo studio album, his first since 2008's Keep it Simple. The album was produced by Morrison and all the songs on the album were written by him. Morrison plays the alto saxophone, electric guitar, and piano on various tracks for the album alongside his singing duties. He certainly shows no signs of slowing down, despite turning 67 years old this past August. His latest venture with Born to Sing is largely one of his jazziest albums since Moondance. 

The album opens with the track "Open the Door (To Your Heart)". Morrison quickly establishes that he still has it with his signature voice and wonderful lyrics. The opening track also touches upon what is one of the main themes of Born to Sing, greed. Morrison sings "Money doesn't make you fulfilled/Money's just to pay the bills/It's need not greed/Open the door to your heart."

The second track "Going Down to Monte Carlo" is not only the jazziest track on the album but clocks in as the longest at 8 minutes and 12 seconds. The track has a few solos to go along with it as Morrison expresses his disapproval of "some kind of phony pseudo jazz".

The third track of the album "Born to Sing" shows why it earns the recognition of the title track for the album. "End of the Rainbow" finds Morrison returning to the themes of greed and capitalism. Morrison certainly doesn't hold back how he feels with lyrics like "No social ladder to climb around here" and "So much for capitalism, so much for materialism".

"Close Enough for Jazz" is catchy but adds up to be one of the more weaker tracks on the album. While the track clocks in at 3 minutes and 45 seconds, Morrison's singing only kicks in after two minutes in. Although the instrument playing is still solid. "Mystic of the East" and "Retreat and View" are more classic Morrison in terms of the lyrics and style.

"In Money We Trust" is sure to be the most controversial track from Born to Sing. Especially with lyrics such as "When God is dead/And money's not enough/In what do you trust/When it's not enough?" "Pagan Heart" is one of my favorite tracks on the albums and it's also the most bluesy track. Morrison's voice mixes perfect with the guitar and melody for the track.

"Educating Archie" is the final track on the album and finishes the underlying theme of the album about greed. Morrison pulls no punches as he rails against "the capitalism system" and the media to end the album.

Born to Sing: No Plan B as an album has more hits than misses. Fans of Van Morrison will likely find themselves enjoying this album and should consider it a pickup. Much of the album's punch depends on what the listener thinks of Morrison's lyrics about greed and materialism. Some will likely find them to be ham-fisted and therefore will not enjoy the album. I personally found myself enjoying this album for the most part and thought it was Morrison's best album since 2002's Down the Road. 

I would give Born to Sing: No Plan B four (4) out of five (5) stars.

Born to Sing: No Plan B is currently available on Amazon.

A live version of "Open the Door (To Your Heart)" by Morrison is currently available on Youtube.