Well, dear readers, can you feel the Christmas spirit? If so, how does the Christmas spirit feel about being felt? I’m feeling the Christmas spirit and I’m here to tell you the Christmas spirit LIKES it. I definitely am starting to have Christmas Cheer, and also Christmas Tide and Christmas All. Yes, Virginia, this year is sort of a detergent Christmas and it will be the cleanest Christmas in years. You know, if anyone has a clew as to what the HELL I’m talking about, let us know, because I’m in the dark, clew-wise. Speaking of clew-wise, yesterday I had a very nice day, save for a little computer hiccup in the morning – I had to call Apple, but apparently it was just a little hiccup that hopefully won’t ever happen again. Once I got past that, I then had to hurry down to Hollywood High School to judge some drama students. My fellow judges were a woman who runs some school outreach program for the Pasadena Playhouse, my pal Al Rossi from LACC, our very own Miss Adriana Patti (alumni of Hollywood High’s drama department and the person who roped me in), and a fellow named Larry Something (can’t remember his last name) who is an actor/private investigator. The kids had to present two short monologues, one Shakespearean and one contemporary. We saw about fifteen kids, and all of them stepped up to the plate and got through it just fine. Some were obviously better than others, but no one went up on their lines or got goofy – everyone behaved professionally, and it was fun to watch them. We had sheets that we filled out after each person, and we gave a series of points for different aspects of their performance. Afterwards, the drama teacher asked us each to say a few words. We all did, and many of our comments were similar. Mine focused on taking the stage, not wandering, but making every movement mean something, and that it’s better to just plant yourself than walk around aimlessly. We were there about two hours, and then I came back to the Valley, where I had to do some errands, pick up some packages (I think all but two have arrived), and then I finally finished fixing the song I’ve been laboring over for the musical I’m mentoring. It took a really long time, but it’s now got a shape, focus, and even a couple of amusing lines, so that’s another one down. I think we’re actually almost ready to do an informal reading of the first act, after which we’ll move on to fixing act two. After that, I had some lunch, did another couple of errands, and then I finally sat on my couch like so much fish.
Last night, I wasn’t really in the mood to watch a motion picture, so instead I listened to CDs that I’ve been getting recently, using various store credits I have. I began with some vocal albums, imports (those Japanese mini-LP-style packaging that I love) – first up was Granted, It’s Gogi, a Gogi Grant album on RCA, with arrangements and orchestrations by the great Johnny Mandel when he was just starting out (the album was made in the late 50s). Then I listened to a marvelous singer I hadn’t heard before, Pat Thomas, doing and album recorded in the mid 60s, standards, gorgeously arranged and orchestrated by two of the greats – Claus Ogerman and Lalo Schifrin. A lovely CD. Then it was Joanie Sommers, The Voice Of The 60s, singing an album of standards with the swingin’ charts of the brilliant Neal Hefti. As some of you know, I produced Joanie’s last real studio album, A Fine Romance, back in 1991, I think. I adore her, and her Warner Bros. albums are all wonderful. I then listened to several CDs by Vince Mendoza, who’d done the great charts for that Stefano di Battista CD I raved about last week. They’re all wonderful, but the best of them is called Symphonic with saxophonist Yuri Honing. It’s a stunning album, very much in the Claus Ogerman style, like his album with sax player Michael Brecker, or his work with Bill Evans, and also has echoes of the great album Focus by Stan Getz, with music and orchestrations by Eddie Sauter. Mendoza’s Epiphany was also a complete winner. Finally, I listened to the kicky and infectious Latin Rock, a mid 60s album by Claus Ogerman with incredible RCA Stereo sound. I can’t think of many more pleasant or relaxing ways to spend an evening.
Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly below because frankly I feel like feeling the Christmas spirit some more.
Today. Today. I think all I have to do is ship one package, should I be lucky enough to not have to deal with a huge postal office line. And I may or may not be having a lunch – I’m waiting to hear. Otherwise, it’s just typing up my book notes and getting the home environment ready for our annual Christmas Eve Do. As always, I have no clew as to how many people will show up, although several regulars seem to be busy or out of town this year. Oh, well, more spaghetti for those who are there, along with the tuna pasta salad and some wonderfully wonderful dessert.
Tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday I don’t have one damn thing on Ye Olde iCal – I’m sure there will be things to attend to, but it will be wonderful to just have those days completely free. I really needed this little pocket of time, and it’s been doing wonders for my whole being. I see by the hands on the clock that it is just about time to post these here notes, so I’d better wrap them up, hadn’t I?
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, attempt to ship a package, perhaps have a luncheon engagement, and then type up some book notes. And, of course, I have to figure out what to do with these eight maids a-milking who arrived earlier today. I tried feeling their Christmas spirit but they slapped me across the face. Have you ever seen eight maids a-milking? It’s quite a sight and we’re getting to have a real menagerie around these here parts. Today’s topic of discussion: What are your all-time favorite CDs to relax to – the music that just calms you down and makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. Let’s hear about vocals and instrumentals and it can include all types and genres of music.