Latest news with #improvisation
Irish Times
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Bossa nova puts an end to unease created by an innocent relationship question
The event was not due to start until 8pm, but Shuhao was so worried about finding a seat that it was only 6.30pm when we walked down the steps into a basement near the Longfu Temple. For the next hour we were alone apart from the barman, the owner and two women who moved to and fro taking pictures of one another. For almost a decade, this small space hosted film screenings, exhibitions, DJs and live bands, with an emphasis on improvisation. At Say Something, one of the most popular weekly events, those present were invited to 'read something aloud, tell a story, say something' – with no restrictions on their choice of material. 'You could read anything. Some people just read something like the phone book,' Shuhao said. 'There was no judgment. But you were supposed to think about the feelings of the others there too.' The last time he was there, the place was so full he had to go up to the street for air from time to time. But now the management had announced that 'due to the contract expiring + economic downturn + limited energy' it was closing down. READ MORE Shuhao and I were there for what was due to be the closing event, another regular feature called Open Decks, where everyone was invited to play the music of their choice for 30 minutes. In keeping with the venue's spirit, which one regular visitor described as 'free but not unbridled', the choices tended to be individual but at least tolerable for most of the others present. While we waited for the show to begin, Shuhao brought me up to date about his life as a student of English literature at one of Beijing's top universities. He was planning to move for his master's degree to Peking University, the most prestigious of all, and was preparing for an entrance examination. 'The teachers aren't better there but the students are,' he said. Some of his friends were thinking about going abroad for their master's degree but he felt that, since he had chosen to study something that would never make him rich, he should not ask his parents to pay too much for it. He was hoping to go abroad for his PhD, aiming for one of the leading American universities where funding for doctoral students can be generous. I was surprised that he would consider going to the United States in the current climate, particularly after the threats to revoke Chinese students' visas made as part of Donald Trump's trade war. The last time we met he had mentioned a girlfriend and I asked, gently I thought, if she was still in the picture. He said she was, but then he looked troubled and a few minutes later he returned to the subject 'It's better than a real war. And he'll be gone by then,' Shuhao said. As they head into their final year as undergraduates, his friends and classmates are also thinking about their future. Some have ambitions for high political office and are planning a route through the system, while others want to make money and are enrolling in MBA courses. Shuhao's passion is for writing songs and singing in a band, but he has no plan to make a career out of it – and neither do most of his creative friends. 'Most of them want to get a job in the civil service, where they finish work at the same time every day and they have the rest of the time for music or writing or whatever they want,' he said. 'I prefer the approach of Wallace Stevens or TS Eliot to Byron or Shelley.' Shuhao is not planning to work in an insurance company like Stevens or in a bank like Eliot, but he is becoming more modest and restrained in his manner and appearance in recent months. His once shoulder-length hair has become a short crop and he has swapped the black metalhead T-shirts and jeans for a white shirt and black trousers. The last time we met he had mentioned a girlfriend and I asked, gently I thought, if she was still in the picture. He said she was, but then he looked troubled and a few minutes later he returned to the subject. 'I'm sorry, I'm really shocked by that question,' he said. 'We don't post pictures of ourselves on WeChat all the time. We take pictures but we don't post them. We are in a committed relationship and we have plans for the future.' I felt old suddenly and poisoned by experience. An unease fell between us as I tried to assure him that I wasn't casting doubt on anything. I was babbling about the couples I knew who had met in college and remained happily together in old age, when the first DJ put a stop to the conversation. His gentle mix of bossa nova and French pop songs from the 1960s gave Shuhao and me something to smile about together and I stayed for another two sessions. He stayed behind but we exchanged a few messages on my way home as he updated me on the music and the crowd, with a final text an hour later. 'Everyone's standing up and grooving,' he said.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Dave Fleschner Releases Deep Cuts Vinyl, A Rich Exploration of Soul Jazz Roots and Innovation
06/18/2025, Portland, Oregon // PRODIGY: Feature Story // Performer, composer, and producer Dave Fleschner has officially released Deep Cuts, a limited-edition vinyl that revisits and expands upon his trio's earlier CD, Creepin' Up. This release signifies his long-awaited debut on vinyl, a format that perfectly complements his analog sensibilities and reverence for the improvisational roots of jazz. 'This album is a love letter to the lineage of soul jazz and the energy of improvisation,' says Fleschner. 'I've poured so much of my journey into this release. It shows what can happen when musical friendships are allowed to grow, creativity is nurtured over time, and tradition meets innovation. I can't wait for people to drop the needle on this one and hear what I've been building.' Deep Cuts is spread across four sides of two records. The first three sides feature a collection of Fleschner's original compositions, highlighting his understanding of groove-based improvisation and melodic development. These tracks range in tone from funky and soulful to contemplative and experimental. Side Four takes a different direction. It pays homage to jazz's rich tradition, including iconic compositions originally penned by legends of the genre. Deep Cuts is a blend of blues, funk, gospel, and swing that reflects the rawness of street-level grooves and the intellectual rigor of jazz improvisation. Blues Cruise. Fans will find a QR code that unlocks a hidden page on Fleschner's website inside the vinyl's sleeve. There, they can access a digital trove of additional music, including selections from previous trio albums, live performances, and recordings from his collaborations with other organ trios. Sheet music charts, archival posters, and other memorabilia are also included. 'I've always wanted to create a collector's experience that bridges the tactile charm of vinyl and the accessibility of digital content because I aim to expand the listening experience into a deeper encounter with my art,' Fleschner states. Fleschner has always been known for his versatility, authenticity, and commitment to American roots traditions. A seasoned keyboardist, composer, and arranger, he has spent decades performing globally and contributing to an astonishing range of musical projects. Fleschner's professional background, which includes everything from composing for musical theater to leading touring bands, allows him to breathe new life into every project. Besides being a prolific recording artist, Fleschner is also a passionate advocate for live music. He thrives in the atmosphere of a live audience, whether leading an ensemble, accompanying vocalists, or headlining a music fest. His belief that music connects people on a primal level is reflected in the emotional reactions he witnesses night after night, those quiet moments of collective catharsis that only live performances can deliver. This passion continues to fuel a busy schedule of upcoming events. Fleschner is active in the live music scene, collaborating with United by Music America, as well as various ensembles and youth programs, while serving as a mentor and leader in his local music community. His work includes educational outreach, festival appearances, and performance series that spotlight emerging and established musicians. While Deep Cuts is Fleschner's latest project, fans who follow Fleschner will experience a mix of intimate sets, festival stages, and collaborative projects that demonstrate his ongoing commitment to musical excellence and community engagement. Media Contact Name: Dave Fleschner Email: [email protected] Source published by Submit Press Release >> Dave Fleschner Releases Deep Cuts Vinyl, A Rich Exploration of Soul Jazz Roots and Innovation
Washington Post
02-06-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
8 refreshing pasta salad recipes for summertime fun
Beach picnics have always been a favorite summer ritual of mine — one that almost always includes a new read, fresh fruit and a cooling container of pasta salad. As I'm usually spending the day with friends, I can easily whip up a big batch of it in the evening and trust that it will hold up in a cooler for lunch the following day. Making pasta salad is also a way to use up whatever leftover vegetables and half-opened boxes of pasta are lying around in my kitchen — it's a forgiving, no-fuss meal that welcomes improvisation.
ABC News
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
'Under The Surface' Julia Hülsmann
Dig into this new release out on ECM Records from Julia Hülsmann. The German pianist rejoins her long-running quartet of Uli Kempendorff on tenor, Marc Muellbauer on bass and Heinrich Kobberling on drums, and across the album 'Under The Surface', they also bring in the unique voice of Norway's Hildegunn Oiseth on both trumpet and goat horn. This fascinating session is a great display of this group's love of interplay and spontaneity.
Mail & Guardian
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
JESSICA NKOSI: Directing her own life
The plan behind the improvisation: Jessica Nkosi. Photo: Taff Studios Jessica Nkosi, the award-winning actress and TV presenter, known for her roles in Isibaya, Ayeye and The Queen, knows how to improvise. But make no mistake, behind every performance and every parenting decision, there's a plan. And that's the part of Jessica's story we don't often hear. Her successful career might look like luck from the outside, but her path has been anything but accidental. 'People think you just audition and get lucky — but there's a strategy. You work on your craft, your network, your visibility. You plan where you want to go.' Initially, Jessica studied law, before switching to drama to follow her true passion. 'I studied law as a way of just getting a degree. I thought, just give it to your parents and then go and pursue acting. But in between, I wondered, why am I basing my life on what my parents want and everybody in the world is saying?' 'I am very stubborn, and your characteristics can be a positive or negative, and some people take stubbornness as like, 'Oh, you're so stubborn. You should stop it.' And yes, but sometimes don't look at something only negatively. Stubbornness can be a positive, you know.' Reflecting on those early days as a drama student, she was wondering, 'What am I going to do when I graduate? I need to get to Johannesburg. Okay, so how do I get to Johannesburg? I'm writing down all of the agencies in Joburg. I'm calling them all because I'm graduating. I need to get a break.' Jessica would write down lists of the shows she dreamed of being cast in, lists of the casting agencies and potential auditions. She stayed with a relative in Johannesburg for two years, saving her money to buy her own furniture when she started renting her own place. Unlike many young people who get their first paycheck, Jessica decided not to touch the money from one of her first jobs as a presenter on My Perfect Wedding. 'I wanted to keep my money and just spend the interest. Because I was getting a salary from Isibaya, I was living off of that, and I could keep the extra money and invest. It's a privilege that I don't take lightly.' Her attitude towards saving hasn't changed from those early days. 'I like seeing money in my accounts. I hate when the money goes down. I'm like, no, I'm not going to spend this. I'm not buying this because I need this number to increase, you know?' It's an attitude that her fans may not expect in the social media era. But Jessica shares her advice for her followers, 'Please don't chase a lifestyle that is beyond what you are getting paid, that's beyond your means. You know you will get there. Work hard, focus on your craft. You will make that money but relax. Don't rush to get your car the first year. Now you can't buy groceries because you're paying for your car.' When it comes to her two young children, she also wants to teach them that patience. 'I want my kids to see what it looks like to be intentional. I want them to understand saving, delayed gratification, and working toward something.' Her father passed away when Jessica was in Grade 11, and she notes, 'I was preparing to apply to be a prefect in Matric, and I was thinking do I allow my father's passing to derail me, and not make him proud? Or do I thrive and become a prefect? 'And I know that he was smiling going, 'That's my girl.'' After he died, Jessica remembers finding all the permission slips that he had signed for her to leave boarding school to go to modelling classes and jobs, and thinking, 'He might not be here anymore, but he already had an idea that this girl is going to be a bit different. And I thought him just easily signing these slips, was him saying, 'Yes, go do what you want. Be different and go against the herd.'' By now, her optimism is not surprising. She clearly has goals and a plan on how to achieve them, with no room for negativity. 'There's power in the tongue. I always say that God created the world by speaking and then gave that same power to us. So if you're speaking negatively over your life, what do you think is going to happen? I always speak life and speak blessings and speak goodness.' And that's why her voice matters, not just as a well-known talent, but as one of the many mothers who aren't just living life, but playing the lead role in it.
