Ellen Datlow's Blog, page 28
March 28, 2011
Charles de Lint and MaryAnn Harris make 2 CDs
"After many years of performing, and hundreds of requests for CDs, we are thrilled to announce Charles de Lint's album, Old Blue Truck. Recorded at Brock Zeman's Mud Music Studio, the CD features ten original songs from alt-country to psychobilly to heartbreaking ballads. Every song evokes a distinct reaction: a sense of the familiar, a touch of nostalgia, compassion, or mystery. And always, a greater appreciation for life.
Thanks to Brock Zeman for getting us into the recording studio. If not for his persistence, this album would probably still be just the vague idea of something I might do someday. Thanks as well to the musicians who played on these songs, Steve for a great mixing job, Michael for the great cover art, and to all my readers who've been asking for this album over the years. This one's for MaryAnn. We met through music and we'll be playing together until they pry our instruments from our hands.
—Charles de Lint "
It's really fine and you can hear a couple of tracks here
Go and buy it!
Thanks to Brock Zeman for getting us into the recording studio. If not for his persistence, this album would probably still be just the vague idea of something I might do someday. Thanks as well to the musicians who played on these songs, Steve for a great mixing job, Michael for the great cover art, and to all my readers who've been asking for this album over the years. This one's for MaryAnn. We met through music and we'll be playing together until they pry our instruments from our hands.
—Charles de Lint "
It's really fine and you can hear a couple of tracks here
Go and buy it!
Charles de Lint and MaryAnn Harris make a CD
"After many years of performing, and hundreds of requests for CDs, we are thrilled to announce Charles de Lint's album, Old Blue Truck. Recorded at Brock Zeman's Mud Music Studio, the CD features ten original songs from alt-country to psychobilly to heartbreaking ballads. Every song evokes a distinct reaction: a sense of the familiar, a touch of nostalgia, compassion, or mystery. And always, a greater appreciation for life.
Thanks to Brock Zeman for getting us into the recording studio. If not for his persistence, this album would probably still be just the vague idea of something I might do someday. Thanks as well to the musicians who played on these songs, Steve for a great mixing job, Michael for the great cover art, and to all my readers who've been asking for this album over the years. This one's for MaryAnn. We met through music and we'll be playing together until they pry our instruments from our hands.
—Charles de Lint "
It's really fine and you can hear a couple of tracks here
Go and buy it!
Thanks to Brock Zeman for getting us into the recording studio. If not for his persistence, this album would probably still be just the vague idea of something I might do someday. Thanks as well to the musicians who played on these songs, Steve for a great mixing job, Michael for the great cover art, and to all my readers who've been asking for this album over the years. This one's for MaryAnn. We met through music and we'll be playing together until they pry our instruments from our hands.
—Charles de Lint "
It's really fine and you can hear a couple of tracks here
Go and buy it!
March 27, 2011
Cats for a Sunday evening
And here they are...
Sophie and Bella
Sophie and Bella
last movie of the weekend
The White Countess written by Kazuo Ishiguro and directed by James Ivory takes place in Shanghai, which in the mid-1930s is a crossroad of emigres from Russia (the White Russians such as the Countess Sophia --Natasha Richardson--and her hateful inlaws -I don't recall we learn whatever happened to her husband, the father of her child) and Europe (Jews fleeing anti-Semitism). A blind, former American Diplomat (Ralph Fiennes) with a tragic past, longs to open a perfect gorgeous nightclub insulated from the outside world, which he names The White Countess. And in the outside world the Japanese are making ominous moves toward China.
I enjoyed this very much, although I loathed Sophia's "family" --her mother-in-law and sister-in-law who are portrayed (all but the grandma and pa who are simply out of it)as cold, vicious, and ungrateful to the woman who is basically saving their bacon by working in nightclubs. They needn't have been SO horrible to her.
I enjoyed this very much, although I loathed Sophia's "family" --her mother-in-law and sister-in-law who are portrayed (all but the grandma and pa who are simply out of it)as cold, vicious, and ungrateful to the woman who is basically saving their bacon by working in nightclubs. They needn't have been SO horrible to her.
March 26, 2011
a play and two movies
I went to see Tom Stoppard's Arcadia Thursday evening. I know I saw the 1995 NY production, also with Bill Crudup but didn't remember much of it.
We were in the "gods," so I (at least) had trouble hearing some of the dialog--luckily I brought my opera glasses so I could see the whole thing).
I had problems with one of the main characters--not really a spoiler: the present day writer Hannah, who is affianced to the current owner of the house seems to be actively against physical intimacy, which just seems odd. No explanation no backstory. Nothing. What I don't get is not that someone could be this way but why is she engaged--there's no context for this behavior --which would have been odd even when the play was first produced in 1993. Overall, a funny and sad and enjoyable play.
Last night I watched the 2006 movie The Hoax about Clifford Irving's faked biography of Howard Hughes. With Richard Gere, Marcia Gay Harden (both of whom were terrific). Very 70s. It was fascinating to see the meticulous process Irving and his cohort Dick Suskind (Alfred Molina) go through to put together a very persuasive biography of the billionaire who in the last years of his life became an eccentric hermit. Irving comes across as a jerk but a charming jerk.
From Dusk to Dawn was a revelation. I'm so glad I never saw it when it first came out (unless I could have seen it before the buzz/talk). Because I knew nothing about the movie in advance, I was surprised by the change in direction 2/3 of the way through the movie. It was great fun! George Clooney is (of course) gorgeous and charming--I don't think he cannot be, Quentin Tarantino makes a chilling psychopath, Juliette Lewis actually seems normal, Harvey Keitel does a good job as a lapsed pastor. And Selma Hayak makes a sexy snake dancer in a very nasty little titty bar.
We were in the "gods," so I (at least) had trouble hearing some of the dialog--luckily I brought my opera glasses so I could see the whole thing).
I had problems with one of the main characters--not really a spoiler: the present day writer Hannah, who is affianced to the current owner of the house seems to be actively against physical intimacy, which just seems odd. No explanation no backstory. Nothing. What I don't get is not that someone could be this way but why is she engaged--there's no context for this behavior --which would have been odd even when the play was first produced in 1993. Overall, a funny and sad and enjoyable play.
Last night I watched the 2006 movie The Hoax about Clifford Irving's faked biography of Howard Hughes. With Richard Gere, Marcia Gay Harden (both of whom were terrific). Very 70s. It was fascinating to see the meticulous process Irving and his cohort Dick Suskind (Alfred Molina) go through to put together a very persuasive biography of the billionaire who in the last years of his life became an eccentric hermit. Irving comes across as a jerk but a charming jerk.
From Dusk to Dawn was a revelation. I'm so glad I never saw it when it first came out (unless I could have seen it before the buzz/talk). Because I knew nothing about the movie in advance, I was surprised by the change in direction 2/3 of the way through the movie. It was great fun! George Clooney is (of course) gorgeous and charming--I don't think he cannot be, Quentin Tarantino makes a chilling psychopath, Juliette Lewis actually seems normal, Harvey Keitel does a good job as a lapsed pastor. And Selma Hayak makes a sexy snake dancer in a very nasty little titty bar.
March 25, 2011
March 24, 2011
War Horse
This evening I went to see War Horse at Lincoln Center. I first heard about it when it played in London in 2007 but I didn't get to see it there. Then Mary Robinette Kowal began to talk about it and I looked up the video trailer back in December and immediately bought tickets.
It lived up to all my expectations. Basically, it's about an English farm boy and his horse --they're separated when the horse is taken overseas for the cavalry in France. It's also about the horrors of war (it begins a couple of years before the outbreak of WWI)and its toll on everyone involved.
The puppetry is of course brilliant. The two main horses have distinct body movements (one is a thoroughbred, one 1/2 thoroughbred/half hunter) and personalities and the performances must be grueling. I've been told that the people working the horses had to learn to breathe together so that the movements and breathing of the horses matched up. Incredible artistry. A backdrop is used to augment the stage area, sometimes showing pastoral scenery, sometimes views of war, sometimes explosions which also occur on stage. It's surprisingly realistic and forces the experiences of WWI onto the audience.
The live music played and sung throughout is exquisite and melancholy.
It's moving and heartrending.
The play is based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo.
If I could afford it and had the time, I think I'd go see it again.
It lived up to all my expectations. Basically, it's about an English farm boy and his horse --they're separated when the horse is taken overseas for the cavalry in France. It's also about the horrors of war (it begins a couple of years before the outbreak of WWI)and its toll on everyone involved.
The puppetry is of course brilliant. The two main horses have distinct body movements (one is a thoroughbred, one 1/2 thoroughbred/half hunter) and personalities and the performances must be grueling. I've been told that the people working the horses had to learn to breathe together so that the movements and breathing of the horses matched up. Incredible artistry. A backdrop is used to augment the stage area, sometimes showing pastoral scenery, sometimes views of war, sometimes explosions which also occur on stage. It's surprisingly realistic and forces the experiences of WWI onto the audience.
The live music played and sung throughout is exquisite and melancholy.
It's moving and heartrending.
The play is based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo.
If I could afford it and had the time, I think I'd go see it again.
March 22, 2011
news news news
First: I bought my new tea kettle (gave up finding a Revere but found a lovely whistling Calphalon for the right price).
Second: I'm hobbling around in a soft "boot" as of yesterday when I finally went to the podiatrist (with pain I've had at least for four months--between the toes and ball of my left foot). Xrays were taken. Not a fracture (luckily). The doc thinks it might be a torn ligament. MRI Saturday 8am which was the only time before they could schedule me before I leave Monday for LA. Yes the boot is really inconvenient/difficult for getting up and down stairs. Down is worse than up. And I can't go to Newark airport by the airtrain...too much walking. I'll be taking a bus from 34th street which should take me right to the terminal I need and then will ask for a wheelchair to the gate. I think going down my two flights with luggage will be far easier if I just go barefoot (or in flip flops) and then put the boot on when I get to the bottom..Adventures in flying and traveling tk.
Third and most important: I've been honored with HWA's Life Achievement Award:
DATLOW, FELDSTEIN WIN LIFETIME HORROR AWARD, making me a very thrilled and happy camper. My only regret is that I won't be able to meet Mr. Feldstein, who has had far more and longer influence on the field of horror than I'll ever have. His health won't allow him to be at the Stoker weekend but I'd love to shake his hand in thanks for his contributions to EC Comics and MAD (my favorite mag at one time)
Second: I'm hobbling around in a soft "boot" as of yesterday when I finally went to the podiatrist (with pain I've had at least for four months--between the toes and ball of my left foot). Xrays were taken. Not a fracture (luckily). The doc thinks it might be a torn ligament. MRI Saturday 8am which was the only time before they could schedule me before I leave Monday for LA. Yes the boot is really inconvenient/difficult for getting up and down stairs. Down is worse than up. And I can't go to Newark airport by the airtrain...too much walking. I'll be taking a bus from 34th street which should take me right to the terminal I need and then will ask for a wheelchair to the gate. I think going down my two flights with luggage will be far easier if I just go barefoot (or in flip flops) and then put the boot on when I get to the bottom..Adventures in flying and traveling tk.
Third and most important: I've been honored with HWA's Life Achievement Award:
DATLOW, FELDSTEIN WIN LIFETIME HORROR AWARD, making me a very thrilled and happy camper. My only regret is that I won't be able to meet Mr. Feldstein, who has had far more and longer influence on the field of horror than I'll ever have. His health won't allow him to be at the Stoker weekend but I'd love to shake his hand in thanks for his contributions to EC Comics and MAD (my favorite mag at one time)
Dark Delicacies signing Saturday 4/2/Ad Astra schedule 4/8-10
I honestly don't recall if I mentioned here that at 2pm on Saturday, April 2nd, I'll be signing at the amazing horror bookstore in Burbank, CA run by Del and Sue Howison: Dark Delicacies, 3512 W Magnolia Blvd, (818) 556-6660
I'll be signing TEETH: Vampire Tales and whatever else they --or you--want me to. And I'll be signing with the talented Nancy Holder, who will be signing her new novel THE SCREAMING SEASON.
My tentative schedule for Ad Astra--if something changes I'll fix it (I'll be getting the "official official" one tomorrow)
Here's what I'll be doing April 8-10th:
Horror in Unexpected Places--Day/Time: Fri 8 pm
Horror can jump out at us from behind works where we may not expect to find it. Panelists present their favourite scary moments from works not traditionally classified as horror.
Panelists: Ellen Datlow, Craig Davidson, Gemma Files, Robert Shearman, Rio Youers
What is Horror? Day/Time: Sat 10 am
How do we define horror? Does horror work differently depending upon the medium, such as film vs. literary fiction? Is horror about more than just frightening or grossing out the audience, and should it be?
Panelists: Ellen Datlow, Don Hutchison, Stephen Jones, Michael Kelly, Rio Youers
Editing Anthologies Day/Time: Sat noon
How do you select materials for an original anthology? How do you make individual works into one cohesive book?
Panelists: Kathryn Cramer, Ellen Datlow, Don Hutchison, Stephen Jones, Caro Soles
Mass Autographing 3:30-5:30 pm Saturday
kaffeeklatch 11am Sunday
I'll be signing TEETH: Vampire Tales and whatever else they --or you--want me to. And I'll be signing with the talented Nancy Holder, who will be signing her new novel THE SCREAMING SEASON.
My tentative schedule for Ad Astra--if something changes I'll fix it (I'll be getting the "official official" one tomorrow)
Here's what I'll be doing April 8-10th:
Horror in Unexpected Places--Day/Time: Fri 8 pm
Horror can jump out at us from behind works where we may not expect to find it. Panelists present their favourite scary moments from works not traditionally classified as horror.
Panelists: Ellen Datlow, Craig Davidson, Gemma Files, Robert Shearman, Rio Youers
What is Horror? Day/Time: Sat 10 am
How do we define horror? Does horror work differently depending upon the medium, such as film vs. literary fiction? Is horror about more than just frightening or grossing out the audience, and should it be?
Panelists: Ellen Datlow, Don Hutchison, Stephen Jones, Michael Kelly, Rio Youers
Editing Anthologies Day/Time: Sat noon
How do you select materials for an original anthology? How do you make individual works into one cohesive book?
Panelists: Kathryn Cramer, Ellen Datlow, Don Hutchison, Stephen Jones, Caro Soles
Mass Autographing 3:30-5:30 pm Saturday
kaffeeklatch 11am Sunday
