Comments on: Monday 15th June

By: michael pisaro

michael pisaro — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:34:09 +0000

Richard, that’s an ideal place to start – his first book, and it will keep you busy for a while! “The Place of the Solitaires”, “Sunday Morning”, “The Snow Man”, “The Death of a Soldier”, “Negation”, “Anecdote of the Jar”, “13 Ways …” … so many great ones.

Happy (along with Jesse) to have provided a recommendation, since I’ve followed so many of yours, reading this blog.

By: Richard Pinnell

Richard Pinnell — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:46:51 +0000

Good news Simon. I have been listening to David Reid’s recording of the Leeds trio today and its weird hearing it separated from the room… almost something else entirely. I can send you a copy if David hasn’t already.

Jesse, Michael, I have just got home from dinner with Julie and I dragged her along to a bookshop and bought a copy of a Stevens collection called Harmonium, which includes 13 Ways of looking at a blackbird. Looking forward to having a read.

By: michael pisaro

michael pisaro — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:48:57 +0000

Yes, that’s wonderful Simon! Richard’s write up really has me curious.

By: Barry Chabala

Barry Chabala — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:04:20 +0000

very nice simon!

By: simon reynell

simon reynell — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:31:59 +0000

Just so you know, when I’ve sorted myself out in a couple of days I’m hoping to post decent-sized extracts (approx 10 minutes) from several of the performances at the Unnamed Music Festival on the Another Timbre website for free downloading (mp3 only).

By: Jesse

Jesse — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:21:18 +0000

It is Stevens, a life long favorite, and I am content with the characterization of the ol’ insurance bureaucrat (his life long profession) as a zen man. Happy to read the verse found a home by your computer, where I know you will see it nightly. :^)
The collection of Stevens I treasure is titled The Palm At The End Of The Mind. You’re in for a treat, Richard.

Brings to mind what Shunryu Suzuki Roshi says-”Things are not as they seem-nor are they otherwise!”

By: Richard Pinnell

Richard Pinnell — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:24:12 +0000

Thanks Michael

I’m not sure why I automatically assume anything Jesse ever tells me is a zen proverb

Now I know the origin of these quoted I will seek the poem out.

By: michael pisaro

michael pisaro — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 04:18:53 +0000

Excellent post(s) Richard. Thank you.

I’m not sure if it is a zen saying that you quote in your comment above. I know it as a part of Wallace Stevens’ “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird” (and that from Jesse’s comment here is as well). And this:

The river is moving.
The blackbird must be flying.

By: Jesse

Jesse — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:52:39 +0000

Hoping to hear these 3, nicely reported Richard.
From that same zen wag:

I was of three minds,
Like a tree
In which there are three blackbirds.

By: Massimo Magee

Massimo Magee — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:11:27 +0000

Simon,

A quintuple CD release! Maybe it could become a box set…..certainly if the music warrants it (and it certainly sounds like it does) that could quickly become the release of the year! This particular trio is of special interest to me because of the saxophones, but even quite apart from that aspect it seems like a very very interesting set of musical personalities…..I have started saving now!

and Jez,

I fully understand enjoying this feeling of tension and wanting to simply enjoy it for a few minutes, and it’s not a phenomenon particular to eai either. I experienced the same thing playing in a free jazz gig (an 11-piece group playing a medley of compositions in tribute to Eric Dolphy) – when the group had finished playing one of the compositions, the rhythm section were in full swing, just waiting for someone to step up to the plate and take a solo, but nobody did – the tension was palpable. It continued in this vein for about 2 minutes, but it seemed much longer – immensely enjoyable!