Music favs

[BaltimoreLurker]

For the blues and acoustic guitar fans. Joe Bonamassa opened for BB King at the age of 13.

https://youtu.be/HLoOnBbDeeQ

Oh, yeah. He's in my playlist.

 

[Grande Mariner]

BaltimoreLurker, what about this one:

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats: S.O.B. - The Tonight Show

 

[BruceK]

Peter Garrett and Midnight Oil are reforming after 20 years for a 6 month world tour. Meantime Garrett was in Federal parliament, it ended with him taking the rap for someone else over multiple deaths and fires associated with a "free" Govt house insulation program.

 

[BruceK]

This guitar piece is used as a theme by a local jazz presenter. So catchy it deserves an airing here. You will sense you are "Walking Behind Miss Lucy"(not "Lucky") as she walks. It`s by Carl Kress, said to be a founder of the jazz guitar. Sounds modern, but Kress died in 1965, heart attack, on stage, playing.There are stride and rock`n roll elements in the track. It`s an EP of 2 tracks, it`s track 1.

 

[Yahoo 1]

One more French love song from Yves Montand, featured on French Hits Top 20.

Known in English as “Autumn Leaves”, the song is by Joseph Kosma with lyrics by French poet Jacques Prévert. A chart hit in both Europe and America, it was featured in the movie “Les Portes de la Nuit” (1946) starring Yves Montand.

Don, I hope you would not mind that I post a translation of the lyricks. In French, une feuille morte means a “dead leaf”, which is the state of the once green but now falling leaves of the Fall season. Naturally, the lyrics symbolic reach goes beyond the literal meaning. It explores the successive existential phases, “les quatres saisons de l’âme“, or the “four seasons of the soul”, that humans experience within themselves, between themselves, and with the world that surrounds them.

Oh I would like you so much to remember
The joyful days when we were friends.
At that time, life was more beautiful
And the sun burned more than it does today.
Fallen leaves can be picked up by the shovelful.
You see, I have not forgotten...
Fallen leaves can be picked up by the shovelful,
So can memories and regrets.
And the north wind takes them
Into the cold night of oblivion.
You see, I have not forgotten
The song you used to sing me.

This song is like us.
You used to love me and I used to love you
And we used to live together,
You loving me, me loving you.
But life separates lovers,
Pretty slowly, noiselessly,
And the sea erases on the sand
The separated lovers' footprints.

 

[Moonstruck]

Beautiful, Pilou. I had forgotten how good a singer Yves Montand was. Here's another that is more meaningful to me with each passing year. The sound is not great, but the voice is there nontheless.

Here's Charles Aznavour.

 

[Yahoo 1]

Beautiful & moving song, Don.

Did you know that Charles Aznavour was a sea lover, a skilled sailor, a trawler's owner ? He owned a Chris Craft Constellation from 1966 to 1974 (pictures below). In 1974, Charles Aznavour sold his Chris Craft to buy from new a Grand Banks 42' Classic from the French GB dealer Nautica S.A. in Antibes, which he kept until 1980. He had sailed a lot in the Med aboard his Grand Banks 42', both of his boats' home port was Cannes.

Like Yves Montand, he was discovered by Edith Piaf who was so impressed by his voice that she took him with her on tour.

Besides his several solo tours, he has also performed with some of the most famous entertainers of the time, including Edith Piaf, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Placido Domingo, Andrea Bocelli, Sting,Bob Dylan. In 1998, Charles Aznavour was named "Entertainer of the Century" by CNN.

In parallel to his famous career of singer and actor, he is a brilliant French-Armenian diplomat. He hold the post of Ambassador of Armenia to the UNESCO, then he was appointed Permanent Representative of Armenia to the United Nations, also to the Swiss Federal Authorities in Bern.

What he said :
“In my audience I have all religions, all colors, all incomes, all languages… I’m open to everyone who likes my songs.”
“I say to young people, don’t be too proud, just do the work.”

Picture : Charles Aznavour with his bride Ulla aboard his Chris Craft Constellation in Cannes, 1966.

 

[Yahoo 1]

#1 Charles Aznavour on his Chris Craft in Saint Tropez.

#2 Captain Aznavour at the helm

 

[Moonstruck]

Well, Pilou, that certainly adds a couple of new dimensions to my conception of Charles Aznavour. I just knew of his singing.

It seems both Charles and Nana had careers in government and diplomacy. Here they are much later in life, but still great singers.

 

[kthoennes]

Now this is a great thread.

 

[Yahoo 1]

Here they are much later in life, but still great singers.

Still tears have come to my eyes.

 

[User915]

Aznavour, Singer, Actor, Diplomat, also Humanitarian.

After the massive earthquake in Armenia in 1988 which killed over 25,000 people and leaved hundreds of thousands homeless, Charles Aznavour led a significant humanitarian effort to raise awareness and considerable funds for those stricken.

Following this, he created the Association "Aznavour pour l’Arménie" (APA), a non-profit immediately recognized as an NGO (Non Governmental Organization) by the French government and the European authorities due to the nature of its humanitarian action. In 1993, to continue its humanitarian work in Armenia, APA has opened a central office in Yerevan the capital of Armenia , as well as offices in the cities of Goris and Vanadzor. APA has until to 140 employees dependins on the missions it carried out, all proceeding from benefit concerts given in France and Armenia by Charles Aznavour.

Photos :
1 & 2) On April 24, 2016, George Clooney and Charles Aznavour walked all the way up to the top of the hill where the Armenian memorial of the 1915 genocide sits close to Armenia's capital Yerevan which is located just 12 kilometers from the border with Turkey. Together with Serje Sarkissian, the President of Armenia and numerous Armenian and international personalities, they placed flowers at the Eternal Flame of the memorial.

3) On october 27, 2016 in Hollywood, Charles Aznavour receives honorary Hollywood star Plaque, awarded an honorary Walk of Fame plaque. The award recognizes Aznavour for his contributions to the Arts and the global Armenian community, as well the historic 101 Hollywood Freeway Little Armenia sign. The plaque was presented by Senator Kevin de León, who represents Little Armenia in Hollywood.

Just for the small history, Charles Aznavour talking of his first visit to New York 68 years ago : "I arrived without three necessities: "No visa, no money, no English." After a short stay on Ellis Island, he finally got a visa. He describes himself as a streetwise young man who had survived the German occupation of Paris during World War II. He survived New York City using what little he had — including a nice pair of snakeskin shoes, which a man bought off of him for $50. "It was money in those days!" Aznavour says. "We had $50, we were able to eat, Everything is possible in the US thanks to the American people ! ".

4) The Charles Aznavour Square is a large square at the northern part of Gyumri city, Armenia. The rectangular-shaped square (115 by 80 meters) was restored in 2000 and the statue of Charles Aznavour was erected. (photo Armineaghayan).

The 92-year old Charles Aznavour has written over 800 songs and recorded over 1,200, selling more than 180 million records worldwide. He speaks many languages (French, English, Italian, Spanish, German, Armenian). Languages has helped Charles Aznavour perform at in the other major venues around the world, now he is trying to learn Russian... He is still a tireless worker who, in 2017, will held forthcoming concerts in Argentina, Brazil, Moscow, Italy, Austria, in addition to his current positions as a diplomat and humanitarian.

He is still with his First Love — His Audience.

 

[Moonstruck]

Olivier, it is so nice to read of someone that has used his fame and fortune for so much good. We in the U.S. are isolated and insulated from much of the world news. I had no idea that Charles Aznavour was such a multifaceted man. I just saw that he is 92. Didn't you just say that he will be starting a concert tour? That is remarkable in itself. A truly amazing personality. If only we could all be that active and optimistic at his age. Kudos to Charles for a life well lived.

 

[Moonstruck]

Here's a jazz version of "Autumn Leaves" by Levi Barcourt and the New York Jazz Quartet. The melody is there although sometimes you have to look for it. I think BruceK will enjoy this one.

 

[Moonstruck]

I just recently learned that Nana Mouskouri was born in Chania on Crete. Duh, of course she suffered under Nazi occupation as the Germans seized the island. The Greek resistance fighters in the mountains gave the Germans much trouble. The Cretans were very brave people. I also did a little work in Chania, so got pretty familiar with the city. I have a Greek friend, Yannis, who lives on the hill opposite the town of Souda looking over the bay. What a beautiful view he has. It would be nice to get back to Crete.

 

[Steve]

It's that time of year: MARDI GRAS

 

[User915]

Olivier, it is so nice to read of someone that has used his fame and fortune for so much good. We in the U.S. are isolated and insulated from much of the world news. I had no idea that Charles Aznavour was such a multifaceted man. I just saw that he is 92. Didn't you just say that he will be starting a concert tour? That is remarkable in itself. A truly amazing personality. If only we could all be that active and optimistic at his age. Kudos to Charles for a life well lived.

Thank you Don, I am glad you enjoyed my input about Charles Aznavour's humanitarian position.

I do not think that you in the U.S. are isolated from much of the world news. It is more a global problem - for all of us - of information overload then "too much information kills the information". Bad news and good news circles the world in an instant, but the modern media often tend to emphasize bad news and thus seem to focus more on our woes and defects than on the positive efforts that we are making.

- Kirk Kerkorian, the billionaire businessman & Las Vegas casinos tycoon, donated $1 billion to rebuild Armenia following the 1988 earthquake through his Lincy Foundation (named for his daughters Linda and Tracy). Who has been speaking on this ?

- Bill and Melinda Gates's foundation is spending $1 billion annually to eliminate polio in Nigeria, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Based on its polio experience in Nigeria, The Gates Foundation formed an emergency operation center to stop the spread of Ebola then to eradicate it in a very short time, now Nigeria is Ebola-free. Did they receive a good media or press coverage ? I don't think so.

The media would be better to show us these fine hospitals, clinics and schools supported by The Gates Foundation in Africa, Charles Aznavour's NGO and Lincy Foundation in Armenia. The media has a key role to play in this process, they should aim to provide a more diverse and balanced view of the existing reality.

Sorry to digress in this way, back to Charles Aznavour I met on May 29, 2009 at the airport of Nice, we both were waiting to boarding an Alitalia flight to Rome, Italy. I gave him my best compliments for his work as a diplomat and humanitarian, I congratulated him on his exceptional career of singer and actor. He warmly thanked me, and confided that he has know a difficult start because of the sarcasms from the critics and some (jealous) singers who said he was too short, not handsome... They so-called him "Az-na-vour ? Has-no-voice". "So I have been working really very hard, I am still here while those people sunked into oblivion".

I said "don't worry Monsieur, dogs bark at cars but dogs can't drive". He laughed.

 

[User915]

I just recently learned that Nana Mouskouri was born in Chania on Crete. Duh, of course she suffered under Nazi occupation as the Germans seized the island. The Greek resistance fighters in the mountains gave the Germans much trouble. The Cretans were very brave people. I also did a little work in Chania, so got pretty familiar with the city. I have a Greek friend, Yannis, who lives on the hill opposite the town of Souda looking over the bay. What a beautiful view he has. It would be nice to get back to Crete.

Very interesting, I was not aware Nana was born in Crete. I know she lived under the Nazi occupation of Greece, witnessing executions which had marked her enormously throughout his life.

Crete is a beautiful Island, inhabited by really friendly and very welcoming people. Moreover the success of Crete's development and prosperity is inextricably linked to modern economic infrastructure and small businesses.

One more thing about Crete. Cretans are the olive oil large-scale consumers with 25 liters by person and by year, a death rate 70% lower and 76% less heart events in comparison to the rest of the world. It looks like the "Cretan diet" makes it possible to live better and longer. That is one more reason to go back to Crete.

 

[Moonstruck]

This one is for BruceB.

 

[Moonstruck]

Here's another Van Morrison number just because I like it. Let me know if you are getting tired of my Van Morrison stuff.

 

[Bruce B]

This one is for BruceB.

A perfect compliment to our gypsy lifestyle of the past 6 weeks.
We listened as we sit here in Napa Valley sipping fine wine...very nice sentiment.
Bruce

 

[Moonstruck]

Here's another great American singer, Etta James.

 

[Moonstruck]

It's not enough for a young artist to be a good singer. One of the hardest things to do is establish their own style. Michael Buble' has done that, but oh the voice. I think he will go down as one of the greats.

 

[Moonstruck]

One more thing about Crete. Cretans are the olive oil large-scale consumers with 25 liters by person and by year, a death rate 70% lower and 76% less heart events in comparison to the rest of the world. It looks like the "Cretan diet" makes it possible to live better and longer. That is one more reason to go back to Crete.

Olivier, I can personally attest to the Cretans addiction to olive oil. It was sort of hard to get used to ordering by going back in the kitchen, lifting the lids on the pots, and indicating which dishes we wanted. The process was to order plates of several items. Then pass them around family style for everyone to take some of each. The Tzatziki with freshly baked Greek bread was wonderful. There was olive oil in most all the dishes.

The restaurant where we ate our last night on Crete grew and pressed their own olives. In fact one of the owners personally signed a cookbook she authored for Lou. It was our last night, and our hosts were in a very good mood. What a fun evening.

 

[BruceK]

Here's a jazz version of "Autumn Leaves" by Levi Barcourt and the New York Jazz Quartet. The melody is there although sometimes you have to look for it. I think BruceK will enjoy this one.

Thanks Don,I did. The art of improvisation, keeping something of the melody while ranging far and wide.
Quite different to softer Bill Evans version of the same song.

 

[Moonstruck]

Here's one I don't believe I've posted here. It is a combination music video and a story. The Zac Brown Band did the music. Zac Brown plays the father, and Lou's granddaughter, Hannah, plays the part of the older daughter. I thought the girl playing the part of the younger daughter did exceptionally well. So, I guess you know why I particularly like this one. Here is "I'll Be Your Man" (Song for a daughter).

 

[Steve]

Just in case we ever get to go to Cuba:

Ever wonder what a Guantanamera is? A girl from Guantanamo Province.

Buena Vista Social Club:

 

[Moonstruck]

Thanks, Steve for contributing that window into Cuban life. I had no idea what a Guantanamersa was. Now I know. I love Cuban music.

 

[MurrayM]

I haven't been following this thread too closely, but I thought you might want to know that Skip Marley, Bob Marley's grandson, is warming up to shake some dust out of establishment/societal cobwebs;

 

[Steve]

Sorry, in post #237 I forgot to give credit to Celia Cruz singing Guantanamera