Music
What a wonderful world
The scene is Chuck’s restaurant last night.
Eighty-six year old Julius Brooks has cast a spell on us. His eyes are closed as he sings Louis Armstrong’s iconic song. A piano and bass back him with appropriate understatement …
Elton John and the celebration of gayness
“Elton kicks my ass on piano.”
These are the words of another legendary rock and roll piano player, Billy Joel. That’s quite a compliment coming from someone with the chops of a Billy Joel. Billy literally gushes talking about his buddy, Elton …
Rhapsody in Blue
Rhapsody in Blue was raw, American music. American music came of age in an instant with that composition that premiered in 1924. Here is how George Gershwin, who was only 25 when he composed the piece, described its creation:
Read MoreThe controversial final concert
Johannes Brahms had a prickly personality. Glenn Gould was an eccentric. Leonard Bernstein was dashing sophisticate. Each was a musical genius. These three strong personalities clashed on April 6th, 1962 in a final concert at Carnegie Hall.
Read MoreHeavenly music just got jazzier!
Delving into Catholicism is a dangerous thing, because it so seductive, so beautiful, and so True. At least that has been my experience. The richness of this religion is startling. It has something for everyone, as Dave Brubeck found out …
Read MoreI’ve got you under my skin
Frank Sinatra vs. Diana Krall. Nelson Riddle vs. Claus Ogerman. Listen to two dramatically different interpretations of Cole Porter’s classic song, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” You tell me, which version is the best?
Read MoreWe want God!
By Tom Quiner I’m intrigued. We performed “The Pope of the People, the John Paul II Musical” last night at Living History Farms. This is a show about a Catholic Pope. I’m intrigued by what happens after each performance. Protestants come up to me and tell me how much they loved the show. Regular readers…
Read MoreHappy Easter!
By Tom Quiner Enjoy this vintage clip of the great Fred Astaire singing Happy Easter. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPbWNiaD_8g]
Read MoreDes Moines Register writes about The Pope of the People
By Tom Quiner The premier of The Pope of the People, the John Paul II musical, is just two days away. The Register’s art and entertainment reporter, Michael Morain, wrote a nice piece about the production in today’s Register. Check it out here. I wrote and am producing the musical as part of the Centennial…
Read MoreThe Pope of the People premiers next Friday
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgTpO4TFSEk&feature=player_embedded] The Pope of the People, the John Paul II Musical, premiers at 8 PM next Friday, April 1st, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines. Written by Tom Quiner, it dramatically presents the historic events of JPII’s first ten years as Pope. You can find the complete performance schedule here. You can…
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