“If you really like something and want to make sure you have access to everything, you’ll never do better than having the disc.”
Book Review: “The Regrets” — Love Affair With the Semi-Dead
Is Amy Bonnaffons saying that heterosexual love is doomed? Probably not. But she gives no indication it can work in the world she creates here.
Coming Attractions: September 19 through October 5 — What Will Light Your Fire
As the age of COVID-19 wanes (or waxes?), Arts Fuse critics supply a guide to film, dance, visual art, theater, and music. Please check with venues about whether the event is available by streaming or is in person. More offerings will be added as they come in.
Jazz Album Review: A Big Band Homage to the Late Jimmy Heath
The Temple University students in this fine big band homage to the late saxophonist/composer Jimmy Heath sound professional — tight and well rehearsed. They are joined by all-stars Joey DeFrancesco and Christian McBride.
Rock Concert Review: The Black Crowes — Flying High
You would never suspect from this big ol’ rock ’n’ roll show that The Black Crowes was essentially toast just a few years ago.
Film Review: “Blue Bayou” — “I’m Going Back Someday…”
Blue Bayou’s story deserves to be told and heard. But rather than focus slowly and intently on its central crisis, the script kneads in a dizzying array of additional threads and sidelines.
Television Review: “Chicago Party Aunt” — Livin’ the Vida Loca, Windy City Style
The bizarre half hour animated comedy is a hilarious love letter to The Windy City.
Rock Album Review: The Plastic Ono Band Celebrates 50 — A Nice Warm Cup of Instant Karma
After having diagnosed the ails of modernity, screamed out his most deeply held traumas, and shrugged off his role in the biggest band ever, John Lennon is content to have a riverside cuddle under a tree in the sun with the woman he loves. Amen.
Television Review: “Sex Education,” Season 3 — Growing Up Grand
Amid the political point-scoring, Netflix’s Sex Education remains effervescently charming.
Classical Album Review: An Opera by the “Croatian Verdi” — Sung Right
The performance shows generally high competence and comfort, no surprise given that the work is a longtime staple in Croatia: indeed, it is the single most-performed opera in the entire repertory of the Croatian National Theater.