Review

Book Review: “3 Shades of Blue” — Transcendent Art, Despite Personal Demons

March 26, 2024
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“3 Shades of Blue” is at its most compelling seen as an extended essay about drugs, creativity, the jazz life, and the mysterious nature of musical genius. 

Poetry Review: According to Whom? — “Invisible Mending: The Best of C.K. Williams”

March 26, 2024
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I’m not against the concept of a Whitman’s Sampler of C.K. Williams poems —  but this problematic selection proves that it should not be a family affair.

Film Reviews: Dispatch from the Boston Underground Film Festival (Part 2)

March 25, 2024
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Even if the closing film was a complete and utter bust, I had a blast seeing some really great movies with fantastic crowds. See you next year, and as always, stay weird Boston.

Children’s Book Reviews: Exciting Innovators –Three Surprising Picture-Book Biographies

March 25, 2024
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Three lesser-known innovators are profiled in these intriguing picture book biographies.

Jazz Appreciation: Moppa Elliott Does It All for You

March 25, 2024
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Moppa Elliott is an important jazz composer and a dynamic leader. When he brings a group to our area (which happens only rarely), do not miss the gig. When he issues a new recording, pay attention.

Theater Review: “Cost of Living” — A Powerful Drama About Our Longing to Connect

March 24, 2024
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Critical to the success of “Cost of Living” is playwright Martyna Majok’s refusal to resort to tropes about people with disabilities and those who care for them.

Classical Album Reviews: The Sinfonia of London and Susanna Mälkki with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra

March 24, 2024
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The Sinfonia of London and Susanna Mälkki with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra release recordings filled with color and beauty.

Album Review: “Art Songs of the Jewish Diaspora” — Compelling Music with Equally Compelling Backstories

March 23, 2024
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This is an album that I recommend heartily to anyone who enjoys exquisite music making, stunning booklet artwork, and serious scholarship.

Film Reviews: Dispatch from the Boston Underground Film Festival (Part 1 of 2)

March 23, 2024
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This time around, I decided to go all in and totally movie-pill myself by seeing all 12 films in the feature line-up at the expense of my own sanity. Just kidding …

Film Review: “Late Night with the Devil” — Retro Occult Wizardry

March 22, 2024
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The Cairnes brothers explore how the analog media trickery of a bygone era may illuminate our current obsession with what is real.

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