The Super Coda @ Spectrum

This months cover, original photo by Matej Bogdanovski,
digital augmentation & layout by K.K.W

"The Super Coda & a night of cellos @ Spectrum." Photos & text by K.K.W

"'Tis night: now do all gushing fountains speak louder. And my soul also is a gushing fountain.
'Tis night: now only do all songs of the loving ones awake. And my soul also is the song of a loving one.
Something unappeased, unappeasable, is within me; it longeth to find expression. A craving for love is within me, which speaketh itself the language of love.
Light am I: ah, that I were night! But it is my lonesomeness to be begirt with light!
Ah, that I were dark and nightly! How would I suck at 
t

he breasts of light!"

Nietzche.

This is five cellists and an ensemble with cello and an extra-ordinary tape artist from Berlin, put together by cellist Valerie Kuehne. It was a really interesting evening full of good conversations, powerful moments and great performances all around. Natti Vogel's singing & piano playing was quite good (his solo performance), along with the raunchy song with his two friends Jenny & the young man with dark hair. Pat Muchmore set was great, a lot of passion and skill. 

  

Nick, Rob, Nonoko, and Joe all had very good set's, each one exuding a highly personal-musical output, with style. Valerie's piece was  engaging, full of energy, daring and wit (loved it when she called her mother, in a frenzy state, on her cell phone as part of the performance). It started out as a monologue then quickly went into a duet with Natti (singing an excerpt from "Sweeney Todd"). 

My only complaint is that the singing didn't always line-up with the vocals on the CD they were playing. Aside from this was a highly charged point in the evenings events. Tim Rusterholz's performance was interesting, but in a way lacked a certain amount of fire and energy. It was a bit to calm, "easy-going", perhaps to technical. Still, it was nice to see and hear.  

Pat Muchmore (background with cello). An excellent cellist.

Ras Moshe (left)

Natti Vogel (foreground),  and Lawrence De Martin.

Natti Vogel on Piano

Natti Vogel on Piano

Natti Vogel on Piano

Loli Tsan (left), & Natti Vogel

Nick Jozwiak

Pat Muchmore

Pat Muchmore

Nick Jozwiak

Valerie Kuehne

Valerie Kuehne & Natti Vogel. They performed
part of the Broadway musical "Sweeney Todd"

Loli Tsan, capturing the scene.

Valerie Kuehne & Natti Vogel. They performed
part of the Broadway musical "Sweeney Todd"

Rob Karpay

Nonoko Yoshida & Joe Merolla

Tim Rusterholz

If you would like to know more, go to:http://www.patmuchmore.com/, http://soundcloud.com/nicholas-jozwiak, http://www.dreamzoo.bandcamp.com/, or:http://www.robertkarpay.com/ "Art is the reason, art is the way."Streetcars Milan Oxford Shoes (Google Affiliate Ad)Eastland Buck Oxford Shoes (Google Affiliate Ad)Ryka Downbeat Shoes (Black/Metallic Grey) - Women's Shoes - 9.0 M (Google Affiliate Ad)

Viognier via "Blue Fin"

This months cover, original photo by Matej Bogdanovski,
digital augmentation & layout by K.K.W

From Dalmatia (Croatia) with love. By K.K.W

Viognier is one of the tastiest white wines on the market with an interesting history to match its amazing taste. Its the only permitted grape for the French wine Condrieu, in the Rhone valley. 

The origin of the grape is presumed to be ancient, possibly originating in Dalmatia (present day Croatia)and then brought to Rhone by the Romans. The "Blue Fin" label sold @ Trader Joes is a great catch with a smooth, almost lush taste. Its aromatic fruit-forward elements always leaving its gentle, subtle flavor etched on your tongue, and swimming through your senses.   

It goes great with spicy foods:Thai, Indian, Caribbean (Jerk Chicken, spicy curry).

Savory food brings out its flavors in a slightly different way; fresh ginger-soy sauce with diced rosemary and onions with Broiled tofu & brown rice.

Cheese: Gorgonzola, Brie, & pecorino

Quike-bite pairing - Start with olive oil in a sauce pan (2-3 tablespoons), diced tomatoes, fresh basil, onions, small amount of garlic, 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Let simmer for 15-20 mins.

Slice one eggplant (leave the skin on) into thin (not to thin)circular slices, grill or fry until cooked. Place a small amount of sauce on plate, then 1 slice of eggplant, top with gorgonzola cheese, add another slice of eggplant, top with cheese (3-4 layers like this), then top with sauce. 

Consume slowly, and always have seconds.

If you would like to know more, go to:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viognier. "Art is the reason, art is the way."

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Republic of Macedonia: 22 years later

This months cover, original photo by
Matej Bogdanovski, digital augmentation by K.K.W

After Yugoslavia: 22 years later. By K.K.W.

In a way, its hard to believe that 22 years have pasted since a small country in southeastern Europe declared independence from Yugoslavia, for an uncertain future. A future that has some, longing for a past that seemed like better days.  

Photo courtesy of "City of Skopje" FB page.

Post-card of Skopje, image courtesy of Matej Bogdanovski.

It was 1991 (a very strange time), the final year of the "cold-war", The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics collapsed into 15 sovereign republics. A solar eclipse of record totality occurred, and "Super Nintendo" is released in the United States of America. 

Aside form tensions within Yugoslavia and the vaulting ambitions of powerful individuals, external forces played their part to bring about present day Macedonia. One major element was NSDD (national Security Decision Directive) 133 - issued March 14 1984 under president Reagan, calling for expanded efforts to promote the destabilizing of Yugoslavia, and the implementing of "free market" policies. Now 22 years later, the republic has come a long way. However, this depends on who you are, what level of the society you live on, your politics, and a lot of luck.    

Rally @ the center of Skopje, with the recently added Alexander The Great
statue (part of the much debated, disliked & loved "Skopje 2014" project)
Photo courtesy of "City of Skopje" FB page.

For starters, although four out five of the permanent members of the U.N Security Council, several members of the European Union and over 100 other U.N members has recognized the republics name, Greece still refuses to (helping to block their E.U membership. Yes, even in serious economic chaos Greece still has "pull like that"). Membership in the E.U would have many political/economic benefits and clear-up the "Visa regime" for its nationals.

Macedonia's current governmental body the VMRO-DPMNE began (since 2006) a program of 'Antiquisation' - Antikvizatzija, some would say as a way of putting pressure on Greece, and purposes of identity building. Wanting to show admiration and respect for the countries ancient rulers/heros (Alexander The Great & his father Philip II), the Government has erected statues of them in several cities and renamed many of their public infrastructure's them. 

While this is understandable to many, the policy has attracted serious criticism domestically, abroad and from E.U diplomats. The government, I think would do well to focus on its present day individual in the art, music, and film scene who the rest of the world would find more interesting and identify strongly with. The nations contemporary cultural scene is the key to its future, not just statues of past individuals, or relics from an era long gone. 

Another major government project is "Skopje 2014", which consists of archaic civic buildings, new statues from various artists mainly in the city center, and in other parts as well. On the one side its a good thing which will upgrade the city, has created jobs for many, and make it more like other major European centers. However its the choice in architectural design, for some of the buildings, that has many in and outside of Macedonia concerned, to say the least. Aside from this, some feel the exorbitant amount of money being spent on this is simply not in the countries best interest (given the high unemployment, & so many living at a minimal basis, there might be some wisdom in this).

By 2012 estimates an official unemployment rate of 29.1% but may be overstated based on a "grey market" at 20-45% of the GDP (estimated figures may be lower) and a rather large trade deficit (www.indexmundi.com/macedonia/economy_profile.html). With the countries strong banking and trade ties, conservative fiscal policies and a sound financial system, some stability has been maintained. If the government could find a way to lower the high transit cost, and fix the unreliability of its land and rail routes through Serbia, they would see large profits from their fruit/vegetable market to Germany and elsewhere in Europe. In addition to this Macedonia's IT market is one of the best in the Adriatic region, showing strong growth. This is part of the key to a better economic future. Macedonia is one of the most scenic and beautiful places to visit in Southeastern Europe. Bitola, Kumanova, Prilep, Kratovo, Ohrid, Prespa, the Korab, The old bazaar, its amazing orthodox churches and Ottoman architecture. Not to mention one of the best nightlife scenes in the area.

One of the nations most valuable assets is it contemporary cultural scene, what will help improve its economy and gain E.U status and resolve the issue of its name with Greece (when the world admires your culture, all else is easy). Macedonian films have been presented at film-festivals around the world, several have won prestigious awards. 

"Frosina", released in 1952 is an amazing film to behold, along with "Miss Stone", "Bal-Can-Can" and "Before The Rain" (which was nominated for best foreign film). Most recently "Skopje Remixed" (2012), is a stunning film from its growing post-contemporary culture scene. An amazing vignette of stories from different directors (Jane Altiparmakov being one of the best), set in modern Skopje with stunning cinematography, writing, and great cast of actors. Macedonia's art, music, & film scene is some of the best in Europe, and when its backed by the ministry of culture or not you can expect something wonderful and thought provoking (Please see previous posts for this year & last year).           

Photo by Meglena Visinska

  

Photo by Matej Bogdanovski

Photo by Matej Bogdanovski

Photo by Matej Bogdanovski

Nov 2011 special post cover #1
Original photo by Harald Schenker,
with Tanja Stoimenovska.

If you would like to know more, please see previous posts for the last year & 2011, or:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Macedonia "Art is the reason, art is the way". Giordano Libero 1.6 Road Bike 56cm - Road & Touring Bikes (Google Affiliate Ad)"Men's 7-Speed Touring Cruiser" (Google Affiliate Ad)GUESS Trench Coat, BLACK (MEDIUM) (Google Affiliate Ad)The North Face Apex Bionic Soft Shell Jacket - Men's - Black In Size: (Google Affiliate Ad)

Women in experimental music: @ spectrum

On this SP cover, Jeanann Dara,
photo & layout by K.K.W

Ambient nights @ Spectrum: Ivy Meadows, Nud, Jeanann Dara & Maria Chavez. Photos & text by K.K.W

It was an interesting night full of promise, great sounds and talent. The first performance was by Camilla of "Ivy Meadows" which had a feel of low-key mellow tones that first, gracefully lapped against the walls like a post contemporary  ritualistic lullaby. Her set seemed to be radiating waves enunciated by passion, tinged with somber notes leaking to the surface. Hers was a set, but perhaps a bit to mellow, I wished it had more force and syncopation. 

Jeanann Dara & her mother (left corner) speaking with
Maria Chavez.

When "Nud" (Camilla & Kate) did their thing it was powerful & sensual. If bright was the day, dark was that night when they did that voodoo they do so well. Stellar thumping beats, with  smooth wailing banshee-like vocals. Brows, pluses, and heartbeats alike were raised. This amazing dynamic duo put forth a barrage of electronic sounds that melded with the alternating colored lights, that left the crowd in a tizzy. Many were pleased, teased and tenderized, while some wondered what the hell was that (most appropriate:). Theirs was a chant-like ritualistic dynamic-dualism that shakes you and wakes you up. 

Another glowing night @ Spectrum.

Digitally enhanced viola waves crashed through all doubt and subtle boredom that night as Jeanann took the stage, a steady look of power, clam and concentration to her face. Her was an engaging, rhythmic set that quickly took the audience by storm. Jeanann's set started like a trickle of water moving through the space of many small rocks, then began to shift gears and pace, amplified its tempo. The well balanced hypnotic flow emanating from her instrument permeated your senses, arousing your need for more. When she took the mic and added her gentle voice, it all became a trance, and you were sated.

Minimalism was the first thing that came to mind with Maria Chavez' performance. Strange sounds that seemed more exploratory then anything else. Hers was a very slow accent to the main body of the piece, a length of cantonese (or another asia dialect) on a loop was both interesting and a little creepy - "strange overtones" (as the David Byrne/Brian Eno song goes). She stood watch over the console attempting to control the audiences mind-set, but never quite getting it. The set went on with repetitious distorted vocals that confounded the senses and either drew you in, or made you highly indifferent. While there was something lovely in it, I wished there was more harmony in the sounds, and  cohesion.     

Camilla of "Ivy Meadows"

Camilla of "Ivy Meadows"

Camilla of "Ivy Meadows"

"Nud", doing their awesome, crazy thing.

"Nud" (Camilla on the left, Kate on the right), 
doing their awesome, crazy thing.

"Nud" (Camilla on the left, Kate on the right), 
doing their awesome, crazy thing.

"Nud" (Kate), doing their awesome, crazy thing.

Jeanann Dara, total calm & skills

Jeanann Dara

Jeanann Dara

Jeanann Dara

Jeanann Dara

Jeanann Dara

Maria Chavez

Maria Chavez

Maria Chavez

Maria Chavez

Maria Chavez

If you would like to know more, go to:www.mariachavez.org, or:www.camillaha.com, www.smokeandflowers.bandcamp.com/, www.ivymeadows.net. "Art is the reason, art is the way". Canon T3i 18.0MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm IS Lens - Digital (Google Affiliate Ad)Nikon Coolpix P510 16.1MP Digital Camera with 42x Optical Zoom - (Google Affiliate Ad)The Snow Angel by Glenn Beck - Books (Google Affiliate Ad)"100 Sight Word Mini-books" (Google Affiliate Ad)