The Semi-Regular

by James Day


Well, Connecticut sure gets cold this time of the year. Not that I need to remind you, of course, but please stay warm. And what better way to stay warm than attending one our fantastic mac650 shows?! How about glimpsing the secret, inner workings of an artist's studio space?

Well, you asked for it.

Creep.



First off, here's a couple of shots of the new composition I'm painting. A work in progress; about 50% done by now I'd say. Click on every picture to get a full size version.*



By the way, I do apologize for the infrequent updates. Here at the production facility, things have ground to a gummy halt, due to my own pursuits of laziness, tiresome wage slaving, and a general avoidance of all things easel-y.

Moving right along! Exclusive shots from the upcoming (don't hold your breath) Comic! Featuring characters I've held close to my heart, for the most part hidden from prying eyes, for the past 14 years. They'll see the light of day soon enough, one may hope.





Why not one more, eh?



Aside from all of that, I'll attempt to solicit your musical ear by pleading for your listening patience at http://www.myspace.com/topofthznyth, where I've posted the atmospheric, soundtrack quality "soniz".

Learn to love it, as I am.




*I internet good.

Coop Member Paul Gobell at White Space Gallery

MAC 650 makes the Middletown Press once again.

THE MAC650 LATIN JAZZ WORKSHOP

While playing at last nights Latin Jazz workshop—the first ever held at the MAC650 gallery in Middletown—the small gathering of talented local musicians experienced once again how time itself becomes somehow different than the usual passing of seconds, minutes, or even hours. As any musician can attest to, musical shifting of temporal space, and how within that space time unfolds in ways and through movements which lie beyond familiar temporal frameworks, is a sensation unlike any other.

True music lovers know that close listening offers some of this sensation and, for lack of a better word, enjoyment! (and dare I say “entertainment?”) However, playing music is an experience that cannot be easily put into words, although music students and scholars, journalists, and critics certainly try their best, attempting to describe what is a rather ineffable, ephemeral, and simply indescribable artistic phenomenon. In any case, it is a sensation that I wish everyone could experience as musicians do.

David Davis

Meeting to experiment with the music of Mongo Santamaria, Miles Davis, Carla Bley, even attempting to play a reworked version of Eddie Harris’s classic “Freedom (now Latin) Jazz Dance,” Middletown saxman David Davis and percussionist Trevor Davis joined in to play Latin jazz masterworks such as “Come Candela,” reworked standards such as “Blue in Green,” “Ojos de Gato,” and Brazilian Jobim’s bossa nova chestnut “How Insensative.” Coltrane’s “Naima” in 6/8 meter was a highlight of the session.

The goal of the workshop is to grow Latin Jazz right here in central Connecticut. With the participation of musicians interested in creative experimentation with Latin rhythms from all over, and new improvisational techniques, the aim is to forge a collaborative ensemble inspired by the work of Latin Jazz artists such as Ray Barretto, the Fort Apache Band, Eddie Palmieri’s orchestras, Sergio Mendes, among many others. The musical field is wide open and the MAC650 workshop is an ideal laboratory. So join us!

Trevor Davis

If you’re interested in participating in our next Latin Jazz workshop, call 860-343-1516; for further information, check back on this blog.

To get on the Latin Jazz Workshop email list, write me at arevarc@mac.com.

Consider yourselves invitados. P’alante musicos!

Jorge Arévalo Mateus