“BAMBOOZLED” by Spike Lee: A Movie Review By Evan M. Jacobson
Spike Lee’s latest film “Bamboozled” is a satire exploring several themes. First, Thomas Dunwitty (played by Michael Rapaport), the White boss of the CNS television network, considers himself to be an authority and expert about Black culture. Second, Pierre Delacroix, the lead/narrator played by Damon Wayons, is a Black Harvard Graduate that identifies with Whites more than Blacks. Finally, several characters are bamboozled (denotatively defined–to deceive) at the beginning of the story and suffer tragic consequences at the end. Read more >
Getting the Job Done Effectively, by Evan Jacobson
He just sat there fidgeting in his perfectly crafted Armani Suit. One can see the bright, Ivory white nails tapping in succession across his bulging right kneecap. Several droplets of moisture slowly trickled along his Frontal Lobes as his beady eyes moved quickly from side to side. Read more >
Jeremy Steinkoler CD Review: The Road Home (Genre: Jazz)
The Drummer’s role as a band leader is not a new concept. For example, Buddy Rich was the leader of his Jazz Big Band for several decades. The Late Tony Williams (who played with Miles Davis) formed and lead an instrumental Fusion group circa 1970-1990. Other drummers have also proven to be both effective leaders and musical contributors, such as Bill Bruford (formerly of YES), Dave Weckl (formerly of Chick Corea’s Elektric Band), Bill Stewart, and countless others. What do these great drummers have in common? Undeniably, there is a strong connection to melody and harmony, rather than concentrating solely on rhythm. It is important to mention that a drummer’s primary role is to adhere to strict rhythm and punctuate figures with the band. Read more >
Richard The Joker, By Mr. Jacobson
“The total price for your guitar strings is 14 Gold Rubicles.” As the customer counts his money, Richard touches the customer’s guitar strings with his wand and the strings become suspended in midair. Then SKay8, gets on his Air glider, and grabs the strings. “Hey Mister. I’m going to take off with your merchandise, Sir. You won’tbe able to catch me because my Air glider is the fastest thing in this town.” “What? You’re kidding,” says the confused customer. Then, Richard chimes in, “How about I wrestle your Dad so you can get your strings back?” says Richard. “What? I don’t have time for foolishness. I gotta pick up supper, my son, and have it all on the table before my wife gets home; she’ll flip out and I’m not in the mood for her either,” said the short-tempered customer. Read more >
Cut down on set up time: Minimizing Set Up Time For Live Gigs
A drummer tends to take a great deal of time setting up his or her drum set because there are many components to deal with. For example, drums, hardware, cymbals, assorted clamps, and auxiliary percussion instruments must be positioned according to one’s personal preference. Read more >
Amazon.com music product reviews
I reviewed “STAR ONE,” a Progressive Metal Group (Arjen Anthony Lucassen from AYREON, Vocalist Sir Russell from Symphony X, et al.); imuffs wireless headphones for ipod; The Black Tango–it’s neither a dance, nor a snake–it’s an excellent firewire and USB enclosure; A brief Porcupine Tree Review from last year, and more…