Tiepolo (1696-1770) was a Venetian / Italian artist who is usually placed in art histories of the Rococo style. Whenever I see his drawings or prints in person, I am stopped by their seemingly effortless synergy—a combination of pictorial design and gestural drawing, having immediacy and sophistication. His artistic concepts are something to behold!
I discovered Tiepolo’s disegno for the death of Seneca in a Horizon book from 1963; please take your time to marvel at its astonishing illustrative techniques (pen and wash on a medium-sized sheet.) This exceptional example is in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
"Black Heroes," Bobby Hutcherson, 1969
Almost 51 years ago, jazz vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson (1941-2016) recorded Now!, which survives as important evidence of the times, musically and culturally. I’m a big fan of Hutcherson, so my recent discovery of this recording, featuring tenor saxophonist Harold Land, is entirely rewarding—Hutcherson’s playing is fiery, and the prevalence of vocals comes off, to my ears, far better than a few similar efforts of the period. Here’s what Russ Musto, AAJ, wrote about the album’s fifth track: "Black Heroes is a topical protest song lauding the race's champions of equality with the popular ‘Freedom Now’ message developed over rhythm changes.” Could be summer of 2020.
Music for healing, during unrest
Abdullah Ibrahim (formerly, Dollar Brand, b. 1934) is a respected South African pianist and composer. I return to his body of work for two things: its strong connection to Ellington and its priority for pleasant, folk-like melodies.
During the 1980s his excellent, four-horn group, Ekaya (meaning, home), dedicated its music to the people of South Africa and the anti-apartheid movement. The group’s second album, Water from an Ancient Well, included “Manenberg Revisited” a version of his popular 1974 original. Read up a little on the tune’s history, and you’ll see why this gem is relevant today. Listen to “Manenberg Revisited” to appreciate the power of a simple melody during times of protest.
Like it and want another? Try “Banyana,” from Children of Africa, 1976.
How Long Has This Been Going On?
An apt title for our times, huh. This seems to have been going on a long time!
But here’s a recommendation for your pandemic listening, prompted by my rereading selected reviews in Gary Giddins’ Rhythm-a-ning (1986.) Giddins highly recommended a new release by Sarah Vaughan on Norman Granz’s Pablo label, titled How Long Has This Been Going On? (1978.) Listening to the album is a delight; listening is delicious! Vaughan’s wonders and flaws are on display here, in a particularly soulful setting, backed by top-drawer and sensitive musicians. My favorite cut is a slow version of “My Old Flame,” accompanied only by Joe Pass. The album is available on iTunes and Amazon Music.