The city series….
Yes we are still cruising down Magazine Street—just seeing things from a different perspective….
The city series….
New Orleans is famous for two distinct areas; the nightlife and party vibe of the French Quarter with its Bourbon Street, and the rather cool, hip, and very left of center (in a moderate way) Magazine Street. M St. runs parallel to its more famous counterpart, Charles Street. But unlike C St., with its two Universities (Tulane and Loyola), trolley cars, beautiful homes and churches, Magazine Street has a rather unique quality about it. Interspersed with its numerous art galleries are small vintage clothing and antique shops, various ethnic restaurants and small corner parks. I really enjoyed this part of New Orleans and would consider living in this neighborhood than any other. If you visit New Orleans, you will find that this is a great place to hang out and enjoy the day.
Hope you enjoy this three-part series, a short stroll down Magazine Street….
2011 and now 2012 promises to bring to the forefront—images and ideas for the contemplative and visionary mind.
Here is just a sample of recent work.
Music by Tomasz Bednarczyk
On a beautiful afternoon, at a moments notice with camera in hand…
A peaceful discovery
Water and meditation….
Music by Molly Berg and Stephen Vitiello
Water for Meditation is a study in video minimalism. I am again, working with environmental and organic imagery to present an ambient setting for quiet contemplation.
The memories of a place in time brings the heart such joy….
waking up this morning, I could not free my self from the thoughts that surround me
like the stream that flows so fluidly
my mind embraces and caresses the rock of my salvation…
nurturing the journey within….
Asheville the Paris of the South….
I have had the pleasure and opportunity to travel to some rather unique cities such Paris France, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and here in America, cities like Washington DC, NYC, and Los Angeles. In these major cities there are never a shortage of great art, fine dining, and exciting culture. The streets are always alive throughout the day and into the night.
But I have also come to love the small to medium-sized cities such as Greenville SC, Burlington VT, and my favorite Asheville, NC. Asheville is very beautiful. Bohemian and unique. It is a gay-friendly city and a haven for those who seek a more spiritual lifestyle. It is nestled in a valley surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. It host for the visitor or long-time resident, diverse experiences to discover the world of art, theatre, music, and outdoor adventure. I simply fell in love with the city many years ago.
Here is my tribute to a great city….
Discreet Music is an exquisite moment in classic ambient music….
I love the work of Brian Eno. Followers of ambient electronic music are quite familiar with his work. Throughout the years he has been well received and recognized as the founding father of the ambient music genre. This song entitled Discreet Music embodies the term classical ambience; circa 1975. His work, and especially this piece has always been an influential support mechanism for a lot of my creative pursuits and processes (most notably—repetition and pattern in my visual design). Some of my favorite moments with this piece has been the repeated playing of the song while entertaining guests for dinner. I believe it is perfect for any setting while enjoying a wonderful epicurean delight.
Once again in keeping with the structure of “Music For Backgrounds” I am imploring a song of some length. Discreet Music clocks in at just over 30 minutes long.
Peace in ambience….
Below is a small excerpt of his career.
Brian Peter George St. John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno (born 15 May 1948), commonly known as Brian Eno or simply as Eno is an English musician, composer, record producer, singer and visual artist, known as one of the principal innovators of ambient music.
Eno studied at Colchester Institute art school in Essex, England, taking inspiration from minimalist painting. During his time on the art course at the Institute, he also gained experience in playing and making music through teaching sessions held in the adjacent music school.
He joined the band Roxy Music as their keyboards and synthesizers player in the early 1970s. Roxy Music’s success in the glam rock scene came quickly, but Eno soon tired of conflicts with lead singer Bryan Ferry, and of touring, and he left the group after the release of For Your Pleasure (1973), beginning his solo career with the art rock records Here Come the Warm Jets (1973) and Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy) (1974).
Eno extended his reach into more experimental musical styles with (No Pussyfooting) (1973) and Evening Star (1975), both collaborations with Robert Fripp, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974) by Genesis where his work is credited as “Enossification”, and his influential solo records Another Green World (1975) and Discreet Music (1975). His pioneering ambient efforts at “sonic landscapes” began to consume more of his time beginning with Ambient 1: Music for Airports (1978) and later Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks (1983) which was composed for the documentary film For All Mankind. Eno nevertheless continued to sing on some of his records, ranging from Before and After Science (1977) to Wrong Way Up (1990) with John Cale to most recently Another Day on Earth (2005) and Drums Between the Bells (2011).