New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Music

New Book About 1940s-1950s Jazz Clubs

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Sittin InBook purchases made through this link support New York Almanack’s mission to report new publications relevant to New York State.

The new book Sittin’ In: Jazz Clubs of the 1940s and 1950s (Harper Design, 2020), by Grammy-winning historian, archivist, author, and record executive Jeff Gold offers a new look inside the jazz clubs from this era across the United States. Drawing on a trove of photos and memorabilia, Sittin’ In gives a glimpse at a world that was rich in culture, music, dining, fashion, and more. [Read more…] about New Book About 1940s-1950s Jazz Clubs

Slang, Stirrups, Paris in the 20s, and the Invention of the Bloody Mary

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An American Jockey paintingAlthough much remains unclear about the origins of Cockney rhyming slang, there is a consensus that it stems from London’s East End, dates back to the 1840s, and is alive and thriving. One slang expression reads “on one’s tod,” meaning: on one’s own; all alone. The phrase is a shortened version of the original “on one’s Tod Sloan.”

In full, these four words offer a multi-colored mosaic of socio-cultural events involving Manhattan, London, and Paris. [Read more…] about Slang, Stirrups, Paris in the 20s, and the Invention of the Bloody Mary

The Saxophone: Born In Belgium, Raised In The USA

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bronze statue of Adolphe SaxSince the saxophone was invented and patented by a young man from French-speaking Dinant, in Belgium’s Walloon Region, American musicians have paid credit to the instrument by producing memorable performances which include John Coltrane’s “Love Supreme,” Dino Soldo’s smooth jazz solos, or Clarence Clemons’s relentless drive.

Over time, the sax has found its way into almost every genre of music with one exception. The saxophone is not part of the orchestral repertoire. It was and remains a rogue instrument. [Read more…] about The Saxophone: Born In Belgium, Raised In The USA

Audio Technology, Trademarks and A Terrier Named Nipper

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Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and ArtThe Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, at Cooper Square in Lower Manhattan, was founded in 1859 by inventor and industrialist Peter Cooper, a progressive member of New York’s Board of Aldermen.

The initiative was inspired by the state-sponsored École Polytechnique in Paris (founded in 1794). Cooper’s ideal was to create an institution that would be open to all, and independent of race, religion, sex, or social status. The history of the gramophone is associated with two of Cooper’s former students who overcame hardship through education. [Read more…] about Audio Technology, Trademarks and A Terrier Named Nipper

Quiet City: A Reverie for NY in the Time of COVID-19

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Aaron Copland provided by The SembrichThe Sembrich has launched the final presentation in its 20/20: Virtual Visionaries summer festival with “Quiet City: A Reverie for New York in the time of COVID-19.”

This new presentation includes a new essay by music critic and scholar Thomas Larson and Aaron Copland’s iconic work Quiet City featuring trumpet player Chris Coletti and members of The Philadelphia Orchestra. [Read more…] about Quiet City: A Reverie for NY in the Time of COVID-19

Virtual Silent Film ‘The Marriage Circle’ With Live Musical Score

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Marriage-CircleThe Park Theater in Glens Falls, in partnership with the Chapman Museum, is set to presents “The Marriage Circle” featuring live musical score by Ben Model, via YouTube livestream on September 10th. [Read more…] about Virtual Silent Film ‘The Marriage Circle’ With Live Musical Score

Organ Grinders And Street Music: A History of New York Busking

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La Tratta Dei FanciulliThe Industrial Revolution ended life’s traditional muted tones and unleashed the supremacy of mechanical clamor. Technology and commerce combined in an all-out assault on stillness.

In April 1936 the city of New York’s Noise Abatement Bill became law. The measure had been preceded by a long campaign against the ever-increasing loudness of city life. It started as a crusade against the omnipresence of unlicensed street musicians. [Read more…] about Organ Grinders And Street Music: A History of New York Busking

Sunday Rock Legacy Project Drive-In Theater Song And Dance

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The Sparkley Clean Funeral SingersThe Sunday Rock Legacy Project in St. Lawrence County, NY, has announced an outdoor drive-in live theater presentation of The Sparkley Clean Funeral Singers, by Lori Fischer and Don Chaffer, with performances on August 20-22. [Read more…] about Sunday Rock Legacy Project Drive-In Theater Song And Dance

Shakespeare on Pause; Violinist Madeleine Jansen (Streaming)

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Kiara Wade as Macbeth in the 2019 Adirondack Lakes Summer Theatre Festival production of MacbethThe Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts (ALCA) has announced two upcoming livestreams, as part of their ALCA-Seltzer Series: Online Relief from the Headaches of Social Distancing.

The first livestream, “Shakespeare on Pause: Part I,” is an encore performance of the 2019 Adirondack Lakes Summer Theatre Festival (ALSTF) production of Macbeth, set for Friday, July 31st; and a recital by violinist Madeleine Jansen on August 7th. [Read more…] about Shakespeare on Pause; Violinist Madeleine Jansen (Streaming)