On Saturday, March 5, 2016, I attended a screening of Paul Thomas Anderson‘s film Punch-Drunk Love with the score played live on stage by Wild Up, the Wordless Music Orchestra, and composer Jon Brion. The film was shown at the Theatre at Ace Hotel . You can read about the film’s plot at the link above, if you have not seen the movie since it debuted in 2002. You can also see it on Netflix. The orchestra was already in place on the stage as the audience filtered into the theatre for this sold out performance. The conductor, Ryan
Tag: composer
I Was Happy With You
Friday, February 26, 2016 found me back at Largo at the Coronet for Jon Brion’s monthly show. There was no guest to open the show, just Jon coming on stage, sitting down on a chair, and introducing himself saying that if the Irishman was there (referring to Largo-owner Mark Flanagan) he would say something like, “Get your knickers in a twist,” [here’s Jon Brion]. Then, as if he’d accidentally sat in the wrong seat, Jon hopped up and moved over to the piano, where he is clearly most comfortable easing into things. He started off playing some sweet jazz modulations
Are You Nostalgic For a Time
The Hotel Cafe (not a hotel or a cafe!) was my destination on Saturday, November 21, 2015 to see musician Gabriel Kahane. This was my third time seeing Gabriel, the first being a performance last year at the same venue and the second time when he opened for Punch Brothers this past April. I bought his album The Ambassador at that concert having been thoroughly impressed by his cerebral and masterful songwriting. Gabriel is a versatile composer and his catalog of music includes beautiful ballads, eclectic kitsch pieces, emotional explorations, and diverse ruminations on themes. His lyrics are thoughtful and
As Strange As You Are
This is a recap covers Jon Brion’s show at Largo on October 30, 2015. It was the day before Halloween and Jon noted that the iconic helmet that sits on top of the piano originally came from the Halloween costume of a guy who used to work at the door of Largo. As often happens, Jon started off at the piano. He played a song recorded by Billie Holiday in the 1930s called “I Must Have That Man!” He followed this by playing and singing David Bowie’s “Lady Stardust” from the album Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars. He
Meaningless Before We’d Seen Them Together
Largo at the Coronet is my favorite venue in Los Angeles. It is just about the perfect sized theater and there is not a bad seat in the house for viewing or hearing a concert. This place has near perfect sound; I rarely find it too loud and all the instruments are well balanced. They also have a fantastic monthly line-up of musicians and popular comedians. Many of these people perform at Largo on a monthly basis. Friday night I was there to see the phenomenal multi-instrumentalist Jon Brion. The special guests for the night were Sean and Sara Watkins,