Photo by Shelly Black (Originally published by Zocalo Magazine on Sept. 2, 2017.) Under an August noon, Chris Black handed me his recently pressed CDs, Lullabies & Nightmares: Chamber Music Vol. 1 and Downtown Suite & Cooper Must Die. I told him, “I only know how to write about this based on the vibes I get from the music. I’m not a classically trained musician.” He smiled and said, “That’s okay, neither am I.” Be that as it may, Black’s recent releases are songs he wrote for … [Read more...]
Mindful in a World of Distractions: Leila Lopez’s “Our Animal Skin”
Leila Lopez writes songs that explore the depths of human relationships, with ourselves and others, and our emotional struggles as we move through this thing called life. She is vulnerable, resilient and authentic, sapient, contemplative, kind and loving, and her richly layered folk songs are imbued with those attributes. The album is also imbued with a gentle acceptance of life’s pain, joy, challenges, and ephemeral nature. It conjures the Japanese concept “mono no aware,” the poignant, … [Read more...]
Not Your Mama’s Mother’s Day Benefit
(Published by Zocalo Magazine on May 3, 2017.) The vivacious Jillian Bessett – leader and singer/songwriter, keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist of Tucson’s beloved Jillian & The Giants – is spearheading a concert fundraiser for Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse on May 13. You should go. Here are 10 reasons why. The incredible event line-up: The Surfbroads: “Hot Broads Playing Cool Surf” Jillian & The Giants: “Indie Rock with Soul” Street Blues … [Read more...]
Borderlands Theater Relocates, Launches a $20K Fund Drive
(Published by Zocalo Magazine on March 2, 2017.) For over three decades, Borderlands Theater has survived on a shoestring budget with vitality and resilience. This pertinent production company, comprised of a four-person staff, is committed to creative innovation by presenting plays from both emerging and established playwrights. It keeps pushing the boundaries of theater by showcasing cutting-edge work in venues that range from the Temple of Music and Art’s intimate 80-seat Cabaret … [Read more...]
Life of Art/Art of Life
(Published by Zocalo Magazine on March 2, 2017.) Mark Matos California Lonesome Desert Records, 2017 Gorgeously soul-weary and deeply personal, this 9-track album features acoustic guitar and vocal-driven narratives of remembrance, connection and loss. The introspection is carried with gentle tension; there’s pain, delivered with acceptance. Matos offers mythological motifs1 from ancient stories that are still universally applicable in modernity. He writes about addiction2 and … [Read more...]
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