Madeleines In Manhattan By Colette Rossant

Seeing movies in French subtitles, and just finishing a book written by a French woman makes one want some strong coffee and a good pastry. Colette Rossant is known as one of New York's ultimate foodies. She lived in Ciro and Paris for most of her childhood years. Then falling in love, getting married and living in Italy, are all briefly covered in the first two chapters. This small volume is mostly based on her move to Manhattan in the '50's. Everything she writes about is surrounded by food. With charming little recipes after each chapter, you can practically eat you way through this book. Reading along you feel like your following Colette through her life one meal at a time. Lets just say don't read this on a empty stomach. As she gets used to the train and the city she finds there are some things no one wants to get used to. White bread and iceberg lettuce being two things she can't stand. Exploring each neighborhood she finds places that reminded her of home, and places that are totally new. Somehow Colette takes each new experience in stride and they find a way into her cooking. After odd jobs she settles into teaching French. Having a wonderful Husband and eventually children she loves to cook and have guest over. Her guests rave over her strange style in the kitchen. Making the move from midtown to downtown Colette tries to fit in on their new block. With her upfront attitude and pleasant demeanor she wins over most of her new neighbors. In time she becomes a author of many cook books, teaches cooking to kids on PBS, and writes articles for Food Arts Magazine. She even becomes New York Magazine 'Underground Gourmet.' Must have been nice to secretly dine in eateries and then review them. New York is not enough for this lively women. She travels the world not forgetting the food everywhere she goes. She lived a full life moving across the ocean, finding her way in the big city, and having four children. Through it all she is optimistic, positive and most of all hungry.

Coco Before Chanel With Audrey Tautou

Audrey Tautou is Coco Chanel in this new look back before the fashion giant was world famous. Set in 1908 France where we get swept away by a brooding unfulfilled young Coco. Yes she pushes her way into the upper-class with her boyish outfits and charm. When her sister, who has been by her side since they were orphans, gets taken away by a Baron promising marriage. She sets off by herself to crash the party at a former lovers house. Can the girl that doesn't believe in love learn to give her heart away? This film tells the story as if Coco was wondering around with a style of her own and know idea what to do with it. Coco has fun making fun of all the feathers and dresses with trains. She would rather put on a man jacket and wear black, "It's the only color that bring out the eyes." Simplicity that is what she craves in her clothes and life. Being so different and yet resourceful is why this controversial icon was so influential.

A Serious Man A Coen Brothers Picture

The Coen brothers are at it again, and they have really stepped into it this time. Turning their writing in on themselves and putting forth a black comedy about suburban life in the '60's. Strange how universal this story is, even though its about a Jewish family. Every family has problems like brothers fighting with sisters and relatives staying on the couch. Its just that Larry Gopnik's problems seen to pile up. The difference is that when he needs help he go's to a Rabbi, three Rabbi's that is. Hay, Larry has lots of things he doesn't understand. Perception and unknowability seem to be the hidden messages in this movie. But like the rabbi says "We don't get the answers, just the questions. The responsibility is of our side of the Faith." So know one owes us an expiation, not the Coen brothers, not even god.

Bachiana Filharmonica with Joao Carlos Martins & Dave Brubeck Oct. 2nd, 09

Friday was such a nice night to get invited to the Lincoln Center. It is not good to be running late to one of these events, so jog up the block and get there on time. When late it is hard to notices details. This is the reason for only realizing that the fountain was working again during the intermission. They are celebrating 50 years over there on Amsterdam Ave. Why not celebrate together? It so happens to be the 50th anniversary of Dave Brubeck's Gold album "Time Out". Dave has been known for crossing genres and that is what this program was about. The first two pieces where by Brazilian composer Heeitor Villa-Lobos. This year happens mark 50 years since his death. This composer took inspiration from the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Blending Bach with Brazilian music with his Bachianas Brasileiras. The Bachianas Brasileiras No.4 followed by Bachianas Brasileiras No. 7 was a nice start to the evening. After a quick break Chris Brubeck, proving that musical talent does not skip a generation, came out with his Concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra. Then his dad American jazz pianist and living legend Dave Brubeck step out on stage to a standing room ovation. They played two of his pisces and one of his brothers. (Brandenburg Gate: Revisited, Thank You (Dziekuje), Theme For June) All this and more because they stayed on stage to play three unannounced selections. Joao Carlos Martins was living a dream conducting and playing along side the Burbecks. Most the People in the room where bobin' their heads and tappin' their feet. This is what being a music fan is all about, shows that change your life.

David Grisman & John Sebastian Oct. 1st, 09

On the first of October it felt, really felt like fall. Fall in the city is busy place, lots to do as you try out your warm layers. You know what else keep you warm, Bluegrass. The City Winery had some real new york bluegrass on stage Thursday night. Grisman and Sebastian were side by side in two equally bad Hawaiian shirts. These two came out of the Greenwich Village folk scene back in the 60s. Having fun playing some songs from back then, when they were part of the Even Dozen Jug Band. John was telling stories and a playing handful of the The Lovin' Spoonful hits. ("Daydream," "Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind,") Then Grisman with less words brings out "Shady Grove" and other jazz Influenced Bluegrass. Lots of friends and family were around when they played "Summer in the City" including the songs writer John's brother Mark Sebastian. A charming little set in a beautiful little room. The staff tip toe around passing out fine food and wine. Don't eat before a show dine there, plan to kick in a little extra to take in the whole experience. Some great things coming up in this downtown club. Richard Thompson is playing three nine o'clock shows October 21st to the 23rd.

Check out the album they have together from 2007, Satisfied.

Gov't Mule At Brooklyn Bowl Sept. 30th, 09

Welcome to the Brooklyn Bowl was said more then once on the night of Sept. 30Th. "This is not the Wetlands but we hope that spirit lives on here." There is a familiar feeling of family in this new venue in Brooklyn. This place is not only a kick ass music club with big screens and a nice wood floor, but also happens to have a 16-lane bowling alley, a restaurant and a bar. The food is awesome not the crap food served at most places with music. Thursday was a party put on by Gov't Mule, a listening party/birthday thing. After bowling some frames and hearing the CD over the speakers the Mule came out and ripped it up. "By a Thread" comes out on Oct. 27Th and is their eighth studio album. Warren Haynes is a fan of '60s power trios, like Cream, and The Jimi Hendrix Experience. You can see this brought out on stage with this band more then the Allmam's. What a night thanks to the lovely Brooklyn Bowl and the Rockin' Gov't Mule. If you got nothing going on around NYC for Halloween get down to Philly and see Warren with Gov't Mule at the Tower Theater.

http://www.brooklynbowl.com/info/
http://www.mule.net/

It Might Get Loud

This music documentary is unlike any that came before it. Visualize not one, but three legendary guitarists in you living room chatting. This film is about the electric guitar as mush as it is about the musicians on camera. How could you go wrong with The Edge (U2), Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), and Jack White (The White Stripes)? This seems like a trick of White's as he says, "to get them to teach me everything they know." Each player has a style, influences, and a love for the instrument. The whole story is told in a very unstructured way. One fan coming out said "its like the longest Jimmy Page interview ever." Oh and as if you did not know, it might get a little loud.