Tag Archives: music

Gone but still moving, Ennio Morricone, epic music composer of many great films

Rest in Peace, Ennio Morricone, legendary Italian music composer, conductor, and much more. He passed away today at age 91, from medical complications stemming from a bad fall in Rome.

Ennio Morricone scored more than 500 films, most notably of his epic musical numbers of some great films including Cinema Paradiso, The Thing, The Untouchables, Mission to Mars, Bugsy, and Sergio Leone’s Dollars spaghetti western trilogy starring Clint Eastwood. His work adds dignity and beauty, enhancing each film with his work.

My favorite musical work of his shall always a top best film that I have watched many times, Once Upon a Time in the West, starring Henry Fonda and Charles Bronson. This work combining a range of emotional vocals, smooth orchestrals, and some practical sound effects, enhances the film so much, and often finding myself humming the tunes. I feel his combinations at its best here (also because I really love this film).

Here’s the best of that work, below. Enjoy, and keep the adventurous, wild spirit of his work moving along in your head.

Working, listening, thinking to some chill, lo-fi rhythms

I work at home during this strange pandemic now.

That includes some freelance projects for clients, mostly involved with digital media management. That routine can be stressful sometimes. The work I do takes a lot of focus and dedication to nor waste time getting stuck or distracted. So, I put on my headphones to block the outside world. Then, I have the Youtube, Spotify, Soundcloud, with the seemingly infinite plethora of musical access possibilities of the Internet.

Then, I have a mode that demands more focus and relaxation, to progress further through a mind that needs proper, encouraging flow. I feed that with some good music, and daily goals will be met. So many discoveries I look to now, some eventually bookmarked, favorited, playlisted, and noted.

With that in mind, I find a lot of chill beats more on YouTube now. Many are described as lo-fi, a term that I think will grow further in this new decade of growing anxiety.

This one above has been the most popular, helping to start this new trend of relaxing mixes with looping pictures…

I also get recommendations from friends, or stumble upon them in live streams or suggested by algorithm. If you have some, feel free to add in the comments!

In the meantime, back to productivity!

Orion T

On a side note, i wrote an article for another site (strangerworlds.com) featuring more relaxing and loFi mixes and soundtracks to popular Nintendo games across all generations. Do give it a chance, or listen to this awesome Legend of Zelda series one that is a saved favorite of mine now. Enjoy!

Wonderful Honkfest West 2017 happenings…

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The weekend in Seattle held plenty for those with little in time, especially moments with great band music.

For me, I spent a little time for the second day of HonkFest West, a three-day grassroots, non-profit musical festival run and produced by volunteers. Much of the big sounds are from street bands coming from a variety of locations and backgrounds, to perform along three days in local areas. All performance are free and open to the public. However, donations in monetary supp ort are highly encouraged.

I had a little time on Saturday, passing through Pioneer Square’s Occidental Square, where nearby folk can hear the music and cheers from around the block. Coming closer brought a special awe to ears, with large group performances involving all the best instruments of the big band sound. I mainly stuck around for two main featured bands.

One group being The M9 (the M is Minor), a local band using high-energy in its brass combinations to bring about “global fusion sounds of the rich Balkan Romani brass tradition form the core of a repertoire which excites, invigorates, and inspires curiosity about one of Europe’s most misunderstood minorities.” Here’s a sample:

The other being Love-Bomb Go-Go, a PNW band from Portland, Oregon, a retro-future intergalactic band group dressed in funky attire, using an awesome blend of brass and dance. They are on “a mission to mend, with music, the divisions of civilization; seeking universal equality and striving, even, to re-establish purposefulness for each and every life.” Here’s a sample:

After both bands, I was treated to another gathered performance of the M9 and some added performers for another amazing jam session.

I share some choice pics I took of the excitement, below. For more on Honkfest West, check out  www.honkfestwest.org.

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– Orion T

Picture of the Weekend, early December 2016..


Just a moment among many, where the holiday spirit was shared among the locals. Here, being Friday as some streets in the downtown area were shared for some happening at the nearby Westlake Center. Not quite feeling like a crowd, I enjoyed this jolly group of youngsters jamming with their brass, in a little march of their own. No names, cause, or message. Just a brief spirited jam playing some familiar Xmas tunes in the middle of the holiday lights and shopping madness. That’s enough for me.

– Orion T 

Fantastic Times at the 2016 NW Folklife Festival

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I was at the annual Northwest Folklife Music Festival, again..

This, being my fourth time of attending this huge annual extravaganza of folk music and dancing, from all over the world. Since 1971, it’s brought a large array of arts, crafts, dancing, and sounds from multiple ethnic varieties to the Pacific Northwest, backed by donation and volunteer support. Held once again at the Seattle Center by the great Space Needle I attended Saturday and Sunday, with no energy left for the sunny Monday finale. Overall, some great times were had…

Here are some pics…

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The Freelance Reveleers, a ragtime blues group doin some sweet street performing..
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Tom Day Wait James with Dave Acker and the Growing Boys for some serious country folk jamming..

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This Balkan dance group (missed their names) showed some fantastic choreography, and among my favorites for this year

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More Eastern European dancing, from Saturday night.

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A mighty drum circle underneath the Rhythm Tent..

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A street performer (name was lost to me), with his awesome didgeridoo..

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Inside one of the many booths present selling eccentric home-crafted delights. The food selection was great too.

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Another shot of the good times, of which made up an overall great time for many..

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That’s all for now!

– Orion T

 

Honk! Fest West 2015 weekend fun at Gas Works Park..

   

After the Solstice Parade last Saturday (see last entry), I enjoyed some evening jams at Gasworks Park.

I give huge thanks to the 2015 Honk!Fest musical happening, featuring a variety of big band ensembles. All free, yet donor and volunteer backed.

Above pics are of the (EDIT: I learned the above band is actually  The Extraordinary Rendition Band from Providence, Rhode Island…oops.)

Below, are pics on the Junkadelic Brass Band from Perth Australia.. 

 

 

– Orion T

Weekend Pic Fun at the NW Folklife Festival 2015

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Good times!!

The 2015 Pacific Northwest Folklife Festival brought much joy to the many festive folk attending in Seattle, this Memorial Day weekend. Much of this was in thanks to the monetary support from the visitors, business donors and merchants. Further support was also in part to volunteers, who also made this wonderful event possible. For me, it was just relaxing and sampling of new and exotic musical and dance talents (while tipping many in appreciation). There was something for everyone here, I felt. And for that, I had to see what everyone had.

I took some pictures with notes, featured below..

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Near the International Fountain, there was a drum (mostly) circle. Beats combined created a nice fusion, mostly of a constant tribal pattern calling many to the center to shake and dance wildly.

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Many got their motions on, some with fantastic visual attire and style.

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There were some big stages, where some larger acts took place. I was drawn to the jazzy stuff. This is M9, a Romani-style brass band, from the local area. I enjoyed their music.

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One of my favorite things about the Folklife Festival are the surprise sidewalk performances. You just have to be at the right place, at the right time to discover and enjoy something new and exciting. For this year, it was a mix of some Celtic (not sure) and country ho-down fun. I meant to ask more info on this group. I hope to see them again someday.

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I noticed many sidewalk performers had their dogs with them, which I think added a lot of charm to the overall atmosphere.

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Another favorite sidewalk performance. I was hoping to get a name, but couldn’t hold out until the full act was over to ask. The steel drum (I think) produced a cool Caribbean beat when tapped, combined with the stepping of the speaker he sat on it. The effect was a hypnotic awesome rhythm.

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Some fantastic locking and popping happened here. Loved this, as these sick moves brought me back to my early years on the streets of San Francisco.

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Not sure what dancing this is. There was some fiddle music from the stage at this time, and the line moved all around.

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Not all was music. Some fun came from people finding their own ways to share the delight.

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Anthony Briscoe and his band Down North brought some serious fire to the Saturday Night, fuming with a combo of rock, R&B, and soul.

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I didn’t catch the name of the guest guitarist who Anthony brought on stage for one jam, but daaamn, he was good.

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More drums!

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More dancin!

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Festivals are not complete without some crazy food choices.

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Not that it ever really gets hot here in Seattle, but the trees make for great shade and atmosphere.

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Overall, a lot of cheer from many. I was happy to be a part of all this. Thanks again to the PNW Folklife Festival and all involved, for making this happen.

– Orion T

Pictures of Today 5/22/15, Living the Folklife..

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The Northwest Folklife Festival kicks off this Memorial Day weekend with groovy vibes and solid rhythms.

This Friday evening, I dropped by the ol Seattle Center park for this annual tradition. The festival is free to all and run as a non-profit event, since 1972. It’s made possible by donations big and small by many supporters. Here, you can listen to many folk beats from many musicians on stage, or just hanging out by a tree. Many ethnic variations involving different styles of dance, vocals, and instruments are proudly presented. Listeners are encouraged to groove, and perhaps dance with the soulful sounds.

I highly recommend attending for anyone looking to chill and enjoy some cool jams with other like-minded spirits. Though, I also encourage visitors to bring whatever loose change and dollars they happen to have. Though you will find company backed stage performances, there are also many more small acts in between, and throughout the park area. You may enjoy them, and smile; perhaps even dance and cheer to these wonderful performers mere footsteps away. If so, show some appreciation and drop them some of that cash down. Becoming part of that action is what keeps the NW Folklife Festival fun.

You may also visit the many food and merch stands scattered about. For more info on the Festival, visit nwfolklife.org.

I will be back tomorrow, and likely on some grass for much of the day, enjoying this Folklife. If you see me, come and say hello. I promise to return the favor. I might even buy you some roasted corn on the cob.

Meanwhile, here are a few other pics of today’s Folklife opening day…

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-Orion T

Picture of Today 3/29/15, Geekin Out

Wow, loved the colour and fun of this past weekend.

I geeked out at the annual Emerald City Comic Con, just happening in the downtown convention center. I had a blast, with heavy interaction among the creative minds, alternative pop culture enthusiests, nostalgia collectors, and dedicated gamers. But now, I am tired out as excitement on these higher levels can push limits. I have some good pics coming, covering multiple aspects of this event. I will post them in the near future, so look forward! 

The pic above, was of a final impromptu event outside the event in the back park area, among fellow attendees. The D20 Brass Band performed, playing some tunes familiar to the classic video game fans (including myself). Moments including this by fans and for fans, add much reason to why I love to attend these gatherings. 

Good times!

Pictures of Today 5/26/14

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All in a good day, with extra special added to the established special..

This Memorial Day, I enjoyed the annual Seattle Folklife Festival, with a kaleidoscope and my cheap smartphone camera (and first posted on Instagram).

The festival was nice; a huge annual event in Seattle, where musicians of a humble variety performed in different spots all near (some on stage, rooms, sidewalks) and play for the cheerful gatherings. All free, and donation backed by sponsors and collected tips. I did not feel much on the picture-taking; just enjoyed the sounds with a preference for jazz and bluegrass. The passing time was best spent on the grass under a warm sun and cloudy sky. I would change spots; with some engaging casual conversations with strangers, light writing, consuming sugary deep friend confectionaries and playing with my kaleidoscope.

Good times..

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Meanwhile, in Seattle (early summer photo fun)

Here, some pictures I took over the first two weekends of summer. Sadly, I wish I was out a bit more.

First, are some moments at Gasworks Park after the Seattle Solstice Parade and Fair, 2013 (Click on each pic for more info):

- photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com) - photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com) - photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com) - photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com) - photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com) - photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com)

Earlier that day, the World Naked Bike Ride in Seattle.

(WARNING: SOME BUTS ARE SHOWING….PAINTED BUTS!!)

- photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com) - photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com) - photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com)

A couple pics from the Seattle PrideFest 2013 event. I briefly checked it out. A lot of happy people were present, celebrating more than gay and lesbian pride; the very spirit of unity itself.

- photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com) - photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com)

And, here are more pics at Gasworks Park from various days of visit. It’s a lovely place, especially in the summer.

- photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com)photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com) - photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com) - photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com) - photo by Orion Tippens (travelingorion.wordpresss.com)Travelingorion.wordpress,.com

Ennio Morricone’s soundtrack masterpiece

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My personal favorite among movie soundtracks.

Once Upon a Time in the West..

Once Upon a Time in the West is Sergio Leone’s 1968 spaghetti western, cinematic masterpiece film; starring Charles Bronson, Henry Fonda, Jason Robards, and Claudia Cardinale. It’s a tale of epic badassery involving a harmonica playing man of mystery, a vengeful widow, an innocent thief, and a murderous villain. The overall production is beautiful, amazing; attributing to its detailed settings, inventive sequences, developed story and characterizations.

And, I love the soundtrack composed by Ennio Morricone, now and forever among the greatest movie soundtrack creators of all cinematic history. He sets everything wonderful about this movie in its proper place, with lyrical tones and character specific themes. I love his use of varied simple handheld instruments, and use of natural hums and whistles.

Enjoy below, the very best of his music for Once Upon a Time in the West. Even if never seen, there is much to appreciate.

The main theme

Cheyenne’s theme.

Jill’s theme

The mystery man with the harmonica, and his final duel:

And, the Finale:

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The haunting tune of Metamorphosis – Phillip Glass

The night was late under the rainy Seattle sky. I, among friends, sipping wine and dipping crackers.

In between, this beautiful piece of music played:

 

I asked the host, what is this? Beautiful, I probably said (was a little drunk).

Metamorphosis….Phillip Glass, scribbling pen on my hand. The night carried on, enjoying this tune long afters. There was something hypnotic, entrancing about this. I could still hear the enduring rhythm yet forgetting the writing. My scribbles faded through short time, more so after some restroom breaks.

After midnight, I walked home through the streets of Seattle. This, being down the  Queen Anne hills, through and between the postmodern structures of Seattle Center park, passing under its great Space Needle, towards the illuminate Belltown district. All, under a heavy rainfall. The tune looped on the entire time.

The next morning, I was awakened by the piercing sunlight. That tune carried on. I continued much else, while looking at my hand at times. The writing faded, nearly unreadable.

After errands, I deciphered my scribble. Phillip Glass, easy (famous composer of many films, over the last few decades). The rest, was Metamorphosis. That word is beautiful, with five syllables coming together to represent a special process of change. I thought of Goethe, Kafka, butterflies, myself towards the next life stage.

And then, there was YouTube. Then surprise, Phillip Glass composed five different stages of this Metamorphosis. How appropriate, I thought. Its history of use began with a stage play on Kafka’s famous work of the same title, revised in the movie The Thin Red Line, and brought partially back in the recent Battlestar Galactica TV series revival.

I listened to all parts, wonderful in completion. The first one was the correct one, or not. Was it the last one? They both sound similar. A cycle perhaps?

Enough! I share the remaining four parts of Metamorphosis below.

Enjoy.