Archive for the ‘Musical Murmurings’ Category
April 12, 2012
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[Download] Hallock Hill – A Hem of Evening
By Ash in Musical MurmuringsHallock Hill’s new record. Though he’s allowing people to decide how much (if anything) to pay for the album, I really do recommend people throw a bit of cash his way. This is lovely, intricate stuff that’s been heavily worked on. Help an artist out.
April 5, 2012
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[Watch] Big Fun In The Big Town DVD (Official Trailer)
By Ash in Art, Classics, Film, Musical MurmuringsNew York, 1986: a city of big dreams and equally big problems. Like New York itself, hip-hop music encompassed both of these human conditions. But hip-hop and its cultural birthplace shared other important characteristics, too: the desire to always be original, a hustle-to-survive ambition, and — if the stars aligned — the ability to come out on top, no matter what the odds.
Dutch filmmaker, journalist and rap fanatic Bram Van Splunteren stepped into the city for one intense week in 1986. He was armed with five things: a camera crew, a map, a deep respect for the hip-hop artform, a list of phone numbers, and a burning desire to get to the bottom of what this still-growing subculture was all about. By the time he left, he had the answers he needed, along with a treasure trove of golden video footage. Tragically, these images never returned from Europe, languishing in obscurity from hip-hop’s homeland for more than a quarter-century. Until now.
Big Fun in the Big Town is about hip-hop when artistry in the game was still at its center. When skills, not hype, got you your first record deal. When Run-DMC took the reins from Doug E Fresh and Grandmaster Flash, paving the way for hundreds of other hitmakers to follow. When a chart-topping LL Cool J still lived with his Grandmother. When the Latin Quarter was the club to be at on any weekend night. And when artists from all backgrounds could taste their own pop chart dreams, just beyond their reach but still seemingly attainable.
This essential, fast-paced documentary shows hip-hop from just about every angle, and approaches its subjects with a journalistic sobriety and respect rarely given to this oft-misunderstood artform and culture, even to this day. It presents worldwide superstars and aspiring rappers, dancers and beatboxers on an even playing field, reminding us that rap was once a wide-open game for anyone with talent to grab at the brass ring of fame.
Commercially available for the first time ever after more than 25 years, Big Fun in the Big Town is nothing short of a revelation.
March 23, 2012
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[Watch] Sam Christie – Cantre’r Gwaelod
By Ash in Art, Film, Musical MurmuringsStunning. Just stunning. And the music too? Wondrous.
March 23, 2012
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[Watch] Hallock Hill – 3.10.12
By Ash in Art, Film, Musical MurmuringsIntrigued by Tom’s working process? This seems to get to the crux of the matter. Lovely.
March 21, 2012
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[Watch] Robin
By Ash in Art, Film, Musical MurmuringsThis is my first attempt at making a short film. Robin Langridge is a friend of mine – he’s credited on the Suborno album.
Robin Langridge is a musician who was once signed to iconic record labels such as Polydor and Atlantic. Sadly, though relatively successful, Robin’s music career never brought him enough money to support his growing family, leading him to become a taxi driver: a job that has lasted him over 20 years. This short film examines some of the reasons behind his career choices.