Showing posts with label classics. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Ariana Grande vs. SAFIA

by Mister Promo | June 17, 2015

Why are so many people hellbent on feeling like they've been robbed? Could it be that both creators have similar minds? Whatever happen to the saying, Great Minds Think Alike?" Does it not work the same when money is involved?

Ariana Grande has a video titled "One Last Time" directed by Max Landis and published on YouTube on February 15, 2015. While SAFIA's video titled "You Are The One" directed by Jimmy Ennett and published on YouTube on September 24, 2014 just about 5 months prior. Both of which videos may be viewed below. This post is not intended to defend either party, however, I will be expressing my thoughts on both video concepts.

Ariana Grande - "One Last Time"

First up, Ariana Grande. I chose to explain hers first because this is the order of how I tuned in. This video was captured in a style similar to home video footage. The majority of this video was in first person view (or POV). I feel directing it this way really places you in the role as the character traveling through the streets with Ariana. Everything she sees, you see. The chaos in the streets, the traffic of stopped vehicles, the police trying to maintain order, the paramedics saving lives, etc. Not to mention, the many colors that are illuminating the once still sky. They travel through the streets, down allies, into buildings, upstairs and finally to a rooftop. There's so much going on where the anticipation is both capturing and thrilling. Each and every second of watching this video you are perched at the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next?

SAFIA - "You Are The One"

SAFIA. The only reason I even knew of this, band(?) was because I was curious as to who Max Landis is. Upon a wiki or possible IMDb search, I ended up clicking on a link of a blog post comparing the two videos through their similarities.
This video is filmed with the main character facing the camera at all times. You, as the viewer, are not able to see what she is viewing when she is viewing it. You only see what she sees once she has passed the viewing subjects. Chaos, parked cars, riots, an ambulance, etc. What is odd to me is that she is in constant run mode. In this entire video she is running in one direction, forward. I.e. toward you, the viewer. And not fast. But in slow motion. The sky in SAFIA's video is not threatening at all. It's more of a sun-setting sky. In fact, the point of her sudden need to get out of her car and run is not quite clear. The reason is not explained until the conclusion of the video.

Do I believe that one creator took an idea from another. No.
Could SAFIA's video have been an inspiration to Ariana? Possibly.

I do believe that the two videos are extremely different.
What do you think?

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Celebrating 100 Years of Billy Strayhorn! !

by Mister Promo | February 3, 2015

Billy Strayhorn

Billy Strayhorn. Born November 29, 1915 in Dayton, OH. Billy was known as one of American History's greatest composer, lyricist, arranger and pianist.
His parents were Lillian Young Strayhorn and James Nathanial Strayhorn. He was the youngest of nine siblings (four of which died). Growing up, there were many struggles. The family moved from home to home, city to city. Until finally in 1924 the family settled in Pittsburgh, PA.
Billy attended Westinghouse High School and Pittsburg Musical Institute for piano lessons.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Post writing his first classical waltz in 1934. He would get introduced to Jazz. This introduction caused Billy's musical emphasis to change.

In 1937, he started to compose in this genre and founded his first jazz group. One year later, he became a protégé of Duke Ellington after meeting the renowned musician and composer in Pittsburgh. He remained with Ellington for the next 25 years.

(See more on the topic just above by clicking "1937")

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

During his independent adult years, he has resided in the then beautiful city of Paris. And his final years were spent in NYC.

Billy Strayhorn passed away May 13, 1967 at age 51.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kelly-Strayhorn Theater event celebrates life of a jazz legend

By Natalie Bencivenga / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Place: Kelly-Strayhorn Theater on Saturday, November 29th, 2014.

The Party: Roughly 200 guests gathered at the East Liberty venue to celebrate what would have been the 99th birthday of jazz legend and Kelly-Strayhorn Theatre namesake, Billy Strayhorn. The evening began with a cocktail reception and champagne toast, birthday cake (naturally!) before a tribute performance with famed jazz drummer Roger Humphries, vocalist Spanky Wilson and brass quintet C Street Brass. Deryck Tines energized the crowd with his soulful rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Partygoers who stayed late enjoyed an impromptu dance party in the theater lobby with DJ SMI.

The Man Behind the Music: “Strayhorn is not only a monumental musician for Pittsburgh, but for the world,” said Janera Solomon, executive director for the Kelly-Strayhron Theatre. “As an openly gay black man, he transcended social stigmas and achieved worldwide recognition.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This year Billy Strayhorn would have been 100 years old. Although he is no longer, physically, in our presence he will always have a space to call home in our hearts and soul. Bill Strayhorn will forever reside there.

If worse comes to worse YouTube will always be here to replay his voice to us. Click play below and you'll understand.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you for tuning into our

first segment of Born in 1915.

Sunday, February 1, 2015

TPS Top 28 Black History Month Songs

By Mister Promo & The Rock-It Scientist | February 1, 2015

BHM - Time for Kids

Please allow us to start this month off right. We would like to present to you our music playlist of black tunes from various artist covering many eras. Some are motivational songs while others are just feel good tunes. The reason we have created a Top 28 I think is pretty obvious. This month only has 28 days in it. Unless it is a leap year. In which it is not. However, this means you may either listen to one song per day or just listen to the entire playlist in one sitting. Your choice.

Thank you so much for dropping in and reading this post.

We hope you enjoy!

VVV Click Link Below VVV

Top 28 Black History Month Songs