Current Obsession: HAMILTON (Yay Hamlet!)

Lin-Manuel Miranda leading the November 25 Ham4Ham perfor­mance. Photo: Mark Peterson/Reduxpictures as seen in New York Magazine.  See Lenny in the bottom left corner? OK...half of her? :)

The soundtrack to Lin-Manuel Miranda's brilliant Hamilton has been on constant rotation in our house since early this Fall and I don't expect that to change any time soon.

If you haven't yet found yourself under the spell of this master and his masterpiece I've got some suggested viewing for you...

It all started at the White House in 2011. As Lenny would say, "prepare to be amazed":



The standing O from the President was prophetic.

A few years later, that became THIS:



And the press and mainstream success has been flooding in. Check out Lin's Wheel of Freestyle on the Tonight Show:



That day Lenny came home from school and told me she wanted to listen to Hamilton and paint abstracts. Parenting WIN. Click here to see 36 seconds of awesomeness.


And finally, on our recent trip to NYC at #Ham4Ham with Céline and Lenny.  MEGA exciting to be there and see Lin-Manuel in person.  Click here to check that out.

Yeah, this show hits a bunch of my sweet-spots, American History, Politics, Broadway and Hip Hop so it makes sense that it would speak to me. But it's genius seems to be nearly universally accepted. Which is such an exciting thing to witness.  Most exciting for me is, I think, feeling this excited by a piece of theatre again. I don't think I've felt this way in 20 years. It feels amazing to be completely consumed by a piece of art. I'm very grateful for the joy this show has given me.

Lenny take New York City

After we'd been in New York for two days Lenny turned to me and said, "MOM! Let's pretend we're New Yorkers! We can talk about how boring Toronto is*!"

*Don't worry, Toronto, when we got home she announced that her home felt "fresh and new to her".

My kid took to New York (or as she would say You Nork) like a fish to water.

We'd all be here all day if I got into too much detail about this trip (and if you follow me on social media you saw it all happen in real time) but I feel the need to record a few moments for posterity. It was one of the best trips I've ever taken and it served as a reminder of the joy that friendship, travel and music can bring.

Our dear friend and gracious host Céline made sure that Len's first time in the big apple was full of magic. Our first night in the city we were treated like VIPs at Birdland.  The kiddo had such a blast that first night (jazz! showtunes! personal attention! buttered noodles!) that we went back several times during our stay. Each visit was more magical than the next. Birdland is now one of her favourite places on the planet!

^^^ Lenny gets up close and personal with the best and the brightest (and nicest) in NYC at Birdland. L - R, Christine Ebersole, Billy Stritch, Jim Caruso and Kenny Ascher.  Special thanks to Gianni Valenti, owner of Birdland, for taking Lenny under his wing. Seriously, these are some of the greatest memories ever, right here.

We saw the sights, including Barnum's Bones (DINOS!!!) and Lenny did a lot of "nature sketching" in Central Park.

I'd say seeing Stevie Wonder close out his Songs in the Key of Life tour at Madison Square Garden is a great "first concert" wouldn't you?  She was out of her seat dancing and asleep by intermission. So it was kind of perfect.

By the end of the trip, Lenny was convinced that she was, in fact, Eloise. Not one to discourage this kind of thinking, we had to come home with a full Eloise costume, naturally.  A few more updates from the trip to come...

Remembering Allen Toussaint

I took these photos at a performance Allen Toussaint gave at the Toronto Jazz Festival in 2010. I last saw him not performing, but attending Satchmo Summer Fest this past August. He looked to be in excellent health, was as stylish and charming as ever. So sad he had to leave us this soon.

New Orleans and the music community will feel this loss acutely. Listening to the tunes helps though, doesn't it?

Two indisputable classics:





Getting all funky on some Guaraldi in 1970:



Schooling us on Professor Longhair on the BBC in the mid 80's:



Allen and Elvis, Ascension Day (live):

For Joni and for your weekend.

Joni Mitchell, signing her first recording contract. Photo by Ed Thrasher

Joni Mitchell's recent health trouble has launched a flurry of appreciations for her genius online. I go through one or two "Joni phases" every year where nothing but some time alone with Blue or Mingus will do.

Remember this scene from Love Actually?

Harry: What is this we're listening to? 

Karen: Joni Mitchell. 

Harry: I can't believe you still listen to Joni Mitchell. 

Karen: I love her. And true love lasts a lifetime. Joni Mitchell is the woman who taught your cold English wife how to feel. 

Harry: Did she? Oh, that's good. I must write her sometime and say thanks.

Yeah. We should have known this Harry character was trouble the minute he said he couldn't believe she still listened to Joni. 

Anyway, I fell down a bit of a Youtube rabbit hole recently watching some of Joni's live performances and these are my favourites. I think they'd make for some great listening this weekend.

Black Crow in concert in 1998. featuring Brian Blade on drums, Larry Klein on Bass, Mark Isham on trumpet and Greg Leisz on lap steel guitar. Holy crap. Brian Blade, man.



Goodbye Pork Pie Hat from the Shadows and Light DVD. That's Pat Metheny on guitar, Lyle Mays on Keys and Michael Brecker on Sax. And of course Jaco on bass. The connection Jaco and Joni have is delightful. This has to be my favourite. I can feel sunshine on my face when I listen to this.



Woodstock, 1970. Live on the BBC.



A Case Of You.



This is the crazy. The only thing better than this jam session might be listening to her talk about the the process before they all start to play. Herbie Hancock, Bobby McFerrin, Wayne Shorter, David Sanborn and Larry Klein. Joni's musicianship really shines through here. And I'm sorry, but is she chewing gum the whole time? I think she is.



Happy Weekend. xo

Latest Obsession: Dusting off the Vinyl

I'm not proud of myself when I stream music.  Being married to a musician I understand the financial downside the artists face all too well.  That said, it doesn't stop me.  The convenience and the selection are too good to just say no.  Especially when I'm working on my laptop.  I've been really busy these days and Rdio and Songza have been my constant companions.

Can I just take a moment and acknowledge how clever the curators at Songza are?  I'd like to high five whoever came up with the "Tea and Drake" playlist.

Anyway, I'm not fighting the tide on streaming, is what I'm trying to say.  But I'm also trying to bring a little balance to my listening universe by dusting off our vinyl and bringing it into the dining room.  Jim's had a turntable in his studio for years and we've listened on that sound system on occasion over the years, but it just wasn't the same as having your records out in the open, a part of the culture of your home.  I really want Lenny to understand and appreciate the act of picking out a record, putting it on and listening to it.  I want to have dinner parties where we listen to records.  I want to see them to remind myself that they exist and that it's important to take the time to sit and really listen to music.  I want to restore a little of my karma from all of this streaming I've been doing.

I'm really happy with the way this little corner in our dining room has turned out.  It feels right.

And yeah, I know it's just a portable little Crosley so all y'all gear heads can go ahead and calm down now.  It sounds just grand.

I've picked up one of these cute storage crates from Urban Outfitters to avoid the temptation to grab some milk crates at the grocery store and call it a day.  Although it may come to that some day.  I think they'd look pretty sweet spray painted gold.

You can check out my vinyl board on Pinterest for more inspiration!

Things I want to remember about June

Coming back home from a blissful May in New Orleans was kind of difficult.  Lucky for me June turned out to be more than a little alright.  Family, friends, music, celebrations.  Keep it up, Summer 2014!  A few really special things I don't want to forget...

This is indeed a right of passage for any Nolan girl.  Lucky for Lenny, Aunt Mo runs the Social Media initiatives for Silent Sundays at the Revue and just about the whole clan came out to join in the fun.  I've been sitting on the fence for years (for real, that's crazy) about what Lenny's first in house movie experience should be.  Buster Keaton's The Navigator was the perfect choice.  She's been playing Buster Keaton games for weeks. Success! Team Buster!

Aunt Paddy, who happens to also be the excellent film blogger Caftan Woman, chronicled the day here.  She says it better than I could.

Soul Rebels in the house, y'all!!!  My favourite brass band in the Tdot just a few weeks after I saw them in Nola?  Yes, please! Lenny showed them how she's been practicing her 504 chant.  She was a big hit.  They were on their way to Europe after this show and joked that they were going to take her with them.  Something tells me she'd be into that.

Elvis Costello played 2 1/2 hours of some of the most hauntingly beautiful music I've ever heard at Massey Hall on June 15th.  His endurance and musicianship and humanity...just wow.  Also, a rare date night with my BFF.  A perfect evening.

And then, there were the birthday celebrations.  Viv turned 2!  There was a wonderful backyard BBQ with great friends.

2 year old DAREDEVIL!

Lenny loves Sarah so much she literally says things like "I wish Sarah Sisko was wiping my mouth"

And yes...the glasses are fakes.  But she continues to wear them all the time :)

With Kath in her beautiful backyard and Desi AKA The Farmer's Only Daughter (Thanks for the pics Sarah!)

Then there was Céline's birthday party at the Jazz Bistro during the Oliver Jones show. I've already talked about how great the music was but the company was killer too.  I was so focussed on capturing the band with my camera I forgot to take any fun party pics.  Thanks to Rosemarie and Mo for these awesome shots.

Surprise!

With the birthday girl and the awesome and talented Rosemarie 

One of Lenny's besties, Sully Cooper turned 3 this month and he invited her to join him on a trip to Ripley's Aquarium.  It was amazing.  We adore Sully and his whole family.  It was a great day.  I didn't manage to get many pictures because they were total moving targets.  I Love their friendship.

Bring it, July... 

2014 Toronto Jazz Festival

It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks with some great music in Toronto.  I was thrilled to once again be able to cover the festival for Torontoist and work as an official staff photographer.  Here are my some of my favourite moments from this year's festival.

Gregory Porter.  Sublime!  He was mesmerizing, especially with the great tune, On my Way to Harlem.  It's gratifying to see a singer who is both an incredible musician and someone who has an understanding of "showmanship".  His command of the audience was singular.

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band.  Any time there's a Sousaphone, I'm happy.

The inimitable Dave Holland with his band PRISM featuring Kevin Eubanks on Guitar and my favourite drummer, Eric Harland.  Would love to seem him play in a more traditional trio setting again some day, or backing a horn player again (like he did with Terence Blanchard).  That said, these guys killed it.

Toronto's own Pat Labarbera at the Rex Hotel.  A reminder that there is world class music here all year round.  Standing room only, duh.

On the final night of the fest I was treated to an amazing performance by the Oliver Jones Trio.  Jim Doxas is a fantastic young drummer and Oliver?  Well, he's Oliver.  Perfection.  His rendition of Oscar Peterson's When Summer Comes and his Gershwin medley may or may not have driven me (and a certain sister) to tears.  The evening was only more magical because we were celebrating the birthday of my wonderful friend Céline.  It was great way to wind down the festival.

Last, but not least, the Robeau and his trio gave a wonderful performance at Snell Hall.  They sounded so great.  I couldn't be more proud.  It was so fun to watch Lenny dancing to her favourite songs.

Till next year Jazz Fest!

Latest Obsession: St. Vincent

I'm just nuts about St. Vincent's new album.  Can't get enough of it.  I've had Digital Witness on repeat for about a month.

Latest Obsession: Elvis Costello and The Roots

People, I can't stop listening to this record.  It's just so damn good.  I guess this punk / funk pairing might seem unlikely but the two sounds blend so nicely.  Elvis remains Elvis and The Roots are understated, sonically SO interesting and as funky as ever.  Questlove's drums are so up front there are moments that it feels like a duet between him and Elvis.  

There's so much to hear, each song is layered and complex.  It's hitting me on a gut level, I just can't get enough.

And here's a picture from the recording session taken by the amazing Sacha Lecca (who is the Photo Editor of Rolling Stone) and one of those photographer's whose work makes me a little itchy...a little jealous...in a good way.

Happy Birthday, Oscar Peterson

There is something about Oscar's solo piano intro to Tonight that has just always made me relax.  It's strange because it's so lightening fast, but every single time I hear it, I just sort of exhale and let the music wash over me.  How lucky we are to have his genius to enrich our lives.  Thank you, Caftan Woman, for buying me this record all those years ago.

And friends, if you're not already following Oscar Peterson Music on Facebook, run don't walk.

Latest Obsession: Picasso Baby

Go ahead and lean on that shit Blue, you own it.



Can't get enough of Jay Z's performance art film for Picasso Baby.  If this doesn't make Sandra Gering a giant superstar there is no justice.

Recorded 57 years ago.

Five ways to turn your Superbowl Party into a SuperGras Party

The Superbowl is one of those sporting events that even non-sports fans can get on board with.  Who doesn't like hanging out, drinking beer and eating chilli?  Personally, I really get on board when the Saints are playing but even though Who Dat? nation didn't have the best season this year we get to celebrate because Nola is hosting!  Any excuse to infuse a little of my home-away-from-home into my daily life! 

Read on for my tips to bring a little of the Big Easy to your easy chair this Sunday while you watch the big game!

1.  Tunes

Sure, the game is on, but if I were you, I'd turn the sound down and crank some of these Mardi Gras classics up.

James "Sugarboy" Crawford - Jock-O-Mo 

Professor Longhair - Big Chief

Louis Armstrong - King of the Zulus

The Dixie Cups - Iko Iko

The Meters - Mardi Gras Mambo

Kermit Ruffins and The Rebirth Brass Band - Mardi Gras Day

Now that I've got you started go find some Dr. John, some Fats Domino and some Harry Connick Jr. or just tune into the best radio station in the world, WWOZ.  They've got you covered.

2.  Cocktails

Pat O'Brien's Bar introduced the Hurricane at the 1939 World's Fair in New Orleans.  It's said that O'Brien created the cocktail as a means to get rid of the large amounts of rum his Southern distributors forced him to buy.  

Ingredients:

2 oz light rum
2 oz dark rum
2 oz passion fruit juice
1 oz orange juice
Juice of a half a lime
1 Tbsp simple syrup
1 Tbsp grenadine
Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Preparation:

Squeeze juice from half a lime into cocktail shaker over ice. Pour the remaining ingredients into the cocktail shaker. Shake well. Strain into a hurricane glass. Garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.

3.  Eats

The options are endless, but a great #SuperGras party wouldn't be complete without Fried Chicken and Red Beans & Rice (feel free to go to Popeye's) and then filter all of your domestic energy into making these homemade Pralines - this great recipe is courtesy The New Orleans School of Cooking.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 

3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed 

1/2 cup milk 6 tablespoons butter 

1 1/2 cups pecans 1 teaspoon vanilla

Preparation:

1. Combine all ingredients and bring to a “softball stage” (238-240 degrees F), stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

2. Stir until mixture thickens (again stirring constantly), becomes creamy and cloudy, and pecans stay suspended in mixture. Spoon out on buttered waxed paper, aluminum foil or parchment paper. When using waxed paper, be sure to buffer with newspaper underneath, as hot wax will transfer to whatever is beneath.

Note: To roast pecans, bake them on a sheet pan at 275 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, until slightly browned and fragrant.

Options: Praline sauce (add 1/2 cup corn syrup to mixture). Chocolate covered praline candy. Flavored pralines (chocolate, coffee, brandy, etc.)

Makes 1-50 pralines depending on size

4.  Activities

Crafts are a great way to keep the youngsters in your crowd occupied while you try to catch the half time show. Everyone needs a mask at Mardi Gras, so why not decorate some for #SuperGras?  You could cut some football shaped masks out of construction paper or go ahead and print out these great free printable masks available at the website Family Shopping Bag.

via Family Shopping Bag

5.  Finishing Touches

These wee cupcake toppers and flags would be equally at home on desserts as they would sliders, Muffulettas or other finger foods.  All you need is a colour printer, some toothpicks and some tape. 

Click here to download these super cute cupcake toppers from the good folks at Pizzazzerie

Pizzazzerie has also made these adorable Mardi Gras flags available for free here.

Last but not least, beads, beads, BEADS! As many as you can get your hands on to wear and share!

Lenny, after her first New Orleans parade, April 2011

Check out my Mardi Gras board on Pinterest for more inspiration!  Happy #SuperGras!