Across the Universe with Eddie


Just saw "Across the Universe", a film made using the Beatles songs, symbolism and footage from the era. The best known actor, at least to me, was Eddie Izzard. This guy can do this with his eyes closed, as they say. Everything he does is just perfect for the situation. This particular scene would have been difficult for another actor. He is perfectly cast. Bravo.

The rest of the film was an emotional rollercoster ride: Expectant good times fold under the weight of war, death and destruction, then love saves the survivors. The storyline includes insinuations of personages the 60's and 70's incuded, like Janis Joplin, Jimmy Hendrix, Yoko Ono, Jerry Garcia. The singing voices were expert, making it easy to hear someone other than Paul or John singing their own tunes. The psychedelic colours reflected the hallucinogenic factors of the drug world. Ken Keasey made an appearance and we almost got to see Timothy Leary.

I read a lot about these subjects last year and got more out of the film knowing what it meant, so it's probably too weird for the mainstream youngsters of today to appreciate. My son was interested in the drug scene back then (crap) but it was a good plaform for discussion. There seems to be so much less of a drug problem, now, but maybe I see it that way because I went to art school :)

Orianthi

Remember my blog about Darren Hayes? (just below) Well, standing in line there at the Hollywood Borders, Christine London and I met Orianthi, an Austalian singer that plays guitar. Her mother was with her and turned out to be a romance writer, on hiatus. Christine invites her mother, Susanne, to a Los Angeles Romance Author's meeting with us, while I enjoy my wait with Orianthi, talking about music.

The following weekend Susanne shows for the meeting! She has brought me a gift...Orianthi's new CD. I am trilled and touched. I place the CD in a player and am transported! I cry. I haven't heard this kind of music since Joe Satriani, or is it Santana? How can someone so young play like this? It is so pure, clear and expressive. I rush to her MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/orianthi and see an informative slide show about her career. This is more than music! It is an journey. Oh wait... that's the name of the CD, Violet Journey. My favourite track is titled "Wouldn't Change a Thing" and the truth is, I woudn't change a thing about Orianthi!

One more picture? How about this one with Steve Vai. Some of you may know that he played with Frank Zappa who insisted on technical genius from his band members. Steve delivered. A year or so ago Steve toured with Joe Satriani, a mega favourite of mine. Orianthi is in good company with this crowd!


I urge you to go see her MySpace and listen to her music - and her soul.