I am a classical violinist in a small baroque sinfonia, but I never walk away from a cookin' jazz/blues/swing jam. I also play from time to time in a classical trio, and I teach violin to students of all ages. I'm finally following an old dream and learning how to play the cello, and I'm LOVING IT!
After music, my other interests include working with at-risk kids, painting, collage and oil pastel resists, folk and outsider art, animals, urban architecture, scavenging flea markets, web design, museums, color....the feast never ends.
Music
Music is always playing in my head whether I'm listening to it or attempting to create it while practicing. Been listening lately to Astor Piazzolla's Primavera Porteno trio and practicing the violin part. Also currently in love with Mozart's mass in C minor, Bach unaccompanied cello suites, cello concertos by Haydn and John Garth, Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante for violin, viola & orchestra, several Haydn string quartets, Samuel Barber's violin concerto, and the Olympie Overture by Joseph Martin Kraus (the confusion of birth, the passion for life, the agony of death...it's all there)...
...and after the heavy stuff, there's Benny Goodman (really love his 1958 Brussels Fair concerts with Jimmy Rushing); Floyd McDaniel Live in Europe, Lavay Smith, Vassar Clements, Regina Carter, Van Morrison, Keith Jarrett's Koln concerts, Ethel String Quartet (Cantaloupe Music label; modern grit and dissonance, hard to walk away from), the Bluenote Swingtets, Randy Newman, Jeffrey Foucault, Jesse DeNatale, my daily dose of gypsy jazz, and Billy Taylor's 'Homage' (best enjoyed while kickin back in the grass on a sunny blue sky day)...
...and the crowing of the rooster next door, the tapping of the woodpecker in the eaves, and the hum of the wind in the wires at the top of the mountain.
It depresses me to know that I won't live long enough to hear all the music that has ever been composed.
Movies
La Strada, Time of the Gypsies, Amelie, The Stunt Man, Speaking in Strings, The Deer Hunter, Volver, The Red Violin, The Savages, Black Irish, The Kite Runner
Television
From the Top
Books
Good recent reads - Bel Canto, Dreams From My Father, Hotel Honolulu, Man and Boy, The Ruins of California, Screams from the Balcony, Up in the Old Hotel, Hard Laughter, The Soloist, The Secret Life of Bees, The Glass Castle, Meeting Luciano, Poisonwood Bible, The Piano Tuner, Musicophilia, Water for Elephants, Moloka'i, What My Heart Has Seen (great artwork by Tony Bennett), Principles of Violin Playing & Teaching (Ivan Galamian), latest issues of FOUND and SUN magazines
Heroes
My Dad for his magic, his music, his zest for life, and his courage and encouragement; my Mom for putting up with me while I evolved from knowing everything to knowing nothing, and for revealing what the lights in the window really meant; my husband for his good humor, for never criticizing me, and for making sure I stop to eat when things get crazy; my music teachers and my students, my mentors and my fellow musicians; my animals for all they have taught me, and all the rest of my family and friends who never cease to amaze and inspire me.
About me: I make my living with my violin, my paints and my brushes, my web design skills, and my knowledge of antiques. It's a very chaotic freelance lifestyle, but I couldn't live it any other way. If you'd like to see more of my artwork, please visit www.bigalsartgallery.com
For web design, check out www.big-alproductions.com
Who I'd like to meet: other artists and musicians; like-minded people on parallel journeys; anyone else with synesthesia
Glad you enjoyed the dove photo. Maybe you'll post some pic's of your also :) You must be coming into your spring/summer now. Have you started to plant anything yet? My tomatoes are coming along and some what a success. I think they could be thriving just a little more. Hope all is great in your world!
Thank you Big Al! I just posted a little blog about Mitchell's surgery. I hope this surgery will help him. He has been in a lot of pain. He has been trying very hard to do all the things he normally does, but the pain has been too much. I took your advice and took a moment for myself. I painted my dining room. Crazy, I know, but it's my therapy. :P Yes, not so relaxing. Thank you for thinking of us. Please keep Mitchell in your prayers. Hugs, :) L.
Thank you for thinking of us. It's been a while. It's my turn to get sick. I had the flu on Friday, followed by a cold and now strep throat. Ugh! Mitchell has doctor appointments and lab tomorrow. I think he has kidney stones, and bladder issues. But he seems more like his old self now, and he's back in school. My husband (Ian) and I surprised him yesterday. We got him a old violin. It's quite nice. It has a lot of character. A nice tone. The label reads 1922 Joseph Peluzzi (I think). I just took it in yesterday, new strings etc...Anyway, he loves it. He's still working on the Czardas. He still needs to improve the spiccato (poor guy) :P. He's trying so hard. Just doing his best. I'm very proud of him. He had a piano festival and now a string festival. It's a lot. I hope all is well on your end. What's new with you and yours? Are you painting? Have a wonderful week. :)Lezah
Thank you so much Big AL! YOU'RE amazing! I love you photos with the cello. Do you like Yo-yo ma? he's coming to perform at Davis. But too bad the tickets cost over $150 and I can't afford it! anyhow, I hope to see you a lot more in the future. We will definitely try to make a visit next time we're in town!
I'm so glad you found me! and I would love to visit next time I'm in town. It was so great to see you and Mighty Jimbo. Vy, Khanh, and I were just saying how you two are simply our hero...when I was younger I wasn't able to appreciate Art and Music like I do now. Wish you were around longer to teach me how to play violin, cello, piano and so much more! I'm learning the guitar and maybe we should have a jam session! great seeing you!
Happy New Year Big Al & family! I hope all is well. Mitchell has been pretty sick, so I've had my hands full this month. I wish you and yours all the best in the New Year and always. Cheers! :)ML.
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