Satyagraha

Another Philip Glass opera -

Phillip Glass - Satyagraha [English National Opera, London, 2007]

Philip Glass’s landmark 1980 work, set to text from the ancient Sanskrit scripture the Bhagavad Gita, is a moving account of Mahatma Gandhi’s formative experiences in South Africa, which transformed him into a great leader. For the opera’s Met premiere, director Phelim McDermott and designer Julian Crouch (artistic directors of London’s provocative Improbable theater company) use adventurous, improvisational puppetry, achieved by the Skills Ensemble, a brilliant team of aerialists, to illuminate this formative period in Gandhi’s life and work. Tenor Richard Croft brings his crystalline timbre and musical finesse to Glass’s gently unfolding, chant-like music.

Satyagraha is a co-production of the Met and English National Opera, in collaboration with Improbable.

Three Aspects Of America

Three resonant songs -

Nina Simone - Mississippi Goddam

Simon & Garfunkel - America

Bruce Springsteen - American Skin (41 Shots)

For all my American friends I hope that all the divisions in your country will heal in the new year.

ENJOY

Good Morning

Birthday Greetings Wanderpity

Today I am sending out birthday greetings to wanderipity.

May you have a wonderful day.

Profits Before People

The c**ts at that German-owned Arriva bus company here in Kent have decided - due to lack of passengers - to cancel their 333 service from Faversham to Sittingbourne from the first Monday of the new year. In fact, beauty_forashes knows them very well as they are just as bad in Germany.

Well you idiots, it was due to COVID that passenger numbers fell. When this shambolic government want more people to use public transport you bastards do the opposite. So tell me, those people who live in Ospringe or nearby Abbey School and rural area in between, how will they be able to travel now?



Admittedly there is the Stagecoach number 3 bus but none go along the main road except one in the morning and mid-afternoon for the school run. So it means getting a bus from Lower Road into town to get one to Sittingbourne or walk to the rail station. Elderly people will not be able to do this. So thank you Arriva - fuck off and feel ashamed.

The Wednesday Music Selection

More musical meanderings -


Cat Power - Troubled Waters

John Fahey - America

Bill Frisell - Gimme a Holler

Don Caballero - The Peter Criss Jazz

ENJOY

This Is What New Years Eve Becomes

Universe

And finally, some soothing ambient music to unravel the year and to cope with these times -

Laraaji - Universe

from "Essence/Universe" (Audion Recording Co), released in 1987.

Enjoy

Good Night