John Shand Posts
March 17, 2015 / Concert Reviews - Archive

Toumani & Sidiki Diabate

  City Recital Hall, March 3 As has happened for countless generations, Toumani Diabate learned the kora from his father, Sidiki, and, in turn, taught his eldest son, also Sidiki. No one knows exactly how many centuries old the kora is, but what is undeniable is that all the accumulated…

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March 11, 2015 / Theatre Reviews - Archive

Geraldine Turner: Turner’s Turn

Hayes Theatre, February 22 Starting a cabaret show with Rose’s Turn from Gypsy is certainly a statement. Larger than life and built for belting Ethel Merman-style, this emotional big dipper shouts at the audience, “Hey! Listen! Where most people end their shows is where I begin!” Daring to test one’s…

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March 5, 2015 / Album Reviews - Archive

The Microscopic Septet album

Manhattan Moonrise (Cuneiform) The past is a big place filled with music. Some players cling to it like a security blanket; others fool themselves that they can invent new sounds out of thin air. The smart ones use the past as a resource: an infinite library from which to steal…

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