November 7, 2007

• Swing Swing Swing !!!

  

  In honor of Veteran's Day, the folks at Swing Time are hosting a swing dance at the Gulfport Casino in Gulfport, Florida. Featuring The 10 O'Clock Band, an 18-piece live swing orchestra, the doors open at 8pm with free dance lessons from 8-9pm. Then, its early 40's swing until 1am. Admission is $12pp. There's a full bar, door prizes and free parking. WWII era clothing is encouraged. See the link below for more details. Wally and the gang will be there. Hope to see you there! Check out www.swingtime.info for more details

Nothing to wear? Check out the Zoot Suit Store at www.zootsuitstore.com and get yourself some hep and flashy duds.

I'm also pleased to announce a few playlist changes - the first in many months. Absent are a few tunes I felt were getting "just a little" too stale. I've filled in the blanks with the works of some new featured artists - Jazzmen Tea, and Fog City Stompers out of California. Renowned jazz banjoist John Convery, member of both ensembles, was kind enough to send me a bundle of their work, most of which I have added to the absintheradio playlist. Be sure and listen for these very impressive works, a mixture of catchy originals with a great vintage flavor, and some familiar jazz standards. A very special thanks to John, the Jazzmen and the Stompers for sharing their music! Check out John's site @ www.banjojazz.com

May 1, 2007

• The End of Absinthe Radio? ...yes, if you don't act fast.

The future of Internet radio is in immediate danger. Royalty rates for webcasters have been drastically increased by a recent ruling and are due to go into effect on May 15 (retroactive to Jan 1, 2006!). If the increased rates remain unchanged, the majority of webcasters like me will go bankrupt and silent on this date. Internet radio needs your help! H.R. 2060, The Internet Radio Equality Act was introduced by Representatives Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Donald Manzullo (R-IL ) to save the Internet radio industry. Please call or write your congressperson immediately and ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 2060 by visiting www.savenetradio.org

 

April 8, 2007

• Happy Easter

 

January 15, 2007

• Daguerreotype

  

"Dear Wally, I've been listening for a while to Absinthe Radio and I love it! I really like the new site you made and I smiled when you described the images as "daguerreotype like ghosts." I'm a Daguerreotypist and I thought even before reading the news entry that the images on the "About" page were quite Daguerreotype-like! After you develop a daguerreotype and before you place it in chemicals to clear the undeveloped silver away, the plate has very weird blue/green/purple tones all over it like the one in the picture I attached. Sincerely, Jonathan." www.shinyphotos.com

• Anachronophobia

Yes, I invented that word. It's good to invent new words. I do it all the time. It used to drive my English teachers nuts. They'd say, 'that's not a word, you made that up.' ...I'd say, 'yes but since you know what I meant by it, the word is therefore very legitimate and satisfies an inadequacy in our language.' Every word was invented by somebody; they didn't just fall out of the sky.

(a·nach·ro·no-foh-bee-uh) - noun

1. A persistent, irrational fear of something or someone that is not in its correct historical or chronological time, esp. a thing or person that belongs to an earlier time, or situation that leads to a compelling desire to avoid it.
2. Strong aversion or objection to an error in chronology in which a person, object, event, etc., is assigned a date or period other than the correct one.

Here's an example from one of our listeners:

Q: "Dear Absinthe Radio, What does 1940s film score music have to do with vintage 20s-30s jazz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!? I wish you wouldn't include it in your playlist. Sincerely, Dennis."

A: "Dear Dennis, Thanks for your feedback and suggestions, and for listening to Absinthe Radio. Actually, the 1940's film score music I include in the playlist has many roots in the 1930s.

The Big Sleep was written in 1939, and is set in 1930's Los Angeles. Even though the film was not made until 1946, it has cultural and artistic relevance to the period in which the original work was written. It also happens to be a great film score. If you're a Raymond Chandler fan, as I am, perhaps the relevance is more obvious. If you haven't read The Big Sleep, I highly recommend it. It's one of the greatest works of American fiction.

As for To Have and Have Not, written in 1937, here again, even though the film was not made until 1944, there is much relevance to the period of the original work.

Both of these films featured music written in the 1930s, some of which I include in my playlist in the form of the original recorded works. Modern enthusiasts of these films will appreciate this, perhaps not realizing that much of the music was from the 1930's and not the 1940's. Original audiences would certainly have picked up on this, as at the time of their release, the theme of the films was already nostalgic. Hoagie Carmichael also stars in the later film, whose contribution to early jazz is unquestionable, and whose music features prominently in our playlist.

It the end, the tracks you're referring to represent a very small percentage of the playlist, so it's hard for me to image them being very objectionable, notwithstanding explanation. Nonetheless, I appreciate your comments and hope that I've enlightened you a little as to the reasons for their inclusion. Incidentally, I also include music recorded prior to 1920. Part of our mission at Absinthe Radio, aside from showcasing the greatness of 20's and 30's culture and music in and of itself, is to highlight both its origins and influences, which provides a broader context for understanding its relevance and significance.

Sincerely, Wally Stephens."

December 1, 2006

• Happy Holidays & Peace on Earth!

  "War is over, if you want it." John Lennon

November 1, 2006

• Wally Goes Midwest

  Not able to think of any better way to spend a brisk, autumn weekend, we swung on up to Columbus to watch the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes crush Minnesota 44-0. Sadly, I was not able to get in to watch John Stewart who happened to be taping a pre-election episode of the Daily Show on campus, though a rare pre-game photo-op with Brutus proved to be the highlight of my year. Yep, that's me, Wally Stephens (Buckeye by marriage) with Brutus. Go Bucks!

  Don't forget to exercise your important duty and privilege as a citizen by voting in the upcoming November 7th elections.

September 25, 2006

• What's Nouveau?

You may have noticed that the website has a bold new look. Hopefully it loads up seamlessly to all your various browser platforms without any glitches. If not, please let me know so I can correct any misalignments and the like. Borrowing key themes and elements from the original, catchy design, my goal was to punch things up just a bit with a decidedly Art Nouveau flair. I've been tinkering and tweaking for a while now, and things have slowly started to come together. I always admired the look of the old site, and hated to fix a thing that "ain't broke", but it seemed time for a change. I didn't want to rush things and botch the job, so the metamorphosis has been a long time in the making.

I had a general idea of how I wanted the new site to look; a sort of Mardi Gras black light poster best viewed without any lights on, just the green and purple glow of the monitor projecting weird, daguerreotype like ghosts, something entrancing to gaze at while you're sipping an absinthe, listening to the music of a bygone era, contemplating its continued relevance and enduring appeal. I hope you enjoy the new scenery, along with the 40 some-odd hours of new music that's been added to the playlist so far this year. If not, drop me a line to report any dead links, glitches, typos and the like... or, if you just plain hate the new one and want the old site back, that's fine too. Your suggestions and comments are always welcome at Absinthe Radio. Thanks to Vaz for the original designs and concepts.

September 1, 2006

• Wally goes West

If you're in the Colorado Springs area (about 70 miles south of Denver), don't miss the Omelette Parlor. Okay, first of all, this used to be Ruth Etting's house, you know... Cigars, Cigarettes. So, I'm sitting there enjoying one of the best breakfasts I've ever had, when someone says, "say bub, did you know this used to be Ruth Etting's house?" Hubba hubba. Okay, the story goes like this. When she was 17, Ruth moved to Chicago to attend art school. She later got a job designing costumes at a night club. One night the tenor got sick and since she was the only one who could sing low enough, she took his place, and landed a job in the chorus. By 1918 she was one of the club's featured vocalists. It was there she met Moe "The Gimp" Snyder, a wanna-be gangster who took over management of Ruth's career and married her in 1922.

After her New York success, she moved to Los Angeles and had roles in a number of films including Roman Scandals with Eddie Cantor. There are conflicting stories about the scandal that virtually ended her career. It seems the marriage between Ms. Etting and The Gimp was loveless from the beginning, and they were divorced in 1937. While in Los Angeles she began working with famous composer Myrl Alderman, and they soon fell in love. In 1938, The Gimp forced his way into Ruth's house and shot Alderman, wounding him. Apparently the Gimp wasn't a very good shot for a Chicago gangster. The subsequent trial put a halt to her career, although she did make some appearances in 1947. Ruth and Myrl married and retired to Colorado Springs, building a house together at 900 East Fillmore Street. The movie version of her life story, "Love me or Leave Me", with Jimmy Cagney and Doris Day, was apparently highly fictionalized, but worth a look.

Who knew? The Etting-Alderman house opened in 1984 as the Omelette Parlor, serving up the best AM grub east of the Rockies. I highly recommend their frisbee-sized pancakes, and the "Antlers' Roast". Another great one is the "Alamo". Have a look-see at their menu, and don't forget to check out the Ruth Etting wall on the way to the WC. Hats off to Ruth, and to the Omelette Parlor folks for keeping this little piece of musical history alive and well, and for doing it with such good taste. This is another must-see attraction on the Absinthe Radio history trail.

 

July 1 2006

• Viva L'Absinthe !

  Jean-Michel Bergougnoux, Chef-Owner of L'Absinthe Brasserie at 227 E 67th treated us to a most remarkable evening last week in Manhattan. While I am no connoisseur of fine cuisine, I know it when I taste it. Chef Bergougnoux's creations inspired me with the idea that while eating is something we all of necessity must do, experiencing the art of food is a rare delight that awakens our imagination and makes us feel alive. If only every meal could be as satisfying. I lack the technical expertise to critique his work with the appropriateness it deserves, but I will give you my best impression. First, Lemon Marinated Calamari served with a Trilogy of Cold Vegetable Coulis - Zucchini, Black Beans, Tomato. This little treat was perfect for a hot, sticky New York summer day. If I could choose but one word to describe it, it would be 'refreshing.' Reminiscent of gazpacho and topped with a zesty lime foam, the tender, flavorful bits of squid were accompanied perfectly in this dish. Next came the Mini Bruschetta with Spinach, Marinated Anchovies, Soft Boiled Quail Eggs and American Caviar. Here again, the freshness and delicacy of the seafood balanced so well with the smooth, earthiness of the vegetable. Next came a special, a rare medallion of tuna of the highest quality served with a reduced Spanish wine cream sauce, exotic mushrooms and a delicate potato pancake. For me, this is where the fireworks really started going off. The balance of textures, flavors and portions was perfect and exacting. I found myself peering into the kitchen, wanting to catch a glimpse of the sorcery going on back there. It was getting late and Jean-Michel bid us a fond bon soir, but not before send us his Duo of Rabbit Loin & Leg Confit in Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Tappenade with Artichoke Barrigoule. This was my first time tasting rabbit, and I'm grateful that it was at Jean-Michel's table. It was absolutely delicious, and although I've had it many times before, I can honestly say that this was also my first time tasting artichoke. On to dessert. As expected, the Soufflé was nothing like we'd ever tasted, and the Chocolate Mirror was... well, it was as one would expect of a chocolate dish in a fine French restaurant - only better. The service was effortless and graceful to the person, on-par with the very best restaurants and upscale cruise lines I have had the pleasure of dining with. Christian, Robert and Malika were all such warm and accommodating hosts. Regrettably, I could not get everyone's name who attended to us, but all were consummate professionals, never missing a step. Never have I been so thoroughly satisfied with a dining experience. I can't wait for my next trip to New York to see what Jean-Michel will conjure up next.

  As for the establishment itself, if you have ever wondered what it must have been like to while away l'heure verte in a Parisian Cafe during the absinthe heyday, this is it. The authentic, Art Nouveau decor sets the perfect, romantic stage for Jean-Michel's dramatic, contemporary cuisine, striking a skillful balance between old and new. From the very tile under your feet to the chandeliers over your head, this is the real deal. The bar too is a centuries-old antique brought over from Paris. I chuckled, imagining what the shipping and handling charges must have been on that puppy. Undoubtedly, more than a few glasses of authentic absinthe passed over its solid zinc top. Peeking around the rest of the joint, one can catch a glimpse of other authentic absinthe relics tucked discretely in the corners; fountains, glasses, utensils and, of course, plenty of vintage poster art. In the end, I couldn't resist the temptation to uncork my hipflask and spike my champagne with some Edouard 72 for a quick, Death in the Afternoon before saying au revoir. It required a David Blaine-like slight of hand to evade the notice of the attentive wait staff; after all, I was suddenly drinking green champagne, but it just seemed a crime to not drink an absinthe in a place like this. I had to wonder if I was the first, but somehow doubted it.

  When you're in New York, go and dine with Jean-Michel at L'Absinthe 227 East 67th St (btw 2nd & 3rd Ave) on Manhattan's fashionable upper east side. It's a rare treat for lovers of Absinthe nostalgia and fine French cuisine alike. Who knows, if enough of you go to dine with him, maybe Chef Bergougnoux will be inspired to invent an absinthe dish or cocktail just for Absinthe Radio fans, using Pernod's licorice liqueur instead of the genuine stuff, of course. I wouldn't put it past him. He has certainly shown himself to be a thoughtful and generous friend, as well as a remarkably talented master of cuisine. Please, go and dine with him, and be sure and tell him that Absinthe Radio sent you. You'll be glad you did. Click on their link below and make a reservation today !

31 June 2006

• Happy 4th of July !

  This holiday weekend, Absinthe Radio recognizes our brave men & women in uniform who serve our country at home, and especially abroad. We wish them all a safe and speedy return. We also give a special salute to Frank Johanning, Seaman 1st Class USN (ret.) who passed away this month at his Florida home. Frank was born in New Jersey in 1924 and served in the navy during World War II. He survived a German u-boat attack off the Atlantic coast, and an extensive tour of the south Pacific islands as a PBY beach crewman with Fleet Air Wing 10. He had a passion for automobiles and photography, and was a great lover of 20's & 30's jazz. He especially liked Dorsey's "Hold Tight" and many of Al Jolson's numbers. Absinthe Radio has added a permanent tune to the playlist called "Barnacle Bill the Sailor" in his honor. It will play this weekend back-to-back with "Hold Tight", Jolson's "Tell That To The Marines" and a number of other patriotic numbers in celebration of July 4th. Frank is survived by his wife of 59 years, his daughter, and his 2 grandsons, Erich and Wally Stephens. He will be layed to rest on Monday, July 3rd with traditional Irish bagpipes and military honors. As the Duke would say, "I refuse to say goodbye. Au revoir is the word". So it's au revoir, François, until we see you again.

15 June 2006

• Music Maestro!

  Absinthe Radio topped 36 hours of continuously streaming music this month with over 700 tracks. Substantial recent additions to the playlist include many selections from the works of Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke and Fletcher Henderson. My fellow film noir fans out there may have recognized 2 Carmichael tracks from Bogie & Bacall's, To Have & Have Not (1944). The tracks, How Little We Know and Hong Kong Blues represent a couple of anachronistic tunes in the list, that is, they were recorded after 1939, but I've bent the rules in a few places. If any of you know and love a Michael Palin / Terry Gilliam film called, Time Bandits (1981), you may recall a scene where the bandits perform an impromptu stage routine for Napoleon Bonaparte. I am pleased to announce that the song they perform, a Whispering Jack Smith number called, Me and My Shadow also debuts in our playlist. It cracks me up every time I hear it, though I have to say, I am partial to David Rappaport's rendition. I didn't realize the tune was a jazz age original, and nearly fell of my chair when I stumbled on it. Jimmy Dorsey's, The Love Bug will Bite You if You Don't Watch Out is another fun one I can remember from Hal Roach's Saturday morning Little Rascal re-runs. And then, of course, there's Dorsey's, I Love to Sing-A, which you classic cartoon fans out there may have recognized from the 1936 Warner Bros. cartoon of the same title, the song in that being performed by "Owl Jolson". How funny is that? Keep listening for more additions, and enjoy the show!

  05 June 2006

• ...testing, testing. Is this thing on?

  Okay yes, it's official. Wally is on the air - well, online anyway. The website transfer took a little longer than expected, but it's finally a done deal. Over the next few weeks I plan to revamp things, so be on the lookout for more regular site updates and changes. One of the things I want to mention, and something you listeners may have picked up on, is a greater emphasis on New Orleans Dixieland Jazz. This is not coincidence. When Vaz handed his remarkable station over to me, Hurricane Katrina and the destruction of New Orleans was front page news. As soon as I had control of the Absinthe airwaves, I started building New Orleans Dixieland into the playlist as a tribute to that city's immense historical contributions to Jazz and Absinthe culture alike. I plan on expanding this theme. The Hurricane is long gone, but what happened to New Orleans - and is still happening there, is unforgivable. We cannot and must not forget the debt we owe New Orleans as a nation. The current political climate has not been, shall we say, very conducive to the manifestations of humanity, charity and good will which have been necessary for the salvation of New Orleans. This is not to diminish the efforts of those who have given so much, but how long our neglect continues is up to us. In the meantime, she lives on through her eternal music. Hopefully, there's a sunny side of the street for New Orleans around the corner, but anyone who has been there lately will tell you that many parts of it still lay in ruins, appearing as if the Hurricane just blew through yesterday. This doesn't seem fair or equitable when you consider we're currently spending an estimated $195 million tax dollars per-day on the war in Iraq. Imagine if we had spent that on the Gulf Coast in the months after Katrina? Essentially, the question is a spiritual one, not a political one. Whatever our respective political views, how could we have let this happen? I'll be playing lots of New Orleans Dixieland in the months ahead, ...in poetic protest. Please give these ideas some thought the next time you hear the great sounds of Armstrong and Oliver and Morton, and ask yourself, what would they be thinking about what has happened to their city? I suppose they would have shared many of the same sentiments as those of the great Wynton Marsalis, a New Orleans native who has been outspoken on this subject. His eloquent words have been truly resounding, and speak as much to the national crisis' we collectively face, as to those of New Orleans itself. If you haven't had the pleasure of hearing him speak, I urge you to seek out his words. They are as lyrical and as passionate as his music, which I am also proud to feature in our playlist. In particular, please listen for his rendition of "Tom Cat Blues" off of "Mr. Jelly Lord, Standard Time Vol six". Wynton recorded this one on vintage recording equipment. The performance is contemporary, but the equipment it was captured on was vintage. The result is truly trickerating. If you didn't know otherwise, you'd swear it was an authentic recording from the 1920's. It really busts your knock. More later....

• Transfer in progress!

• WALLY in the BIG APPLE
  
  Calling all Manhattan bugs & Absintheurs!!!! Wally Stephens here, your nouveau-M.C. of green fairy boogie woogie.
  
  I'll be down at The Cajun Restaurant tomorrow, Feb 20, (129 8th Ave – at 16th Street) checking out Kevin Dorn’s Traditional Jazz Collective – and some truly trickerating Cajun cuisine. The group features clarinet, saxophone and trombone, and plays in the tradition of Fats Waller, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong and Eddie Condon, with a sound all their own. They go on tomorrow night (Mon. February 20) at 8pm. Check out cajunjazz.com for dates and details.
  

  On Wednesday night (Feb 22nd) l'll be down in the Village at Arthur's Tavern, 57 Grove Street to hear John Parker. Johnny recorded with Sykes, singer Etta Jones, Gatemouth Moore, Sy Oliver, and stepped in for Cat Anderson in Duke Ellington's band. In the 1950s, Parker gigged with Sonny Rollins and Thelonious Monk, and in the 1970s, with pianist Brooks Kerr and famed drummer Sonny Greer. Tasty's credentials continue: he played with Harry Connick, Jr. at the Algonquin Hotel, and with Terri Thornton for the house jazz band at the Casa Bella Restaurant in Little Italy. For details, visit arthurstavernnyc.com.
  
  See you there !

  Wally

• After many agonizing months of benign neglect, I am more than happy to introduce Wally Stephens, Absinthe Radio's new big cheese. Wally really knows his onions, so get ready to see and hear some amazing things. I bet you might even get an addition or two to the playlist!
  
  OK enough static from me. I'll beat it and let the man himself spill. Take it away, Wally!
  
  Central, Gimme Harlem, 4-9-4...
  
  Hello bugs & Absintheurs, Wally Stephens here, your nouveau-M.C. of green fairy boogie woogie. Now before Vaz cuts out for good-like, we need to recognize him as the original Felix Rex, the one who turned all your Gateways into gramophones, your Compaqs into Crosleys. It's easy to take that sort of magic for granted on this side of the mic, but it takes real vision, passion and dedication to dream it up and pull it off on the other side. You've really got your boots on, Vaz, and we all appreciate your work - every time we tune in.   
  
  When Vaz invited me to step into the Absinthe Radio booth to take over his airwaves, it was a little like stepping into a shadowy absinthe bar in the French Quarter. I wasn't really sure what I was getting myself into, but I instantly dug the alluring suspense. While I continue to learn my way around the station, Vaz is fast becoming a good friend and mentor. Along with his friendship, he has given me something great - a chance to turn something wonderful into something spectacular. I'm flattered and honored by the opportunity, and am looking forward to sharing the experience with all of you along the way.
  
  As for me, that's not important right now. More about me later. Suffice it to say that, like Vaz, my own affinity for Jazz age sound and culture is bona-fide, and that like Vaz, I have my own unique but similar vision of the station. Don't worry; it's still midnight-black and hallucinogenic-green. Rest easy, lots of new and groovy things are in the works behind the curtains. So kick back and stir up a good louche - or whatever jitter sauce you prefer. Our verdant muse has been putting together some really swell jams that'll really bust your conk.
  
  Au revoir, for now, and remember, "Absinthe makes the tart grow fonder". 
  
  Wally Stephens