London Jazz Festival 2009

Indeed, last week was London Jazz Festival, which was a real treat for me. I managed to see Jazz Voice with Kostya and girls and Madeleine Peyroux this Friday. Jazz voice was very educational in terms of history as well as modern jazz stars – it was almost a random choice of performance, which turned out to be the most star-filled one probably in the whole week. I was taken by the full orchestra accompanying the acts and the originality of arrangements. My favorites were Kurt Elling and Cibelle, since then got their albums Nighmoves and Cibelle which are becoming my new going-to-work-in-the-morning themes

This Friday went to hear Madeleine Peyroux who I discover earlier this year. Her velvety voice is like a blanket around you on a rainy gloomy day (which are so common in London).

In general it might sound extremely cheesy but I think that stories told in jazz are more true… same topics, same words but more true

London Jazz Festival

It's not an easy task being a man of culture. One has to find out what's going on in town and attend to different exhibitions, performances or events regardless of weather, health, busyness, etc.

That was the case with London Jazz Festival. On a tranquil Sunday evening my dear co-blogger was complaining to me about not going to any kind of concerts or performances lately. Therefore, to broaden our cultural horizons we decided to go to the Jazz Festival which conveniently has started this Friday 13th.

I can't talk for every one who went with us but personally I don't know much about jazz and am only familiar with major stars. The performance we went to is called Jazz Voice. It takes the audience through the history of jazz by introducing it to the work of artists from different countries and times.

All in all I can say that I am glad I was persuaded to come. It was a worthwhile experience that allowed me to do the things I like: enjoying the company of friends, having fun and being exposed to something I haven't experienced before. Thanks Natalia. 

P.S. I expect Natalia to write more about the event since she was very enthusiastic about it. However, if she doesn't lets not be harsh on her.

Remember, remember the 5th of November

The previous weekend was momentous for different cultural activities that we finally were able to visit and contemplate. But let me tell about everything in succession.

One of my good friends came to London on a rather short business trip. Despite of her busyness, however we were able to have lunch in Joseph to catch up. I took my co-blogger Natalia with me. And since the girls haven't seen each other for nearly a year they were doing most of the talking while I could relax and enjoy my meal :) Oh boy, they talked a lot...about life, job, relatioships and other girlie stuff.

After this we went to the bonfire and fireworks. As you might know the 5th of November is Guy Fawkes night celebrating the disclosure of the the plot, during which an effigy of Fawkes is burned, often accompanied by various fireworks displays in the UK. The one we went to was held in Battersea Park. It was the first time I went to that part of London across the Albert Bridge. Well, surprisingly for me is turned to be very lovely site which I didn't expect from south London except for the crowds of people who turned for the event.

The Bonfire itself was splendid. It reminded me of those time when catalytic burning was in use. Although we didn't manage to but alcohol due to the queue the heat from the fire warmed us... That makes me think executions involving fire during winter time were the most popular.

The firework display was also great. The combination of music and fireworks really works for the drunk masses. Nothing else comes to my mind.... And I'm skyping which is terrible due to bad connection, so I'll finish here till the next post...

PS. Have seen 2012 and The Christmas Carol... While the first one is a funny mix of The Day After Tomorrow and Poseidon which lasts two and a half hours and is a bit unbearable without snack or drinks, the second is a rather cool successor of The Polar Express!

Unfortunately, most of my life is now happening within weekends space, as weekdays are dominated by work, sports and an occasional catch up with friends… last weekend was quite rich for cultural pleasures, I guess I leave Saturday to my other blog-half who I think should manage to fiddle with pictures from our meeting with The Other Friend and most importantly Bonfire and fireworks, which I thought were really great.

Sunday culturally spent in Tate watching Turner, for a change we took audio-guide and in this case it made a difference. I really liked the exhibition, for a change it was nice to see real art with its depth and genius skill, and carefully collected exposition, so unlike the foolishness and shock of my beloved modern art.

Then watched 9, which was a bit dark, but generally I liked it


Also watched Men Who Stare at The Goats… deeply sarcastic and geniunly funny, but is an idiot-movie. I guess in the line with Burn After Reading, but unfortunately not as good, however similarly full of good names in it

Halloween and the aftermath

This Halloween was as awesome as the previous one when I wasn't able to attend Browns/Alexa Chung party in Soho but instead went to Raffles with a good friend of mine. Oh boy, what a night it was then and it hasn't dissapointed me this year.

For every person Halloween starts with the challenge to come up with the outfit. You can always go for those being sold in ordinary or theme stores. Or you can use a bit of imagination to create a costume of your own which me and my Friend decided to do. That day I went for the idea of trying on a man's skirt and tights so as to create my own interpritation of a Scotsman.... Well, you can see the result for youself.

This year our clubbing route went across Beach Blanket Babylon in Shoreditch - Lo Profile - Shadow Lounge - Jalouse. Apparently there was some kind of "factory" party in E1 area because we saw lots of people in white coveralls. Or industrial worker was simply the most popular character, who knows... Among other funny characters were almost naked devils, peacock-man, god-knows-who from 18th century.

Surprisingly, we even spotted one Jocker from the Dark Knight movie. Last year I thought it was only just a craze due to the movie being released that time. But it seems to me that someone has missed the opportunity to put on white makeup the previous year and decided to do it now.

The following day is not noteworthy. All I we did was hanging around Brick Lane and watching another "last film" with Heath Ledger. Some might despise it, some may praise. I am not an educated film critic but an ordinary viewer. All I can say is that i was quite surprised with Lily Cole' acting skill. She's not that bad after all =)

P.S. Have you noticed that same parks were decorated with pumpkins specially for Halloween?

Eat&Chill Weekend

This the weekend was truly lazy. Spent Saturday having a long lunch in our usual company – our Friend, Kostya and me… then a bit of shopping, and then I went boringly to eat more , this time, of home-cooked food and watch X Factor (no shame), the rest of the team went to celebrate Halloween … I expect a topical post from Kostya in the nearest future

Sunday went on Brick Lane, lazily scanned the market, didn’t get in the usual pizza place and end up in fast but well renowned Leon – loved the unrefined rice….

Then watched Imaginarium… didn’t do it for me … с одним знакомым дали оценку – « Ух, но не ах» - добавить нечего…