JACOB.......UNBELIEVABLE! HOW DID HE DO THIS?

Now here's a video that had me transfixed. It features the phenomenally multi talented

Jacob Collier literally teasing and musically manipulating The San Francisco Symphony

Orchestra into creating something from nothing along with the help of his audience.

And yet somehow his musical experiment comes together towards the end with a tune

that many of us will be familiar with. But it was the way that the experiment unfolded

that had me gripped. It showcased his sheer talent and his command over the entire

orchestra, not to mention his knowledge of each and every musical instrument in

that orchestra.

I only stumbled upon this video by chance when visiting Ilona's Blog with a post aptly

titled 'Genius.'

Below are some pictures I took of Jacob aged 16 back in 2012 when he was invited to play at

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Party in the Park here in Hampstead before big time fame

kicked in, and before those well deserved 7 Grammy Awards came his way.

Jacob's YOUTUBE  &  INSTAGRAM  plus  TIKTOK

A LANDMARK BIRTHDAY IS APPROACHING

This year marks a landmark Birthday for me. Even I can't believe it's happening. But then

I have had a year to mentally prepare for it as I think we all do when moving into a new

decade.

I remember leaving my teen years at 19 and dreading entering my twenties. But even worse

was when I was 39 and about to turn 40. But this year's approaching Birthday is going to

overshadow them all.

And to celebrate this landmark I'm planning on making a video that's going to require

a lot of willpower and physical commitment starting with a fitness regime over several

weeks building up to the actual video.

We do have some local sports greens near where I live but now with limited public

exercise equipment, but I'll just make do with what I can find. And that's where I'll make

the video.

And as with all projects I can already see the finished product in my head. It's just a question

of committing myself and carrying it out.

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WHEN I FIRST STARTED BLOGGING

This year almost marks 20 years since I myself and many others discovered that new digital

phenomenon Google Blogger. And many chose to start up their own Blogs.

I started my first one in late 2006 and early 2007. In fact I wasn't even sure at the time what

to blog about. But by 2008 I found my niche with my most successful blog and it was a fun ride

for 2 years until I burnt out due to daily blogging addiction. But I'm pleased to say that this

blog Chrysalism is now in it's 9th year.

Below are some pictures of me that were taken around the time when I was toying with the

idea of starting my first Blog around late 2006 early 2007.

 

Serge...You're Under Arrest

Following on from my recent posts on French musician Serge Gainsbourg I thought

that I'd post up another one of his Paris concert performances.

The late eighties seemed like a fruitful period and I absolutely loved his music from

the movie 'Goodbye Emmanuel' which I bought on vinyl.

Often declared a musical genius as well as an artist that seemed to enjoy courting

controversy, he actually seemed like the most unlikely pop star with his uncoordinated

stage movements. But Parisians loved him. And he did have the knack of surrounding

himself with some fine musicians.

VIDEO UPLOADED TO YOUTUBE BY laramade 1959

Some People Are Happier Being Alone

Here's a fascinating stop motion short animation film by Lili Giacobino that comes with

a social message.

It portrays an introverted character that prefers his own company at peace in his own quiet

natural surroundings. And as the character says in the short video, perhaps we live in a society

where social interaction is imposed on us. And I can fully understand the message here.

Perhaps 20 years ago my own space here in my studio flat was the hub of social activity

where I endured the dramas of other people's lives, the constant phone calls demanding that

I show up at yet another party or social gathering. But I think with age now I don't miss any

of it. Maybe I'm starting to feel like the character in this short video because I revel in my

own peaceful surroundings which has become my creative sanctuary.

Interestingly just as the closing titles show up on this video we see the production's creator

Lili Giacobino setting up the cottage and the whole mini film set, showing how it was all

put together.

HAPPIER ALONE BY LILI GIACOBINO

LILI GIACOBINO ON YOUTUBE

LILI DESIGNS

Korean Lights

I was pleased to receive this beautiful traditional Korean lamp just the other week

through e-bay.

And coming from South Korea it took a while to get here. I have in the past made one or

two Asian lamps, but these kind of lamps are made by true craftsmanship and are not

so easy to emulate. Interestingly the lamp came with an overpowering bright bulb so

I changed it to a low wattage 15 watt bulb, the type you have in a fridge or oven.

And so now it gives off a nice warm glow.

Below is a traditional Korean house called a Hanok which represents a significant

side of Korea's residential culture and architectural heritage.

I photographed this at the Korea stand when I last visited The British Museum.

Danny Rampling....He'll Lift You Up

I was pleased to stumble across this video a while back. It was put out by the people who

run Jacfest Dance Promotions.

And this particular video was put out during the Lockdown when many Clubs were closed

making life difficult for deejays to make a living. And one deejay that campaigned to

the government for assistance was legendary 90's deejay Danny Rampling.

And so here he is appearing alongside other Jacfest deejays during a Live stream with only

an online audience, featuring Danny, Alex P and Hutch. 

And having seen Danny perform at Finsbury Park and Brockwell Park alongside Judge Jools

back in the 90's heyday, I can't ever recall seeing him so excited and animated. The Lockdowns

greatly affected him but I believe this was the first time that he got back out and back on the

decks after being cooped up at home. 

And yet Danny just seemes to have the knack to lift your spirits with his uplifting sounds, as

can be heard in this Jacfest video where he appears during the first 30 minutes.

JACFEST PROMOTIONS

JACFEST YOUTUBE

DANNY RAMPLING ON MIXCLOUD

Fenton House and Gardens Hampstead

 

Cared for by The National Trust, Fenton House is a 17th century merchant's

house in Hampstead North London. And it's also one of the oldest houses in Hampstead.

And so these are just a few pictures I took back in June 2024 while walking around it's formal gardens, but never got round to posting the pictures up here, although I did make a short video while there, which is up on my Youtube channel HERE.

FENTON HOUSE HAMPSTEAD