– Charlie’s Blog –
by Modern Songbook Records | Feb 28, 2012 | Charlie's Blog, News
I admit it freely, I am oriented to a larger city. Washington DC suits me. And every time I find myself in a small town or a rural area I suffer from a weird claustrophobia. ( this might be agoraphobia??) One would think that I would embrace the wide open spaces, but it is just the opposite with me. I fear the wide open spaces and mostly long for the crush of houses, people and stuff that I am used to. The ride from Milwaukee to Stevens Point was everything I get nervous about… nothing.. Lots and lots of nothing. A three hour drive through nothing. I know that farmers and hunters and outdoorsmen would see it differently. But to me it is just a vast stretch of vaguely threatening nothing; a place where, if your car broke down you could hope for….nothing. But on we pressed until we came to the near- nothingness of Plover, Wisconsin, where our hotel was. Luckily the hard part of our trip was over and the delightful part ahead.
The concert was a gem. The hospitality shown to us throughout our trip was amazing. The CWSO played beautifully. Pat Miles, the maestro, was a solid rock of a conductor, melding the loose ends of a jazz band with the strictures of an orchestra seamlessly. The audience was one of the most appreciative we have ever had. The after-party on Sunday was a warm embrace of food and bright conversation. Now that I know what lies just beyond the nothingness between Milwaukee’s General Mitchell Airport and Stevens Point- I can hardly wait to go back.
by Modern Songbook Records | Feb 24, 2012 | Charlie's Blog, News
Yes that is the correct spelling. I just finished writing a song about Mathew Brady. Ask you…. is this a rational way for me to spend what precious time I have left on this mortal coil?
Well, we will see. It is def not a Chaise Lounge song. It might be good for The Fablers? That will all depend on Marilyn. It is a song that will have a niche audience: Civil War photography buffs.
Maybe this is how I will write songs from now on… with a niche audience in mind? Say…. citrus growers. Or maybe bookbinders.
Chaise Lounge is off to Wisconsin today. Should be a great trip. The Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra is a good orchestra and Maestro Pat Miles is an excellent conductor. And there is fried cheese curd!
by Modern Songbook Records | Feb 20, 2012 | Charlie's Blog, Events, News
Getting ready for our trip to Wisconsin to play with the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra. rehearsing the orchestra arrangements this evening.
I am just astonished by all the hospitality they have already extended to us. It seems that a good deal of that hospitality involves fried cheese curd and Point Beer.
And that is ok with me.
by Modern Songbook Records | Feb 16, 2012 | Charlie's Blog, News
I have been working on film score for Les Francis for a film about Washington insider Harry McPherson. It will be a 1hour show for PBS.
Unfortunately I heard this morning that Harry suffered a tragic fall and is in the hospital. I hope he gets out in time to see the film. The Film is an amazing look inside the LBJ administration.
by Modern Songbook Records | Feb 16, 2012 | Charlie's Blog, News
The Germano’s show on Tuesday was really fun. I just looked at the videos we took and I am struck by how naturally Marilyn swings.
It is just an amazing, and particularly American trait that she comes by naturally. Can I just say that Germano’s would benefit from just a “little” stage….
Just a 4 inch stage would make a world of difference. Also, it is worth noting that Valentine’s day…. or St. Valentines Day ( as I usually call it) is a supremely weird night to play.
At least half the audience was there as sort of a pre-game warm-up for the “actual” Valentine’s Day event. ( sex) . There were quite a few couples who left before the show was over… but had quirky somehow complicit smiles on their faces as they left. I felt like we had done our jobs in making their lives just a little more complete for at least that one night.
by Modern Songbook Records | Feb 5, 2012 | Charlie's Blog, Film Scores
[audio:https://s3.amazonaws.com/charlesbarnett/wp-media-folder-charlie-barnett-film-music-composer/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/holo1.mp3|titles=A Life In Flames][audio:https://s3.amazonaws.com/charlesbarnett/wp-media-folder-charlie-barnett-film-music-composer/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/HoloCello.mp3|titles=The Untold Story][audio:https://s3.amazonaws.com/charlesbarnett/wp-media-folder-charlie-barnett-film-music-composer/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/what-they-saw.mp3|titles=What They Saw]
Paul Sparrow’s documentary on The New York Times’ non-involvment with reporting the Holocaust during World War II. This features Janice Martin on her 1708 Stradivarious violin. She is a beautiful player. Her solo CD is out now on Sonoris (#SCD5159). Check out her performance of the Corigliano Sonata for violin and piano.
