Monday, July 23, 2012

Let's all go to the movies…

Opening day for the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises this past Friday. Despite sad news of tragedy in Colorado, a group of us made the pilgrimage to a local Miami movie theater to check out the show.

We went to the Coco Walk Mall for the 10:30 AM showtime. It's a good thing that we went to a showing that early because the movie has a running time of 165 minutes. That's quite a time commitment for those of us who really can't afford to be late getting back to the ship. We had no reason to worry as the same cabbie who dropped us off agreed to pick us up again after the show to get us back downtown. With five of us splitting the cab ride ($10 each round trip) it wasn't all that expensive. $19 total for movie and transportation. We even had time to grab a late lunch at the New York Bagel Company afterwards before heading back to the ship.

I really enjoyed the movie. Directed by Christopher Nolan of Inception fame, this film was an epic conclusion to the trilogy that he started with Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. While the Oscar winning performance by Heath Leger of "The Joker" from TDK certainly set the bar very high for this the TDKR villain, Bane was up to the challenge. A powerful and sinister villain who was unyielding in his barbaric quest to bring about the downfall of Gotham City. Plus, he totally reminds me of Lord Humongous from the cult classic The Road Warrior…so…extra points for that.

Nolan did a spectacular job of keeping TDKR in the spirit of the previous two films while at the same time paying clever homage to previous Batman interpretations. This latest film continues the gritty spirit of the others in the Nolan trilogy with dark lighting, lots of shades of grey and black in the set and costume design, and continues the overall utilitarian feel to Gotham City. Ian pointed out that at one point in the movie, Bane comments on a young boy performing "The Star Spangled Banner" as having "a wonderful singing voice." Jack Nicholson, in the original Batman movie, had a similar line when portraying the Joker. That was a nice tie in.

The movie also draws direct inspiration from a set of graphic novels called Knight Fall in which Batman's battle with Bane depicts Bruce Wayne's eventual end as Batman and protector of Gotham. In fact, it seems that some of the fight scenes between Batman and Bane are storyboarded directly from the Knight Fall comics. Very cool.

Another thing I like about Nolan's interpretation of Batman is the human aspect of the "superhero" myth. Faithful to the spirit of the comics, Nolan portrays Batman as what he is: a man with a painful childhood, passion for justice, and love for a city and humanity. That's it. He's just a man. An athletic man with plenty of money, assets, and cool gadgets to be sure. But in the end, he's only a man. He's not Superman. He doesn't have super strength, x-ray vision, or any other type of "super" power. Nolan holds true to this by not having Batman perform acts that are too far out of bounds from a highly athletic and intelligent person. In short, he can't leap tall buildings in a single bound because we can't. In fact, this version of Batman (played extraordinarily well by Christian Bale) is the most human yet, in my opinion.

Nolan's direction of action sequences also relates to this portrayal of true-to-life hero. The fight scenes are about as unidealized as I've seen in modern film. When Batman is engaged in hand to hand combat (which is most of the time because he doesn't believe in guns or killing his enemies) the camera work is decidedly still. 

A popular technique when filming fight scenes is to shoot the footage from many different angles. In post production the scenes are cut together with audience perspective changing very quickly, sometimes more than once per second. This does a couple of things. One, it makes the fights seem to have more speed and excitement than they normally would. Also, it hides the limitations of the actors/stunt personnel, as they try to portray extreme fight sequences using moves not normally performed by humans. Basically, it allows heroes and villains to perform superhuman fight scenes, without actually having to perform them due to the fact that the audience never gets to see more than one second of action per camera shot (see movies like The Borne Identity, Salt, Casino Royale for examples of this technique). 

Bourne fight scenes (the first 30 seconds tells the story):



In the spirit of keeping Batman and Bane human characters, Nolan avoids this technique. Fight scenes are shot using very limited camera editing. The characters are shown from one angle fighting each other for long periods of time. The effect is quite arresting and different from other movies. It makes it seem realistic, or at least, more realistic than other action flicks. Neither of them are performing acrobatics that are incredibly unrealistic. They are basically just brawling. I like it and think that it speaks to Nolan's attempt to create a human heroes and villains, not a superhero/supervillains, in Batman and Bane respectively.

I also liked the music during the movie. Often times, I find that movie scores get in the way of the storytelling. However, I didn't find that with TDKR. Bane (the villain) has a theme, but, it's not overused so it's quite effective when heard. Also, there is great use of silence in this movie. Sometimes, it's better not to have any music at all...just watch The Wire for examples of this.

Overall, I thought the movie was terrific. Definitely something to see on the big screen and, given the opportunity, a movie that I would definitely see more than once.

July 21

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Waffles on the Bridge


Twice a month we have an event on the Majesty called "Waffles on the Bridge." It happens exactly as it sounds like it does: waffles are cooked on the bridge of the ship and all crew are invited to partake. I went this week to check it out. It was my first time up there. It's a nice opportunity to meet and talk with some of the officers onboard. I found out that the Hotel Director is a huge jazz fan. His favorite trumpet player is Clifford Brown. Nice!

Also, I got to see first hand an area of the ship that most people don't get to see. I didn't have any waffles (trying to watch my figure, you know), but, they sure smelled good! Pics below - enjoy!

Great views of Nassau from the "wing" of the bridge.



Looking back at the Majesty from the bridge.



We were parked next to Carnival and Disney ships.


The Bahamian Naval vessel looks like a toy from our ship.


Instrument panel inside.


The picture does not do this view justice. You can
see just about everything from the bridge windows.
Best view I've had from the ship yet!

This is a picture of some pictures of the bottom hull
of the Majesty from dry dock. Side thrusters, stabilizers, 
and props in the back. Cool stuff.

Waffles, ice cream, whipped cream, berries, chocolate
sauce. I can't believe I stayed away!

From this panel the officers can control and monitor
operation of the water tight doors onboard.

Me in the big chair with my friend Ahmed (he works
on the bridge).

Out the front windows to the bow. 

Monday, July 9, 2012

Say it ain't so, Tapia!


My friend Tapia signs off today. Tapia is a stage tech from Brazil. As one of the "black shirts" who works in the theater, he and I saw a lot of each other on the ship. He is heading back home to his wife in Brazil and has some work back there regarding music production and, hopefully, his DJ business. He is considering taking another ship contract, but, is undecided at this point. Stay in touch, brother. Safe travels and hopefully see you soon!

Still holds the record for most comments on a picture on my
facebook page.

A conversation with Luis


After a sound check this past week I got involved in a conversation with Luis, our guitar player, about making a living as a musician these days. Luis, who is 52 years old, is from Argentina and has worked on ships for 8 years. He also has worked as a musician on land. In addition, for several years, he took time off the guitar and just worked a day job. He pointed out that being a working musician different these days than in the past. That made me think that maybe I was born in the wrong time. 

Ideally, I want to play jazz. Small group jazz. Sextets and quintets, hard bop style, like the Curtis Fuller recordings I've been listening to non stop for the past 3 weeks or so. This is the music I most want to do and that I'm passionate about. Also, this is generally not the music that the people or audience generally want to hear. The market for this type of music is so small and limited, it's almost impossible to do this on a regular basis.

To hone my skills in this musical area it is imperative to be playing this type of music on a regular basis with other people. Only so much solo practice or practice with play alongs (Aebersold's, etc) can be done. They are a wonderful tool for polishing jazz vocabulary, but, that is their limitation as well. One of the most enjoyable and unique parts of music is the collaborative effort with others. Communicating and responding to one another musically. This is impossible with computer recordings, or, at best it's a one way street. 

The point is to play with other musicians who are not only skilled at this type of music, but, those that want to play it. Those who respect the music and play for the music's sake alone. This is hard to come by on this ship, I'm finding. And almost just as hard to come by on land as well. At least in the real world outside of the college environment.

It also came up in my conversation with Luis that the musical skill set is different than it was back when Curtis Fuller was playing gigs. Back then it was normal, in fact probably required, for musicians to have an extensive library of standard tunes memorized to call upon for gigs. The gig I have now does not require that. Experience, music literacy, and versatility are of prime importance here. On any given night I may play a jazz standard, several different variations of latin music, rock tunes, pop tunes, ballads, a march, solo classical style fanfares, circus songs, and many others. I am required to read all of this music correctly and properly the first time I see it. It is also important for me to be able to play an arranged production show exactly the same way time and time again. I must be consistent and accurate night in and night out. 

Very rarely on this gig (or even on land) am I asked to call and perform a standard of my choosing from memory. In fact, while I play with many good musicians on the ship, there is no guarantee that everyone would know (by know it, I mean have the melody and chords memorized and be able to improvise over it) the tune that I call. This is not due to lack of talent or musical accomplishment. I think it's the nature of the gig. Our skill sets are different now. It's kind of a "use it or lose it" thing. Basically, on this gig, if it's not available in the Real Book, we don't play it.

Luis brought up the point that this might be the "norm" for musicians nowadays. Curtis and his contemporaries mastered a particular skill set (that I not only admire, but, try to emulate) possibly because that's what the gig called for. "The gig" calls for something different these days. One of the best jazz musicians I know plays gigs 5 - 6 nights per week. Works all the time. However, he doesn't play jazz most of the time. He almost exclusively plays other types of music (pop, country, lead playing, etc) instead. That's what the gigs call for. In fact, when he does play jazz it's usually of his own design and for much less money than other gigs. 

The ship is temporary for me. It serves a purpose right now, and when that purpose is done, I'll move on. In terms of life after the ship for me I would like to, ideally:

1) make a living playing music
2) play jazz
3) play jazz trombone

Is this even possible right now in this culture unless...I'm Wycliffe Gordon? I'm just not sure that's a realistic goal for me.

What will I do after ship life? What kind of education should I pursue if any? Jazz performance education would be fun and feed the soul, but, most likely not very practical. Pop music/music business education would be fun and possibly more practical, but, on trombone? Is any jazz/pop music pursuit really practical for me as a trombone player? Is teaching the only real option? Do I need more education to pursue this (I already have 2 degrees and 9 years of experience teaching)? Surely, I have something that I could offer a college jazz department without requiring more schooling (of course I do, and don't call me Shirley). Although, a collegiate environment might be the only place where I could play the music I most want to on a regular basis. Assuming i was in the right environment, that sounds like a blast to me.

Luis is thinking about opening a coffee shop back home in Argentina and playing music there just for fun. That doesn't sound too bad. Except that I don't like coffee. At this point, I plan to continue what I'm doing and work on figuring these answers out on my own time table. I'll be on ships for the next year, so, I'll have plenty of time to work it out.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Say it ain't so, Steve!

Said good bye today to my friend Steve. He's the piano player for the Schooner Bar onboard. He's from England and has invited me there to tour Somerset with him sometime. Somerset is an area in Englad that is known for producing outstanding varieties of alcoholic cider. I think I'll take him up on that offer someday! Safe travels, Steve. Stay in touch!


Tuesday, July 3, 2012

(Man vs.) Food Post Version 2.0!


Ryan (sax player on board the Majesty) and I went to check out a Miami legend recently. Sarussi Cafe and Restaurant has been making "Miami's Biggest and Best Cuban Sandwich" for over 40 years. Located about a 20 minute cab ride from our port this was an opportunity too good to pass us by. 

The Sarussi Cuban Sandwich is 16 inches long and loaded with ham, pork, pickles, mozzarella cheese, potato sticks, and Sarussi's Special Sauce. Rumor has it that the special sauce is so secret even the owner of the restaurant doesn't know what's in it. Anyway, the sandwich has been featured on the television show "Man vs. Food." 

Ryan and I split one of the gigantic sandwiches and each had a Coke. Total bill was $30 bucks. The atmosphere of Sarussi's was great. Clean, modern diner feel with a menu that was in Spanish with English translations (not the other way around).

I can report that Ryan and I thought that the meal more than lived up to the hype. Not only was it a big sandwich, but, it was also very tasty. The sauce makes the difference (I'd sampled a Cuban sandwich a few months ago at a different Miami restaurant) and put this sandwich in a class by itself. In terms of size, I definitely could've eaten the entire 16 inch sandwich by myself, but, I don't think I would've enjoyed it as much. Besides, I already plan to have to work out twice today in order to try and burn off as many of these calories as possible…and I only had half of the entire thing.

If you are ever in Miami and have a chance to check out Sarussi, I would highly recommend it. In the sandwich category, it finishes a close second to the grand champion of sandwiches: Papa Roux in Indianapolis.

Me out front.

The menu boasts about the sandwich.

Nice feel inside. We were practically alone in there.

Now...all of this is one 16" sandwich.  We had it split
in half (and then quarters, I guess) for the 2 of us.
(Coke can for scale).

I ain't afraid of food!

16" of Cuban sandwich goodness!

Ryan gettin' after it!

I finished my half too quick for a photo.

Ryan did finish. Slowed a bit at the end, but, 
he ate it all!

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Food post!

Checked out Ozzi Sushi today in Miami. I love sushi, but, this place was different. Patrons don't order from a menu or place an order with a server. In the center of the restaurant is a sushi chef. He is surrounded by a bar where customers sit. When he finishes making a dish he plates it and places it on a small boat. The boat the floats around the bar for diners to check out. If you like what you see, you just pick it up off the boat and eat. You are charged by the plate (and quite reasonably, I might add).

This serves two purposes of which I'm a fan.

1) You can see the food before deciding to eat it. Always nice for the novice (read: cautious) sushi eater like myself.

2) The amounts are small. If you don't like something, it's not very much food and not very expensive. Basically, it's over quickly. Kind of like a They Might Be Giants song. If you don't like it, don't worry. It won't be around for too much longer.

Here's some pictures I took. I'll definitely be going back to this place!


My first round. A sampling of other offerings below.








Here's a vid of how the "moat" works.

A Word Salad


"It wasn't that difficult a shot, but, I can tell you...it was very difficult."
-Peter Kostis

This quote is a prime example of why I'm so tired of American announce teams for golf broadcasts. And not just for the infinite circular nonsensical statements that only serve the purpose of filling dead air time. 

Picture this: Tiger has just chipped in from short-sided off the green at a par 5 at Congressional Country Club. His shot has just turned a probably par/possible bogey to a birdie. With Hunter Mahan, the leader, making bogey on the hole before it was effectively a 2 shot swing that brought Tiger to within 1 shot of the lead. Never mind that, though. It's more important for the CBS golf team to try and point out that it was "easier than it looks." Not only did he fail at making sense with the English language in his analysis, Peter Kostis and other announcers continually make light of Tiger's accomplishments while at the same time setting the bar for success so high that he can't possibly meet their expectations. 

Anything short of perfect golf resulting in dominating victories every time he tees it up, and, Tiger is deemed a failure. Not only that, but, he's a target for ridicule. Ridicule from people who can't even come close to his accomplishments in golf themselves. There are plenty of golfers on tour who don't even have one career tournament win, never mind Tiger's resume. Yet, Woods isn't allowed to be human on the golf course. It's all very annoying. Basically, I miss my DVR and the ability to watch sporting events on my own terms without all the 'expert' analysis.

It all sounds too much like middle school cafeteria jealousy than quality sports broadcasting. Add in that Jim Nantz can't help but over dramatize E V E R Y T H I N G. Let me sum up my feelings this way: if your commentary can't make the act of watching the golf more fun, then just shut up and get out of the way. Leave the analysis to the European announcers and Gary McCord. At least they are fun to listen to.

As my best friend, John Garvie is fond of saying: "Thanks for listening."