The Arts Fuse Newsletter, July 3
The Spring Appeal Triumphs! July Short Fuses, Coming Attractions, Conglomerates and American Fiction, Lifetime Achievement Award for Bassist William Parker, and Louise Bertin’s “Fausto”
From The Editor's Desk:
My thanks to all who donated to the Spring Appeal. We made our goal. Your support for a site dedicated to cultural journalism is greatly appreciated. “Thanks for all you do for the Boston arts scene,” wrote Ann Braithwaite of Braithwaite & Katz, “ArtsFuse is indispensable to the community.” More first-rate reviews, commentaries, features, and interviews coming as this scrappy magazine enters its 18th year — and there may be some surprises in the future.
As for fulfilling our mission, look no further than the incisive selections from this week’s postings below. Critiques of a book about what conglomerates have done to American fiction, Yorgos Lanthimos’s latest film, a premiere recording of an opera from a 19th century French female composer, and a homage to bassist William Parker, a giant of free jazz. Then there’s Coming Attractions and July Short Fuses. And even more: Nicole Veneto’s review of Maxxine and Steve Provizer’s commentary on major record companies suing AI. Read these pieces or poke through the 9,000 posts (and counting) in the publication’s archive. Me and the Fuse will be back from vacation on July 18th.
—Bill Marx, Editor-in-Chief
Book Review: “Big Fiction” — Is the Author Hive-Mind or Queen Bee?
By Vincent Czyz
On closer inspection, Dan Sinykin’s notion of a “conglomerate author” is largely a fiction.
July Short Fuses — Materia Critica
Compiled by Arts Fuse Editor
Each month, our arts critics -- music, book, theater, dance, television, film, and visual arts -- fire off a few brief reviews.
Coming Attractions: Through July 15 -- What Will Light Your Fire
Compiled by Arts Fuse
Our expert critics supply a guide to film, dance, visual art, theater, author readings, and music. More offerings will be added as they come in.
Opera Album Review: A Devilishly Good First Recording for Louise Bertin’s “Fausto”
By Ralph P. Locke
Much praised by Berlioz and others, this Italian opera (composed for the great mezzo María Malibran) brings a notable female composer out of the shadows.
Film Review: “Kinds of Kindness” – Yorgos is as Good as Mine
By Ed Symkus
The latest film from Yorgos Lanthimos is a confusing mishmash of forced weirdness.
Jazz Commentary: Celebrating Bassist William Parker’s Lifetime of Achievement
By Tom Hull
It was not just networking that propelled William Parker into the front rank of bassists. He could generate such a huge and complex cascade of sound that he has energized leaders from Cecil Taylor and Ivo Perelman to Zoh Amba.
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Questions, comments, concerns?
Editor-in-Chief
Bill Marx
wmarx103@gmail.com
