John Swisher
John Swisher
Recent Stories
Suburbs to Ben Folds: Stop now
2008 has been a busy year for Ben Folds. Besides reuniting with his old band, Ben Folds Five, he has released a new solo album, “Way to Normal.” The album combines the quirky playfulness of Folds’ older albums — “Naked Baby Photos,” among others — with the somber, mature overtones of his recent work, especially “Songs for Silverman.” While this stylistic and emotional blend has the potential to produce a fresh sound, the effort largely fails. “Way to Normal” presents an unoriginal social criticism coupled with angry, often-obscene ranting.
Philharmonia shines
In last Friday’s season debut, the Yale Philharmonia performed three pieces for a packed Woolsey Hall, all of which draw upon earlier music or literature. Yet there was nothing antiquated about this brilliant and innovative concert.
Jazz, up and close
Jazz club: to most, the phrase evokes a smoky room with dim white-blue light glaring onto a stage, reflecting subtly off of a deep golden saxophone as it wails over chord changes.