The King's Speech - a movie review

there's little i can add to the buzz about this Oscar-nominated film. the title itself may be twofold, referring to both the written words of King George VI as well as the manner in which he spoke them...or didn't speak them.

as with many theatre-goers, i was utterly charmed by the superb acting of Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. with such a gaping power differential between the two characters, their friendship should not have blossomed. but through thin insults, dry wit, and a lovely symbiotic dependence, their relationship deepened. Firth's portrayal of one with a speech-related disability was spot on and his vulnerability veiled beneath a quick temper brought me to tears.

i love period pieces: the opulent homes, the rich vocabulary, the gorgeous costumes. The King's Speech captured this formal yet luxurious life of the royals while maintaining the dark, fearful caution of a country on the edge of war. the film demonstrated the need for and power of unity in times of fear. it provided hope for people who feel their disability may never be overcome. it showed, in equal measure, the strength of words and the power of friendship.

Jordan John and the Blues Angels - a band review

"never trust a woman who loves the blues," sang one Mr. Ben Harper. although it implies something negative about myself, i do love that lyric. and i also love a skinny young man named Jordan John who captivated me during a live performance at the Groove Kitchen in Cambridge. he has a voice like Stevie Wonder and guitar-soloing abilities that would make any veteran blues player green with envy. there is wonderful chemistry between this leading man and the two other members of the Angels - partly due, i'm sure, to the fact that his bassist is also his father: the renowned and timeless, Prakash John. what a thrill it must be for a father to watch his son control this finicky genre with confidence and creativity.

Jordan's youth belies his incredible talent. both his vocal ornamentation and his ad libbing across the fret board are effortless and beautiful. it's clear that he was born to be on that stage. some people naturally have musical talent. they come into the world with golden voices and a penchant for coaxing melodies from a variety of instruments. Jordan is one of those who leaves the musically-minded in the dust. he is a virtuoso. and in the words of UFC commentator Joe Rogan, "this guy is FOR REAL."

as someone who was born and raised with music, i am not easily impressed by live musicians. sure i appreciate the effort they put in and i know i couldn't write a good song to save my life. but an open mic-er strumming out Wonderwall will not get a standing O from me. Jordan John and the Blues Angels on the other hand... if they don't have me on the edge of my seat, they have me standing, enthralled, in front of it.

trust me.