Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: choice

  • Jazz Meditations

    Jazz Meditations

    Meditation music is always something special and when a jazz component is added, it broadens the of experience. Dan Rufulo in his second solo piano recording Jazz Meditations combines his love of jazz, modern religious music and traditional hymns to create an album which will have a very wide appeal.

    Commencing with a sombre, very reflective piece Choices, which paves the way to a somewhat eclectic mix of emotions, with the very sophisticated piece Elegant Lady tripping across the keyboard in of course, a very elegant, easy manner.

    One of the all-time favourites, English folk song Greensleeves has been beautifully crafted, holding together the 15th century melody but adding a lovely, modern jazz rhythm which refreshes and delights with a range of discerning elements introduced to this classic piece.

    A thoughtful piece is Idea Factory, consisting of intriguing layers, offering a very different aspect of meditation, in the assured nature of what could be considered as an entrepreneurial piece, fresh, challenging and captivating with the changes of pace and emotion.

    Improvisation#3 is a lovely journey through the diverse world that is a jazz, with the many elements bought together to once again offer a reflective moment, short and perfectly fitting the bill for a quiet moment.

    Each of the twelve pieces that make up this solo piano album commence with a very measured style which goes on to broaden out into a range of differing emotions and style with Mantis, having a more traditional feel, reminding of the wonderful Mantis, perched on a blade of grass, slowly swaying in the gentle breeze, waiting, deciding what to do next.

    Movement 1 Mountains is an interesting composition as it is one of the more diverse pieces commencing with a the more traditional feel, a slow measure which builds to a crescendo to end the piece with a flourish. Followed by Movement IV Fog a sharper, far more brittle song, the two pieces balance each other with ease, showcasing the talent and scope of Dan Rufulo at one with his piano.

    A funky little piece Waltz in B completes what is an album of completely unexpected, thought provoking, original compositions and traditional pieces which create Jazz Meditations.

  • The Word

    The Word

    Intriguing and introspective, William lane has used language to great effect in this somewhat quirky look at the human psyche in all its wonderous flamboyance. Kendric is a rather unusual advertising oddity in that he has ability to create advertising slogans that inspire people to buy the brands that he sells.

    His love of words becomes apparent when he is deconstructing his wife’s knitting pattern, looking at the words used as descriptive instruction, while they share the miniature of their day in a somewhat restrained manner.

    He talks about the restaurant where he goes for lunch, the waitress appears to be Spanish, she ponders on the disappointment that is her husband, wondering if she will ever understand him.

    Things begin to change in Kendric’s very limited world with the arrival of a new Manager for The Firm, a man on the up in the world of advertising, a man he knew as a junior, a man who is expecting results and fast!

    Kendric finds himself adrift in a newer more aggressive advertising world, a world where he is expected to deliver the right words quickly, not in his usual style of slow consideration. This new workday world sees him venturing into social diversions, something so foreign it is almost frightening, challenging all he thought he understood in his limited scope of lifestyle.

    A new secretary Maria proves to be the catalyst to change, encouraging Kendric to leave all that is familiar and move into a ‘commune’ style of living that focuses on the power of words, known to its members as The Word.

    But as with all things idyllic, trouble comes to The Word in the way of conflict, change, and once again, these influences force Kendric into reviewing the world he has ingeniously inhabited in his search for nirvana, for perfection.

    William Lane has devised a deliciously fascinating perspective, with a cast of idealistic introverts who somehow, by the end page, have all become firm personal friends, offering a wonderful perspective on life that suggests so many of the options presented in the wonderful world of words, connecting people in so many diverse and fascinating ways.

    The Word is not a conventional read but a read that does become addictive.

  • We Wear Pants

    We Wear Pants

    Many children as young as two years old are particular about the clothes they wear. In We Wear Pants the author outlines many things that we wear as she shows them being modelled on animals. As she shows many different ways that we wear shoes and glasses and pants, we see that individual preferences in dressing are OK. The front cover of the book and the title immediately grabs the reader’s attention as we see a collection of animals in their undies.

    Each animal is shown with the item of clothing being looked at. Some animals make funny comments such as “Pant-tastic!” others make observations such as “Pants keep your bottom covered.” There is a task at the top of the double page spread such as naming the animal that is wearing pants. Some of the assorted things the animals wear are, hats, wellies, coats, glasses, scarves, shoes, and pyjamas.

    Katie Abey has used many techniques to ensure this is a compelling book for children. There are many animals used in the story, and not all of them appear on each page. Each animal is drawn in a stylized manner and are completely recognisable. Identifying favourite animals would keep children busy for a long time.

    Each double page spread has a task or a question at the top of the page. The task involves counting, or choosing or observing. The humour in the story is captivating and is found in the illustrations as well as the comments made by the animals. The amount of detail on the double pages is not overwhelming but would lend itself to re-reading this story many times.

    There is a small amount of text as a heading on the pages, and little bubbles of text over the animals. It is quite clear and suitable for an independent reader. A non-reader would spend time pouring over the pictures and taking in the details. This would appeal to children who love clothes, who love animals, who enjoy tasks, and who enjoy humour in illustrations. A most satisfying book for those who wonder what they will wear today.