You'll hear a lot of old jazz standards if you hang around in South Pasadena. The songs ease from restaurant speakers and filter out of car windows. And why not? It makes sense that a town filled with old houses, antiques and vintage cars would attract at least a few residents who groove to a nostalgic beat.Sometimes, the soundtrack really fits the scene. Like here, when I was creeping around to steal this grainy shot, I heard the faint sounds of a scratchy old Sinatra album playing somewhere nearby. I'll bet if I hung around long enough, I would have heard this song...
14 comments:
Oh god.. one of my favorite jazz standards ever (remember, I used to sing it with Sandy?). The hint of mid tones against the dark night with those two glowing windows made me almost think of the witch's house. Not scary, just a witchy lady, labeled so because she has lots of cats and mumbles to herself as she works in her scraggly garden. She is kind to strangers on the street, although they pass her by thinking she is "eccentric and weird." It has a warm feeling. I'm sure my take is totally off than what anyone else will see, but your images conjure up immediate stories to me. I hope she's reading a wonderful book by the lights in the upstairs room. NICE!!
the image jumped out of the portal - a house with eyes! Just loved it and then the music and your commentary. You write so well, Laurie. Super post. The music is playing right now -love this track.
For those of you who may not know, besides being a wonderful photographer, Judy displayed one of the most beautiful soprano voices. I came in somewhere between torch and jazz. Laurie too when she was in town. We were part of Austin Singers Unlimited and gathered on Wednesdays to entertain ourselves and anyone who wanted to listen while having dinner or just for the free entertainment. Sometimes we had a quartet, but always, Sandy, our very talented piano player. We also did benefits. But as fate would have it, we lost Sandy and we lost our venue but we had about ten good years to remember.
I would love to know what's going on behind those dormer windows... whatever the activity, it can't be falling asleep... the lights are too bright for that.
I think the mice and the Pasadena parrots are sewing a prom dress for the young foster child who lives in this house, a la Disney's Cinderella flick. They are using violet silk taffeta, to match the sky. As for the Sinatra tune... parrots DO live very long lives, so this choice must have been theirs.
This comment was supposed to come first:
"When the sun is high in the afternoon sky
You can always find something to do
But from dusk 'til dawn as the clock ticks on
Something happens to you
In the wee small hours of the morning
While the whole wide world is fast asleep
You lie awake and think about the boy
And never ever think of counting sheep
When your lonely heart has learned its lesson
You'd be his if only he'd call
In the wee small hours of the morning
That's the time you miss him most of all."
I love the bright-eyed windows of this house against the deep purple sky.
Your caption, Laurie, conjured up memories of long ago when we all were part of Austin Singers' Unlimited. Judy and I both sang this song.
The video may open up with a cover illustration of Frank but the second image is his mug shot (too funny). My brother spent some time in the SP pokey but I don't think his mug shot is as arresting.
Like the very dark to lighter transition of the sky. (brings Hendrix to mind for me).
Thanks Laurie...wink! it's up and running now and worth a return
Go to Margaret's site if you bacon, LA!
Love this Halloween Haunted House.
Pat - your weaving of a story is incredible. So loving that the color of the taffeta matches the sky!! I always knew parrots loved Frank Sinatra. :~P
i dunno, I hear the soundtrack to the amityville horror looking at this spooky shot!
Thank God his recordings survive. His phrasing and interpretation were always brilliant.
…Laurie starts prowling around taking photos of the homes and gardens of unsuspecting people in South Pas!
Love that rose and purple-tinged evening sky!
Thanks, everyone! Until tomorrow...
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