Entries by Philip Turner

Marking Photojournalist Ruth Gruber’s 103rd Birthday

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As a longtime book editor, I’ve had the privilege of working with dozens of talented authors. Amid all these superb writers one sub-group stands out: authors in their 80s, 90s, or even older, in their 100s. This group has included Edward Robb Ellis (1911-1998), author of A Diary of Century: Tales by American’s Greatest Diarist. Here is a collection of posts I’ve written about him.A Diary of the Century, Edward Robb Ellis

Ahead of Time, Ruth GruberAnother of these remarkable authors is Ruth Gruber, also born in 1911, with whom I’ve published six books, including her memoir Ahead of Time: My Early Years as a Foreign Correspondent, also the title of a documentary about her. Ruth turned 103 this week, and is still going strong. This is a collection of posts I’ve written about her. Earlier this week, on the day of her 103rd birthday, I shared a post on Facebook, inviting friends to celebrate her birthday with me there, embedded below. You can join me in celebrating her amazing life and career here on her Facebook page.

Post by Philip Turner.

‘I Blame the Loyalist Ghost,’ Video and Song from Shawn Clark’s New Album

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Shawn Clarke, NXNE 2014Charming video for ‘I Blame the Loyalist Ghost,’ a song from Toronto musician Shawn William Clark‘s second album due out 9/23, produced by James Bunton, longtime drummer in Ohbijou. The song begins with the sound of a plucked 4-string tenor guitar, then Clarke plays every instrument in the piece. Enjoy this—it’s like a lazy summer day with balloons and ribbons floating in the sky. I heard Clark during the first night of NXNE this past June, and enjoyed his act a lot. I look forward to hearing his whole album.

Toronto, Don’t Grant the Ford Brothers Unearned Political Sympathy!

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Post by Philip Turner.

The Ford bros are all about manipulation and playing the media to their advantage.

Ethan Hawke, Another Honourary Canadian

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Post by Philip Turner.

If you loved the movie “Boyhood,” you’ll want to listen to this interview. If you haven’t seen the film yet, here’s the trailer.

Jill Barber’s US Tour 9/22-9/30—Stopping at NY Joe’s Pub Sept 25

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Winsome Jill BarberA heads-up to music fans in Ann Arbor, Cambridge/Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, DC/Virginia, and Pittsburgh: Beginning Sept 22, Canadian chanteuse Jill Barber will embark on a mini-tour of the US with her superb band, debuting her her new album, “Fool’s Gold” for US audiences. In NYC, she’ll be playing at Joe’s Pub, the same venue where I heard her play in 2012, a fantastic show. This is a write-up of that performance, in which I wrote, “Barber exuded a winsome charm, unselfconscious glamour, and improvised with light banter between songs. She sings in a distinctive tone that is the aural equivalent of B Grade maple syrup—my favorite kind—sweet and smoky.” Her repertoire, most of which she writes herself or co-writes, sung in English and French, evokes classic torch music.  If you’re looking for a great evening of romantic music, come out and hear her one of the cities below or buy a copy of “Fool’s Gold.” See tour details below.

09/22 Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark
09/24 Cambridge, MA – Regattabar
09/25 New York, NY – Joe’s Pub
09/27 Philadelphia, PA – Tin Angel
09/28 Vienna, VA – Jammin’ Java
09/30 Pittsburgh, PA – Club Cafe Jill Barber, playing left-handed guitar

09/22 Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark
09/24 Cambridge, MA – Regattabar
09/25 New York, NY – Joe’s Pub
09/27 Philadelphia, PA – Tin Angel
09/28 Vienna, VA – Jammin’ Java
09/30 Pittsburgh, PA – Club Cafe Jill Barber, playing left-handed guitar

A Most Enjoyable Rock n’ Roll Video w/the Arkells

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The Arkells in ActionThe Arkells are a great power pop 5-piece band from Hamilton, Ontario that I’ve heard live and enjoy very much. I last wrote about them in 2013 with these pics from that show, a shot of the band in action, and me with lead singer Max Kerman.PT w/Max Kerman

Today, I found a video they’ve recently done that casts the five bandmates with their fathers. It’s funny and kind of sweet. I hope you enjoy it as I have.

Making Toronto a World Class Music City

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Post by Philip Turner.

As I’d documented as recently as this past June, when I posted here about my visit to Toronto for the annual NXNE festival, the city has a fabulous music scene, with many great local bands and dozens of superb venues. I’m excited to see that now a coalition of artists, promoters, and civic officials have banded together to promote the cultivation of music as an economic driver in the city. View the video here or above: http://ow.ly/Ba3kh