John Baker’s Blog

Sam Smith thinks jazz is cooler and cheaper than war. He describes an instance of enlightened American foreign policy known as the Jazz Ambassadors program. During the 1950s, the State Department sent a variety of musicians abroad to show the world something of America:
In 1958, (Dave) Brubeck visited 12 countries, including Poland, Turkey, East [...]

Good stuff at Newcastle on Tyne’s Northern Stage yesterday. Two generals, Macbett and Banco, put down a rebellion. In payment for their heroic service, the Archduke promises to bestow on them land, titles and cash. But once the war is won and the rebel leaders are slain he reneges on the deal. Seduced by thoughts [...]