The Bulletin #4

THE RECORD

MIDNIGHT BLUE / Kenny Burrell (1963)

With the month of June being for us very much of a « Blue Month » marked by the introduction of the Blue Reference 5303-3, it wasn’t hard to pick the color as a theme for this Bulletin. Here, we’ll focus on blue as a conveyor of nuance and elegance.

Picking a Record that relates to « blues » offers a particularly wide array of choices, especially when you’re into Jazz and, well, obviously, Blues Music. But picking Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, Duke Ellington’s Mood Indigo or even Blues by Hendrix would have been too obvious…

Our pick for this month is the epic Midnight Blue, by guitarist Kenny Burrell. The session was recorded in 1963 for Blue Note. It features a very elegant quartet in which Kenny Burrell is matched in smoothness, roundness, and artistry by the Tenor Saxophone of Stanley Turpentine, while the powerful rhythm section is covered by bassist Major Holley and drummer Bill English. Let's not forget a little back-up from Ray Barretto on congas adding just the right touch of exotic goodness when needed.

The kind of record you can literally play on repeat, from the first track to the last, and never get tired of it…

Listen on Apple Music, Spotify or Tidal.

THE MOVIE

DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS / Carl Franklin (1995)

Based on Walter Mosley's 1990 novel of the same name, Devil in a Blue Dress is a Film Noir set in post-World War 2, 1948 Los Angeles.

This already makes it a « Film Bleu » by definition, but the mood, expertly created by Carl Franklin emphasizes it in every aspect and takes us to an era of smoky bar rooms, fancy clothes, and hidden agendas. The atmosphere, during the entire movie, is rich and comparable to the warm and subtle tones of a mournful saxophone we can’t get enough of.

The elegance of the late 40s and the layered plot of the crime and investigation genre is brilliantly captured by the cinematography of Tak Fujimoto and backed up by a warm performance by Denzel Washington, impeccable as always.

Also starring an unforgettable, young Don Cheadle, stealing the scene in each appearance on screen.

THE BOOK

BLUE BLOODED / T.S - Bojer & J. Sim (2016)

Denim as a fabric came from the humble origins of workwear and climbed all the way up to the heights of fashion. Now revered by many, generations of Japanese master craftsmen saved the Americana by giving life to esteemed garments of the highest quality.

Whether you want to geek out on the technical details of indigo dyeing, weaving, and fabric finish or discover the true origins of the Osaka Five, Blue Blooded provides.

A substantial, thorough reference book that offers very insightful, curated glimpses into select denim producers and how they deploy their craft. A very personal exploration of the artists behind a particular brand and how they do what they do, but also, why they do it.

This is an exceptional introductory text for the novice, as well as a useful reference for the seasoned denim connoisseur still bound to learn a thing or two…

THE ARTISAN

NELLY BONNAND / Ceramist

Relevance, authenticity and uniqueness are values that are very dear to us. Values that we certainly share with French ceramist Nelly Bonnand, whose work is both practical and beautiful. Plates, cups, vases, teapots and more turn every tea time or cup of coffee into a very special moment. That's easy when sipping your Ethiopian Sidamo in a work of art every morning.

Her work is full of texture and subtle colors. A quest she keeps working on, experimenting with her own enamels and colors. Her blues are particularly fascinating, transitioning from black to blue as the light gets closer.

No fancy shapes nor a multitude of bright colors here. Just an artist true to her vision and a commitment that speaks oh so loud to our ears…