May 19, 2011 by Matt DeAngelis VC Johnson is the genius behind the graphics that propelled Powell·Peralta into the stratosphere. His iconic images have inspired countless others to not only draw, but in some cases, to begin skating in the first place. An enigmatic figure, he disappeared off of the radar for almost 20 years until starting to work with Pocket Pistols a few years ago, and now back in his rightful place, Powell·Peralta. MD: So how did skateboard graphics fit into a journey of self exploration? VCJ: They answered to the needs of the soul that chose the body. The soul that inherited, that grabbed the baton in my early 30s had a very different mandate and how it affected the life is fascinating. I can see this in other souls who’ve come to profound turning points in their lives and I’ve shared notes with those souls who have experienced a transformation at the core of being. I come back to the company interested in a different o...
After we took a look at the modern jazz scene of Czechoslovakia in the previous episode of the Focus on European Jazz series, it’s time to delve into the jazz music of its neighbouring country Hungary. This is quite a logical step, as the history of the jazz scenes in Czechoslovakia and Hungary show many parallels. Being both Eastern European countries, Czechoslovakia and Hungary suffered from extreme left regimes that undoubtedly put their stamp on the history of their country’s jazz music. In Hungary, the harsh communist regime was installed right after the Second World War. This regime was opposed to jazz, as it was perceived as music with a distinctive Western character that represented freedom and other principles that did not fit the Soviet ideology. In 1956, the Hungarian people stood up against this regime, but the Soviet troops reacted heavily and killed 20.000 people. In that year the Hungarian borders were open for a brief period, during which approximately 250....
From Mambo to Hip Hop: A South Bronx Tale is an hour-long documentary that tells the story about the creative life of the South Bronx. Beginning with the Puerto Rican migration and the adoption of Cuban rhythms to create the New York Salsa sound and continuing with the fires that destroyed the neighborhood but not the creative spirit of its people; the film chronicles the rise of Hip-Hop from the ashes. A charismatic reflection on the power of a neighborhood’s music, the film effortlessly chronicles the evolution from Mambo to Hip-Hop; which has taken the world’s pop culture by storm. The documentary, directed by Henry Chalfant features interviews with numerous famed musicians and dancers that showcases the history and diversity of Hip-Hop’s reach.
