Author: Randy Wells

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RON HOWARD FILMS EPIC F1 RIVALRY

Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard is currently filming “Rush”. His movie will portray the dramatic Formula 1 motor racing duel between the intense Austrian Niki Lauda and playboy British driver James Hunt. Based on the turbulent 1976 Driver’s Championship, it chronicles Lauda’s heroic comeback from a near fatal crash earlier in the year and the critical season finale win by Hunt in torrential rain at Fuji. Chris Hemsworth stars as Hunt and Daniel Bruhl is Lauda. The film is expected to premiere in 2013. Continue reading “”

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BLUES BREAKERS MONO LP REVIEW

My article discussing this landmark 1966 British blues album and Sundazed’s recent mono reissue is now on-line at Michael Fremer’s MusicAngle.com. Included is a brief history of the role Eric Clapton played in John Mayall’s Blues Breakers band and how the various pressings compare for this often preferred mono mix.

(Photographer: Unknown. Layout: John Mayall)

Update 6/4/12: My article did not make the transition when MusicAngle switched to AnalogPlanet, but is still available here. Continue reading “”

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NICK DRAKE : PINK MOON

This week is the 40th anniversary of Nick Drake’s third and final album, Pink Moon. It was recorded live in four hours during two midnight sessions in October 1971 at London’s Sound Techniques by the legendary John Wood.

Released on Island Records February 25, 1972, the eleven-track album is only 28 minutes long. But it’s 28 minutes of some of the most graceful, poetic, and introspective music cut to vinyl. Featuring Drake’s intimate vocals and guitar (piano was added to the title track) it is very personal stuff. This is melancholic music to listen to at midnight… And one of my favorite records of all time. Continue reading “”

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WHERE TO GO NOW?

In years past I’ve blogged about late winter locales such as Florida, Washington D.C., Death Valley, New Orleans, Australia, and New Zealand. Another desirable destination this time of year is Mexico. It’s very accessible, reasonably affordable, and the cuisine can be some of the best around. I’d avoid the interior right now and concentrate on small coastal towns. Continue reading “”

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PORSCHE’S SPORTS CAR – THE NEW BOXSTER AND CAYMAN

I recently attended a Porsche dealer’s launch of the new “911”.It was a sunny day and I thought what the heck – I’ll drive my 1972 911 T/ST there since they were showing examples of the six previous generations of Porsche’s venerable rear-engined “sports car” (there are actually seven including the SWB ’64-68, but who’s counting.)

No doubt about it, the 991 is a beautiful car. Faster than the 997, and significantly bigger. The rear seats are roomier, and interior noise level is at an all-time low… Want to know who were the folks showing theleat interest in the 991 and the most interest in my comparatively tiny 1972 911? The dealership’s mechanics. They wanted one just like it. Continue reading “”

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CONGRATS TO JOHN WILLHOIT

The current issue of Excellence Magazine (#199) features my article and photos on John Willhoit’s ’71 911T hot rod in beautiful pastel blue. John brought this Porsche back from the dead with his skill and craftsmanship. It has a 3.2L short stroke EFI motor, Boxster brakes, ST seats and Heuer timers – plus more. Although the car had been left outside by the original owner for decades, he was able to preserve almost all of the original paint. Amazing trick build… Continue reading “”

INSPIRED : ANTARCTICA

The last installment in this “inspired” triptych is water/air. Nowhere is the balance between these two elements more delicate than in the ice-bound ecosystem called Antarctica.

Antarctica was the last continent I visited in the 1990’s. After four days of travel, I finally arrived at this serene environment. The eeire silence was punctuated by the sounds and sights of humorous penguins. “Otherworldly” is the best way I can describe my experience there. Continue reading “”

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NEIL YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE

Word is that Neil’s “back on the horse” and currently completing a new “concept” abum with Billy Talbot, Ralph Molina, and Frank “Poncho” Sampedro.

Here’s a link to the video of “Horse Back.” It’s a jam session with “Cortez the Killer” as an ending – recorded by John Hanlon, all 36 minutes of it. That’s longer than Neil’s entire first solo album! The behind-the-scenes video of the equipment that goes into making a “Crazy Horse” record was shot by Ben Johnson. Continue reading “”

INSPIRED : HAWAII

For the second part of the “inspired” elements triptych (earth, fire, water/air), I’m going for an aerial photograph made from a helicopter at sunrise over Maui. Another homage to Ernst Haas.

Haas was a genius and the pioneer of color photography when it comes to fine art. Eggleston? Sorry, not the first to have a color exhibit at MOMA in 1962. Porter? Sorry, kinda boring and a bit pedestrian. Shore, Meyerowitz? Ditto. Continue reading “”

PHOTO EXHIBIT AT GLAZER’S CAMERA

Hey All & Happy New Year!

I just finished hanging a 13 print exhibit at Glazer’s Camera Rental Studio in Seattle. On view are images from my book project, Steinbeck’s America: In Search of Travels with Charley Fifty Years Later.

Accompanying the color photographs are quotes by John Steinbeck from his book, Travels with Charley. My short film on the project and an e-book sample will be on view at a closing reception:

When: Monday, February 6th from 7-9pm

Where: 517 Dexter Ave North, Seattle, WA 98109

Please see my Outdoor Photographer Magazine article:

50 Years After Travels with Charley

Continue reading “”

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CROSBY, STILLS & NASH

Just released is this Atlantic/Audio Fidelity Gold CD of Crosby, Stills and Nash’s self-titled debut album. I was fortunate to have been invited to sit in on the mastering session with Steve Hoffman behind the controls at Marsh Mastering in Los Angeles CA a couple of months ago. My article describing that session, the music on this landmark 1969 release and the sound of this latest CD is now on-line at Michael Fremer’s MusicAngle.com. Photos from that day accompany my review. Thanks to all involved. Have a great New Year!

My CS&N review on MusicAngle.com

Continue reading “”

YEAR END REMINISCING

It’s an induldgent pastime I suppose. To tear yourself away from the TV and iphone/smartphone and contemplate your life as it actually is. Maybe it’s more appropriate to do as you get older – or maybe not. It don’t come easy as they say…

I try returning phone calls and text messages daily and love having GPS while traveling, but my 4G Droid is not much of an actual phone, more like a mini-computer – a radiating slow one at that. Most of the time I can’t find it (or something to watch on TV). Maybe that’s why I’m thinking about other things today. Continue reading “”