STOMP

Dispute Launched a
Unique Entertainment Company
In the 1980s, drummer and street performer Luke Cresswell couldn’t use traditional instruments while performing on public streets, so he began using ordinary items that had a percussive beat.

This idea served a number of purposes. Not only did he have access to an original supply of free or low-cost musical instruments, but it was a creative way to get attention. It would be nearly impossible to walk past someone playing a noisy, unusual item without stopping to watch in amusement. In time, the strategy would lead to a thriving business.

Years later, Cresswell and his musical partner were locked in dispute with their record company and unable to record or stage music because of a contractual stipulation, so they decided to create a new sound: one that didn’t have a melody. They used their street performances as the inspiration for a new dance troupe called STOMP! using common items for musical effect.

Today, the group has been seen by more than 12 million people around the world.

References
http://www.stomponline.com/instruments.php
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article5046442.ece
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2010/10/the-creators-of-stomp-are-bringing-pandemonium-to-la.html




Eugene Landau Murphy

Missing Blog Post
I am still posting archival material from the old blog to WordPress one at a time, (so much for technology).  However, I still can’t find Murphy’s post or the attached visitor comment. Both appear to have vanished!

Meanwhile, singer, songwriter and producer Steve Tyrell appeared on PBS this week and spoke at length about Murphy. Tyrell reveals the unique way Murphy got the idea for his niche. The talented Murphy won last year’s America’s Got Talent by using a jaw-dropping musical specialty. He ignored cultural notions of appearance and socio-economic status. The dreadlocked Murphy stunned audiences with his renditions of Frank Sinatra.

Reference
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/tavissmiley/interviews/singer-songwriter-steve-tyrell/

Note: The content in the original missing blog post will reappear at a later date once I am able to search all my files.