Author Archives: Didier

100’000+ photos viewed in August on my SmugMug account

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As some of you have already observed, I have completely left my Flickr account since beginning of this year. For different reasons. I have to post about that too ;-)

I would like to mark this day because I have passed the 100’000 photos viewed on my SmugMug account within one month! These views have generated more than 16 GB of bandwidth usage for the same period (actually, exactly 29 days).

On my Flickr account, with about the same portfolio, I have today 18’341 views within … more than 2 years. Crazy, no?

 

All my photos and videos can be found under:

visuals.didierbeck.com

Leonard Cohen, a fantastic artist and poet

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On last Sunday evening, I had the chance to take part in one of the best concert I have ever seen. Mister Leonard Cohen (Wikipedia, official website) was giving a concert in Colmar, France. And what for a concert!

Fantastic. Emotional. Elegant. Enthusiastic. Moving. Entertaining. Exciting.

7’000 fans and connoisseurs of Cohen’s works, supporting and respecting the musicians on stage, that was just impressive. As usual during concerts, I find that silences are really showing how far an audience is enjoying (or not) a concert. An this one was full of silences :-)

The current band features:

  • Sharon Robinson : co-writer with Mr. Cohen of Everybody knows, I’m your man, Waiting for the miracle, etc. / background vocals
  • The Webb Sisters : background vocals. Listen to the little miracle on “If it be your will” below. Crazy and perfect duo.
  • Roscoe Beck : musical director & bass. I know Roscoe Beck and I have listened to Roscoe for years, especially with the blues-guitarist Robben Ford.
  • Neil Larsen : keyboards & Hammond B3 accordion
  • Bob Metzger : electric, acoustic & pedal steel guitar
  • Javier Mas : bandurria, laud, archilaud, 12-string acoustic guitar
  • Rafael Gayol : drums, percussion
  • Dino Soldo : sax, clarinet, dobro, keys

I shot some videos during the show, low video quality but the sound is not bad. Have a try.

Microsoft Photosynth – Saint Barth

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I have completely forgotten that I have tested Microsoft Photosynth for a while (actually when we were in Saint Barth last winter). What is Photosynth?

Photosynth creates an amazing new experience with nothing more than a bunch of photos. Creating a synth allows you to share the places and things you love using the cinematic quality of a movie, the control of a video game, and the mind-blowing detail of the real world.

Have a look at this “synth”. This represents the crazy view we had from the villa we have rent this year. Aaaarrrrrggggg :-)

Yesterday in Montreux, Black Eyed Peas!

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Emmanuel Bueb, the CEO of Boomerang and my old friend, and myself had the chance again to be in Montreux / Switzerland, for the famous Montreux Jazz Festival. As in 2008 (Alicia Keys), 2007 (Van Morrison, Candy Dulfer), 2006 (Fourplay, Herbie Hancock), 2005 (Dianne Reeves, George Duke), 2004 (Pat Metheny Trio). Still a long history, also because we have started to go there each year before I have started to blog in 2004 ;-)

This year, we wanted to change a bit the style of music. No blues, no jazz anymore. Something new! So we decided ourselves for … the Black Eyed Peas! Only concert in Switzerland. So how was it?

Impressive! We haven’t seen so many people at a concert in Montreux.

Cool! Super sound, super atmosphere, super groove.

Really an exceptional show :-)

 

View from the terrace of our hotel

 

Waiting for the concert

 

The concert!