Sounds Familiar

“It is an improvisational art, making itself up as it goes along, just like the country that gave it birth.” – Narrator (Keith David), JAZZ, a film by Ken Burns

RIP Neil Innes (1944-2019)

I think it’s safe to say that Neil Innes was never a household name but any true fan of British comedy should well recognize the songwriter and comedian who was a frequent collaborator of the Monty Python gang. Sadly, Neil Innes passed away of natural causes on Sunday at the age of 75.

Innes was a member of the avant-garde Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, a music group which appeared in the English children’s series Do Not Adjust Your Set (a show probably most famous for featuring then-future Pythonites Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam) and in the Beatles film Magical Mystery Tour. He was also instrumental in the creation and implementation of the Rutles, a pseudo-parody of the Beatles, which spawned TV specials and actual LPs.

Innes’ work with Monty Python included bits in the comedy series, record albums, stage shows and films. He appears to be one of the only two non-Pythons (along with the late Douglas Adams) to be credited with writing the groundbreaking series Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

Certainly it can be assumed that Monty Python would still be the force it is in comedy without Neil Innes but since music has become so much a part of the group’s oeuvre it’s hard to imagine Python without him.

To celebrate the man and his music, let’s check out his appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series from 2011…

Monday Montage

What’s happening, what’s on and what’s interesting this week …

Celebrate the orchestral music of Stephen Sondheim with The New York Philharmonic and guest vocalist Katrina Lenk. Tune in for a SONDHEIM CELEBRATION on LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER – Tuesday night at 8 on UNC-TV.

Elizabeth McGovern (The Chaperone) talks about returning to Downton and her life as an American-expat in London.

Hey, It’s Photo Friday!

The Odd Squad needs you – and step on it!

This ODD SQUAD rug would make a great addition to any home. Of course, it’s currently in with the Rootle team in their office space. Man, they really get all the cool things.

Sounds Familiar

“My eyes feel like they’ve been put in backwards.” – Minty Petersen (Cliff Parisi), after a night of excessive drinking, EASTENDERS

Merry Cookiemas!

Celebrate the season with SESAME STREET’s Cookie Monster and The 12 Days of Christmas Cookies. (Personally, I think om nom nom should become the new ho ho ho.)

Where Do I Know That Actor?

MIDSOMER MURDERS supplied us with a sextet of special guest stars in this week’s outing (The Made-to-Measure Murders – in which a tailor’s widow makes a confession). Keen-eyed viewers may have spotted these familiar faces alongside DCI Barnaby and DS Jones. See how many you recognized.

Maureen Beattie played Sonia Woodley, the tailor’s widow. She also played Alice Costigan on the Masterpiece Theatre presentation Bramwell.

Philip Bretherton was the late tailor’s brother Matthew. Now, it’s entirely possible you recognized Bretherton from his guest role on Miss Marple, Inspector Morse or Rumpole of the Bailey. But I’m guessing if his face rings a bell it’s solely because you know him as the affable Alistair Deacon on the fan favorite As Time Goes By.

Monday Montage

What’s happening, what’s on and what’s interesting this week …

Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth joins the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for a beloved Christmas tradition featuring favorite music, dancing and storytelling. Tune in for CHRISTMAS WITH THE TABERNACLE CHOIR – Tuesday night at 9 on UNC-TV.

Bill Nye the Science Guy is taking on the entertainment behemoth Disney. The well-known science educator is suing the House of Mouse for profits from his beloved kids series, which ran on PBS in the 1990s.

Follow historian Lucy Worsley on a 12-day extravaganza to discover the surprising origins of contemporary Christmas. Experience LUCY WORSLEY’S 12 DAYS OF TUDOR CHRISTMAS – Wednesday at 8pm on UNC-TV.

Hey, It’s Photo Friday!

At UNC-TV, we have ample storage space where old props and set pieces can be relocated for later use. I’m always interested to see what I can find there because often it’s an interesting relic of programs past. As such, here’s a box containing (assuming we can take it at its word) some material from the series NORTH CAROLINA VISIONS, a documentary series that we ran starting in the late 1990s. The box is marked 20×26 Original Visions Grey Sponge Back Drops and 40×40 Floor Cloth 200 lbs. I didn’t open it, lest I spoil the mystery, and I certainly didn’t try to pick it up.

Street Meets

SESAME STREET was one of the 2019 honorees at the Kennedy Center (the first TV show to receive the prestigious honor). Check out this cute little video featuring Cookie Monster, Elmo and Big Bird. Come for the very nice Sally Fields joke … stay for the impromptu rendition of Earth, Wind and Fire’s September.