Sounds of Music on Both Sides Now

by PAT STOKES

Most worthy of note this week, the relocation and swift reopening of Hideaway Music, from its "hidden" access off the Evergreen Avenue parking lot to a spot right on the Avenue, at 8428, next door to Caruso's Market in the "little house" formerly occupied by Artisans on the Avenue. The exterior is now suitably spiffed up in off-white and a spicy tomato red.

Inside, two sizable rooms merge to create one large area, jam-packed with CDs, DVDs and the newly important vinyl records. "Vinyl records are really making a big comeback," says Brian Riesman, the owner. "New vinyl records are being made, people are dusting off their old records and turntables, and they're even buying new record players, especially portable ones, which of course we have for sale."

This is the field in which Hideaway's used record policy comes into play. Many people have old much-loved vinyl records that they are now willing to part with; they can bring them in; Brian will buy them.

An article from the Philadelphia Inquirer Dec. 5 called vinyl "retro chic." The writer refers to "brand new cellophane-wrapped pressings" that seem to appeal to t he young, yet as a contrast, he quotes Dryw (sic) Skully, 28, who spins records for a Northern Liberties club, who believes in "original vinyl," such as one by the Rolling Stones. "That record," he says, "has been somewhere. It has a history." (The cult lives on.)

Having come from the LIP vinyl era myself, I found it delightful to see racks and racks of records (used, remember) covering jazz, rock and roll, country, "world" blues, R&B and vocals. You have to come and browse here; if you love music, it's an experience.

Brian has also expanded the section of used books on music, as well as vintage jazz and pop magazines including some rare originals from the '60s. (I am now the proud owner of a MAD magazine from 1964.)

Of course, there are many, many new CDs too. For example, one called The Last Waltz by The Band. Another, a performance in Paris by Diana Krall; and Live Aid, a famous benefit concert from the '80s, to name a few.

Mustn't forget to mention Brian's great group of vintage concert posters that represent so well not only the concerts they advertise, but also the era in which they were made.

There's more. It's best to come in and see for yourself. Regular hours: Tuesday - Friday, 11 to 5. Saturday, 10 to 6, Sunday, 12 to 5. Open Monday for Christmas, and also Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week until 9 p.m. 215-248-4434.

After leaving Hideaway, you may want to head for another top-notch musical locale across the street at 8405 Germantown Ave. To get there you could risk life and limb, walking directly across, or you could walk to the corner at Gravers Lane, wait for the light to change, then wait for the cars turning the corner where you are standing. Did I read not long ago that there has been some talk of reviving the traffic committee here on the Hill? That would be so welcome. Perhaps they would have the clout to get a crosswalk established somewhere between Highland and Gravers. Drivers might object to the wait? Actually, some courteous drivers already allow people to cross in front of them. Slowing down traffic seems like a good idea to me.

So here we are at Intermission, a unique Chestnut Hill spot that celebrates performance art in the theater, in the music hall and onstage, offering not-often-seen artifacts related to these pleasures, such as figurines, puppets, sculptures, art objects, cards and, of course, music. Today, we're talking about those many musical offerings in the form of CDs and DVDs.

Right away, you should know that Intermission has always been able to meet current demands for music. A typical example: a recent article in the Arts section of the New York Times included a list of the "best classical CDs." Almost instantly customers called or came in requesting something on the list Intermission wasted no time in stocking a dozen of each.

Terry Marek, the owner, and her manager, Rose Gannone, as well as the rest of the staff regularly take special orders, tracking down rarely heard things, if necessary, to see if they're still in print. If the item is not here in the Chestnut Hill store, they can often get it from the center city store in the Kimmel Center.

Of course this year DVDs are big, and the selection is exciting. How about watching Baryshnikov himself in the Nutcracker? That famous story appears in many forms, even a children's version, a book telling the tale (to be read aloud, maybe) with a CD tucked inside the front cover. Others include the Peter and the Wolf story. Terry says they are working to expand the inventory of books like these.

For the holidays, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza and beyond, outstanding choral music is available. Terry is especially enthusiastic about the Cambridge Singers on three different CDs, conducted by John Rutter, England's noted composer/conductor.

Also represented on Intermission's shelves, Amahl and the Night Visitor, selections by Bach, Charpentier and Schutz. Add jazz, cabaret, Broadway selections, folk and pop. This year, both Christian and Jewish music are available on a group of Naxos recordings that surprisingly sell for a mere $9.98.

I was intrigued to learn about their "listening station." If the CD you're considering is "in the system," you may lend an ear and check it out before buying.

Intermission should definitely be on your list as a place to visit during the holidays. There are so many unusual and beautiful things to see, it's like a wonderland.

Regular hours, 10 to 6, Monday - Sunday. Christmas hours, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 to 8. 216-242-8515. See you on the Avenue.