We’ll get to Billy Higgins plus Cedar Walton soon; in the meantime here are 10 of my favorite Billy sides without Cedar. What a great excuse to listen to one of the greatest drummers in jazz history.
Continue ReadingThis is the first of 3 related Top 10 lists – stay tuned for a Billy Higgins list and one featuring the work of Cedar and Billy together.
Continue ReadingLast week marked Marian McPartland’s passing. Her warmth is what I will always remember most, but her musical legacy is tremendous.
Continue ReadingIn tribute to the incredible musical legacy of Cedar Walton (1934-2013) I am currently preparing a series of my Top 10 lists. In the meantime, though, I wanted to share a personal anecdote of how a seemingly innocuous encounter with him shaped my life.
Continue ReadingWhat is it with me and philosophical revelations that occur at 5-5 in the third set? This time it incorporates disability, tragedy, Paul Simon and the potential for triumph of the human spirit and beyond.
Continue Reading10 among my many faves by Mr. Simon . . . as a solo artist, without the tall guy.
Continue ReadingThere is an distinction between pain and suffering, two words and concepts that are often (but erroneously) treated as synonyms. Even if our pain is unavoidable, we can improve our quality of life by tackling suffering!
Continue ReadingReflections on the delicate balance that I’ve found governs the quest for self-actualization and fulfillment.
Continue ReadingReflections on life as a journey (not a destination) and gratitude to a dear person who has personified this before my eyes.
Continue ReadingA few days ago the 2014 class of NEA Jazz Masters was announced, with honors going to the diverse crew of Richard Davis, Anthony Braxton, Keith Jarrett and Jamey Abersold. 3+ years ago, I wrote about musicians who I felt had been neglected in this selection process (click here to read that post for reference), and the latest batch has led me reflect a bit on who has been inducted since and who is still overdue.
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