POLITICAL JAZZ

Can you believe this? "I pray whoever is leading the country will be led by God, and I believe this current administration answers to a higher calling," said Mr Bernsen, a well-known jazz musician living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

"I don't wear the man's shoes, but there's enough fruit that falls from that tree to tell me what I need to know. I believe George Bush has surrounded himself with enough of the right people for me to know he is a godly person."

It's helpful to know that Randy Bernsen is a godly person himself, if being a member the Calvary chapel mega-church in Fort Lauderdale and of a group called Christian Jazz Artists does the trick. More helpful would be the answer to this question: Is Bernsen's jazz godly?

Judging from this recording Live @Tavern 213, I'd say not a chance. Even recorded live -- scratch that, especially recorded live -- he sounds no better than canned. Some folks, like these reviewers, would beg to differ. Make up your own mind. Here's a home video sample of Bernsen playing solo.)

Admittedly, he does have a way with a title. Here's a cutie: "Music for Planets, People & Washing Machines." Maybe he sounds better on that CD, although I doubt it. But whatever his jazz sounds like, as a polite friend says, "if he really thinks the stuff falling from that tree is fruit, he must have the eating habits of a coprophagus."

Postscript from a reader: "Enjoying being petty: I listened, watched, and winced. I think 'canned' is extremely generous. Why is this no surprise after reading his quote?"