As he moves toward the middle of his eighty-sixth year, Dave Brubeck is not slowing down. He's picking up speed—and honors—and preparing a major work. Today he is at his alma mater, University of the Pacific, to collect another medal. For a story about Brubeck's whirlwind week and his new project, go here. … [Read more...]

A story in today’s Los Angeles Times has this headline: Straight-ahead jazz may lose its KKJZ-FM gig And this quote: "KKJZ is a very famous jazz station and there aren't many more around like them," said Frank Sinatra Jr., son of the singing legend, and a professional musician who lives in West Los Angeles. "[Straight-ahead] jazz is the biggest music in the world, except in the country (where) it was created. It would be such a big loss if they stopped playing jazz. That station is the last … [Read more...]

What can be hoped of an art which must necessarily depend on the favor of the public—of such a public, at least, as ours? Good work may, does sometimes, succeed. But never with the degree of success that befalls twaddle and vulgarity. Twaddle and vulgarity will always have the upper hand. —Max Beerbohm, Saturday Review, September, 1908 We know that the tail must wag the dog, for the horse is drawn by the cart; But, the Devil whoops, as he whooped of old: It’s clever, but is it … [Read more...]