The cycling schedule is full again. So are the rivers around here, swollen with snowmelt from the mountains, and roaring. Here’s some of what I saw on a ride this afternoon, a section of the Yakima roaring along muddy and almost into the fields and towns. In the upper center, you see an enormous tree that the force of the water tore out of the bank somewhere upstream.
Fifty yards from the river, all was serene. The view is west, toward the Cascades, where in spring the snow becomes water that runs down into the tributaries that fill the Yakima, which feeds the mighty Columbia.
The Columbia, as Woody Guthrie made everyone aware, rolls on.
Other Matters: The River
May 24, 2011 by
The nonagenarian pianist presented de Barros with every biographer’s hope, unrestricted access to his subject’s personal papers and nearly unrestricted access to her private thoughts. He made the most of it, turning exhaustive research and hundreds of hours of interviews into a true story with the sweep of a novel. From the early discovery of McPartland’s musical gift through her wartime service, her ecstatic and stormy marriage to Jimmy McPartland, her growth as a pianist, her deep affair with Joe Morello, and the radio show that made her a national figure, she has had a fascinating life. It makes a splendid read.
Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Band had three fewer musicians than most big jazz outfits. Its size permitted precision, flexibility and subtlety, yet the band had the power of sprung steel. In this concert from a half century ago, the CJB is as fresh as yesterday. Arrangements by Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and Johnny Mandel set standards to which big band writers still aspire. Bassist Buddy Clark and drummer Mel Lewis inspired Mulligan, Brookmeyer, Conte Candoli, Gene Quill and Zoot Sims to some of the best soloing of their careers. This beautifully produced issue of the complete concert is a basic repertoire item.
Beautiful part of the world Doug. Looks like a place to hike/bike while listening to good jazz on an Ipod! Thanks for the vistas, no matter how muddy!
My rides are Ipod-free. I listen to birds, the wind and noises from cars and trucks whose drivers may not have my best interests at heart. As for the high water, people hereabouts are lucky compared to what’s happening along the MIssissippi. A reader in Natchez sent this link to a dramatic series of photographs.
Thanks Doug-gave me a great idea for my area:
Did the 17 mile bike ride today (closed off to cars, so no hassle there) w/ Paul Desmond Qrt. the whole pleasurable way on Ipod.
Happy Memorial. Weekend!
P.S. Witnessed Bud Shank @ KRML, Carmel,Ca studios live concert-50 seats, early 90s; will never forget it.