Well, actually, we were never gone. However, for several hours, the Rifftides comment mechanism was broken. If you tried to use the “Speak Your Mind” box at the end of an item, or found that it had disappeared, we would like you to know that the feedback function is back in business. Provided that they are pertinent and civil, reader comments are always welcome. They give us some of our best stuff.

Thanks to the artsjournal.com technical team for the restoration work.
LATER: No sooner had I posted this item (notice the part about pertinence) than the following “comment” on the Ravi And Igor item arrived.
If you don’t want to spend a fortune on a large, elaborate wedding then you probably are considering eloping. If this is the case, then finding the best places to elope should be on your agenda. You want to make this task as stress-free as possible so that it will be something that you truly look forward to. You want to keep all the “fuss” to a minimum and find something that is romantic but at the same time affordable.
Oh, I get it; the commenter thought that Ravi and Igor are a couple.





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.
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