I missed Marian McPartland’s birthday. Now, she’s 95 plus one day, and I wish her all the best. Here she is in 1955 with her Hickory House trio, Bill Crow on bass, Joe Morello on drums (courtesy of Steve Cerra's Jazz Profiles), then in solo with her ballad “Afterglow” at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 1975. Happy birthday, McP. You’re a treasure. … [Read more...]

At the risk of being a fuddy-duddy I don't have a computer; I don't have e-mail; and I really don't need something in my house that I would be sitting in front of for hours. By the way, I got a Grammy, which was a big thrill. It's awful to have to, but I've started thinking about that, you know. 86. I'm thinking, well, maybe I might make it to 90.—(2004) … [Read more...]

The Brubeck Institute Festival—underway since Monday—gets into full swing tonight in Stockton, California, with a concert by the Tom Harrell Quintet. Other major musicians involved include The Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Gunther Schuller, Wynton Marsalis and Joe Gilman. Paul Conley reports about the festival for Capital Public Radio and KXJZ in Sacramento. To hear Paul's story about the first major Brubeck Institute event since Dave’s death in December, click here. For a compete … [Read more...]