I've been too long away. Forgive me. I arrived in New Orleans two days ago to find that the trial of David Bonds, the accused murderer of Hot 8 Brass Band snare drummer and educator Dinerral Shavers, had finally begun. It was a dramatic three days of testimony, after which, to an outrage I'm sure I share with others, Bonds was acquitted on all counts. I'll have more to say on … [Read more...] about no justice for drummer’s murder
cachao’s everlasting inventions
I was saddened to hear of the passing of one of the great bassists and true innovators of modern music, Israel "Cachao" López, at 89. You can find an obit by Enrique Fernandez, from the Miami Herald here And here's a column I did for the April issue of Jazziz that talks about some seminal tracks. … [Read more...] about cachao’s everlasting inventions
no jazz in utah (and other basketball stories)
The NBA all-star game brought "I love this game" excitement, much-needed out-of-state money and laudable good will campaigns (wherein 7-footers in windbreakers hammered nails, read to schoolkids, and showcased the many worthy nonprofit efforts around town). I guess I was remiss in not posting this piece of mine, which ran in the New Orleans Times-Picayune: Links between … [Read more...] about no jazz in utah (and other basketball stories)
of big chiefs, would-be presidents and other leaders
It's nearly March, but the sight of Mardi Gras Indian Chiefs in New Orleans on Fat Tuesday is fresh in my mind. And the Democratic primary race, which tightened that same day, remains a horserace. My thoughts on how the two subjects intertwine (or not) is expressed in this Village Voice piece: "It's amazing how much joy and hope these beads and feathers bring." The Sunday … [Read more...] about of big chiefs, would-be presidents and other leaders
when herbie and joni met grammy
Given Herbie Hancock's surprising Best Album Grammy win, I thought I'd forward this piece I wrote late last year about the recording, for Jazziz magazine's Jan/Feb. issue. … [Read more...] about when herbie and joni met grammy