I was stunned to see this photo of President Bush with his arm on the shoulder of a smiling Kermit Ruffins, after the trumpeter performed at a Congressional picnic on the South Lawn of the White House. You need to read the transcript of Bush's remarks through the stranger-than-fiction, funnier (or sadder)-than-parody penultimate line. Apparently, the White House staff was … [Read more...] about why is this man smiling?
it’s june. it’s new york. it’s jazz.
Along with longer days, sunnier skies and warmer weather -- it's outdoor basketball season, at last -- June brings a wealth of great musicians to this already jazz-rich city. I'll fill you on singer Cassandra Wilson's brilliant Central Park concert to open the annual Summerstage series later. And saxophonist Sonny Fortune's harmonically advanced blasts were some the best sounds … [Read more...] about it’s june. it’s new york. it’s jazz.
sunny (sonny) news.
Tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins -- one of the last remaining links to bebop's heyday, and among the greatest living improvisers playing in any musical tradition -- is bringing back his memorable series of "special guest" concerts while revisiting an ever deeper memory (his Carnegie Hall debut 50 years ago). Rollins's invitationals, held annually from 1970 to 1995 (sometimes at … [Read more...] about sunny (sonny) news.
john boutté asks questions and answers needs.
This New York morning was unseasonably chilly, which made me miss New Orleans all the more. Yet I'm still basking in the warm glow of John Boutté's triumphant performance at Joe's Pub in Manhattan last night: He channeled so much of the city I've come to revere and adore and spilled it forth with characteristic grace and personal style, that, well, I'm good--for now. Joe's was … [Read more...] about john boutté asks questions and answers needs.
why i suck at blogging.
Hi, my name is Larry, and I'm a technophobe. But I'm working on it. Here's a column for Jazziz that hints at my progress: … [Read more...] about why i suck at blogging.