Rifftides began life on June 15, 2005 with this item:
Launching Rifftides
Today is the first day of this new web log about jazz and, as its subtitle proclaims, other matters. At the top of the center column you will find a sort of manifesto, below that information about the proprietor. Farther down the center column under “Doug’s Picks” are things I like that I hope you will like. I want this to be not merely a blog, but a diablog, so please respond with reactions. Your participation will be at least half the fun. There is an e-mail address under “Contact” in the center column. My intention is to post every weekday, and weekends when the spirit or events move me.
Launching this venture, I would like to thank Terry Teachout, who suggested blogging as an alternative or supplement to the print straitjacket, and ArtsJournal commander Doug McLennan, who agreed to give Rifftides a home and helped me build it. Doug’s a wizard.
Five years on, I have the privilege of also thanking the thousands of readers who have made possible the pleasures and rewards of this venture, not the least of which is Rifftides‘ recognition this week as the Jazz Journalist Association’s blog of the year.
Please see the part above about the importance of the diablog and join in often with your comments and observations.
Onward.
Good work. Congratulations on 5 years of work worth doing, done well, and for your recognition by the JJA.
A biking blog with the occasional mention of music wouldn’t be of much interest to me. But your rare digressions are always welcome. There’s still plenty worth writing about on the Naches Loop ride.
You’ve assisted in nudging me, and many others to discover some wonderful artists of classic music.
Your good influence notwithstanding, this morning has been devoted to listening to the collaborations of Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, and others, most notably Tony Rice. It sounds like jazz to me, and it swings, most of the time.
You just might like it too.
Yeah, Doug, let’s open a bottle!
Maybe you can hear the fanfare I will blow here now.
All best for the future, and keep swinging!
It was quite a pleasure to learn that your (and our also) blog had been honored at JJA JAZZ AWARD.
Good work. Looking forward to more!
Geez Doug, what took ’em so long?
Thanks for the many years of Jazz writings that have helped increase my knowledge of and appreciation of Jazz and its makers.
You are a National Treasure.