At this hour in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Laurie Verchomin is celebrating the 82nd anniversary of Bill Evans’ birth. She is at Alberta College reading from her book about the brief, intense relationship with the pianist that inspired him to write “Laurie.” The composition became a central … [Read more...]

There is more to jazz in Montreal than the sprawling festival that takes place in the Canadian city every summer. Keeping up with developments there is easier because of the work of filmmaker Randy Cole (pictured). Cole’s latest short film is about the influence of a new daughter on the life and … [Read more...]

Gordon Jenkins (pictured) wrote the music and Joe Bishop the words to “Blue Prelude” in 1933. Shortly after, the Isham Jones band introduced the song on record. In the reed section was a young saxophonist and clarinetist named Woody Herman, who ultimately became leader of a cooperative band that … [Read more...]

The Rifftides staff is springing—well, easing—(all right, slouching) back into action after near-total immersion in the Miles Español project described three items down. Here is a pleasant way to do it. Word from Sweden is that the Ystad Jazz Festival organized and supervised by … [Read more...]

Blogging here has slowed in the past few days and may not pick up markedly for a few more. The Rifftides staff is on deadline for an historical essay to accompany Bob Belden’s Miles Español film project. The research has had to be deeper, wider and more intense than I imagined when I said yes to … [Read more...]

This item from trumpeter Mike Vax has popped up in various places on the web in the past couple of days. It is dated August 3. I just talked with Gwen Terry. Clark Terry had surgery on his right leg to remove some blockage and the operation went very well. I will be talking with Clark … [Read more...]

In the right-hand column under Doug's Picks, you will find recommendations of new CDs by a daring pianist, a daring duo and a daring singer. For now, last month's DVD and book picks remain on the main page. New ones will follow——sooner or later. … [Read more...]

This morning I took a side trip through a subdivision that not long ago was an orchard. The non-architecture is typical of the builder-designed antisepsis or Stepford school—big double and triple garages with houses attached. But wait, there’s a bright spot. This is the name of the main … [Read more...]

Here is the unofficial Rifftides apple crop forecast for 2011. My friend Vigorelli Bianchi and I gathered evidence on an early morning cycling expedition. You see Vig resting while I photographed. The forecast is for abundant fruit. This fall, there will be plenty of good red Washington apples … [Read more...]

As Paul Motian’s latest engagement began at a venerable New York club that holds precious memories for him, Larry Blumenfeld profiled the 80-year-old drummer in The Wall Street Journal. Here’s a quote: What turns me on isn't technique," he said. "It's the sound of the drums, the way … [Read more...]