Charlie Haden R.I.P. (Revisited)
Sean Murphy1959 was a watershed year for jazz music (arguably the greatest single year for jazz in all history–which is saying a lot). Here’s a taste: Miles Davis Kind of Blue,…
“My First Time”, via The Quivering Pen
It was my great pleasure to guest-post at The Quivering Pen, a fantastic site for writers (and readers) curated by David Abrams (himself an excellent reader and writer: check him…
Talking Jive, Mingus and John Goodman
Today is the day. For John Goodman, that is. And for you, if you are inclined to check out his new book, Jive-Colored Glasses: A Jazz Memoir. And you should…
The Worst People in America: Dick Cheney*
MOTHERFUCKER HAS SO MUCH blood on his hands he makes Lady Macbeth look like Snow White. I’m not sure what it says about me, but I’ve gone on record declaring, at…
The Doors: Our Star-Spangled American band (Revisited)
If the discussion is going to turn to American rock bands, it would be impossible to avoid R.E.M. Fortunately, I already dealt with their legacy and am on record declaring…
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown: Remembering Michael Jackson (Revisited)
How do you know you've made an indelible impact on culture? Here's how. Listen: this story has been told so many times it is inextricable from the history of America.…
No, Really: Jeff Beck is God (Revisited)
6/15: Happy 71st birthday to the great Jeff Beck. 3/11: Since it happened to be Keith Relf’s birthday, it seemed appropriate to pay tribute to him on Tuesday. Plus, as…
‘Pedro’ Is a Glorious Romp Full of Stories That Only Pedro Martinez Can Tell
Any public figure, particularly an artist or athlete, is assured notoriety and immortality if they are known simply by their last name (think Bird or Beethoven), their nickname (think Bono…
Where Writers Write: From The Next Best Book Blog (TNBBC)*
(Link to piece here.) So, this is the official place I write, in that there’s a desk, a computer and a chair, and eventually all final drafts of manuscripts (be…