dev
“Intifada NYC”
To rehearse the details of this controversy: a Brooklyn organization called Arab Women Active in the Arts and Media (AWAAM) printed t-shirts with the slogan “Intifada NYC.” Debbie Almontaser, as principal of the soon-to-open Khalil Gibran International Academy, a Brooklyn middle school with no connection to AWAAM, defended the use of the slogan when asked about it by reporters. She
RIP Max Roach
In researching a forthcoming piece for the Inquirer on saxophonist Odean Pope, I happen to be listening to a lot of Max Roach — right now, in fact, Pope’s unaccompanied solo from the 1984 Soul Note release Scott Free is blasting in my headphones. Roach’s quartet with Pope and Cecil Bridgewater was some of the first jazz I heard, in
On Alison Krauss
My review of Alison Krauss & Union Station, with special guest Jerry Douglas on Dobro, in today’s Inquirer.
For music’s sake
Forgive the light posting — I’m swamped with work. But least I can do is throw some support toward this initiative… — ACMAAlliance for Creative Music Action A Town Hall Meeting Tuesday, August 21 at 6:00 pmatClemente Soto Velez107 Suffolk Streetbetween Delancey and Rivington [Manhattan] ARTISTS RISE UPCreative Music Action (ACMA) is a group of musicians, other artists and their
Tronzo to the rescue
Last night violinist Jenny Scheinman brought her quartet to International House in Philly, for a showcase sponsored by the wonderful Ars Nova Workshop. The group was to have featured guitarist Nels Cline, master avant-gardist from LA, now better known as a member of Wilco. The turnout was enormous, but sadly, Cline was not there — having toughed out two sets
“Wiretap at Will”
I’m researching a complicated piece for the Philadelphia Music Project, so posting may be light for a little while. But I wanted to link to Patrick Radden Keefe’s important analysis of the disgraceful wiretapping bill that Bush just signed. Huge surprise: the Democrats knuckled under and gave the Decider everything he wants. “The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is now dead,
On Bobby Zankel
My review of alto saxophonist Bobby Zankel and his 14-piece big band, The Warriors of the Wonderful Sound, in today’s Inquirer. Unfortunately, my mention of Zankel’s latest CD, Ceremonies of Forgiveness, was edited out of the piece. So I thought I’d mention it here.
The bridge
I have an old college friend from Minneapolis — checked in with him and found out he crossed the I-35 bridge about 90 minutes before it collapsed. The incident has sparked a nationwide discussion of bridge safety, and my thoughts go straight to the South Street Bridge here in Philly, which is very nearby. My wife and I cross it