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“Jihad don’t swing”
Forwarded to me from a jazz radio programmers’ listserv, a riposte to Gilad Atzmon’s morally and intellectually bankrupt portrait of jazz as “holy war” akin to militant jihad. — Last night’s televised prayers of representatives of the Moslem, Buddhist, Jewish and Christian community of Virginia Tech offering solace to the families and friends of the massacre victims and appeals for
Atzmon meets Imus
Consider two quotes: “There’s never been a suggestion on my radio program that there is some inherent characteristic or ability of one race that makes them superior to another,” [Don] Imus said. — from 60 Minutes transcript, April 15, 2007 “I find it important to mention that in none of my political texts or interviews have I ever used any
“True Mathematics”
My profile of “the great restructural master” Anthony Braxton appears in the May 2007 issue of Jazz Times. PDF downloadable here.
Tonic’s closing represents wider cultural crisis
Received this from a New York-based musician and thought I’d post it here. The news of Tonic’s closing astounds me, but it shouldn’t. I never thought I’d see the words “Luxury Condos” and “Avenue B” next to each other, but indeed I did last time I walked through Alphabet City. (Tonic lies just south of there, but same deal.) Just
Imus fallout
Finally, a piece examining the role of Don Imus’s executive producer and sidekick, Bernard McGuirk, who was the first person to use the word “ho’s” during the now-infamous exchange. I am fully delighted to see Imus get the drubbing he deserves, don’t get me wrong. But there are other offenders as well. Just as I don’t support the idea of
Foster, Motian
I wanted to express belated excitement about one of my last evenings hearing music in New York (although that sounds so final — I plan to be back in NYC regularly). This was March 23, a night that began brilliantly uptown at the Thalia at Symphony Space, where clarinetist Andy Biskin played music from his CD Early American: The Melodies
The Sadr legacy
Thousands have marched on Najaf at the urging of Moktada al-Sadr, to protest the American presence in Iraq: “The enemy that is occupying our country is now targeting the dignity of the Iraqi people,” said lawmaker Nassar al-Rubaie, head of Mr. Sadr’s bloc in parliament, as he marched, according to the A.P. “After four years of occupation, we have hundreds
Back in gear, slowly
About a week ago I moved from New York to Philadelphia, for reasons both personal and professional. I’m greatly enjoying my new life, but things have been quite hectic and I’ve had even less time than usual for blogging. I’ll do what I can to change that in the coming days and weeks. Thanks for reading and please keep this