A few weeks ago, I came across a picture of a letter sent to a newspaper in response to an article they had run some point earlier. I didn’t track down the article it references but I did find that the author of this letter. Pretty interesting that she (andrea vicari) is from Miami but [...]
“Saving” Jazz? If You Say So.
…I think we need to take a second to remember what jazz is…Jazz is a mix of cultures. A giant part of its root is blues. What is blues? It’s the music that was used to express the deep sorrow of oppressed people…
Jazz Sales Up and Why You Should Care
…Overall, it was a good year for the sales side of the industry. Album sales were up and soulful trumped poppy. If you pay any attention to music, that’s no real surprise. People are leaning towards a more organic sound nowadays…
You Are What You Are
It is human nature to pass judgements on people and situations based on our own experiences. Whether you think you do it or not, you do. We all do. It’s one of the things that has helped our species progress. Just think if the first cat that learned to use a rock to kill an animal for food…
Who’s Responsible for all This!?!?
I’m a strong proponent for knowing whom you’re mad at. It’s the first thing I think about when I find myself in an irritating situation; it’s the first thing I remind people when they want to take their frustration out on an innocent party. The guy behind the counter is likely just doing what he [...]
What We Really Want
Last night, I was forced to take a walk without my ear buds. I know, I know. It was tough but I made it through. But, instead of my head swirling with jazz riffs and me mentally playing along, my mind started to wander. As it did, I began to imagine the scenario of a [...]
God is not a Scapegoat
Some people say you can’t be anything you want to be. I know, right? Completely contrary to what I was taught my entire life and what I hold as a core belief today. I also intend to pass that idea on to my children. So who says this and why? Well, It’s something that some [...]
How to keep ART afloat
As the debate about government funding for the arts continues and said funding continues to be cut (see a recent conversation here), it is clear that musicians need to, more than ever, make a point to support each other. It’s hard to make this support count for saving teaching jobs and school programs but we [...]
Just make me a sandwich
Everything we do is influenced by the people and things around us. Some of these things we know have power over us (be honest, that’s what influence is) but a lot of it, we don’t. Think about it…
Good Deeds vs. Good Intentions
Anytime there is a disaster, tens of thousands of people flock to their Facebook to post kind words and tell everyone to pray for the affected people. Some of them join causes (and invite you) to show that they are really serious about helping. Do you ever wonder what those people do on top of that? [...]
