A Little Time Out in London

 

My wife, Jan and I are enjoying a little break in on of our favorite cities, London! Besides a good bit of shopping Jan and I saw Renee Fleming's afternoon recital at the Barbican Centre here in London. She is without a doubt one of the greatest singers ever. The highlight of our trip!! Besides having an extraordinary instrument, her voice, she has a wonderful sense of humor, fantastic acting ability while making you feel that she could be the girl next door.  read/see more...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that the election is over, what's next?

 

Now that election day has come and gone, we've once again had the chance to participate in the incredibly powerful process of selecting our leaders.

 

But now that the election is over, what's next? Do we need to wait another four years to feel we've again participated in our democracy? I would argue that participating that infrequently doesn't really constitute a government "by the people." 

 

Approval ratings for congress are at an all-time low. We can do something about that.  While we elect our representatives and senators every few years, we can still be active even when it's not an election season.  When important issues and policies come up, does your read more...

 

Remembering Wallace Burton

 

I was saddened to hear the news that Wallace Burton passed away recently, and I wanted to reflect on the importance this one man had on my life and career.

 

I wouldn't be the artist I am today if it wasn't for Wallace. Years ago I was a teenaged pianist who listened to jazz, but it hadn't occurred to me to play it. My chosen forms were European Classical music and Gospel. Wallace stopped me after read more...

 

 

A Dwindling Land of Opportunity?

 

As a professional jazz musician, I can't help but notice the dwindling numbers: fewer jazz radio stations, fewer retailers selling jazz CDs (or CDs of any kind, for that matter). 

 

On the other hand, I am happy to report that young people are becoming more and more interested in jazz.  Jazz education programs are alive and well in many colleges and universities around the country, and in a growing number of high schools. This is indeed good news. However, with all the young people read more...