Stereojack

I started when I was about 16, quit successfully when I was 30. I had quit for nearly a year twice before, and slid back both times. Have been off them for about 37 years now. The temptation persists long after the addiction appears to have been cured, although after all these years, I am mostly disgusted by the idea.

Received this a few minutes ago: Friends, Mulgrew Miller left us early this morning. The following is from David Demsey, his colleague of many years at William Paterson University: ---------- Although I know we were all at least partially prepared for this, I know you will be shocked and saddened to know that Mulgrew Miller has died, early this morning, from the effects of a massive stroke he suffered last Wednesday. I think I speak for everyone in the Program that we lost a true giant, a dear friend, a mentor, a beautiful partner in leading this Program, a consummate musician, an inspired teacher and one of my favorite players, on any instrument. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wonderful family, including his wife Tanya and his daughter Leilani (who some of you know as a WP alumnus). As many of you remember, Mulgrew had what we would now think of as a "minor" stroke incident two years ago November, blood pressure related. Since that time, he had really been taking care of himself; he was taking blood pressure medication, had lost weight, had taken to a completely vegetarian diet, and had made his touring schedule more manageable. Knowing all that, this stroke came out of the blue. Everything happened as it should have at the outset; he was rushed to a local hospital quickly, and just as quickly was airlifted to Lehigh Valley Cedar Crest, a large teaching hospital near their home with a well-known neuro-stroke unit. But there was too much bleeding that could not be stopped, and he never regained consciousness or the ability to breathe on his own. The family and doctors made the decision to remove the ventilator yesterday evening, and he passed away early this morning. The toughest part for all of us is the suddenness, with no chance to say goodbye. For most of us, our last talk with Mulgrew was when we all wished one another a good summer break a couple of weeks ago. I had been in touch with him every few days since school ended, but that didn't make this any easier. Now, we are all asking ourselves what we can do to carry on Mulgrew's legacy in September. My answer: be here and be present, as a musician, as a student and as a person. Perhaps even more than his musical peers who played with him, you as his students are the individuals who will most notably carry on his memory. It is a great responsibility, and it is my honor to share it with you. Mulgrew and I (and, ironically, the late James Williams and I) always said to one other that, thanks to the strength of the students and faculty, this Jazz Program has its own momentum and is more powerful than any one or ten people; I never thought that we would prove it under these circumstances, but I am sure that we will, together. I will send more updates when I have information about memorial services. Thank you, again, for your wonderful, positive thoughts and messages to Mulgrew and his family over the past six days; I have relayed all of them and your presence in that way means everything to his family, and to Mulgrew. Dr. David Demsey Coordinator of Jazz Studies Professor of Music Curator, Living Jazz Archives William Paterson University

Whoops, there goes another birthday, kerplop!

One of the most soulful singers in all genres of music. So long, Ol' Possum.

I assume you mean the Dodge commercial featuring "The Sidewinder"? I saw it multiple time in the mid 1960's, but I seem to recall that it did not use Lee's recording of the tune. Somebody may correct me on this.

I heard this last night. Usually I mute ads or fast forward through them, but caught the tail end of this and backed up to hear the whole thing. Not a lot there, but it's nice that somebody at Madison Avenue remembers.

Every boy of my generation came of age watching Annette on the Mickey Mouse Club, and we all had a crush. About a half hour ago I clicked on a news item on Comcast's home page (where I get my e-mail) concerning Annette's death. It brought me to a clip from Fox News, on which the reporter, while showing a series of clips covering her career, identified her beach movies co-star as "Frankie Valli". A-a-a-a-rgh!

I was a fan going back thirty years, from when he hosted "Sneak Previews" with Gene Siskel. These days I often check Rotten Tomatoes for film reviews, and Roger was always among the critics I read. I didn't always agree with him, but I did respect his knowledge and love of the movies. It was very sad to see his tragic health issues over the past few years.

I agree. Overall, I liked Django more than Inglorious Basterds. One thing irks me, though - Waltz is clearly the central character for most of Django, yet he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in the Academy Awards. I guess it was felt that he couldn't have beaten Daniel Day Lewis. I know, the Oscars are all hype, anyway.

Favorites: Starting Time (Jazzland) Two Tenor Winner (Criss Cross) And his many performances with Mingus, particularly "Right Now" (Fantasy)

Yes. Of course, anything with Lacy is worth hearing, but Stewart is also an interesting player.

Happy Birthday, Jon!!!

Nice to see the great Kenny Burrell getting his props here. He is my FAVORITE guitarist. Happily he has a large body of work. I like Live at the Village Vanguard, Guitar Forms, Bluesy Burrell (w/ Coleman Hawkins), On View at the Five Spot, Midnight Blue (the title track was my theme back in my radio days) to name a few winners.

When I was in high school, many of the charts we played in our big band/stage band were by Tanner.

I believe I heard some time ago that he had passed, but can't find any evidence. Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Joseph

Nice to have some background information about this wonderful and mysterious musician!

She was a huge star when I was a kid in the 1950's. Her "Tennessee Waltz" is one of my earliest musical memories, having been released when I was five. At the time, I didn't understand the phrase "my friend stole my sweetheart from me". Years later, I discovered that the B-side of the original 78 is the wonderful "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus", featuring Buck Clayton and Haywood Henry in the backing band. And yes, that is Buck playing the trumpet on "Tennessee Waltz".

Happy Birthday, Marty! :w

http://xfinity.comcast.net/video/Hannah-Storm-On-Burn-Accident-Daughters-Heroism/13504579802/Comcast/TopVideos/

Glad that she's OK. I have to admit I've had a crush on her for years.

I am familiar with some of the recordings he made in the 1950's, but never knew about the Monroe connection.

A magnificent musician. I got to see him perform only once, 15-20 years ago. Very special!

When I was coming up in the 1960's, it was hip to look down on Brubeck and his tremendous success, but eventually I came around. Had to. Over the years, I've talked to several musicians who worked with him, and to the one they went on about whan a decent human being he was. RIP, Dave.

I have the Jazz Mark LP - Park is a special player. A Texan I know hipped me to Campise a few years ago - I like his playing, but sometimes these 90 mph beboppers leave me cold. I suppose he's more than that; I should give him another listen.

Happy Birthday, Paul!!!