GA Russell

This week's 40-minute Game of the Week. https://www.cfl.ca/2020/05/28/cfl-game-40-game-year/ ***** Lirim Hajrullahu kicked a 75-yarder in practice. https://3downnation.com/2020/05/29/video-los-angeles-rams-canadian-kicker-liriam-hajrullahu-splits-uprights-from-75-plus-yards/

The eBook is $1.99 today. https://smile.amazon.com/Motherless-Brooklyn-Novel-Vintage-Contemporaries-ebook/dp/B004G8P7G4/

Goodbye https://artpepper.bandcamp.com/track/free-goodbye

Dear friends, A couple of opportunities to virtually share music and thoughts with you have come my way and I wanted to let you know. Tomorrow, Thursday, May 28th at 4pm EST, I'm participating in a Zoom panel on "Women in Jazz in Education." We'll discuss the current experiences of women as jazz educators, students and professional musicians during the COVID pandemic, and we'll gain insight into how to create more inclusive environment for women as contributors to Jazz. The event also features Tahira Clayton (moderator), Lauren Henderson, and Emily Pecoraro. Click here for details and to RSVP: https://actionnetwork.org/events/women-in-jazz-in-education?source=email& Tuesday June 16th at 7pm EST, I'll be doing a live-stream concert with Billy Mintz at the Soapbox Gallery in Brooklyn. We will each play some solo, and then we'll play duo. https://www.soapboxgallery.org/events/robertaandbilly Get Some Good Music and Help Two Great Causes Thirteenth Note records is continuing our donation campaign Get some good music and help a great cause. If you purchase anything from the 13th Note Records web site in the month of May or June, we will donate the total proceeds to either Doctors Without Borders or the Jazz Foundation of America. We have CDs featuring side musicians like Billy Mintz, Cameron Brown, Joe La Barbera, Tony Malaby, Steve Wilson, and more. So please check out the site. We won't even subtract the shipping charges or taxes before sending in the money. We will donate those charges out of pocket. This offer applies to downloads as well as CDs. https://thirteenthnoterecords.com/ Please stay safe and healthy. Mr. Mintz is an underrated composer, and these performances convey a warmth that goes beyond the collegiality of most jazz.” –Martin Johnson, Wall Street Journal My first solo piano CD since 2015, my new recording features the music of my husband, composer and drummer Billy Mintz. Listen and Download! Here's a video we did back in 2011 that still makes me smile. I hope it brightens your day. Check out the Video EPK for Domestic Harmony Find me on social media and share jazz with your friends: ‌ ‌

Since our last post, there has been much speculation regarding the 2020 season, but not much of substance to report. ***** Marv Luster has passed away at 82. RIP. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/marv-luster-obituary-1.5583872 https://3downnation.com/2020/05/25/all-time-argos-defensive-back-marv-luster-passes-away/ ***** Las Vegas let go Derrick Moncrief. https://3downnation.com/2020/05/11/las-vegas-raiders-waive-former-riders-cfl-all-star-linebacker-derrick-moncrief/ ***** Jeff Hunt is leaving Ottawa's ownership group. https://3downnation.com/2020/05/13/jeff-hunt-the-time-is-right-to-leave-redblacks-ownership-group/ ***** Winnipeg posted a profit for 2019 of C$3.5 million. https://3downnation.com/2020/05/13/bombers-post-3-5-million-operating-profit-report/ ***** Each team chipped in C$600,000. to keep the Als going last year. https://3downnation.com/2020/05/13/each-team-paid-over-600000-to-prop-up-alouettes-in-2019/ ***** Sask has given all of its people a pay cut. https://3downnation.com/2020/05/15/riders-adjust-compensation-for-every-employee-in-the-organization/ ***** Dexter Manley is now 62, and has the Covid virus. https://3downnation.com/2020/05/17/former-ottawa-rough-riders-dl-dexter-manley-hospitalized-with-covid-19/ ***** Here we go! See Lucky Whitehead pulling a semi! https://3downnation.com/2020/05/17/viral-video-bombers-lucky-whitehead-pulls-semi-truck/ And see Adam Bighill pull a dump truck with a full load! https://3downnation.com/2020/05/24/bombers-lb-adam-bighill-tows-dump-truck-with-full-trailer/ ***** The 73 players drafted are not being offered contracts, and won't be until the questions about the virus are settled. https://3downnation.com/2020/05/18/cfl-draft-selections-not-being-offered-contracts-amid-covid-19-uncertainty/ ***** Currently the Canada-US border is closed through June 21. https://3downnation.com/2020/05/19/prime-minister-justin-trudeau-canada-u-s-border-closed-30-more-days-through-june-21/ ***** Ambrosie sees September to be the earliest the season can begin. https://3downnation.com/2020/05/20/commissioner-randy-ambrosie-september-earliest-cfl-could-play-games-in-2020-grey-cup-moves-to-win-and-host-model/ ***** Regina's hosting the Grey Cup Final has been postponed from this year to 2022. https://www.cfl.ca/2020/05/20/cfl-roughriders-announce-saskatchewan-grey-cup-moved-2022/ https://3downnation.com/2020/05/20/saskatchewan-grey-cup-hosted-by-riders-moved-to-2022-due-to-covid-19/ ***** Marcel Bellefeuille has agreed to become the head coach of the Ottawa Gee-Gees. https://3downnation.com/2020/05/21/official-university-of-ottawa-hires-marcel-bellefeuille-as-football-head-coach/ ***** Now it can be told: When Peter Dyakowski played for Nick Saban at LSU, Saban made it clear that he hated Dyakowski's mullet! https://3downnation.com/2020/05/21/nick-saban-hated-canadian-ol-peter-dyakowskis-mullet-at-lsu/ ***** Deon Lacey has signed with Sask. https://3downnation.com/2020/05/21/former-eskimos-nfl-lb-deon-lacey-signs-with-riders/ https://www.cfl.ca/2020/05/21/riders-bring-lb-deon-lacey-back-cfl/ ***** It seems late to me, but Delvin Breaux had surgery on his thumb. https://3downnation.com/2020/05/22/ticats-all-star-db-delvin-breaux-undergoes-thumb-surgery/ ***** Here are candidates for the best team ever. I saw the '95 Stallions in Baltimore. https://3downnation.com/2020/05/24/which-team-is-the-best-in-cfl-history/ ***** The league's CFO Greg Dick believes the decision to play this year must be made before the end of August. https://3downnation.com/2020/05/26/cfl-head-of-football-operations-greg-dick-believes-drop-dead-date-for-season-in-2020-is-august/ ***** The league today allowed all teams to re-open their facilities on a limited basis. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/cfl/cfl-opening-facilities-limited-1.5587465 https://3downnation.com/2020/05/27/cfl-permits-reopening-of-every-team-facility/ ***** Here are the league's analyses of each team. https://www.cfl.ca/2020-off-season-depth-charts/ ***** The league's website is rolling out 40-minute videos of 2019's ten best games. https://www.cfl.ca/2019/12/29/ranking-10-best-games-2019/ https://www.cfl.ca/live/2020/05/07/cfl-game-40-bc-cgy-2019/ https://www.cfl.ca/live/2020/05/14/cfl-game-40-wpg-tor-week-8-2019/ https://www.cfl.ca/2020/05/21/cfl-game-40-overtime-magic/

Matthew, just the other day I read that if MLB invented sushi, they would market it as "New! Cold dead fish!"

Mike, I haven't thought of this one in over thirty years! I'll have to try to dig it out.

I remember this one well. It was too rich for my blood. The store kept it in a locked glass case so that it wouldn't be stolen! Rhino was great for that sort of thing.

Dave and Matthew, thanks for your recommendations of Surf-Age Nuggets! I have been enjoying Disc 1 throughout the past week. Tomorrow being Memorial Day, I might open up the Surfaris cd. I forgot to mention that I also picked up a copy of Brian Wilson's No Pier Pressure.

Energy (by Klipsch) CF-50 Floor-standing Speaker (Black) - $109.00 ($190.99 off) https://www.newegg.com/energy-cf-50/p/N82E16882269015

Dynaudio - Xeo 2 Wireless Bookshelf Speakers - Pair - $799.00 ($700.00 off) https://www.worldwidestereo.com/products/dynaudio-xeo-2-wireless-bookshelf-speakers-pair ***** Klipsch - RP-8060FA Floorstanding Speaker with Dolby Atmos - Each - $952.00 (25% off) https://www.worldwidestereo.com/products/klipsch-rp-8060fa-floorstanding-speaker-with-dolby-atmos-each ***** Focal - Electra 1008 BE 2-Way Bass-Reflex Bookshelf Speaker - Each - $1,499.50 (25% off) https://www.worldwidestereo.com/products/focal-electra-1008-be-2-way-bass-reflex-bookshelf-speaker-each ***** JBL - Stage A190 Floorstanding Loudspeaker - Each - $349.95 (35% off) https://www.worldwidestereo.com/products/jbl-stage-a190-floorstanding-loudspeaker-each

I read today that the median age of US Wuhan virus deaths is 81.

Harman Memorial Day Sale HARMAN KARDON CITATION TOWER, pair - $1,499.95 (50% off) https://www.harmanaudio.com/memorial-day-sale/CITATION+TOWER.html

I got for Christmas a bio which I enjoyed. The Evolution of Mann by Gary Ginell - $4.95 https://www.hamiltonbook.com/the-evolution-of-mann-herbie-mann-and-the-flute-in-jazz-paperbound

RIP Eddie Haskell!

Any opinions regarding the best thumb drive to hold music? SanDisk Cruzer CZ36 64GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive, Frustration-Free Packaging- SDCZ36-064G-AFFP,Black - $11.49 (71% off) https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Cruzer-Frustration-Free-Packaging-SDCZ36-064G-AFFP/dp/B007JR5304/

God bless, Jeff!

Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Andrew Jones Designed Bookshelf Loudspeaker (Pair) - $99.00 ($150.00 off) https://www.ebay.com/itm/372830154766 Pioneer SP-T22A-LR Andrew Jones Design Speaker, Dolby Atmos (Pair) - $99.00 ($200.00 off) https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pioneer-SP-T22A-LR-Andrew-Jones-Design-Speaker-Dolby-Atmos-Pair/372838920736

I Wanna Be Around

What a great idea! Give me some time.

Nicholas Krolak "Voice = Power" Impacting: May 11 2020 Format(s): Jazz For Immediate Release: "Fantastic Project!! The compositions are so incredibly executed! Thank you for allowing me to go on your musical journey!! The musicianship from rhythm section to soloing to singing allso exciting yet passionate; alwaystelling a story. Thank you the honor of listening and being inspired!" -Terell Stafford, Jazz Trumpet Player NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – Bassist, composer, and lyricist Nicholas Krolak is no stranger to the complexities of the modern world in which we live. As a musician, Krolak understands it is not enough for him to merely preserve tradition, but it is not possible to move forward without it. As a person, he understands the dual necessity of walking in modernity while maintaining healthy roots firmly in the natural world. Voice = Power, Krolak’s sophomore album, represents the path he has walked to reconcile these dualities and epitomizes his mantra as he seeks to find a balance between past and future, urban and natural. Nicholas Krolak sees one’s artistic voice as having the potential to carry power – to uplift, to inspire, and to create thoughtful and meaningful change. Following feelings of powerlessness in the sociopolitical environment, Krolak deemed that for him to pursue music merely for art’s sake was not enough. He wanted to make a difference and impact lives. “With the amount of time I spent training in music,” Krolak recalls, “I could have become a lawyer and been fighting alongside the ACLU or a scientist dedicating my life to finding sustainable solutions to climate-change.” Discouraged but not defeated, Krolak began listening to this art in which he had invested so much of his life. It was through this listening that his perception changed. After repeatedly listening to saxophonist Kenny Garrett’s albums “Do Your Dance” and “Seeds From The Underground” Krolak felt uplifted – and realized firsthand the important, empowering role music has of inspiring and uplifting despite circumstance. Voice = Power draws conceptually from the spirit of Krolak’s revelation about music and artistic voices, and the album’s title quickly became his mantra as he began to move forward. For Krolak, Voice = Power represents the strength drawn to stand against the façade of defeat and against the impending pressures of commercialism as they encroach upon nature’s grounds and music’s integrity. Voice = Power is a symbol of strength. As Krolak states, “It is what I tell myself and others to keep us going.” Much of the music on Voice = Power was inspired by Krolak’s deep connection to and affection for nature, which he values all the more as one who is based out of the booming cityscape of Philadelphia. Krolak’s writing stems from the position of a strong intersectionality and correlation between nature and jazz. Firstly, Krolak sees that both have desire for sustainability – in the ecosystem, this manifests in finding a balance between urbanization and preservation, and in jazz this is exhibited in the jazz musician’s desire and need to hold on to the strength of past musical legacies and tradition. Krolak composes from the position that the beauty and integrity of both nature and jazz are under threat by commercialization, and his music seeks to honor and respect the legacy of both. Lastly, Krolak sees and is empowered by the meditative qualities found in this music and the natural world. Jazz, in Krolak’s eyes, causes listeners to reflect and listen beyond the superficial level to find value, and nature, in its serenity and power, creates an environment in which one may be enveloped and profoundly reflect upon reality. Understanding these areas of overlap inspired Krolak to develop his voice for this album, and provides a schema for listeners to understand Voice = Power. Voice = Power takes Krolak’s concept of balance within duality and manifests this in a tangible way musically. Voice = Power draws on the jazz tradition of the Art Blakey-style hard-bop quintet and driving it forward into the 21st century with the addition of both modern jazz harmonic concept and poetic lyrics carried by melody and spoken word. Recorded live at Rittenhouse Sound Works in Philadelphia, PA, capturing the intensity and spontaneity of the moment. The album contains two tracks that encapsulate modern harmonic concept in the form of texture pieces, Mannequin’s Hand and Looking Back Through Time, which are to be reflective and cause deeper listening, utilizing texture to emphasize their themes. Crucian Lullaby, a song born from tragedy, illustrates the need for balance between humanity and nature and the damage that occurs when there is an imbalance, inspired by a trip Krolak took to St. Croix shortly after the city had been devastated by a hurricane. This Is Our Moment stands out as a bold artistic choice that highlights Krolak exclusively as a composer and lyricist. Written as a duet featuring pianist Tim Brey and vocalist V. Shayne Frederick, This Is Our Moment is inspired by a location along a riverbank in which Krolak, his wife, and their friends go to rock climb and reflect. This piece, musically and lyrically, intertwine to create an ambient and abstract representation of a location and experiences that are unerringly tied to the subtleties of love, nature, and living in the present. Stargazer was written when Krolak was a student at Temple University. Inspired by experiences spent outside after dark, Stargazer draws on the mesmerizing nature of staring into campfires and at the stars, and the interconnected unity that stems from the realization that humankind has been staring at the same stars and sky since the dawn of man. When asked what he loves about the musicians he worked with on Voice = Power, Krolak remarks, “I appreciate their honesty… [and] most of all, I appreciate their time.” He elaborates, “They are very clear about what they feel works and what does not. I also appreciate their willingness to go along with my larger visions.” Krolak also values their flexibility in the composition process. The band performed regularly at Chris’s Jazz Café, where Krolak would test out new compositions. Krolak cites the band’s strength in how, without verbally communicating, they were consistently able to subtly adjust arrangement and compositional elements to help the audience feel the intended impact. Moreover, Krolak values their frankness. “If one of my songs misses the mark,” he quips, “they will tell me.” The personnel on Voice = Power features V. Shayne Frederick, on vocals; Tim Brey, on piano; Jon Katz, alto saxophone; Elliot Bild, on trumpet; and Gusten Rudolph, on drums. “As a band, I strive to have a very balanced sound among the members of the group, in terms of aggressiveness and cohesion,” Krolak states. Voice = Power is an album that speaks to the character of the modern times, without forgetting the strengths of the music that came before. It highlights the strength and grandeur of nature and exposes the listener to the magnitude of a creation that combines this grandeur with the ingenuity and design of a modern urban reality. Through Voice = Power, Nicholas Krolak reminds us of the beauty of looking ahead responsibly while preserving and sustaining what lies behind. Voice = Power releases on NextLevel, an imprint of Outside in Music on May 22, 2020. About Nicholas Krolak: Nicholas Krolak has been described as “thoughtful, sensitive, and humble” and one who “will undoubtedly be a contributor to the music world at large” by saxophonist Ben Schachter, and a composer who maintains “strong ties to the history of jazz while still sounding original and fresh” by bassist David Wong, who elaborates, “There is a wonderful sense of freedom alongside clear melodies and strong harmonies.” Bassist Nicholas Krolak is, despite his youth, a veteran of the Philadelphia jazz scene spanning over a decade. Heavily booked as a sideman, he has learned the musician’s trade both from higher education institutions and from the masters of the Philadelphia music scene. Using these skills and expertise, he began leading his own group, in which he traces the lineage of bebop through to contemporary jazz and beyond. Using his compositions, Nicholas honors nature while also celebrating the city. He also hosts the ongoing Voice = Power Podcast in which he interviews contemporary jazz legends, focusing on the key question: in today’s world, how does an artist find their voice? NEXTLEVEL is an imprint of Outside in Music, dedicated to early career and first-time bandleaders seeking to make an impact on the music. OUTSIDE IN MUSIC is a record label and media company that exists to serve musicians. We are a community that strives to lift its artists above the noise of the 21st-century music industry and make music that expresses the sounds of today's wide-ranging jazz and creative music scene. www.outsideinmusic.com/nextlevel ########## Artist Title Time Nicholas Krolak Providence 04:56 Nicholas Krolak Speaking Back Through Time 04:49 Nicholas Krolak Interlude 1 02:17 Nicholas Krolak Stargazer 05:48 Nicholas Krolak 3 10:05 Nicholas Krolak Interlude 2 02:13 Nicholas Krolak A Mannequin's Hands 03:50 Nicholas Krolak Crucian Lullaby 08:20 Nicholas Krolak Interlude 3 01:49 Nicholas Krolak This is Our Moment 05:15 Attachments Nicholas K.. Nicholas K..

Dawn Marie "Love Stories" Impacting: February 12 2020 Format(s): Country Dawn Marie’s story has always included her love of music and this love turned into a passion and that passion into a calling as she grew up. As a natural performer, she has spent years performing country and rock music for audiences all over the midwest, honing her performing and songwriting skills. She has successfully assisted her fellow musicians in the songwriting for her latest records, recorded and produced in Wisconsin and in Nashville. "LOVE STORIES" https://dawnmarie-music.com/

Henry Robinett Quartet " Jazz Standards Volume 1 Then", has the Highest debut on the JazzWeekChart, plus Most Added and Increased Airplay!

The CD release show is October 24, 2020 in New York City at The Triad Theater. CABARET SCENES MAGAZINE: "Suzanna Ross' debut album has much sophistication. The inspired range of songs... some of the most glorious American songwriters... some marvelous French composers and lyricists... one can almost inhale the scent of Gauloises in the air... it appears she has been influenced by Peggy Lee, whose aura is evident in several songs... "My Favorite Things" and "Laura" are both winning presentations... Not only was the arrangement by Gregory Toroian for “Laura” striking, but Ross’ vocal was superb! For those who have not heard it performed this way, "L'arc en ciel" is stunning. In the hands of Ross, “Mr. Wonderful” is more than credible. As a storyteller Ross is comfortable within a variety of genres, from jazz to French chansons, and displays believability in all of them. " Jerry Osterberg. LA JAZZ SCENE: "A timeless jazz vocal recording fit for music lovers of all kinds. Don't miss out on this one. Suzanna Ross has emerged as one of the most versatile jazz vocalists on the scene... Ross' vocals are powerful yet tender with a unique, fast vibrato. "My Favorite Things," "Over the Rainbow," and "Mr. Wonderful" have been recorded dozens of times but Ross adds a deeply personal touch that makes these covers unforgettable. Ross' marvelous vocal vibrato makes every nuance special. On "C'est petits riens" Ross evokes the spirit of a true French chanteuse... " Doc Wendell