May he rest in peace. I grew up in a home that regularly played Italian operas over the stereo, probably more than any other music. And of course, Luciano Pavarotti, was a huge part of that. I can not begin to tell you how his voice reminds me of childhood, or how he was the uncle I felt that had, that I never met. Honestly, I can't tell you what the first music I ever heard was. But odds are on either Pavarotti or Sinatra. But hearing about his loss immediately takes me to an innoccent and wonderful time in my life.

Labels: Rememberance

I am very very excited!! Everytime Sony releases another one of these box sets is like Christmas morning.

More info here.

Labels: Artist Thoughts

I’ve never liked “all-star” groups. They usually have very little to do with the music being presented, but rather a “strong” marketing campaign designed to get in the pants of the “die-hard” jazz fan that might not otherwise pick up a certain recording.

Over the past week however I have been checking out some concert recordings of a quartet that toured briefly in 2004 and never made a recording. The quartet featured Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Dave Holland and Brian Blade. This group is fucking unreal.

Wayne Shorter has always held a special place in my heart, and has consistently motivated and inspired me. His current group with Danilo Perez, Brian Blade and John Pattitucci is a revelation. I’m not expressing this lightly. What Wayne Shorter has been doing recently has been revolutionary. I would venture a pretty solid guess that I’m not the only musician that feels that way.

If you haven’t listened to his new quartet…please immediately head to a record store and check them out.







I am spending the next week dealing with nicotine and tobacco withdrawal.

Sounds like fun, huh?


I’m listening my good friend Josh Nelson’s new trio CD, and impatiently waiting to receive my copy of Arcana II.

Labels: Artist's Thoughts