Michael Brecker Tribute

Michael Brecker was the most wonderful musician; a jazz genius who had a huge impact on the world of music. He passed away this year, and this video is my small tribute to one of my all-time heros of music. The first tune is "Naima," a Coltrane tune, and it's just Michael playing all by himself inventing lines. The second tune is "Some Skunk Funk," a rhythm section's dream song, and this particular early 80s band shows the level of musician that MB routinely played with, because he was the best. The Some Skunk band features Michael's brother Randy (hence the band The Brecker Brothers) Dave Weckl on drums, James Genus on bass, and Mike Stern on guitar. The 3rd video features:

Makote Ozone Trio With Mike Brecker
Between October 3-8, 2001
Blue Note Tokyo, Japan
Makoto Ozone: Piano
Michael Brecker: Tenor
James Genus: Bass
Clarence Penn: Drums

and it's a great example of how hard he could swing.

I put in a 4th video as well featuring another of my heros in music, Pat Metheny, with Larry Goldings on organ, of course MB on sax, and I believe Bill Stewart on drums.

Michael Brecker - I love you for putting it all out there and inspiring me and so many others.









Michael Brecker Feature Page at All About Jazz

Winner of 111th Boston Marathon Has Real Bragging Rights

To win any Boston Marathon would be a monumental achievement, but to win THIS year's race through one of the region's worst nor’easters in history, amidst cold rain, 40 degree temperatures, and high winds, would give a person bragging rights for decades.

Congratulations to repeat winner Robert K. Cheruiyot, of Kenya, and the women's champ Lidiya Grigoryeva, of Russia.

[Link: Cheruiyot and Grigoryeva Win Boston Marathon Titles]

Gary Willis Keeps Me Humble

OK - I'm a bassist (clue to my identity which remains anonymous) but Gary Willis is someone I listen to frequently to remind me to keep working on it! This guy is fun and can PLAY DA BASS!!!

Boom Town

Fortunately I was in town playing bass from 3 pm until 8... and my wife was with me. When we got finished the top story on all major news outlets in Houston was regarding this massive explosion of a 31" natural gas pipe that occured "at 529 and Fry Rd North" was all we knew, which happens to be 1 block from where we live!

The explosion and resultant fire was plainly visible from all over town, 30 miles away, and the fire sent flames 200 feet into the air.

We arrived home at 9 pm or so and took the backroads to avoid traffic, but we could smell it and we saw a fire truck leaving from near our home. No damage - no one hurt, but it was a spooky story to hear about from in town.

[Details]

Photo courtesy KPRC

What a concept!

Alright - I'm posting this just for the cool factor. These cars look awesome! Check out these entries into Peugeot's annual "car of the future" design contest.

[Link]

Pot-Bellied Man Looked Pregnant

OK - this guy was teased to no end for his pot belly... bet they didn't know he'd had his mutated twin brother living inside his stomach for almost 4 decades.

"The case may have been a medical miracle to doctors, but to Bhagat his condition had been a source of shame and misery. All his life, people in the village where he lived had mercilessly teased him and told him he looked pregnant. Ironically, they were right in a way."

I don't think I have any similar excuse, unless I can blame the mutated carbs and pizza that make up some of my midsection.

[Link]

Man Recites 22,514 digits of Pi

Have trouble remembering names? Phone numbers/ Your credit card number? Check out this amazing story of a savant who has not retreated into autism, and recited Pi at Oxford to the amazement of scholars. "It took him over five hours and he did it without a single mistake." CBS

[Link]

Black Man Can Jump

I think the Arizona Cardinals have found their new field goal blocker! Here Adrian Wilson [bio], the Cardinals' strong safety for the last 5 years, jumps over a 66' pole straight on with just a few steps to prepare.