Sonny Rollins and Miles Davis together. How could I resist?

Today I listened to the Mp3s of their album Dig, which I downloaded from Emusic a few months ago. I'd already listened to the solo album I got of Sonny's (Way Out West) - an album that may even surpass Global Warming as my favorite record by his if I play it enough times - and just today got to listening to this one.

This was earlier in their careers I think, before they grew past their need of being members of groups rather than superstars later, still... wow! Amazing work.

Tags: Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, jazz, Dig, Way Out West, Global Warming.

I finally got a new clock radio, hoping the new one would have a better radio tuner.

It does - but I'm still not able to get a good signal from Couleur Jazz. I was able to tune it in for a few minutes yesterday... now, it's impossible.

I have to go the digital tuner route for a radio, so I could get the most accurate signal rate. Maybe one will be available at Costco when next I go on a trip to the States

Tags: Costco, Couleur Jazz, digital radio.

Interesting: I was flipping through a magazine today and read a Sony ad about their new Flash ROM Walkmans.

Why that was interesting: I read this ad and thought how their 'new' product is really the same technology as my Iriver.

Tags: Sony, Walkman, Iriver, Flash Rom

Aruntx Podcasting Syndication Features Garage Band Music

I've been following more than a few podcasts lately. I like this sindication of the media - especially if it makes more jazz available!

Tags: jazz, podcasts

The Canadian Idol finale was tonight.

I have to say: this year, Canada got it right!

On the negative side, I feel they stretched out the show too long. At two hours, it just felt like it dragged at times. Also Rex Goudie went off-key again in the final performance.

One big negative for me was a performance by last year's winner Kaylan Porter. His record may now have gone double platinum, but I still don't like his style. Mind you the fact that I didn't vote for him last year definitely doesn't help my view - just as I'm not happy with our past mayoral winner (Pierre Bourque) especially when I voted for someone else.

(I know: not an accurate comparison, since mayors and Idol winners don't have the same importance...)

This year, they did have a nice touch though, having a performance by Dawn Bird, The lady who guides the top 10 through their whole performance.

The biggest plus though was the winner of the 2005 Canadian Idol crown: Melissa O'neil. By the end she was the most talented performer, and her skill and poise belies her 17 years. I think ultimately she may have the best career of all our contest performers to date.

Tags: Canadian Idol, Pierre Bourque, Melissa O'neil

Tonight was the final performance show for the 2005 Canadian Idol competition.

I agree with the judges: Alive (the first single the winner will release) is a hit whoever releases it. Both Rex Goudie and Melissa O'Neal gave distinct and strong performances of it.

That they had Theresa Sokyrka perform her hit from her album - and present her with her first gold record - was tremendous. Unfortunately Frodo Kaylan Porter will perform tomorrow night.

I was surprised: Rex hit a sour note in his performance of Five for Fighting's song Superman. I guess having perfect pitch means I could hear it more easily than they could.

Who should win and who probably will are two diferent performers. Melissa would be the former.

Tags: Canadian Idol, Melissa O'Neil, Rex Goudie, Theresa Sokyrka.

Luther Vandross, Smooth Crooner of R&B, Is Dead at 54

I just learned this today, although it happened back in July.

Luther performed some of the best soul of my youth, and I was really hoping he'd pull through after his stroke.

Late news, but nonetheless sad.

Tag: Luther Vandross

From one sad event to another: in less than 9 hours, it will be the 4^th anniversary of 9-11.

Four years since that tragic day - and 4 years too many that the scumbags who orchestrated it havent's been caught.

Four years, and I won't forget.

Tags: 9-11, Osama bin Laden

(You've seen a lot of different attempts at putting Technorati tags in this blog lately. I think I've found one I'll stick with.)

I just watched the Katrina Relief telethon that I taped last night. Just like the one for 9-11 years ago, I was emotional all throughout this one.

I can't find fault in any of the performances. No surprise; I'd be a cold SOB if I did. I do hope someone else recognized the final singer though.

I noticed that Kanye West only performed this time, didn't speak. His piece got edited for language quite a bit though.

I loved Chris Rock's parody of Kanye's speech at the last telethon though: it was subtle, but he started with "Bush hates midgets."

Tags: Hurricane Katrina, Telethon, Kanye West, Chris Rock

The Contemporary Jazz Lovers and Concerts Place

I don't link to many places overall, but this blog deserves it. Much as I love Jazz, Webmistress Missy offers much more in-depth reviews of recent artists and performers than I do.

American Red Cross: Give Them Help!

I've been thinking a lot about the tragedies Louisiana and other States down there have recently had due to Hurricane Katrina. I've already spoken of how the devastation of New Orleans has affected me.

The folks down there have lost their entire lives, and need the help of ev eryone.

Please donate all you can to help the recovery. The link is here.

Canadian Idol Results - September 7, 2005

Well, the results came in, and yet again - like last year - we have one extremely talented singer in the Finals, and one just OK but coasting on the drooling teen girl demographic.

After having a blowaway performance last night Aaron Walpole was eliminated. Rex Goudie was mediocre at best, but he sailed on through.

Might we be seeing another Kaylan Porter-like victory next week (meaning the more talented one loses)?

Tonight's Canadian Idol - Sept. 6, 2005

This show yet again proved just what big stars Barenaked Ladies have become in Canada.

I think we'll have another surprise in the results tomorrow night. I suspected Aaron Walpole would end up cut - then he performed. I think now, based on the performances that Rex Goudie will be cut and the Finals will be between Aaron and Melissa O'neil.

I look forward to tomorrow's results now with great interest!

The news has come out that Fats Domino was in the French Quarter of New Orleans when Katrina struck.

It was reported that he's alright though.

At least we have a small relief. Although one of his songs was used as a joke on Happy Days, he has really made a great contribution to the world of music. To lose him as well would have been an even bigger tragedy.

New Orleans Gone

I posted the last entry first, so that this would be above it.

The devastation caused there by Hurricane Katrina was mind-boggling to begin with. Today however came the statement that 90% of this great city is destroyed.

"N'awlins" is the birthplace of ragtime jazz. It's an important piece of both American and jazz history. Now it's a memory.

This really depresses me - but depression is a trifle compared to the losses there.

Canadian Idol Stunner - August 31, 2005

The results show really floored me this week. I was expecting thatg Aaron Walpole would be cut. He's talented, but as the judges have said is just too theatrical in his performances.

I already said that Elvis wasn't a great theme for the Idol competitors. The person cut for them however made my jaw drop: Suzi Rawn. On her birthday no less.

I guessed before that the finals would come down to her and Rex Goudie. Now Rex will likely be there... but maybe against Melissa O'Neill. I'm almost concerned that typing her name may hex her now...