Coming next week: A rare interview with maverick record producer Orrin Keepnews. Orrin talks about the founding of Riverside Records; working with Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins and Bill Evans; and his role in producing many of the greatest jazz albums ever recorded.
Speaking of Bill Evans: I don't know where you are today, but in New York the weather is a mess. Icy rain on top of a night of snow. Which is perfect for listening to pianist Bill Evans in 1962.
Fortunately, our friend and jazz radio host David Brent Johnson has put together a comprehensive show on Evans during this critical year following the death of his bassist, Scott LaFaro.
Once again, David has done a fabulous job of weaving together a smart on-air narrative with select recordings. His show tells you all you need to know about the pianist in 1962—a difficult but artistically significant year.
To hear David's archived WFIU-FM show, After the Vanguard: The Return of Bill Evans, make yourself another cappuccino, go here and click on the big blue button labeled "Listen Now." Then sit back and enjoy!
Blog of the Year! I was bowled over when I read on Friday that Michael McCaw named JazzWax one of his "Blogs of the Year."
For those unfamiliar with Like Rain Whispers Mist, Michael blogs regularly on jazz, with an emphasis on contemporary artists. One of the joys of Michael's blog—in addition to his consistently relaxed, passionate prose—is how freshly he packages his views. What's more, he often features a cool device in the middle of his essays so you can listen for free to the albums he writes about. Because Michael is up on jazz recordings by artists you may not be aware of, hearing what you're reading about at his blog is an extra treat.
Thank you, Michael. I'm flattered.
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