Gone Reading

Neal Hefti on the air. This Sunday, from 2 to 7 pm (EST), one of the great disc jockeys of all time is hosting a comprehensive, five-hour, ad-free radio show on the career of arranger Neal Hefti. The esteemed disc jockey is Sid Gribetz, whose jazz knowledge and on-air taste are unsurpassed. I love this guy.

Whenever I am lucky enough to catch him early in the morning on "Daybreak Express," Symphony Sid is always spinning a fabulous must-have recording that is largely unknown, even to ardent fans. For example, when I tuned in last week, Sid was playing Coleman Hawkins' Jumpin' for Jane, Spotlite, When Your Lover Has Gone and I'll String Along With You. (For those who want these recordings on CD, the first two are here and the second pair are here.)

The beauty of Sid's Hefti tribute on WKCR-FM (89.9) is that you can tune in anywhere in the country or the world via your computer. Go here to listen to a live stream. Dig Sid's scene. He's an all-frantic throwback to a time when thinking played a critical role on the radio.

Unsure what time 2 pm (EST) is in Germany, France, Japan or San Francisco? Go here to the World Clock. It displays the current time worldwide.