Five years ago today I put up my first JazzWax post. The prospect of a jazz blog wasn't even on my radar in 2007 until author and critic Terry Teachout gave me a shove. Since the mid-1990s, we had been spending a Saturday morning each quarter kicking back and listening to jazz together. In the same room. Facing speakers. How quaint by today's isolationist standards.
At any rate, after one of our sessions in '07, Terry turned to me and insisted I start a jazz blog. After pleading that I was too busy with corporate work, Terry waved me off and said, "I blog and no one's busier than I am." I couldn't argue with him.
So I took the plunge—choosing a name, trademarking it and setting a start date. Before I did, though, I made myself two promises: I would blog daily and I would focus on recordings, since that's what Terry and I had enjoyed talking about so much during our get-togethers.
So there you have it. With more than 1.5 million pageviews, thousands of daily readers, a Jazz Journalists Association award and a book coming this fall [pictured above], JazzWax turns 5 years old today.
I hope you've enjoyed the journey. I certainly have enjoyed sharing my album collection, interviews and insights with you. Here's to another five!
Congratulations! Your blog is one of my first stops every morning.
Posted by: Jeff Rzepiela | August 03, 2012 at 01:11 AM
Well done Marc - keep them coming. You not just the man. You the jazz man!
Posted by: Michael Palmer | August 03, 2012 at 01:53 AM
Thank you for all your dedication in producing this great site everyday, it is much appreciated by all of us readers
Posted by: David B | August 03, 2012 at 07:49 AM
Happy 5th Anniversary, Marc!
Have stopped by here very often, almost daily in the last years. What is most appreciated by all of us, I think, are the loads of valuable information on so many important jazz aspects: Interviews with historic, sometimes iconic figures, your personal liners and recommendations of reissues of old jazz treasures, or the brand new releases of upcoming artists.
Also your general remarks on the scene, the music business, or your interesting observations re: a bunch of topics beside music are highly praised on the jazz blogosphere.
Kudos to you from Hungary.
Posted by: István Rozsa | August 03, 2012 at 09:14 AM
contratulations. best jazz site I've ever seen
Posted by: Mark Mairowitz | August 03, 2012 at 09:48 AM
The proliferation of blogs can boggle the mind, but Jazzwax is consistently entertaining, informative and professionally written. Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Doug Zielke | August 03, 2012 at 10:21 AM
Consistently informative - even on subjects we thought we knew well - and well written. Checking out Jazzwax is a daily requisite.
Thanks again.
Posted by: Rab Hines | August 03, 2012 at 11:01 AM
Happpy Birthday Marc,
I love this blog. Only wish I could keep up with you. As the previous commentators noted this site is entertaining, thought provoking, and a joy. It has also cost me money as you introduce me to cds that are new to me.
Thanks and keep it up.
Larry
Posted by: Larry | August 03, 2012 at 11:18 AM
I agree...the best jazz site of any kind! Keep up the great work, Marc.
Posted by: Don | August 03, 2012 at 11:57 AM
I've certainly enjoyed reading this blog - so far...long may you continue, Marc.
I like particularly the interviews, and the focus on not-so-celebrated musicians and arrangers - Don Bagley below being a case in point, but there have been many others.
And many times this blog has had me searching on Amazon and E-bay for music that I've read about or been reminded of from you.
Thanks !!
Posted by: Steve Barrow | August 03, 2012 at 12:30 PM
Marc. Through a friend (Fred Augerman) I was introduced to your blog. Congratulations, keep it coming! Thanks for all the info, news, trivia et al.
With best wishes for many more years.
Phil Hitchcock
Posted by: Philip Hitchcock | August 03, 2012 at 02:10 PM
Congratulations, Marc. I can't imagine a world without jazzwax.com in it! Looking forward to your book, too.
Marla
Posted by: Marla Kleman | August 03, 2012 at 02:15 PM
Congrats. Hope you take many more choruses.
Posted by: Nick Moy | August 03, 2012 at 03:36 PM
Thanks Marc,
You da man!!
Read it every day.
@JazzographyFilm
Posted by: JazzographyFilm | August 03, 2012 at 08:19 PM
Congratulations and Happy Birthday to JazzWax. Hope we will get more stuffs in the future and we all with you!
Posted by: rain sounds | August 04, 2012 at 06:30 AM
Marc; JazzWax is not only distinctive for covering the music but your other interests as well. Congratulations on keeping it interesting! Head and shoulders above the rest.
Posted by: Rick M | August 04, 2012 at 10:32 AM
Great stuff Marc, congrats - eager to read/hear what the next 5 years brings!
Posted by: Greg | August 07, 2012 at 02:58 AM
No Jazz in the hospital where I was for food poisoning til today, but HB, JW!
Posted by: JOhn Cooper | August 07, 2012 at 06:08 PM