Editor's Note: Shoe Business

This winter, one of New York’s coldest and snowiest in some time, my feet have been warm, dry and spongy-comfortable. Two pairs of outstanding winter boots—one ideal for cold weather and just a little snow on the ground and another for deeper snow. Both are from Hoka. [Photo of New York in the snow courtesy of Urban 75]

The first is Hoka’s Kaha 3 GTX. The second is Hoka’s Kaha 2 Frost GTX, which is taller. Both are intensely cushy, have a great grip and are so warm, even in sub-freezing temperatures. The only thing I did with both is swap out the laces. I like them dark. If you’re like me, take one out and measure it. Then go here.

You know what else is warm? A paid subscription to JazzWax. If you’re riding for free, you really missed out this week: A deep dive into the Stephen Sondheim song Ladies Who Lunch with a bunch of amazing video clips; a look and listen to Donna Brooks, who made only two albums, in 1954 and ‘55; and 10 sterling videos of Henry Mancini in performance. Treat yourself. I’m not sure how much longer the weekend post will be free, so jump aboard.

How to upgrade to paid: JazzWax is just $10 a month or $100 for the year, which saves you $20 annually. To upgrade, find the “Upgrade to paid” button on any post or in the “Manage subscription” section of your account settings.

Give it a click and choose a paid plan. Then you can sign in to JazzWax.com any time of day or night and enjoy. You have my sincere thanks.

Recommended viewing: I watched a ton of streaming series and films this week for work plus others that were just for me. Here are two films I loved:

Janet Planet (2023)—An unusual coming-of-age drama written and directed by Annie Baker in her movie directorial debut. The mother-daughter movie stars Julianne Nicholson and Zoe Ziegler. It’s slow, poetic and beautifully directed and acted. (Max)

Here’s the trailer…

The Rip (2026)—Miami cops discover a stash of millions in cash, leading to distrust. Non-stop action with a huge twist. Stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. (Netflix)

Here’s the trailer…

Last night, Christian Muermann in Germany sent along a link to an amazing video of the Society of Singers honoring Frank Sinatra in 1990, Henry Mancini conducted a top-notch orchestra backing leading vocalists. If you’re someplace where it’s snowing or raining, sit back with a cup of tea and enjoy…

Speaking of tea. Following my Editor’s Note post last week on my favorite British decaf teas, I received a couple of emails with additional suggestions:

From British producer and movie-score arranger and composer John Cameron:

“I can recommend Yorkshire Tea. They do an excellent decaf. We took it to Russia and China, and we even found it in Santa Monica!”

From Martin Black:

“I like English tea strong, what we call “builder’s tea.” Among the best in this variety is PG Tips.

Dizzy Gillespie. Last week, Bill Kirchner sent along an album recommendation: Dizzy Gillespie: Live at the Village Vanguard (1967).

Here are the tracks: Dizzy’s Blues (aka Birks’ Works), Blues for Max and Tour de Force.

Here’s the band: Dizzy Gillespie (tp), Garnett Brown (tb), Pepper Adams (bar), Ray Nance (vin), Chick Corea (p), Richard Davis (b) and Mel Lewis (d).

And here’s the music…

WKCR-FM jazz tributes. On Sunday (Jan. 25), WKCR-FM presents the annual Antonio Carlos Jobim Birthday Broadcast for 24 hours starting at midnight (ET). And on Jan. 30, the station will broadcast its annual Roy Eldridge Birthday Broadcast, playing the trumpeter’s recordings for 24 hours starting at midnight (ET). You can listen to both shows from anywhere in the world by going here.

Sammy and Carmen. It’s hard to think of another duet couple that had as much fun together as Sammy Davis Jr. and Carmen McRae. Here they are on the Hollywood Palace in 1968…

Here’s Rosemary Clooney with a nifty Nelson Riddle arrangement on You’re In Kentucky Sure As You’re Born, on her TV show in 1956…

And here’s Pearl Bailey and Andy Williams singing Give Me the Simple Life on the Andy Williams Show in 1963. Too often, Bailey is overlooked as one of the finest singing entertainers on stage and screen…