Iranian Revolution

This is a critical time in Iran when people are protesting and risking their lives for their voices to be heard. They are asking to have a legitimate choice in their government and in the way they live.

I came across a blog of an Iranian student who is posting about events as they are happening. His pictures are vivid.

Click on the title to read his blog.

Branford and Justin

Friday nite and Geo and I were at the Flynn listening to The Branford Marsalis Quartet. A rockin' knockout performance was anticipated, but not the virtuoso rhythms of 18 year old Justin Faulkner on drums.

Branford's replacement for Jeff "Tain" Watts graduates from high school on Tuesday. "I'm 49 years old," says Branford, and I never thought I'd be asking my lead drummer, "How's the prom?"

Why Justin? Seeing him at a high school performance, Branford was impressed with that left hand work. And, "he gets the music."

Justin not only held his own with this 10 year veteran group, he brought the house down.

Click on my title to see Justin in 2008.

I Think He's Hooked

Geo started listening to jazz. Maybe it began when we went to hear Dan Silverman on trombone at On the Rise. (Yes, the local Hinesburg bakery is one cozy jazz venue.) Or maybe it was the Diana Krall music he's been playing over and again since March. Anyway, this year we've actually been going to the Burlington jazz festival, not only for the sounds on Church St, but for 2 concerts -- Diana Krall was a real treat, and Branford Marsalis performs on Friday. Yesterday it was up close and personal with Luis Perdomo who shared about his beginnings in Venezuela, studies in NY, his gigs and his band.

Today I heard Count Basie emanating from Geo's PC. Seems he's discovered RTE radio Ireland that features an evening jazz show (early aft, our time). Kinda neat.

So today I bought Wynton Marsalis' book Moving to Higher Ground, all about Wynton's perspective on music. Okay, I really bought it for myself, however - Geo, I do promise to share.