Howard Reich of the Chicago Tribune

As many of you have noted, Jazz Ramblings has been a little negative in the past few months. I have taken note and wanted to share my thoughts on what I find to be a true gift to the Chicago jazz scene. Howard Reich, Arts Critic for the Chicago Tribune, is an absolute joy to read.

Reich provides not only the latest on Chicago jazz but he also in-depth interviews and reviews of various musicians and groups. I thoroughly enjoy reading his column.  His recent article on Reginal Robinson, MacArthur Fellowship "Genuis" Grant award winner, was superb.  Noting the conflicting viewpoints on Robinson's Ragtime compositions, Reich nevertheless portrays the effort, talent, and "rags-to-riches" of Robinson's climb to fame from poverty.  It also provides an inside look at a man's music over a length of time, both before and after the Grant and all that came with it.

Cheers to Howard Reich and the Tribune.

Goodreads Favorite Book of 2009 is a Joke

As some of you may know I occasionally go off topic and discuss books and my joy of reading.  I thought I had found the perfect website to accompany it: http://www.goodreads.com/.  You will note I have a link to the site (left column).

However, I just received the Goodreads January newsletter and I have to say I am sorely disappointed.  The winner of the favorite book of 2009 goes to "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins.  With all due respect to Ms. Collins and her readers, the book is clearly in the YOUNG ADULT series.  So, based upon the discerning tastes of thousands of Goodreads readers, some kids book is considered the best of the year?!?!  Come on people.  How mature must you be to find a children's book to be deserving of top honors?

I know several adults who have read the Harry Potter and the Twilight series.  I have no complaints if someone occasionally slips in some reading which otherwise might be considered junk food for the brain.  But to nominate this rubbish for an adult bookreader's award?  Outrageous.  There are many other worthy candidates out there (consider the runner-up for the award:  "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett).

Let's support those authors who make a worthy and lasting contribution to society and leave the kids' books to kids.  The Goodreads' poll had young adults and childrens categories.  Those awards should be sufficient.

Chicago Adds New Jazz Club

Chicago is about to get another jazz venue.  Greg Pasenko and his wife, Diane Delin, are in the process of renovating a site at 1540 West North Avenue into the Club Blujazz.  Pasenko and Delin run the Blujazz label.  It is expected that the club will spotlight their music, as well as other local and national artists.

For more information, click here.

Enjoying Some Christmas Gift CDs

I received some non-jazz CDs for Christmas and have been enjoying them the past few weeks.  The tunes are all Minnesota-grown and include Bob Dylan, The Jayhawks, and The Replacements.  The last has to be one of my all-time favorite non-jazz groups.

It has been a good break from the usual for me.  I would never have bought the music (let alone CDs!) so a nice detour into the folk/rock genre.  Also a great way to start the new year.

Happy New Year to all.

Chicago Tribune Printers Row Article Corrected

I received word from the Chicago Tribune that a correction has been issued in today's edition on the use of the wrong titles in Elizabeth Taylor's column on best books of the year (Chicago Tribune Printers Row 12/5/09).  The correction appears on page 2 of the paper.

As I had previously blogged, Ms. Taylor had provided the wrong titles for both of her choices for best books of the year.  After trying to purchase the books at my neighborhood bookstore, I was amazed to find that Taylor's choices were both listed incorrectly.

I am glad to see that the errors have been corrected and am very appreciative of the Chicago Tribune's Amy Guth for following up.  I have to say I am a little disheartened by the lack of apparent response by others in the Chicago area.  I am hopeful that there are other "book-nerds" out there and I hope to connect with you all.

Merry Christmas to all!