Trumpeter Thad Wilson dropped into the music department today and jammed with the students and faculty. Influenced by Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, and Freddie Hubbard, Wilson shared his motivation, inspiration, and the love for jazz. Highlights were “Freddie Freeloader” and “Autumn Leaves,” in which he played with the students. Wilson was such a humble, down-to-earth individual that his encouragement gave the students both comfort and confidence to play with him. After performing a piece, he would explain to the audience, which were mostly students, what just went on including rhythmic patterns, comps, improvisations, and interactions. I stayed until the end of the session today. It was a good way to start a long weekend. No work on President Day.

My original plan was to take her to Brasserie Beck to try some Belgium cuisine, but the earliest reservation was 10pm. So we ended up in Hee Been for Korean barbecue, which was not a bad alternative. The slightly sweet, smooth Bokbunjajoo (Korean Black Raspberry Wine) was a fantastic complement to the savory dishes. A lover’s day wasn’t so bad after all.

NPR profiles Nat King Cole:

Although Nat King Cole the vocalist soon became an American pop icon, his nimble singing clearly betrayed his jazz sensibilities, especially in his rhythmic flexibility. But for all of his technical dexterity, he was a superb balladeer, paying close attention to the lyrics while keeping the melody simple. His bewitching rendition of the Hoagy Carmichael/Mitchell Parish classic “Stardust” provides just one example of Nat’s sublime instinct for ballads.

Kanye West’s dedication to his ma. R.I.P. Ms. West.

To the woman once said, “Even if everyone hates you, I still love you.” That’s all that matters.

Ben Ratliff on Kenny G:

Curly-locked and slim-hipped, [Kenny G] made his customary entrance, playing and walking through the audience. As he approached a small stage in the front rows, he halted a slow ballad to hold a single note, by circular breathing, for several minutes, shaking hands with the audience along the way. In 1997 he set a Guinness world record for longest saxophone note — 45 minutes 47 seconds — so this bit is now a running joke. “Still going …” flashed the screen above the stage. “Still going …” He held the note with the same feathery authority that he plays everything, and the tremendously long note had no emotional or narrative connection to the song itself.

A lovely father and daughter tale from Zeldman:

We ran through the slush, holding hands, my office bag bouncing off my left shoulder, the diaper bag bouncing off my right, the stroller sliding ahead of us, guided by my free hand.

Peep at Kanye West’s new video. A bit odd.

Send your loved one a fantastic Flash card from Frost.

Smooth Javascript Image Zooming For Your Web Pages. (good stuff)