Cassandra Wilson definitely has her way with standards. On her 2009 Grammy-winning Loverly, Ms. Wilson breathes cool air into classic jazz tunes with her sexy contralto and laidback phrasing. Her cover of “A Day in the Life of a Fool” should be studied by anyone, particularity Vietnamese singers, who would like to learn how to sing behind the beat. She maneuvers her way around the boss-nova groove like rings of smoke twirling in a dark and empty space. With just an upright bass accompanying her, she molds “The Very Thought of You” into a new shape.

Big props to my big bro HmL for sharing the album.

Simmons College has a new design. I like the new function where you click on the nav, you’re not leaving the homepage.

Heard this song on the radio last night as a tribute for Blossom Dearie who has such a sweet and unique baby-doll voice. I love the way she sings the time table. Can’t wait to play it for the little guy.

Weezy’s new rock joint (on his playlist). Man, this guy is mad original.

TMZ has obtained a photo of Rihanna taken after Chris Brown allegedly beat her. Chris’s career is definitely done.

My man Snooks Eaglin died of a heart attack yesterday. He was 72.

Like any songwriter’s album, Pham Duy’s newest release, Phuong Yeu, is nothing more than a bunch of tracks thrown together. With way too many vocalists and producers, the record feels more like a compilation rather than a concept. The experience is disconnected even though all the songs are from one composer.

The only aspect the album has in common is that all of the singers are young and they breathe new air into Pham Duy’s classics. Ngoc Khue’s take on “Bai Ca Sao” is quite refreshing. Her distinctive interpretation makes me want to hear more of what she could pull off with Pham Duy’s songs. One track is just not enough.
Likewise, Khanh Linh’s cover of “Em Le Chua Nay” is a sensation with the support of 5 Dong Ke. Both Mai Khoi and Phuong Anh give “Tim Nhau” and the title track a rejuvenating vibe.

Despite the tracks are consistence in quality, they still sound all over the place. If the album was refrained to a producer and a vocalist, it would yield a much more intimate result. Too much variety interrupts the flow, but variations in a focused concept is rewarding.

I’ll take off a day off tomorrow for the heating and air conditioning installation. I’ll also do some more painting while the technicians do their job. This weekend my sister-in-law and her husband will be in New Jersey so I’ll be painting all by myself. If you’re in the area and have absolutely nothing to do, come by. I’ll have some great jazz music.

Kanye West’s new video looks pretty artistic.

Damn, this new version of Street Fighter (my only favorite video game) looks hot. I am going to get it for my sister-in-law’s husband for his birthday so I can play it too.