“You know, people always talk about ‘what jazz is,’ and it’s really hard to describe. But one thing I do know is that it’s a very intimate exchange between everyone on stage, giving inspiration and ideas to each other; and the other part that’s magical for me is when the audience is in on it.”
From Ben Ratliff’s The Jazz Ear: Conversations over Music, the book I am enjoying during my train ride.
The big, billboard-like banner you see at the top is the most prominent place on Visualgui.com. I use it mostly to enhance the visual of the site or to showcase my latest work or to point to something important. I want to try something new with it. I would like to rent it out as an advertising space.
For a set amount, you can have an exclusive ad (800×250 pixels) displays right on Visualgui.com for a whole week. Since the billboard is the most dominate part of the site, the design has to meet my expectation and the content has to pass my approval. I can help you put together the ad free of charge.
The ad will go up in the beginning of the week. So if you’re interested, please contact me for more information and pricing.
My Funny Valentine, which features five extended ballads recorded live on February 12, 1964, highlights the lyrical Miles. With the young Tony Williams (drums), Ron Carter (bass) and Herbie Hancock (piano) holding down the rhythm section, Miles only played the most vital notes. From the title track to “I Thought About You,” Mile’s delicate tone and startling sensitivity blow chill air to the standards. George Coleman who gives some of the most memorable solos on the tenor saxophone also plays a major contribution to the quintet.
Check out the video of “My Funny Valentine.”
Q-Tip’s “Gettin’ Up” (funky video)
Scarface’s “High Note” (matured video)
N.O.R.E.’s new track: “NY Groove.”
Coming up with our own kid’s name isn’t as easy as I thought. Obviously we want a cool name for him. We don’t have much restriction except that we would like to give him a Vietnamese name to remind him of his root. Our first shot was Trương Công Đức, but Đức is too popular.
After many attempts, Dana and I didn’t come to an agreement, so we consulted my father-in-law for advice and he nailed it. Trương Công Đạo is just perfect. I am sure Đạo is not an uncommon name, but it is not often heard of, at least for me. I love the sound of Công Đạo and I hope that he will hold truth to his name—benevolent, honorable, and respectable—throughout his life.
I also would like to nickname him Duke after one of my favorite jazz geniuses Duke Ellington. But then again, nothing is set in stone. We still have a few more months until he comes out to lock in.
Biggie’s “Microphone Murderer” (he got an ill flow)
Eminem’s “Crack a Bottle” with Dr. Dre and 50 Cent
50 Cent’s “Get It In“
Benoit Denizet-Lewis confesses his sexual addiction.
Jennifer 8. Lee breaks down the mysteries of Chinese food that only exist in America such as beef with broccoli, egg rolls, General Tso chicken, fortune cookies and chop suey. Very interesting presentation.
Mingus’ orchestration on this six-piece suite is psychologically amazing. Through his rich textures, vibrant tonal colors and expressive rhythms, one could feel the suffering, struggling and mourning in his conceptual compositions. “Group Dancers” is my personal favorite. I can’t get the exquisite eastern melody, the breathtaking flamenco guitar and the dizzying horn lines out of my head.