Must-have Album

If I have to pick one album to introduce someone who would like to get into jazz, it has to be Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue. No doubt about that.

Garner Power

Erroll Garner is one of my personal favorite jazz pianists for his astounding orchestral concept. Listen to his interpretation of “Don’t Be That Way” and you will figure out why. By applying the full range of the keyboard, he was capable of creating a big-band effect. With the “kicking” beat on the left hand and “strumming” chords on his right, Garner’s stride technique not only reinvents the popular tune, but also making it his own.

Keep Sanjaya, Fire Imus

Even though Blake Lewis held down the Latin vibe for the night, I voted for Sanjaya Malakar so that idiot can stay on top of the roof for a couple more weeks. Damn, I missed Melinda Doolittle’s performance.

After calling Rutgers’ women basketball players “nappy-headed hos,” the grumpy, old Don Imus pointed his finger to hip-hop music for his misogynist and racist remark. Like the protesters yelled, “Imus must go!”

Charlie Brown Style

Anyone who loves Peanuts cartoons should be familiar with Vince Guaraldi’s music. He’s the main man behind the wonderful scores. I’ve been jamming to A Boy Named Charlie Brown Soundtrack again and again. How can you not hook on something as magnetizing as “Linus and Lucy?” It must be that West Coast Jazz flavor, in which Guaraldi has both hip and melodic tone in his keyboard style. Love those crisp drum brushes from Colin Bailey and engaging bass walks from Monty Budwig as well. The trio has done an exceptional job of pleasing both children and parents without compromising their artistic vision.

Too Damn Beautiful!

Thuy Duong’s interpretation of “Toi Oi! Dung Tuyet Vong” is my standard of how a Trinh Cong Son’s composition should be sung. If she doesn’t feel despair, than you shouldn’t either. Mad props to the producer as well for the gorgeous orchestration. Love that bass thump.