Aaron Cohen
@aaroncohenchicago.bsky.social
Author of "Amazing Grace" (33 1/3; Bloomsbury), "Move On Up: Chicago Soul Music and Black Cultural Power" (University of Chicago Press) and co-author of Ramsey Lewis' memoir, "Gentleman Of Jazz: A Life In Music" (Blackstone)
Professor: Wrapping up the semester, does anybody have any overarching questions?
Student: If the Aztec gods were so powerful, how come they didn't stop the Spanish colonizers?
Professor: Don't assume the war is over.
Student: If the Aztec gods were so powerful, how come they didn't stop the Spanish colonizers?
Professor: Don't assume the war is over.
December 6, 2025 at 4:31 AM
Professor: Wrapping up the semester, does anybody have any overarching questions?
Student: If the Aztec gods were so powerful, how come they didn't stop the Spanish colonizers?
Professor: Don't assume the war is over.
Student: If the Aztec gods were so powerful, how come they didn't stop the Spanish colonizers?
Professor: Don't assume the war is over.
Next time you need style advice, turn to students' comments on the Rate My Professors web site.
December 3, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Next time you need style advice, turn to students' comments on the Rate My Professors web site.
The Chicago Reader's Best of Chicago nominations are out today and in the category of Best Radio DJ is the one and only Mr. Jimmy himself: James Porter!
Vote online here:
chicagoreader.com/best-of-chic...
Vote online here:
chicagoreader.com/best-of-chic...
December 1, 2025 at 11:29 PM
The Chicago Reader's Best of Chicago nominations are out today and in the category of Best Radio DJ is the one and only Mr. Jimmy himself: James Porter!
Vote online here:
chicagoreader.com/best-of-chic...
Vote online here:
chicagoreader.com/best-of-chic...
At 83 years old, this man performed in Chicago last night for three hours, played six different instruments, and sang in a voice that turned a bit of fragility into immense emotional weight. May all of you love what you do as much as he clearly does.
November 26, 2025 at 5:29 PM
At 83 years old, this man performed in Chicago last night for three hours, played six different instruments, and sang in a voice that turned a bit of fragility into immense emotional weight. May all of you love what you do as much as he clearly does.
Most of my students recognize the woman on the left, none of them recognize the woman on the right. Both were wonderful artists but there would not have been a Selena if Lydia did not build that road.
November 20, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Most of my students recognize the woman on the left, none of them recognize the woman on the right. Both were wonderful artists but there would not have been a Selena if Lydia did not build that road.
I've been speaking to my class about Fania Records but I'm not sure which T-shirt I should wear.
November 16, 2025 at 12:38 AM
I've been speaking to my class about Fania Records but I'm not sure which T-shirt I should wear.
No school today because of the Veterans Day holiday, but I talked to my class yesterday about the heroic all-Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment (The Borinqueneers) who bravely served in both World Wars and in Korea—only to be wrongfully maligned by the military's top brass.
November 11, 2025 at 5:10 PM
No school today because of the Veterans Day holiday, but I talked to my class yesterday about the heroic all-Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment (The Borinqueneers) who bravely served in both World Wars and in Korea—only to be wrongfully maligned by the military's top brass.
It's ludicrous when a newspaper publishes a piece that implies what a politician studied in college determines how that person will govern (ex.: New York Times). I was an English lit major but no h.r. department believed that I would use the office break room to re-enact Chaucer's "Miller's Tale."
November 8, 2025 at 10:12 PM
It's ludicrous when a newspaper publishes a piece that implies what a politician studied in college determines how that person will govern (ex.: New York Times). I was an English lit major but no h.r. department believed that I would use the office break room to re-enact Chaucer's "Miller's Tale."
What a wild week this has been: Republicans and Islamophobes got beat all across the country, my man Adam Shatz snagged his first Grammy nomination (the cool Scott B. Bomar and Bob Mehr are returning nominees) and Patti Smith revealed that she's half Jewish.
November 7, 2025 at 8:15 PM
What a wild week this has been: Republicans and Islamophobes got beat all across the country, my man Adam Shatz snagged his first Grammy nomination (the cool Scott B. Bomar and Bob Mehr are returning nominees) and Patti Smith revealed that she's half Jewish.
So, as it turns out, Debra Messing is as much of a racist as her character on "Seinfeld."
November 5, 2025 at 4:56 PM
So, as it turns out, Debra Messing is as much of a racist as her character on "Seinfeld."
This happened on Sunday a few blocks away from where we live (we weren't home at the time and didn't find out about it until afterwards). Frightening but I'm glad to live in a neighborhood that is standing up to this tyranny.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/13/f...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/13/f...
Federal Agents Deploy Tear Gas In Albany Park As Neighbors Block Immigration Arrest
It is the latest use of chemical irritants deployed by agents in neighborhoods. The incident was also the latest example of increased neighbor resistance to immigration enforcement in Chicago.
blockclubchicago.org
October 14, 2025 at 2:47 PM
This happened on Sunday a few blocks away from where we live (we weren't home at the time and didn't find out about it until afterwards). Frightening but I'm glad to live in a neighborhood that is standing up to this tyranny.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/13/f...
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/13/f...
I first saw Joshua Redman around 33 years ago when he performed in Chicago with his father, Dewey. His recent quartet albums are among his best. Here's a conversation we had for Symphony Center Presents, which is where he'll be next month:
cso.org/experience/a...
cso.org/experience/a...
With his latest quartet, Joshua Redman moves forward by stepping back | Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Joshua Redman credits his latest quartet with giving him a different outlook. "They’re all young, but they’re playing music that is very mature," he says. "It requires a lot of sensitivity and humilit...
cso.org
October 10, 2025 at 9:43 PM
I first saw Joshua Redman around 33 years ago when he performed in Chicago with his father, Dewey. His recent quartet albums are among his best. Here's a conversation we had for Symphony Center Presents, which is where he'll be next month:
cso.org/experience/a...
cso.org/experience/a...
I was sent to observe a class today that was discussing "Dr. Faustus." I was tempted to enter the room by saying, "Please allow me to introduce myself...." but I don't know who would have gotten the connection.
October 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM
I was sent to observe a class today that was discussing "Dr. Faustus." I was tempted to enter the room by saying, "Please allow me to introduce myself...." but I don't know who would have gotten the connection.
Super excited to announce this recently unearthed 1962 live recording of the Ramsey Lewis Trio. "Groovin'" captures the spirit and ebullience that built the foundation for soon-to-come pop stardom. Verve Record Club did a fantastic job with the entire package (I wrote the liner notes).
October 1, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Super excited to announce this recently unearthed 1962 live recording of the Ramsey Lewis Trio. "Groovin'" captures the spirit and ebullience that built the foundation for soon-to-come pop stardom. Verve Record Club did a fantastic job with the entire package (I wrote the liner notes).
Talking to my class tomorrow about Peruvian artist Jesus Ruiz Durand (and advising them to see his orginal works here @artinstitutechi.bsky.social). I am of the belief that agrarian political art should also be trippy.
September 30, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Talking to my class tomorrow about Peruvian artist Jesus Ruiz Durand (and advising them to see his orginal works here @artinstitutechi.bsky.social). I am of the belief that agrarian political art should also be trippy.
Herbie Hancock is coming to Symphony Center next month and here's my list of the former Chicagoan's Top 10 Essential Album's for CSO web site:
cso.org/experience/a...
cso.org/experience/a...
‘Rockit'! 10 essential discs by a master of all genres, the icon Herbie Hancock | Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Herbie Hancock’s discography is extensive, and he also has recorded celebrated albums alongside Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter and Joni Mitchell. For those who are looking to build a Hancock collection, s...
cso.org
September 28, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Herbie Hancock is coming to Symphony Center next month and here's my list of the former Chicagoan's Top 10 Essential Album's for CSO web site:
cso.org/experience/a...
cso.org/experience/a...
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
― James Baldwin
― James Baldwin
September 27, 2025 at 7:25 PM
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
― James Baldwin
― James Baldwin
From the 27 January 1972 edition of the underground British newspaper International Times:
September 22, 2025 at 4:51 PM
From the 27 January 1972 edition of the underground British newspaper International Times:
I'm a firm believer that recorded music should, ideally, travel through the air from quality speakers into the ear. But, damn, Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi and Head Hunters albums sound so great on headphones.
September 22, 2025 at 3:38 AM
I'm a firm believer that recorded music should, ideally, travel through the air from quality speakers into the ear. But, damn, Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi and Head Hunters albums sound so great on headphones.
Christian McBride and Brad Mehldau will perform next month as a duo at Chicago's Symphony Center (@chicagosymphony.bsky.social). Here's a little article I wrote about their upcoming visit:
cso.org/experience/a...
cso.org/experience/a...
As musicians, McBride and Mehldau feel that they've ‘consolidated' | Chicago Symphony Orchestra
“We’ve both grown and changed, but we’ve also consolidated as musicians,” says pianist Brad Mehldau of his longtime bond with bassist Christian McBride. “We’ve made other influences ... part of our ow...
cso.org
September 18, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Christian McBride and Brad Mehldau will perform next month as a duo at Chicago's Symphony Center (@chicagosymphony.bsky.social). Here's a little article I wrote about their upcoming visit:
cso.org/experience/a...
cso.org/experience/a...
Very sad to hear about the passing of the brilliant Hermeto Pascoal. I interviewed him for the Chicago Tribune 24 years ago and it was a mind-opening joy to hear him describe how he could only be himself and what that was all about.
www.chicagotribune.com/2004/10/28/p...
www.chicagotribune.com/2004/10/28/p...
Pascoal’s music knows no bounds
Something triggered a creative outburst in Hermeto Pascoal, midinterview, that he wanted to immediately explore. The Brazilian composer has built his legend on such spontaneity, and the results hav…
www.chicagotribune.com
September 14, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Very sad to hear about the passing of the brilliant Hermeto Pascoal. I interviewed him for the Chicago Tribune 24 years ago and it was a mind-opening joy to hear him describe how he could only be himself and what that was all about.
www.chicagotribune.com/2004/10/28/p...
www.chicagotribune.com/2004/10/28/p...
Very much looking forward to the Chicago Jazz Festival. So many fantastic artists to see (though I told my students to be there for Eliades Ochoa). Since that tyrant in DC is talking crap about my city, this musical celebration is a joyful act of resistance.
www.chicago.gov/city/en/dept...
www.chicago.gov/city/en/dept...
www.chicago.gov
August 26, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Very much looking forward to the Chicago Jazz Festival. So many fantastic artists to see (though I told my students to be there for Eliades Ochoa). Since that tyrant in DC is talking crap about my city, this musical celebration is a joyful act of resistance.
www.chicago.gov/city/en/dept...
www.chicago.gov/city/en/dept...
Reposted by Aaron Cohen
My institution spent the past several years devoting massive (undercompensated) faculty service hours to documenting qualifications for this program — which detracted from resourcing the educations of our students. And now, poof.
Getting positively radicalized against means-testing of all kinds.
Getting positively radicalized against means-testing of all kinds.
Trump Aims to End Millions in Grants to Colleges With High Hispanic Populations
By Danielle Douglas-Gabriel
Gift link! wapo.st/4oTVanO (Yes, WaPo will ask for an email address.)
By Danielle Douglas-Gabriel
Gift link! wapo.st/4oTVanO (Yes, WaPo will ask for an email address.)
August 23, 2025 at 12:58 PM
My institution spent the past several years devoting massive (undercompensated) faculty service hours to documenting qualifications for this program — which detracted from resourcing the educations of our students. And now, poof.
Getting positively radicalized against means-testing of all kinds.
Getting positively radicalized against means-testing of all kinds.
Planning for the start of classes next week. It's interesting: While students express visual disinterest when a professor digresses, they do become riveted when the professor goes off topic to talk about the time he was almost arrested.
August 14, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Planning for the start of classes next week. It's interesting: While students express visual disinterest when a professor digresses, they do become riveted when the professor goes off topic to talk about the time he was almost arrested.
The list of artists I kick myself about never seeing live is long and Jeff Buckley is in the top ten. I strongly recommend Chicagoans check out this very strong documentary, "It's Never Over, Jeff Buckley" and read Daphne Brooks' "Grace." He was remarkable.
www.siskelfilmcenter.org/jeff-buckley
www.siskelfilmcenter.org/jeff-buckley
Siskel Film Center | Chicago's Home for Great Cinema | IT’S NEVER OVER, JEFF BUCKLEY
Before his untimely death in 1997, rising star Jeff Buckley had released just one album, but his talent was undeniable and his spirit was irresistible. Now, the depth of his legacy is explored through...
www.siskelfilmcenter.org
August 9, 2025 at 3:54 PM
The list of artists I kick myself about never seeing live is long and Jeff Buckley is in the top ten. I strongly recommend Chicagoans check out this very strong documentary, "It's Never Over, Jeff Buckley" and read Daphne Brooks' "Grace." He was remarkable.
www.siskelfilmcenter.org/jeff-buckley
www.siskelfilmcenter.org/jeff-buckley