did you know that Nat King Cole was a MONSTER pianist?

And did you know Oscar Peterson sang?

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legend says they got together and decided there wasn’t room for two jazz pianist/vocalists. so Nat focused on singing and Oscar on playing. seems like things worked out OK.

Ms. Vanessa Ferguson brings back the power if Nina Simone…needed now perhaps more than ever…with “Mr. Backlash”. lyrics by Langston Hughs, who you might say could turn a phrase.

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The moon from my backyard tonight and “Paper Moon” from Art Blakey and the messengers. Nobody controls these messages.

check out the brief interlude of ‘Summertime’, of all things, in the solo at 5:30. I watched at least 15 recordings of this tune from different dates, and they’re all very different, and this is the ONLY one where he breaks into summertime. Not a gimmick…an artist responding to the moment. jazz.

there’s an ephemeral jazz trio named the Stella Starlight Trio ( which might be the best trio name i have ever heard) that have recorded a limited but EXTREMELY interesting selection of tunes.

from jazz to John Fogerty to Pink Floyd…

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As I listened to this recording of Raye I couldn’t help thinking that all the uniqueness that makes it a performance that only she could deliver, is everything an average vocal coach might try to drill out of her. Be yourself.

The Kennedy Center circa 2024

Jason Moran may have the best combination of touch and timing at the keyboard of any living pianist. I realize that I am completely unschooled in this, especially because i know absolutely nothing about the current classical players…but FFS, just LISTEN to this from The Kennedy Center, circa 2019.

Rhiannon Giddens with her incredible ensemble, on the tune "Ruby, Are You Mad At Your Man?" written by Cousin Emmy.

Ms. Giddens has cancelled her date at the Kennedy Center this year and resceduled to another venue.

NPR report: www.npr.org/2025/02/25/n...

The most powerful reimagining of a Stevie Wonder tune I’ve ever heard. This takes Berber’s of steel, when you know you’re singing it (basically a cappella) to the man himself. But there’s no questioning Ms. Diane Schuur’s chops.

Live at the The Kennedy Center, circa 1999.

I have decided to cancel my show at The Kennedy Center on May 11, 2025 and move it to The Anthem.

It’s impossible to imagine what it might be like to have Aretha Franklin sing a tribute to you, but Carole King does a pretty good job of showing us. Live at The Kennedy Center, circa 2015

My goodness…those pipes. ♥️♥️♥️

Rest in peace Ms. Roberta Flack

What this place needs is more flugelhorn. Linda Briceño (aka Ella Bric), multi-Grammy holder, music producer and jazz trumpet player extraordinaire , creates mood for days with her flugelhorn in a tribute to Arturo Sandoval.

circa 2024 at The Kennedy Center

We Shall Not Be Moved.

Andra Day and Bonnie Raitt in honor of Mavis Staples. Powerful voices with a powerful message. Live from the Kennedy Center, circa 2016

You know what this place needs? More Herbie and more hip hop

In a collab that at first might seem unlikely…but then makes perfect sense…Snoop on Herbie, live at the Kennedy Center circa 2013.

And yeah, that’s Carlos Santana digging Snoop, sitting next to Michelle Obama. A badass night.

What this place needs is a little bit of the great American art form. Imani-Grace Cooper with the great Cyrus Chestnut live at the Kennedy Center circa 2015.

art for the sake of art