Some intersting articles, mostly from online newspaper editions

Unfortunately, some of these articles generate pop-up windows. I will try to get rid of them, but until then, either block them (if you know how) or grit your teeth.

1. In New York, PBS televison affilate WNET-13 recently aired the 50th anniversary special of the Four Tops. This article was prepared just be fore the special was taped in 2004 and couldn't know what a touching and lovingly tearful maoment that occured when Levi Stubbs was brouhgt out to join the other Four Tops. If the show is being shown in your area, PLEASE WATCH! Levi Stubbs' appearance is in the final 30 minutes. Sadly Renaldo "obie" Benson, the bass -baritone voice died shortly after this concert, leaving only Abdul "Duke" Fakir and the ill Levi Stubbs as Lawrence Peyton died in 1997. Click here for the NY Times article.
2. Alan Lomax is famous for his research into American roots music and most famous for his trips to the south to record (then not widely known) artists such a Muddy Waters. A recent book says that Lomax had help, African American scholars that did original research in the area that he later did not give due credit to. Anyone familiar with the reactionary history of HBCUs regarding "Negro" music will not have to wonder much about whar kind of support these scholars got form there own institutions.
3. For you physics buffs out there (and you know who you are!),Einstein's Cat!! from the New York Times.
4. It's so hard to say goodbye....Rick Henderson, My wonderful mentor, Calvin Jones early teacher and sometime colleague, and Jothan Callins, a comrade of mine fromm the University of Pittsburgh days-- very encouraging of me.
5. Grachan Moncur III A recent NY TImes article shining a little light on this neglected master.
6. Here is something I didn't know about down in DC, Jazz Night in Southwest. AGreat article and an even better story.
7. Is Subaru the GAY car? A Washington Post article from 2000 describes the carefully cultivated relationship between Subaru and the gay community.
8. Obituary: Noble Jolley From the Washington Post. The obituary of the fine musician. This article leaves out that Noble was the first Jazz Studies graduate at Howard University.
9. Is the customer always right? From the Washington Post. This letter set off a round of discussion in the paper. Not only is it fun to read, It gives every artist in a commercial world something to consider. For example, some see the "popular" musicians as responsive to the marketplace or the people, whereas the "creative" musicians first responsibility is to be true to themself. In the discussions that followed the original article the arguments were basically: "I'm paying, so fix it the way I like" versus "You came to me becasue of my skill and creativity, if you don't like this dish-- choose another"
10. Obituary: Grover Mitchell From the NY Times. I first met Grover when he produced Nancie Banks CD Bert's Blues. Later I got to know him a little better when I worked with the Count Basie Orchestra under his leadership. Of course, he only addresed me by the Basie Band traditional "new boy."
11. Obituary: Jimmy Knepper From the NY Times. I never met Jimmy Knepper, but what a great musician he was.
12. Obituary: Babatunde Olatunji From the NY Times. I never met Babatunde Olatunji, but Drums of Passion was one of the first LP's I every owned. Many consider it was the first "world music" record.