2010-01-26: New York City

I've always been a pretty big jazz fan. Much of my gateway to the psychedelic music that marked my early years came from an immersion in John Coltrane's later records ("Ascension" was a favorite). In the years before the Dream Syndicate I spent most of my guitar study time playing along with Albert Ayler and Ornette Coleman (and, of course, "Marquee Moon" which is pretty much a jazz record in my book). And then there's "John Coltrane Stereo Blues" from the second Dream Syndicate album. I'm proud to say I've met many people who have told me that our song was a gateway for exploration into jazz music.

But when it comes to jazz I have been pretty much like those classic rock enthusiasts whose taste doesn't go beyond 1972. You know what I'm talking about-the people who choose and enthuse over the halftime shows at the Super Bowl, for instance (I mean-The Who in 2010? Really? Pino Palladino? Really?) And I do love my classic rock. That's for sure. But I'm also always hunting for the brave new turks who keep the flame alive. But when it comes to jazz? I'm old school all the way. Coltrane, Miles, Mingus, Ornette, Monk-those are my favorites.

That might be changing. After a recent article in the Times about a festival that happened here a few weeks ago I began checking out some of the new names that were mentioned and found that, in fact, there is a whole new revolution mixing the trad and the modern and even outside influences as well. And it sounds great. I've been listening to a lot of Vijay Iyer (check out "Histrocity" from last year. Wow) and Rudresh Mahanthappa and also Matt Wilson.  Great stuff all the way

Now, I know that to jazz fans I might be sounding like some "modern" rock newbie who shows up at your house telling you about new bands like The Strokes and White Stripes and Yo La Tengo. But, hey, it's always good to be excited by new things and being a music fan is about sharing those new things with your friends. Which, my friends is what I hope I've just done.

Other Recent Faves:

• TERRI TARANTULA (CD)
• INGLORIOUS BASTERDS (movie)
• MIDDLE CYCLONE-Neko Case (CD)
• "BAD ROMANCE"-Lady Gaga (single)
• "FONTAINBLEU"-Stillls/Young Band
• CRAZY HEART (movie)