Smooth no more March 8, 2011
Posted by Mike C. in Internet, Jazz, Media, Music, Personal, Radio.add a comment
A few days before scheduled to occur, the Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards were canceled. My friend Katherine Gilraine, who was supposed to co-present, is rightfully perturbed:
…
To say that I’m angry is an understatement, and not just because they have canceled the event so close to the wire. Generally, you don’t cancel shows this close in advance. Bad ticket sales are one thing, but if it’s obvious that the ticket sales are dismal – which, believe me, is not something that a promoter misses over an extended period of time – you let people know in advance. Because that way, they can plan on alternatives.What really raised my hackles is the way that the advertising was – or in this case, wasn’t – done for this event, and the producers are pulling out the “smooth jazz radio is dead” card as the reason why ticket sales were bottomed. Similarly, it pisses me off that the article above [This article. –MC] suggests that the artists drop the “smooth” moniker and “start making real music.”
What part of this music isn’t real, I ask? Seriously. What part of this music isn’t real if the cruises are booked a year in advance to the gills, the festivals are a hit, new artists are voluntarily entering the genre, and the listeners have gotten involved in more than one grassroots petition to bring the stations back?
…
You can read the rest at the link on the words “rightfully perturbed.” She goes on to say that smooth or contemporary jazz is real music. And I agree. But her post hit close to home because I relied heavily on contemporary jazz in my time at Evening Jazz on WCWP, a format that is supposed to be perhaps a little c-jazz, but mostly other sub-genres of jazz and jazz-inspired music from other genres. I got by for seven months without incorporating all of that, but chose to step down when I was told I had to.
Outside of c-jazz fan friends and musician friends, few people I know believe the genre Kat and I love is real music. They think it’s elevator music, it sucks, it gives them a headache, they hate it and the artists, they whine about a lack of vocals (“where are the words?”), it’s lovemaking music, and other complaints. Some of it could be considered lovemaking music, but I don’t think of that when I listen or talk about it on the air. If I hadn’t been introduced to c-jazz, new age, and traditional jazz in the Local Forecast on The Weather Channel when I was young, I’d probably think the same way as those that bash it. I’m glad I discovered it.
While on the subject, I have good news. I’ll be heading back to the Boulton Center in Bay Shore on Tuesday, March 22, to see Eric Marienthal, and to Houndstooth Pub in Manhattan on Saturday, April 16, for Brian Simpson. Expect recaps of both.
3/9 UPDATE: It appears Kat’s dark cloud has a silver lining:
Not 24 hours past since I put up my last post regarding the abrupt cancellation of the Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards, and already the wheels have been set into motion. Before Tuesday elapsed, Ken Levinson, Bruce Nazarian, the artists, the people at Anthology, the people at Spaghettini’s, and everyone else who was left in the lurch by this turn of events had pulled together and engineered what has become known now as the Lemonade Weekend.
This astounds me, in the very best of ways. This is exactly why I call jazz “Our Music” when I’m with fellow fans. We took a failed, poorly-marketed event, and turned it into a makeshift festival. I’m not sure who will be part of this makeshift festival, but there is much to be said for the tenacity, gumption, and love that we have for the artists.
We, the fans, made this happen.
…
No laughing matter February 26, 2011
Posted by Mike C. in Internet, News, Personal, Politics.add a comment
Earlier this week, far-left blogger Ian Murphy made news by prank calling Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (R). In the call, Murphy posed as billionaire David Koch (“Coke”) and engaged in a 20-minute conversation with Gov. Walker, trying to bait him into saying something incriminating. Depending on your ideology, Murphy either got nothing out of the prank and Walker didn’t say anything new, or Murphy is a hero for trapping the sinister Walker.
The Daily Caller made note of Murphy’s past. Besides a fervent anti-war position, he went to a creationist museum while pretending to have Asperger Syndrome. The title of his post on the experience was very offensive: “Let There Be Retards.” (It hurts to write that.)
As someone that actually has Asperger Syndrome, Murphy’s representation of AS was an intolerant caricature. I doubt even my fellow Aspie friend Jason Ross would act like that. Worse yet, that caricature appeared to be for the sole purpose of screwing with a creationist museum. I don’t think I’m a creationist. I rely on what I learned in science classes from elementary school in Freeport to middle and high school in Wantagh to college at C.W. Post. But my grievance is over his mockery of a stereotypical Aspie.
One symptom of Asperger Syndrome is hypersensitivity in many areas, including emotion. Murphy’s mockery and slurs an emotional response out of me. They hurt. I took them personally. Can you blame me? AS is no laughing matter. It isn’t something to pretend to have and then mock later on online.
If I get attacked personally for this somewhere on the internet, so be it. I’ve unfortunately been attacked before. I’m sure that can be said for many people. For all the positive things on the internet, there are some harsh negatives.
New computer, Blu-ray Disc player February 25, 2011
Posted by Mike C. in Media, Personal, Technology.add a comment
Earlier this month, I upgraded to a new desktop computer and Blu-ray Disc player.
The computer is a Dell Inspiron 560. It includes an Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5500 processor running at 2.80 GHz, 4 GB of DDR3 SDRAM, the Intel G45 Express Chipset, Intel HD audio, and Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit. I bought a 20″ Dell widescreen monitor to go with it. It took a couple of days to personalize it by getting the programs I had installed on the old computer on this one. It’s working great thus far.
The same can be said for the Blu-ray Disc player: a Panasonic DMP-BD45. In fact, it’s working much better than my old Toshiba upconverting DVD player. In fact, the reason I bought the new player is because that old player suddenly broke down. I haven’t played any Blu-ray Discs yet, but I ordered one a couple of days ago. It’ll be interesting to see and hear the difference between upconverted widescreen DVDs and BDs.
While on the subject of new electronics, you’ll remember a few years ago I mentioned I got a “new old laptop.” Well, last March, I got a new new laptop. It’s a 15.6″ eMachines E725. This laptop includes an Intel Pentium Dual-Core T4400 processor running at 2.2 GHz, 3 GB of RAM, Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset, Realtek HD audio, and Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. I bought a wireless mouse to go with it. I haven’t used it too much as I haven’t been away from home too often, but I have no complaints.
9:55 PM UPDATE: I foolishly installed Service Pack 1 on the desktop computer. In the middle of the update, I get “Error C000009A …” The computer is inaccessible as I type (from my pre-SP1 laptop). I’m trying desperately to repair the problem, but having no luck.
2/26, 10:15 AM UPDATE: After eight hours of sleep, I tried again. I opened in safe mode and was successful: Windows 7 Ultimate reverted back to the way it was before the update. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the right product key. So, I had to pay $216 for a new one, but I’m hoping it’ll be worth it.
2/27 UPDATE: So far, it’s worth it, but not completely. Windows Media Player won’t open because the DLL version is newer than it should be. Windows Installer won’t work, either. I’m talking to tech support as I type. If I were you, I wouldn’t install SP1.
I’m not writing anymore posts about computers I own. It’s clear I jinxed myself.
Dave Koz and winter storms February 6, 2011
Posted by Mike C. in Jazz, Media, Music, Personal, Radio, Weather.2 comments
Four years ago next Monday, Valentine’s Day, I was supposed to see Dave Koz perform at the Best Buy Theater (then the Nokia Theater) in Times Square. Unfortunately, there was a winter storm that day. So, rather than risk taking the LIRR to Penn Station and walk through the snow and ice on the way to the theater, my parents and I stayed home. We figured the show would be canceled. I’m sure it wasn’t.
This Friday, Dave returns to that theater. Though only a few snow showers are in the forecast, the friend with whom I was going to Dave’s concert had plans come up that night. So, once again, I miss out on him. Maybe next time.
I highly recommend Dave’s current album, “Hello Tomorrow.” You can buy it here. I played a few cuts from the album on CJazzPlus, my recent Live365 station.
Here’s hoping less snow and ice are in the forecast for the rest of the winter.
2/14 UPDATE: I may not have gone to Dave’s concert, but Katherine Gilraine did.
Smooth Jazz for Scholars 2011 dates/lineup January 20, 2011
Posted by Mike C. in Jazz, Music, Personal.add a comment
Jay Rowe is hosting his 9th annual Smooth Jazz for Scholars concert on Saturday, April 30, in his hometown, Milford, Connecticut. The concert will be 8PM at the Parsons Complex Auditorium. It’s located at 70 W. River St., Milford, CT 06460.
Headlining SJFS are Chieli Minucci, Ken Navarro, Marion Meadows, Jeff Kashiwa, and Steve Cole. Backing them up will be Jay on keyboards, Dave Anderson on bass, percussion by Steve Scales, and Trever Somerville on the drums. Tickets are $40.
This will be my fifth SJFS.
On Friday, April 29, one night before the main show, there will be a jam session at the Daniel Street club. (6/22/12 UPDATE: Daniel Street closed in January.) The 8PM jam session will feature Steve Cole and Jeff Kashiwa. Tickets are $20.
To purchase tickets, send a check or money order made payable to Smooth Jazz for Scholars Inc. to:
P.O. Box 3723
Milford, CT 06460
You can look my recap of last year’s SJFS here.
6/3 UPDATE: This year’s recap is up.
New blog header January 11, 2011
Posted by Mike C. in Internet, Personal.add a comment
After seven months, here is the new blog header:
I had trouble getting a good smile in all the pictures I took tonight. This is the one I chose.
Post-Christmas 2010 Blizzard December 31, 2010
Posted by Mike C. in News, Personal, Weather.add a comment
The last week of 2010 began with a blast for the East Coast. A powerful blizzard/Nor’easter socked us with howling winds and 1 to 3 feet of snow. Winds gusted as high as around 50 miles per hour, which left me worried that I would lose power like I did during the March Nor’easter. But somehow, it stayed on.
I couldn’t find a snowfall total for Wantagh. So, I averaged the totals for Bellmore to the west, 10 inches, and Seaford to the east, 15.5 inches. That gave me 12.75 inches.
Below are pictures from Sunday, the day the blizzard began, and the three days of shoveling that followed.
Sunday, December 26:
Watched the snow fall, listened to the wind (impossible to miss), hoped the power stayed on:
Monday, December 27:
Shoveled the driveway from curb to front porch (with help from my sister and mom), left side of house:
Tuesday, December 28:
Shoveled a path from the front yard to the back yard patio:
Wednesday, December 29:
Shoveled the sidewalk, path linking driveway center to sidewalk, opening for a car to be parked in the street:
Winter is only a week old and we’ve already had a major storm. What else does this season have in store? We’ll find out in the weeks ahead.
For the New York City perspective on this blizzard, read Katherine Gilraine’s blog.
Matt Marshak concert recap December 6, 2010
Posted by Mike C. in Jazz, Music, Personal.add a comment
Later Matt Marshak show recaps: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015
Yesterday, I saw Matt Marshak perform at Houndstooth Pub, located in the Fashion District section of Manhattan.
Before the show, between sets, and after the show, music was provided by DJ Rafe Gomez of “The Groove Boutique.”
The show began just after 5PM.
Matt Marshak was on guitar:
Kenny Harris on bass:
Rodney Williams on the keyboards:
And Carl Anderson was on drums:
SET 1
1. Seduction
2. I Will Be With You
3. Affirmation/Breezin’ (George Benson medley)
4. Wind Chill Factor
5. Uptown
6. Sleepwalk (Larry Carlton cover)
SET 2
7. Ascension (Maxwell cover)
8. Summerfunk
9. Tell Me How You Feel – Gina Breedlove, vocals
10. Low Rider (War cover)
11. Gratitude
12. What You Won’t Do For Love (Bobby Caldwell cover) – Kenny Harris, vocals
13. Smile (I think this was a cover, too. Again, let me know in the comments.)
14. Kiss (Prince cover) – Paula Atherton, alto sax
15. Funkology – Paula Atherton, alto sax
Let’s take a photographic journey through the evening.
Gina Breedlove came in on vocals for “Tell Me How You Feel”:
Kenny Harris was on vocals for “What You Won’t Do For Love”:
The rest of the band, including Kenny, had background vocals in a few songs in both sets.
Carl’s wild drum solo:
Saxophonist Paula Atherton performed on the last two songs of the evening:
Rafe Gomez also played a role in the last two songs. He’s seen here after the last song:
Between sets, Matt and I posed for a picture:
It was an exciting two and a half hours. Thanks to Matt, Kenny, Rodney, Carl, Gina, Paula, DJ Rafe Gomez, Katherine Gilraine, Kat Sarracco of Neko Productions, and Ed Tankus of Blue Plate Radio.
4/3/11 UPDATE: I was able to identify “Tell Me How You Feel” because it’s on Matt’s recently released album “Urban Folktales.”
Peter White Christmas 2010 at B.B. King’s December 5, 2010
Posted by Mike C. in Internet, Jazz, Music, Personal.2 comments
Last night, Peter White took his annual Peter White Christmas tour to B.B. King’s in New York City. Unfortunately, I was not there, but my friend Katherine Gilraine was:
… Now, here’s an interesting factoid: despite my atheism, I rather like Christmas music, especially Christmas music done right. So naturally, where would I be today but with Peter White, Mindi Abair and Rick Braun for the Christmas special?
The first show, the one that I had my ticket for way in advance – since before the Big Cruise, mind! – was sold out. How I got the seat right next to the stage, I will never know, but you cannot beat that view. And what is first but Rick opening up with Little Drummer Boy? Muted trumpet, brushes on the snare – a light, simple-but-classic take on this holiday favorite. And soon enough, Peter and Mindi come on up as well and the rest of the band, standing by, joins in as well, turning an easygoing tune into something rousing.
You know, seeing that trio on stage together is something interesting, considering the stylistics. Rick Braun is almost old-school in his handling of the trumpet – and he handles it to perfection. Peter White is deceptively straightlaced, and is immensely playful when he’s on stage. Mindi – all attitude, sharp and energetic. But put them together, and the creativity on stage is infectious. …
Read the full recap here.
The last time I saw Peter White Christmas was in 2008 at IMAC. You can check out my recap of that show here.
MikeChimeri.com 
Suddenly off the air: Olby and me January 21, 2011
Posted by Mike C. in Commentary, Jazz, Media, Music, News, Personal, Politics, Radio, TV.1 comment so far
Shortly after 9PM, I learned that Keith Olbermann had done his last show with MSNBC. At first, I was in denial. Without knowing the details, I figured he wouldn’t be gone long, as was the case when he was suspended in November. But there won’t be a reprieve for him this time. This is really the end.
It came as swiftly as my end came at WCWP last August. On a Wednesday afternoon, August 4, hours before going on the Spirit of New York’s Smooth Cruise, it was Rick Braun and Richard Elliot that week, I got an e-mail that stopped me in my tracks. Long story short, six days later, I wrote the following:
I stand by what I said then. I will admit that I’ve had bitter moments since the decision. No one likes to step away from something they love, but that’s the business of media. I wouldn’t have been part of “Evening Jazz” had it not been for Martin Phillips, who I trust has done a fine job in my place.
There is one glaring difference between Olby and me: I didn’t use my show to lob personal attacks at my competition or people I disagreed with politically. For that, I did not like Keith, after loving his work at ESPN and Fox Sports earlier in his career. I’ll never forget how listening to the audiobook for The Big Show by Keith and Dan Patrick got me and my family through the car ride to Florida in December 1997, or how listening to the same audiobook got me through an hours-long power outage in September 1998 (though not days long like last March’s Nor’easter). That made it hard for me to suddenly dislike him beginning in 2006 when he took liberal blog-inspired shots at Bill O’Reilly. Then, I discovered Olbermann Watch, where Keith’s misinformation and embellishments were questioned and debunked. It dulled the pain of the personal attacks, unless I witnessed them while recapping segments for the site.
To the chagrin of his fans, to recap what I said at the top of this post, tonight was the end of the line for Keith Olbermann at MSNBC. You can watch his farewell here.
I don’t know where either of us will end up next, but for my sake, there must be some place out there for me. I hope I don’t regret posting this.
11:32 PM UPDATE: Here’s a supportive tweet from Johnny Dollar:
I replied by thanking him for the support. Check out his site’s links for today. Since the announcement, it’s been Olbycentric.
1/22, 12:55 AM UPDATE: J$’s weekend thread has more Olbycentric links.
1/22, 5:39 PM UPDATE: The final Olbermann Watch post…for now.
1/23 UPDATE: J$’s Fox Haters Week in Review closed with a segment on Olbermann. Here’s a preview:
1/24 UPDATE: The Olbermann reportage carried over to today, as documented at J$P. Included in the links is this video:
From NewsBusters, it’s Keith Olbermann’s greatest hits.
Greg Gutfeld: Olby’s Exit.
Despite Keith’s departure from MSNBC, Bill O’Reilly still won’t mention his name on the air, as we saw tonight on The O’Reilly Factor in the Weekdays with Bernie [Goldberg] segment. Jeff Poor elaborated on that move at The Daily Caller. It’s a good move because Olbermann still has Twitter to snipe back on and rally his base. The new #FOK, or “Friends of Keith,” hashtag is one way that base is rallying.
1/25 UPDATE: Today’s round of links
The Red Eye version of Greg Gutfeld’s commentary (Gregalogue):
1/26 UPDATE: Hal Boedeker of the Orlando Sentinel replied to Goldberg today.
1/30 UPDATE: Phil Mushnick: The real reason Olbermann lost his show
Fox News Watch on Keith’s dismissal:
2/8 UPDATE: Keith is headed to Current TV. With that, attacks on everyone he disagrees with will resume.
2/9 UPDATE:
3/30/12 UPDATE: Keith Olbermann was fired by Current TV earlier today.
4/1/12 UPDATE: From Howard Kurtz: Keith Olbermann’s Angry Email Trail Traces Breakup With Current TV
4/2/12 UPDATE: John Gibson weighed in at the end of his Fox News Radio show this afternoon: