No matter. The heat is on and I'm wrapped in some nice warm clothes from the local Marshalls.
I love Marshalls. They have a line of products from THE PALM restaurant, cookware, glassware, dishes, etc. that the lovely Deirdre and I are addicted to. The square dinner plates are to die for.
My new drum set from Gretsch is the best I've ever played. My opinion, your mileage may vary.
Shell layups and hardware like the old Gretsch round badge sets from the 50's and 60's, they sound very Tony Williams, which I love. Not to denigrate any of the other drum manufacturers that are making drums in the style of Gretsch, but, if you want Gretsch sound, you must buy Gretsch drums.
Most people think I'm a long time Buddy Rich acolyte but my love of Mr. Rich came rather late in life. Prior to that my faves were Tony Williams, Pete La Roca, Billy Higgins, Joe Chambers, Joe Morello, Sol Gubin and Alvin Stoller. An eclectic bunch to say the least. Krupa is in there some where too.
I always find that a different set up or changing the tuning makes me think differently about what I'm doing and how I'm approaching the music. Great fun to change things up.
Clark Terry always talks about IMITATE, ASSIMILATE, INNOVATE as the path to one's Jazz identity and I couldn't agree more. I'd be happy if the last one was just CREATE. When you get a chance to play, go for it. COMMUNICATE...(maybe CT would like to add communicate).
Always thrilled whenever I'm somewhere on the road and some player in the local band plays in the style that we're playing and communicates to the audience. It's lovely when that happens.
Have changed agents again for my Symphony dates. Back to my tried and true team of pros. Sometimes you try something and it doesn't work out. Of course, an elegant leave taking is much preferred to a vitriolic email but what can you do? Moving forward.
Our new puppy, Maisie, is now 5 months old. A Havanese, she has changed our lives and our routine.
She's just the greatest addition to our home and Deirdre and I are glad we finally joined the World of Dog Owners.
Acquired a snow rake for this year's snow storms. Put it to good use on Thanksgiving Day when we received about 8 inches of heavy wet snow. Clearing the roof prevents ice dams and giant icicles, which I detest.
TV...we still love Person Of Interest, NCIS, Alpha House, Elementary, some BBC three parter with Bill Nighy, Forever and we're on the fence about the new show State of Affairs. Funny how the other NCIS' don't do it for us... Modern Family is a late discovery...yes, I know. Not sure about the Claire character. Might be a deal breaker in the long run. And last but not least, SHARK TANK. We love this show...not crazy about all the Sharks but really enjoy watching this...even the reruns. Why does Barbara Corcoran always looks like she's smelling something really bad?
Much new music finding it's way to my Library. Great arrangements for Pops concerts of all types. Can't wait to hear them played.
Just finished Frank Foster's autobiography. Reading the new Bob Hope book now. Also read the Peggy Lee bio. She might have been among the most eccentric of all great stars. Nice to see Mike Renzi's name mentioned so frequently in the book.
OK, time for dinner.
Back soon, y'all.
In the meantime, sleep warm.
Mike Berkowitz
