THANK YOU VERY MUCH

A few years back the wife and I were vacationing in Thailand. We were at some giant flower festival one day and a young Thai couple approached us. Now the couple couldn't speak any English but I thought they wanted me to take a picture of them. After a little confusion we realized that they didn't want a picture of themselves but the girl wanted a picture with me, SAXOMAN. So after they took the photo all I could say was (in my best Elvis voice) "Thank you very much and no autographs please" HAHA!

CLOTHES HANGERS IN CARS - I REALLY DON'T GET IT

Have you ever been driving down the road and seen a car with a clothes hanger stretched across the back seat area? Not only do you see a hanger but the clothes hanger is full of clothes as well! I was unable to find a real good picture of this on-line but I think you all know what I'm talking about. I mean this isn't your dry cleaning or anything like that. This is like your whole wardrobe! I've never really understood if this was someone that sold clothes or someone that traveled a lot and didn't like to use a suitcase because of wrinkles. I dunno......all I know is I've never been able to figure what this is all about. Oh well....

WORLD MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK - FELA KUTI

This weeks World Music CD Pick of the Week is Shakara by Fela Kuti. Another great effort from Fela that was recorded back in 1971 at Abbey Road studios. This cd actually consists of two lp's (Shakara and The London Scene). Another standout performance from Fela which mixes funk and jazz and his trademark Afrobeat sound. One you need to check out! Not hip to Fela yet? Well shame on you!

LATIN JAZZ CD PICK OF THE WEEK AND REST IN PEACE- FRANCISCO AQUABELLA

This weeks Latin Jazz CD Pick of the Week is dedicated to the recently deceased master percussionist, Franciso Aquabella with the cd titled Aqua De Cuba. I had just read the news of Francisco's death yesterday in the L.A. Times and he was only 84 years old. I have two cd's by Francisco in my collection so he is receiving special mention with this weeks pick. Francicso was born and raised in Cuba and lived and played frequently in the Los Angeles area. He was one that kept the tradition of Cuba percussion style alive! Rest in peace Francisco Aquabella! You will be sorely missed. Here's a video of Franciso in action along with Carlos Santana saying how Franciso would make the walls sweat with his power.

JAZZ CD PICK OF THE WEEK - ELVIN JONES / JIMMY GARRISON SEXTET

This weeks long overdue Jazz CD Pick of the Week is the Elvin Jones/Jimmy Garrison Sextet with the recording Illumination! Now I still own this on vinyl and had purchased it when it originally came out. Actually, when I had taken the bus to the ghetto to buy some jazz (see previous blog post) the guy behind the counter recognized a hipster when he saw one (me) and gave me the album to take home. He said if I liked it I could pay him the next time I came in. All I can say is this man knew what he was talking about! This is basically the John Coltrane rhythm section and features three different horn players. Now I had seen this previously on cd and passed on it because it was kind of pricey, now I can't seem to find it anymore. Well to my surprise I found the entire album on iTunes for about $6. Oh yeah! My favorite cut is the tune titled Half and Half and features Charles Davis on Baritone Sax. Anyway, check it out!
http://www.amazon.com/Illumination-Elvin-Jones/dp/B0000065KJ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1273033297&sr=8-3

FANNYPACKS - GUYS, WHAT'S UP?

OK guys, what's going on with fannypacks? The other night I was out with the wife eating pizza and in walked a man with his wife and the man was wearing a fannypack. What? Yep, I kid you not! I can tell you this wasn't a little fannypack either but a huge fannypack! Now I can't imagine what a guy could carry in these things. I mean I carry my wallet, my keys and my cell phone (occasionally) and it all fits in my pockets. What on earth would you need one of these big things for unless your giving change at the local carnival. All I can tell you is that SAXOMAN feels the same way about fannypacks as the Snuggie. In other words, guys you should not be wearing these things at all! No way!

THE POMONA ANTIQUE AUTO SHOW

For those lovers of old, classic automobiles, the place to go is the Pomona Antique Auto Car Show and Swap Meet. Located at the Pomona Fairplex this event is held every other month. Now If you don't mind walking for hours and hours and looking at classic cars, then this place is for you. Now I hadn't been to this car show in a few years and went last weekend. I was overwhelmed with the classic cars. Cadillacs, Chevy's, Corvettes, Lowriders, Porsche's, etc. It was too much! Here are a few photos from this event. All I can say is check it out!

RIDING THE BUS TO THE GHETTO FOR JAZZ

I have been a jazz music lover since way back when I was a youngster in High School. Now at the time the local record store in my neighborhood was ok but it really didn't have that big of a jazz selection. For a hipper selection I would have to go across town. This meant taking a bus to the ghetto! What? So off this kid from the suburbs would go as I hopped the bus to the ghetto (or at least I thought it was the ghetto at the time). Located at Orange Grove and Fair Oaks in Pasadena, I would make the long bus ride in the pursuit of hip music. Once I finally reached my destination I was surrounded by Miles, Coltrane, Monk, Art Blakey, and many other hip jazz artists. I would then make my purchases with my saved up lunch money, wait for the bus (without getting mugged), and then take the long ride home. Always an unforgettable experience. HAHA!