huh?

food terrorism?

how and why is this illegal? poor choice of words and poor intent, mayor.

p.s. i didn't realize amy goodman contributed to the guardian. she rules.

I visited the Enoch Pratt Library here in Baltimore yesterday afternoon. They have an ongoing exhibition dedicated to the History of Baltimore Jazz. Tons of dailies, clippings and photos from Cab Calloway to Hattie McDaniel. The photo above is just a small taste of what i saw (i am NO photographer, this ain't that great..appreciate nonetheless!) The Sphinx Club was the first African American owned jazz club in the city of Baltimore.

changes.

hey all.

i'm making some design changes to the blog so it may be acting up for a day or so..try your best to survive :)


mi.

"If you're brown, stick around"

One of my personal favorites and finest early blues musicians. Big Bill Broonzy was a shifting storyteller and brutally honest. He wasn't traditional in the, well, traditional blues sense. Folk and blues became his signature combination. NPR tells The Big Bill Broonzy story.

Muddy Waters & Sonny Boy Williamson II

I love it. Beginning to end. Muddy and Sonny are a phenomenal combination. The harmonica has always been so honest and simply beautiful. Muddy is mesmerizing..every twitch, head shake, hand clapping move is just plain slick. Muddy is the man! This is one of my all time favorite finds on youtube. Long live the blues.

Take me to Spain.

How many real reasons do you need to go to Barcelona? I've been talking about taking a trip to Spain for so many years, that now it just seems like alot of talk and no movement at this point. This gave the idea, the fantasy, a real push to the front of my mind again. Jesus, Javier Bardem is inspiration enough.

Clarence Clemons, 1942-2011

What a stage presence and talent. I remember the first time I saw "Dancing in the dark" and completely fell in love with the saxophone and the big man behind it. Rest peacefully, Clarence Clemons.

Uncle Tupelo - Moonshiner

It's been an alt-country couple of weeks. Uncle Tupelo, Whiskeytown, etc. The summation of my mood lately. enjoy..

Mahmoud Ahmed- Aynotche Terab

So, we've already hit a couple record stores here in Baltimore. Can I just say my initial observation in any large city I go to is, DAMN, Detroit has some reasonably and appropriately priced vinyl! I did not see this with my own eyes, but $20 for used CCR is OVERPRICED(my man witnessed this). God, I miss you Hello and Peoples Records! However, True Vine Records (located in the Hampden neighborhood), had an exceptional international collection. I keep a keen eye out for international vinyl..Middle Eastern music holds a special place in my soul so True Vine may be the spot to fork over my dough (that i don't presently have, but soon enough will). I stumbled upon one of my favorite Ethiopian artists, Mahmoud Ahmed, while cautiously browsing. 23 dollars. When I feel the spending urge pulse through my veins, i will have it.

p.s. A metal fan smiled yesterday afternoon. A difficult to find record was found in the dollar bin. It's now in our very, very large collection.

guilty and good.

I'm not here to make you feel bad. Don't hate me, i dig clothes and finding killer deals and all, but when i read about the fashion industry..yikes.

tastier and less guilty news...


I don't usually add recipes, but dill everything! seriously, it's a fantastic spice that allows you to cut back on salt because of it's strong flavor. And now, i guess it's great on hummus too. i'm gonna try this soon.

Chris Bathgate - Serpentine (Official Promo Video)

Some of you may know Chris Bathgate. He's a singer/songwriter from Ann Arbor who I saw play at the Lager House two years ago. Rich, mildly sorrowful tone to his voice. It brings me comfort now that I'm far from home. Michigan artists have found a new and safe place in my heart.

I thought of him the other day while driving to Baltimore.

I was surprised to see a couple songs available for a free download at Starbucks (yuck, roadtrip = no options). I dislike that shitty establishment with their piss poor coffee, but I can get behind supporting a local musician like Bathgate. Here's a promo video from his first album, A Cork Tale Wake.

melt with you.

I haven't disappeared. Just moved. To a very hot and steamy location on the eastcoast. Beautiful neighborhood in Baltimore, but dammit, it's too hot. I'm moving slowly, with a jug of water..I'll be back.