Those of you who follow me on Twitter know I’m a political junkie with itchy fingers when primary results come in. I’m sure I drive you crazy, but seriously, Twitter is one of the most versatile platforms I’ve ever used to stay current with news and opinion. After the Potomac Primary results came in last night, I wrote a post on the political blog about the New American Majority. Steve Gillmor, host of The Gang and NewsGang Live saw it and invited me to participate in today’s Newsgang Live, where we talked about Obama, Twitter, and the acceleration of the news stream via Twitter. Gabe Rivera of Techmeme (and its political sister, Memeorandum) introduced Techmeme Firehose, a feed for tech headlines to Twitter. Maybe he’ll consider feeding the top Memeorandum stories as well (pretty please!).

I’ve been a subscriber to his show since the Gillmor Gang days, following him from Podshow to Facebook and finally, Twitter. The NewsGang Live show has been one of my favorites because he does such an elegant job of bringing the listening community into the conversation. Since I’m a bit of a community wonk, it’s interesting to me to hear the different voices and opinions on the show.

It was tons of fun and I appreciated the opportunity to spout off.

Give it a listen. Besides, if you do, you’ll find out who I *really* am.

Subscribe to Newsgang Live by following NewsGang on Twitter, Facebook or RSS.

Technorati Tags: NewsGang, Techmeme Firehose, Twitter, podcast, politics

Here’s the audio of last night’s concert — there’s some nice stuff on here. Sticks plays drumset on the 1st, 5th and 6th pieces. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th pieces he’s playing congas and hand percussion.

Since my children consumed my evening with their homework (even the college child), I’m late with the NaBloPoMo post for 11/6, so this will have to substitute.

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: jazz, music, podcast, nablopomo

…and the Jena 6, who has proven that the more things change, the more they stay the same...

Fables of Faubus, performed by the Moorpark College Jazz Band - Spring, 2006

Fables of Faubus First recorded on May 5, 1959 for Columbia Records, on Mingus Ah-Um. Orval E. Faubus was a governor of Arkansas who, in 1957, sent out the National Guard to prevent a few black children from entering Little Rock’s Central High School. Mingus’ condemnation of this action was apparently too strong for those in charge at Columbia Records, who prohibited Mingus and his drummer Dannie Richmond from singing the lyrics above…
(From Charles Mingus: More Than a Fake Book.)

Mingus website

Technorati Tags: racism, faubus, little rock nine, jena 6, mingus

Courtesy of Sticks and the 2007 Moorpark College Jazz Combo
(It’s nice and mellow)

Technorati Tags: jazz, podcast, Moorpark College, quintet

In case you’ve had enough of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, are a wee bit hung over and are up to here with roses, parades, and football games, here’s a nice mellow podcast for your listening pleasure. Today’s selections are from our own Seniors of Note (the senior citizens’ big band that Sticks plays for), and include New York, New York, Witchcraft, Montego Bay, Ole Devil Moon, Jalousie, and a couple of surprises.

The camera was located near the drumset (behind it, actually), so despite my best audio editing efforts, you do hear drums more than you should, until Bigdog set up a couple of mikes in front, when it gets more balanced.

Enjoy, and if you like it, send it on to your friends and leave a comment here letting me know that you liked it. The seniors will get a kick out of knowing they have fans on the Net.

Technorati Tags: audio, podcast, seniors of note, odd time, jazz, big band

Here’s a holiday podcast, courtesy of Sticks and the 2006 Moorpark College A Jazz Band. There’s some nice big band numbers on it:

• Northern Encounter
• BeBop Charlie
• MamaLamaSamba (the Big Phat Band version, which is nearly impossible. :))

Technorati Tags: jazz, big band, samba, moorpark college

A new podcast for you, courtesy of Sticks and a small combo. He played for a fellow student who needed a demo for a scholarship audition. Unlike Sticks’ demo, this one is 20 minutes long so I’ve uploaded the audio only. (The video isn’t fun anyway because it’s a static picture focused on the vibe player only).

It’s mellow listening, good background music while you work.

Technorati Tags: jazz, demo, vibes, mellow music

…and Sonny Stitt in two little mini-podcasts from the Moorpark College Jazz Festival May 13th. Yet to come: Buddy Rich’s Big Swing Face.

• (congas/percussion)
• (drumset)

* Via AllAboutJazz.com