Tuesday, March 10, 2015

I can't help myself…...

another dose of joy.

An interview I found with Sheila Jordan. 

I'm smitten.

Monday, March 9, 2015

All that jazz….

Last Thursday I had the great privilege to be in the audience as jazz legend Sheila Jordan performed her magic….

I had never heard of this grand woman, and must confess I'm a bit of a novice in the 'Jazz' department.

In Albuquerque, we are so lucky to have an amazing venue for such artists at The OutPost,
a 'not for profit' establishment that promotes jazz of all flavors.

I have been there many times in the last few years, but this performance blew me away, both with the artistry of the performer, her humor, and pipes at the ripe age of 86.

To say she is an inspiration is an understatement…….at the end of her longer than scheduled performance,
she dropped down
and
touched her toes.

Please enjoy this performance from a few years back.  It's a little long, but so worth the listen.

                      

From one Detroiter to another….
makes me proud
(and a little homesick)

A biography called Jazz Child: A Portrait of Sheila Jordan
was just published last year to some acclaim.

Sheila said she hoped it was an inspiration to young artists of all mediums, and followed that sentiment with a powerful performance of 'The Crossing'.

This is a short video with the author of her biography, Ellen Johnson
(with clips of Sheila performing...)



Perhaps worth a read as I hope to have a fraction of her energy, dedication and passion when I'm 86.


Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Albuquerque to Tucson via Scottsdale, AZ...

a few highlights of a whirlwind trip….



curious land form while zooming along I-60 in Arizona


 Paolo Soleri designed bridge, Scottsdale, AZ


Teddy Bear Cholla & mossy rock,


Pinnacle Peak , Scottsdale, AZ


 Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, AZ






The garden of the historic Arizona Inn in Tucson, AZ







And sunset in Saguaro National Park in Tucson

These photos touch only some of the amazing sights and things we experienced on this road trip.

As usual it will take me as much time or more to recover and assimilate this journey…

as it did to take it.

 I remain ever grateful to have missed the big snowstorm in Albuquerque last weekend…