SWAK

Bye bye, Lee!
Originally uploaded by DBasci.

My last day of work at KCUR was last Friday. It was also the last day of the fall membership drive and I'm pleased to say I helped to raise around 15 grand on my way out the door. Apparently some persons were so moved by my fundraising prowess that this picture of my head was defaced (a pun, at last!). If memory serves, the pink is a favorite shade of Program Director Bill Anderson's. Thanks, big guy! And thanks to Danielle Basci for snapping the image.

Anyhoo... I cleaned out my desk and headed for home around 3 PM. About 18 hours later, two sleep-deprived people and two frazzled dogs arrived in Chicagoland.

And so I promise more pictures, more posts and puns. In the meantime, there's unpacking and laundry and other fun things to do. See you (here) soon!

The Mesopotamians

The original gods of geek rock are back with this cracking-good bit of animated musicality. From their latest album "The Else" on Rounder. Also available on - get this - vinyl.



By the way, it's true, as reported here and here: I'm moving to Chicago.

Going to Chicago

Going to Chicago, sorry that I can't take you.
Going to Chicago, sorry that I can't take you.
There's nothing in Chicago that a monkey woman can do.

When you see me coming, raise you window high.
When you see me coming, raise you window high.
When you see me passing, hang your head and cry.

If you love your baby, tell the world you do.
If you love your baby, tell the world you do.
There's coming a day your baby really learn to love you too.

- "Going to Chicago Blues," Jimmy Rushing & Count Basie

Thanks to everyone who made the last four years in Kansas City such a treat - and to hell with the rest of you. :)

Radio: Alaadeen on his new ballads album

Listen to the interview

Radio: Eldar and Alaadeen

Sorry for all the dust around here. The times, they are a changin'. More on that in a later post. In the meantime, let's catch up on recent radio adventures.

Eldar

The Russian-born pianist was in Kansas City at the end of last month for a pair of concerts with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra. This preview aired on KCUR Friday September 28, but you can listen to it here:

• Eldar Returns to Kansas City

I was out of town for the shows and apparently no one at the Star could be bothered. So if you went and have an opinion I'd love to hear it. Happy in Plastic covered Eldar's last appearance in KC in his review of last summer's Jazz in the Woods festival.

The following Sunday, KC Currents aired this interview with Eldar about his new album, "Re-Imagination," released this summer on Sony Classical. Listen to it here:

• Eldar's "Re-Imagination" takes pianist into new territory

Alaadeen

I also interviewed Kansas City saxophonist Alaadeen recently about his new album, "And the Beauty of it All - Ballads." A dazzlingly crafted version of it airs on KC Currents tomorrow night (7 October) at 5 PM with a repeat Monday at 8. (Seriously, I was really pleased with the result.) A slightly shorter version will air next week during Morning Edition.

Where to tune in

• KCUR FM 89.3 on your terrestrial radio
• kcur.org on your kom-poo-tor

Final note, both Alaadeen and Eldar were featured in my most recent appearance on KCUR's Up to Date. Check it here.