A very brief three-dot update…

April 8th, 2024

The Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California;

March 28, 2024

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Dear Readers:

…..For several weeks I have been on a back road car and hiking trip, traveling from Portland to Phoenix and back again. It has been a celebration of sorts (more on that another time), and along the way I’ve seen spectacular places, eaten like a king, and visited with cherished family and friends (old and new). My intent is to be back in the office in another week or so…As a result, I have fallen a bit behind on editing this site.

…..Some updates…The Short Fiction Contest #65 winner was expected to be announced by April 10, but it is more likely to be closer to April 30 or so…I recently interviewed Tad Richards, author of a terrific book, Jazz with a Beat: Small Group Swing 1940-1960 that explores the small group swing artists who made music from bebop to rhythm and blues (think the likes of Louis Jordan, Illinois Jacquet, T-Bone Walker and Earl Bostic)…Another interview to look forward to is with Laura Flam and Emily Sieu Liebowitz, whose book, But Will You Love Me Tomorrow?, is an outstanding oral history of the girl groups of the 1960’s (The Chantels, The Ronettes, The Shirelles, The Marvelettes, The Supremes, etc). I expect both of these interviews will be published by May 10…Meanwhile, you can read the introduction to Mr. Richards’ book by clicking here.

…..I recently published the second edition of Community Bookshelf, a twice-yearly space where writers who have been published on Jerry Jazz Musician can share news about their recently authored books and/or recordings. I invite you to view it (click here to do so) and get to know some of the accomplished, published writers who have contributed their work to Jerry Jazz Musician.

…..I have been keeping up (as best as I can) with all the poems submitted for the Spring Collection of Jazz Poetry, which will likely be published in late May. Thanks to all the poets for submitting their work!

…..Ok…the road beckons so that’s it for now…If you have questions, drop me an email at [email protected].

Peace,

Joe Maita

Editor/Publisher

photo by Rhonda Dorsett

On a bluff overlooking the Pacific, near Los Osos, California

March 27, 2024

Listen to Jimmy Smith (organ) and Wes Montgomery (guitar) play Roger Miller’s famed composition “King of the Road,” a 1969 recording that also features Grady Tate (drums); and Ray Barretto (percussion). [Universal Music Group]