I swear, this isn't from the Weekly World News (or is that even still in publication?). It's in today's BBC.

I guess there must have been a reason he was so much on my mind lately.

Jimmy Giuffre Obituary

Would you like to perform for people all over the world in the privacy of your own home? I have just written a brief tutorial for newbies to the online virtual world of Second Life.

What's really amazing is that you actually can get paid for doing this. (In the early days of Second Life performances, it was about $40 an hour! It's less now, but sometimes people buy your CDs or iTunes, and it's a way to build an international audience for your music.) Feel free to message me if you have any questions.

Here is some shockingly beautiful music via New York/North Carolina and Norway (Myspace links):

Becca Stevens

Hanne Hukkelberg

Jimmy Giuffre was my first ensemble instructor at New England Conservatory. He was so open-minded and inspirational. Although he no longer performs and is over 85 years old, I feel that he’s the Miles Davis of the clarinet. Truly innovating every decade, he went from being a major figure in the swing era ("Four Brothers") to playing some of the most contemporary music out there, with his trio featuring Paul Bley and Steve Swallow. I had the privilege of seeing them perform at the old Sweet Basil, a year before I moved to New York. It was the last time I would see Giuffre play; he now suffers from Parkinson’s disease.

Jimmy Giuffre

Check this Youtube video out. LOLOLOL

Insane man playing Coltrane’s Giant Steps solo on two different instruments simultaneously, and, SHIRTLESS

Last night, I went to Joe's Pub to hear Richard Julian. I wasn't that familiar with him; I'd only heard him play half a set at Rockwood, but oh my! This gent has such a way with lyrics that it makes me think I should quit trying to write songs! I bought his last album, Slow New York; his new one is Sunday Morning in Saturday's Shoes. (It was also wild to see my former NEC classmates in his band. They sounded fabulous.) Very highly recommended.

I just checked the mail, opened up my copy of Electronic Musician, and there was an article/tutorial about performing on Second Life! So, what are you waiting for 

A bunch of little things are coming up next week. Vu from We Heart Music will be posting about my Second Life show, Dan from Radio Crystal Blue will be spinning a track from You Took Me In on Feb. 17, and Virginia Schaefer (whom I know from my Boston days) is posting a review of the CD on All About Jazz on the 19th.

Oh, also, the guy who photographed my wedding (September 2005, whew!) placed my music on his Website. If you are getting married, or even if you aren't, there's no better photographer than Chuck Fishman! And I do play ceremonies 

It's a crazy new world, folks! Now even online virtual performances have their own review blogs. Here is one that reviewed my Second Life gig on Monday: http://johnasl.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/kerry-primrose/

In other news, I went over to Education Through Music on Monday to help them update their fundraising database. This worthy charity is putting music in the public schools as fast as the U.S. government is taking it out. Click on the link for more information.