The Weekender
January 24, 2026
Our Take: The Sea is Alive with the Sound of (Our) Music
The relationship between instrumental music and vocal music has always intrigued me. Some instrumental musicians will not back up a singer. Some thrive on it. Matching vocals to a particular…
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January 17, 2026
Our Take: David Foster: The Hitman Cruise – What Talent!
David Foster’s The Hitman Cruise is nearly halfway through and none of us want it to end. Talk about talent. If you enjoy vocals, then this cruise is perfect for…
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January 10, 2026
Our Take: They Put a Smile on My Face
In just a few days, we begin a 33-day, 5-program music extravaganza at sea. I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to be embarking on this journey.…
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January 3, 2026
Our Take: The Final Shows of Steve Tyrell
I just learned that, on February 13 and 14 at Catalina Bar (Hollywood), Steve Tyrell will be making his final performances as a singer. Perhaps best known for his iconic vocal…
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December 27, 2025
Our Take: So You Think ’26 is Going to be a Good Year
Nothing in The Who’s Tommy is jazz, yet whenever New Year’s rolls around, the line from the tune “1921” pops into my head. I simply change the “’21” to whatever…
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December 22, 2025
Our Take: Happy Holidays!
With this being the last edition of The Weekender before many of you take off for the holidays, we thought it would be nice to share with you some of…
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December 13, 2025
Our Take: Christmas in New York
The best city in the world during the Holiday Season is New York City. No contest. Prior to the Pandemic, my wife and I always found a reason, some good…
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December 6, 2025
Our Take: Behind Many Great Musicians is a Strong Woman
Earlier this week, I learned that Inge Dulfer, Candy’s mom, passed after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. From the photo below, it is easy to see from where Candy’s…
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November 29, 2025
Our Take: Be Thankful for Music
It’s the weekend of Thanksgiving and everyone’s on the run,They are cooking and shopping and finding ways to have fun.But amid all the excitement, while we enjoy those near to…
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November 24, 2025
Our Take: Thanksgiving Thoughts
Soon, it will be Thanksgiving week. I say “week” because, over the past few years, what was once a holiday celebrated with an evening of preparation and anticipation, then a…
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November 15, 2025
Our Take: So Much Happened Last Week
I love to watch John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight. His mix of satire, comedy and pathos is exquisitely presented in a confident yet selfless style. He never brags, but you…
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November 8, 2025
Our Take: Whac-A-Mole
For those readers who are patrons of the ASPCA, this title references the arcade game in which you pound plastic moles with some kind of mallet as they pop up.…
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November 1, 2025
Our Take: Spring Forward, Fall Back
The title of this edition of Our Take is my not-so-subtle reminder to turn your clocks BACK tonight, as most of the country begins four months of standard time. Depending…
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October 25, 2025
Our Take: In the Wake of Woke, Let’s Work This Week, No Winking!
Earlier this week, I discussed the concern that jazz was becoming too woke, a situation being blamed for dismissals at the Kennedy Center. My premise was a simple one. Long…
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October 18, 2025
Our Take: Kenny G…and Joe!
Recently, I had the opportunity to see and hear Kenny G perform for the first time. Not sure why that has not happened before, but I have routinely played and…
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