David Leheny
@davidleheny.bsky.social
Political scientist at GSAPS, Waseda University. Formerly UW-Madison, Princeton, U.S. Department of State, Stop & Shop. Author of Empire of Hope; The Rules of Play; Think Global, Fear Local (all Cornell UP). Coeditor of Stanford Studies in Asian Security.
Jazz OTD sort of: Busy weekend, so here's a January 11 recording now. On January 11, 2020, the Black Art Jazz Collective - Wayne Escoffery (ts), Jeremy Pelt (tp), James Burton III (tb), Victor Gould (p), Rashaan Carter (b) and Mark Whitfield Jr. (d) - recorded the spirited "Ascension." #jazzsky
Tulsa
YouTube video by Black Art Jazz Collective - Topic
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January 10, 2026 at 1:12 PM
Jazz OTD sort of: Busy weekend, so here's a January 11 recording now. On January 11, 2020, the Black Art Jazz Collective - Wayne Escoffery (ts), Jeremy Pelt (tp), James Burton III (tb), Victor Gould (p), Rashaan Carter (b) and Mark Whitfield Jr. (d) - recorded the spirited "Ascension." #jazzsky
Jazz OTD: I love the music of pianist George Cables, whose longtime band, The Cookers, recently made news for canceling a New Year's gig at the Kennedy Center. "I Hear Echoes," his most recent album as leader, is a brilliant, vibrant outing, recorded Jan. 10 and May 2, 2024 when he was 79. #jazzsky
Journey to Agartha
YouTube video by George Cables - Topic
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January 10, 2026 at 11:27 AM
Jazz OTD: I love the music of pianist George Cables, whose longtime band, The Cookers, recently made news for canceling a New Year's gig at the Kennedy Center. "I Hear Echoes," his most recent album as leader, is a brilliant, vibrant outing, recorded Jan. 10 and May 2, 2024 when he was 79. #jazzsky
Jazz OTD: On some days it's a bit of a challenge to figure out which artists/songs to highlight here. And then on other days you get John Coltrane playing Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life." From January 10, 1958, with Donald Byrd (tp), Red Garland (p), Paul Chambers (b), and Louis Hayes (d). #jazzsky
Lush Life (Rudy Van Gelder Remaster 1958)
YouTube video by John Coltrane - Topic
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January 10, 2026 at 11:18 AM
Jazz OTD: On some days it's a bit of a challenge to figure out which artists/songs to highlight here. And then on other days you get John Coltrane playing Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life." From January 10, 1958, with Donald Byrd (tp), Red Garland (p), Paul Chambers (b), and Louis Hayes (d). #jazzsky
“I watched ALL the players I’m paid millions to coach.”
January 10, 2026 at 12:52 AM
“I watched ALL the players I’m paid millions to coach.”
Jazz OTD: The Maybeck Recital Series led to dozens of wonderful solo piano albums from 1990-1996. The George Cables performance from January 9, 1994 is characteristically moving, elegant, and lyrical. Here's the gorgeous closer. #jazzsky
Little B's Poem (Live At Maybeck Recital Hall, Berkeley, CA / January 9, 1994)
YouTube video by George Cables - Topic
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January 9, 2026 at 4:50 PM
Jazz OTD: The Maybeck Recital Series led to dozens of wonderful solo piano albums from 1990-1996. The George Cables performance from January 9, 1994 is characteristically moving, elegant, and lyrical. Here's the gorgeous closer. #jazzsky
Jazz OTD: Hard-bop pianist Cedar Walton recorded the splendid "Composer," entirely from his own pieces, with a very capable and mostly young sextet - Roy Hargrove (tp), Vincent Herring (as), Ralph Moore (ss, ts), Christian McBride (b), and Victor Lewis (d) - on January 9-10, 1996. #Jazzsky
Cedar Walton - 01 - Martha's Prize
YouTube video by Daniel Horton
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January 9, 2026 at 11:05 AM
Jazz OTD: Hard-bop pianist Cedar Walton recorded the splendid "Composer," entirely from his own pieces, with a very capable and mostly young sextet - Roy Hargrove (tp), Vincent Herring (as), Ralph Moore (ss, ts), Christian McBride (b), and Victor Lewis (d) - on January 9-10, 1996. #Jazzsky
Jazz OTD: Final paired album for the day, another JD Allen marvel. On January 8, 2015, a year after his often-contemplative quartet date "Bloom," the brilliant saxophonist/composer recorded his adventurous, intense "Graffiti" with the perfectly matched Gregg August (b) and Rudy Royston (d). #jazzsky
JD Allen - Jawn Henry
YouTube video by Jazz Everyday!
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January 8, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Jazz OTD: Final paired album for the day, another JD Allen marvel. On January 8, 2015, a year after his often-contemplative quartet date "Bloom," the brilliant saxophonist/composer recorded his adventurous, intense "Graffiti" with the perfectly matched Gregg August (b) and Rudy Royston (d). #jazzsky
Jazz OTD: I noted yesterday that JD Allen has recorded a lot at this time of year, and the tenor saxophonist made one of his best albums, "Bloom," on January 8, 2014 with Orrin Evans (p), Alexander Claffy (b), and Jonathan Barber (d). A lovely contrast with much of Allen's intense output. #jazzsky
JD Allen - If You Could See Me Now
YouTube video by Jazz Everyday!
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January 8, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Jazz OTD: I noted yesterday that JD Allen has recorded a lot at this time of year, and the tenor saxophonist made one of his best albums, "Bloom," on January 8, 2014 with Orrin Evans (p), Alexander Claffy (b), and Jonathan Barber (d). A lovely contrast with much of Allen's intense output. #jazzsky
Jazz OTD: A year after recording their quartet date with Duke Ellington, Joe Pass (g), Ray Brown (b), and Louie Bellson (d) were back in the studio as part of a larger ensemble backing Ella Fitzgerald for "Fine and Mellow," a January 8, 1974 date that has the legend in brilliant form. #jazzsky
I'm Just A Lucky So And So
YouTube video by Ella Fitzgerald - Topic
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January 8, 2026 at 3:41 PM
Jazz OTD: A year after recording their quartet date with Duke Ellington, Joe Pass (g), Ray Brown (b), and Louie Bellson (d) were back in the studio as part of a larger ensemble backing Ella Fitzgerald for "Fine and Mellow," a January 8, 1974 date that has the legend in brilliant form. #jazzsky
Jazz OTD: A pair of late-career gems from a year apart by two of the greatest artists of the 20th century, both with the same rhythm section. First, Duke Ellington recorded the exquisite "Duke's Big 4" on January 8, 1973 with Joe Pass (g), Ray Brown (b), and Louie Bellson (d). #jazzsky
Prelude To A Kiss
YouTube video by Duke Ellington - Topic
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January 8, 2026 at 3:37 PM
Jazz OTD: A pair of late-career gems from a year apart by two of the greatest artists of the 20th century, both with the same rhythm section. First, Duke Ellington recorded the exquisite "Duke's Big 4" on January 8, 1973 with Joe Pass (g), Ray Brown (b), and Louie Bellson (d). #jazzsky
Jazz OTD: Our second classic Blue Note album, recorded just a year (Jan. 8, 1964) after Kenny Burrell's "Midnight Blue" but sounding like a century, pianist/composer Andrew Hill's "Judgment!" is a stellar contribution, with Bobby Hutcherson (vb), Richard Davis (b), and Elvin Jones (d). #jazzskiy
Siete Ocho (Remastered 2003 / Rudy Van Gelder Edition)
YouTube video by Andrew Hill - Topic
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January 8, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Jazz OTD: Our second classic Blue Note album, recorded just a year (Jan. 8, 1964) after Kenny Burrell's "Midnight Blue" but sounding like a century, pianist/composer Andrew Hill's "Judgment!" is a stellar contribution, with Bobby Hutcherson (vb), Richard Davis (b), and Elvin Jones (d). #jazzskiy
Jazz OTD: I'm posting today (some paired works) mostly to keep my own spirits up after yesterday's horror show. First up, two January 8 recordings a year apart, each showcasing something great about the era's Blue Note Records. First, the Kenny Burrell classic "Midnight Blue," from 1963. #jazzsky
Kenny Burrell - Kenny's Sound
YouTube video by Santoszzz
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January 8, 2026 at 2:52 PM
Jazz OTD: I'm posting today (some paired works) mostly to keep my own spirits up after yesterday's horror show. First up, two January 8 recordings a year apart, each showcasing something great about the era's Blue Note Records. First, the Kenny Burrell classic "Midnight Blue," from 1963. #jazzsky
Jazz OTD: I forgot to post "Pathways," the superb live album by the Dave Holland Octet (w/Antonio Hart, Chris Potter, Gary Smulyan, Alex Sipigian, Robin Eubanks, Steve Nelson, and Nate Smith) yesterday, but since it was recorded January 7-11, 2009, we're still in the window. Great post-bop. #jazzsky
Ebb and Flow
YouTube video by Dave Holland - Topic
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January 8, 2026 at 11:59 AM
Jazz OTD: I forgot to post "Pathways," the superb live album by the Dave Holland Octet (w/Antonio Hart, Chris Potter, Gary Smulyan, Alex Sipigian, Robin Eubanks, Steve Nelson, and Nate Smith) yesterday, but since it was recorded January 7-11, 2009, we're still in the window. Great post-bop. #jazzsky
Jazz OTD: A couple of late additions for today. From January 7-8, 1997 the formidable alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett recorded his often mesmerizing album of originals, “Songbook,” with Kenny Kirkland (p), Nat Reeves (b), and Jeff “Tain” Watts. #jazzsky
She Waits for the New Sun
YouTube video by Kenny Garrett - Topic
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January 8, 2026 at 1:52 AM
Jazz OTD: A couple of late additions for today. From January 7-8, 1997 the formidable alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett recorded his often mesmerizing album of originals, “Songbook,” with Kenny Kirkland (p), Nat Reeves (b), and Jeff “Tain” Watts. #jazzsky
BREAKING: "Tron: Ares" apparently got released in the theaters at some point no one remembers or knows about, evidently making its sudden appearance on a streaming platform breaking news
Tron: Ares Out on OTT: Know Everything About Streaming, Plot, Cast, and More
Tron: Ares is an American Sci-Fi Action film that is now streaming on JioHotstar. The film has been directed by Joachim Ronning.
www.gadgets360.com
January 7, 2026 at 6:45 PM
BREAKING: "Tron: Ares" apparently got released in the theaters at some point no one remembers or knows about, evidently making its sudden appearance on a streaming platform breaking news
Jazz OTD: Smoke Sessions Records wisely recorded much of the legendary Harold Mabern's January 2018 stint at the club, and this album -- from the final night, January 7 -- is, I believe, his last recording (not the last release); he passed away in fall 2019. Here's the wonderful closer. #jazzsky
Rakin' and Scrapin'
YouTube video by Harold Mabern - Topic
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January 7, 2026 at 6:41 PM
Jazz OTD: Smoke Sessions Records wisely recorded much of the legendary Harold Mabern's January 2018 stint at the club, and this album -- from the final night, January 7 -- is, I believe, his last recording (not the last release); he passed away in fall 2019. Here's the wonderful closer. #jazzsky
Jazz OTD: Two years ago today, tenor saxophonist/composer JD Allen was in the studio for another textured, imaginative session, this time with bassists Gregg August and Ian Kenselaar and drummer Nick Cacioppo, recording "The Dark, The Light, The Grey And The Colorful" on January 7, 2024. #jazzsky
Déjà vu
YouTube video by JD Allen - Topic
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January 7, 2026 at 6:16 PM
Jazz OTD: Two years ago today, tenor saxophonist/composer JD Allen was in the studio for another textured, imaginative session, this time with bassists Gregg August and Ian Kenselaar and drummer Nick Cacioppo, recording "The Dark, The Light, The Grey And The Colorful" on January 7, 2024. #jazzsky
Jazz OTD: The brilliant saxophonist/composer JD Allen apparently records a lot at this time of year, meaning plenty of cuts for today and tomorrow. First, from January 7, 2016, his spectacular "Americana (Musings on Jazz and Blues)," with Gregg August (b) and Rudy Royston (d). #jazzsky
JD Allen - Lightnin'
YouTube video by Jazz Everyday!
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January 7, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Jazz OTD: The brilliant saxophonist/composer JD Allen apparently records a lot at this time of year, meaning plenty of cuts for today and tomorrow. First, from January 7, 2016, his spectacular "Americana (Musings on Jazz and Blues)," with Gregg August (b) and Rudy Royston (d). #jazzsky
Jazz OTD: Wynton Marsalis's "Black Codes from the Underground," rec. January 7-11, 1985, is arguably one of the most important jazz albums of the past 50 years. Thrilling on its own terms, it also put the then-23-year-old trumpeter and composer at the center of debates about the art form. #jazzsky
Black Codes (2023 Remaster)
YouTube video by Wynton Marsalis - Topic
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January 7, 2026 at 11:32 AM
Jazz OTD: Wynton Marsalis's "Black Codes from the Underground," rec. January 7-11, 1985, is arguably one of the most important jazz albums of the past 50 years. Thrilling on its own terms, it also put the then-23-year-old trumpeter and composer at the center of debates about the art form. #jazzsky
Jazz OTD: The track title is misspelled here, but Woody Shaw's terrific album "Lotus Flower" (recorded January 7, 1982) includes a newer version of his piece "Rahsaan's Run," originally on his 1978 masterpiece Rosewood. W/Steve Turre, Mulgrew Miller, Stafford James, and Tony Reedus. #jazzsky
Rahsan's Run
YouTube video by Woody Shaw - Topic
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January 7, 2026 at 11:25 AM
Jazz OTD: The track title is misspelled here, but Woody Shaw's terrific album "Lotus Flower" (recorded January 7, 1982) includes a newer version of his piece "Rahsaan's Run," originally on his 1978 masterpiece Rosewood. W/Steve Turre, Mulgrew Miller, Stafford James, and Tony Reedus. #jazzsky
Jazz OTD: Two years ago today (January 6, 2024), pianist/composer Misha Tsiganov recoded "Painter of Dreams" with a remarkable band: Miguel Zenon (as), Chris Potter (here on ss), Alex Sipiagin (tp), Matt Brewer (b), and Johnathan Blake (d). Creative and engrossing post-bop. #jazzsky
Up Journey
YouTube video by Misha Tsiganov - Topic
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January 6, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Jazz OTD: Two years ago today (January 6, 2024), pianist/composer Misha Tsiganov recoded "Painter of Dreams" with a remarkable band: Miguel Zenon (as), Chris Potter (here on ss), Alex Sipiagin (tp), Matt Brewer (b), and Johnathan Blake (d). Creative and engrossing post-bop. #jazzsky
Jazz OTD: Organist Shirley Scott had a real gift for the blues, and here's the wonderful closing track of her album "On a Clear Day," recorded January 6, 1966 with an amazing rhythm section: Ron Carter (b) and Jimmy Cobb (d). #jazzsky
Instant Blues
YouTube video by Shirley Scott - Topic
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January 6, 2026 at 10:54 AM
Jazz OTD: Organist Shirley Scott had a real gift for the blues, and here's the wonderful closing track of her album "On a Clear Day," recorded January 6, 1966 with an amazing rhythm section: Ron Carter (b) and Jimmy Cobb (d). #jazzsky
Jazz OTD: The great dueling tenor saxophonists Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and Johnny Griffin recorded their January 6, 1961 sets at Minton's Playhouse, releasing them over 3 (I believe) original LPs, though they've been repackaged over the years. Wonderful pyrotechnics by two of the best. #jazzsky
Johnny Griffin and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis - I'll Remember April
YouTube video by brassgolem
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January 6, 2026 at 10:51 AM
Jazz OTD: The great dueling tenor saxophonists Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and Johnny Griffin recorded their January 6, 1961 sets at Minton's Playhouse, releasing them over 3 (I believe) original LPs, though they've been repackaged over the years. Wonderful pyrotechnics by two of the best. #jazzsky
Jazz OTD: Saxophonist Booker Ervin - one of the greats of 1950s-1960s jazz - recorded the excellent "That's It!" on January 6, 1961 with Horace Parlan (p), George Tucker (b), and Al Harewood (d). #jazzsky
Booker Ervin - Boo (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Candid Records
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January 6, 2026 at 10:45 AM
Jazz OTD: Saxophonist Booker Ervin - one of the greats of 1950s-1960s jazz - recorded the excellent "That's It!" on January 6, 1961 with Horace Parlan (p), George Tucker (b), and Al Harewood (d). #jazzsky
The obvious and best answer is with my daily Jazz OTD posts, but this is a good piece too.
I’m New to Jazz. Where Do I Start?
www.nytimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 9:38 PM
The obvious and best answer is with my daily Jazz OTD posts, but this is a good piece too.