Oren Levine
@ohljazz.com
I write songs and play jazz piano.
2023 ASCAP Foundation Bergman Lyric Awardee.
Based in St Croix USVI
2023 ASCAP Foundation Bergman Lyric Awardee.
Based in St Croix USVI
#TunesOnTuesday shares the start of a new song "Lost In the Words" inspired in part by a drum track from the Drumgenius app. Peter Eldridge suggested using a drum track for inspiration in a songwriting session on JazzVoice.com. #JazzSky #songwriting #songwriter ohljazz.com/2025/11/25/t...
Tunes on Tuesday: Lost In the Words
Why this tune? This week’s tune is the first draft of a new song,
inspired by a songwriting session with Peter Eldridge
hosted by JazzVoice.com. Peter suggested using a rhythm track as a star…
ohljazz.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:03 PM
#TunesOnTuesday shares the start of a new song "Lost In the Words" inspired in part by a drum track from the Drumgenius app. Peter Eldridge suggested using a drum track for inspiration in a songwriting session on JazzVoice.com. #JazzSky #songwriting #songwriter ohljazz.com/2025/11/25/t...
@forward.com asks "why are there so many Jews named Irving?" For many of those first generation American Jews, their Hebrew name was their "real" name. Families chose English names to fit into Gentile society. forward.com/culture/7836...
Hey, Irving — why are there so many Jews named Irving?
A mystery of nomenclature finally solved — in honor of all the Jewish Miltons, Seymours, Sidneys and Irvings out there.
forward.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:27 PM
@forward.com asks "why are there so many Jews named Irving?" For many of those first generation American Jews, their Hebrew name was their "real" name. Families chose English names to fit into Gentile society. forward.com/culture/7836...
My current fav lyric: "A Dip In the Ocean" from #FountainsOfWayne. Every syllable seems chosen precisely for meaning and sound. #songwriting
"Tourists flashing the night
From the grottoes
And gathering now on the heel-worn planks
For a drunken promenade or a mambo"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIYE...
"Tourists flashing the night
From the grottoes
And gathering now on the heel-worn planks
For a drunken promenade or a mambo"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIYE...
A Dip in the Ocean
YouTube video by Fountains of Wayne - Topic
www.youtube.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:27 AM
My current fav lyric: "A Dip In the Ocean" from #FountainsOfWayne. Every syllable seems chosen precisely for meaning and sound. #songwriting
"Tourists flashing the night
From the grottoes
And gathering now on the heel-worn planks
For a drunken promenade or a mambo"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIYE...
"Tourists flashing the night
From the grottoes
And gathering now on the heel-worn planks
For a drunken promenade or a mambo"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIYE...
More superb recommendations from @ethaniversonpiano.bsky.social #JazzSky
NEW: my selection of the greatest jazz piano albums of all time
iverson.substack.com/p/tt-556-the...
iverson.substack.com/p/tt-556-the...
TT 556: The Greatest Jazz Piano Albums of All Time
or really: from 1921 to 1990
iverson.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:58 PM
More superb recommendations from @ethaniversonpiano.bsky.social #JazzSky
#TunesOnTuesday shares the 1972 Philly Soul classic "People Make The World Go Round," which I'm playing this month in some jazz shows on St. Croix with the fine vocalist Venus Dodson. Works great as an instrumental too! ohljazz.com/2025/11/18/t... #JazzSky #jazzpiano
Tunes on Tuesday: People Make The World Go Round
Why this tune? I was reacquainted with this week’s tune last week when vocalist Venus Dodson included it in the set list we’re performing this month on St. Croix. “People Make The…
ohljazz.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:55 PM
#TunesOnTuesday shares the 1972 Philly Soul classic "People Make The World Go Round," which I'm playing this month in some jazz shows on St. Croix with the fine vocalist Venus Dodson. Works great as an instrumental too! ohljazz.com/2025/11/18/t... #JazzSky #jazzpiano
Reposted by Oren Levine
Ponied up for a month of newspapers.com, went right to the New York Daily News and quickly found this gem from Feb 16, 1936.
November 18, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Ponied up for a month of newspapers.com, went right to the New York Daily News and quickly found this gem from Feb 16, 1936.
Reposted by Oren Levine
"They want everyone to know these thugs they’ve deployed to terrorize cities are battle-hardened and impervious to pain. But in court, they're such delicate flowers that if they are, say, lightly grazed by a sandwich, they are entitled to justice because of the horrific assault they have suffered."
The softest Nazis you ever did see
They're tough guys in the streets and delicate little babies in court.
www.publicnotice.co
November 7, 2025 at 3:36 PM
"They want everyone to know these thugs they’ve deployed to terrorize cities are battle-hardened and impervious to pain. But in court, they're such delicate flowers that if they are, say, lightly grazed by a sandwich, they are entitled to justice because of the horrific assault they have suffered."
#TunesOnTuesday shares my song "Bend Don't Break," celebrating the beauty and resilience of the Caribbean and its people. It's also an encouragement to support relief efforts in Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba and other regions affected by Hurricane Melissa. ohljazz.com/2025/11/04/t...
Tunes on Tuesday: Bend Don’t Break
Why this tune? Our hearts go out to the people of the Caribbean recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, the strongest hurricane ever to hit Jamaica and one of the strongest Atlantic h…
ohljazz.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:24 PM
#TunesOnTuesday shares my song "Bend Don't Break," celebrating the beauty and resilience of the Caribbean and its people. It's also an encouragement to support relief efforts in Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba and other regions affected by Hurricane Melissa. ohljazz.com/2025/11/04/t...
In praise of #sisu 🇫🇮 from @economist.com (gift link): The Finnish lifestyle philosophy that could save Europe
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
The Finnish lifestyle philosophy that could save Europe
Sisu, or grit in the face of adversity, is just what the continent needs
www.economist.com
November 1, 2025 at 12:20 PM
In praise of #sisu 🇫🇮 from @economist.com (gift link): The Finnish lifestyle philosophy that could save Europe
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
www.economist.com/europe/2025/...
Reposted by Oren Levine
Anyway, yet another reminder that "debate me bros" were always full of shit, and anyone who claims that they were actually about free speech or real discussion over ideas is lying or gullible.
www.techdirt.com/2025/09/17/t...
www.techdirt.com/2025/09/17/t...
The “Debate Me Bro” Grift: How Trolls Weaponized The Marketplace Of Ideas
Among the attempts to create hagiographic eulogies of Charlie Kirk, I’ve seen more than a few people suggest that Kirk should be respected for being willing to talk to “those who disagree with him”…
www.techdirt.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:46 AM
Anyway, yet another reminder that "debate me bros" were always full of shit, and anyone who claims that they were actually about free speech or real discussion over ideas is lying or gullible.
www.techdirt.com/2025/09/17/t...
www.techdirt.com/2025/09/17/t...
Reposted by Oren Levine
Can't overstate how fucked up it is that unraveling what is arguably the greatest achievement in the history of humanity is now a motivating issue of one of the two dominant parties in the U.S.
FL is moving forward w/ plan to end all childhood vaccine mandates. Starting with hepatitis B, chickenpox, and the bacteria causing meningitis and pneumonia. Then next year GOP FL legislature is expected to revisit 1977 law re: whooping cough, measles, polio, rubella, mumps, diphtheria, and tetanus.
October 31, 2025 at 4:13 AM
Can't overstate how fucked up it is that unraveling what is arguably the greatest achievement in the history of humanity is now a motivating issue of one of the two dominant parties in the U.S.
Reposted by Oren Levine
Jack DeJohnette, just one of the deepest musicians ever, and a personal hero. Here is my obituary for NPR Music.
Jack DeJohnette, dynamic and instantly recognizable jazz drummer, dies at 83
Jack DeJohnette, of the most daring and singular jazz drummers of the last 60 years, died on Sunday.
www.npr.org
October 27, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Jack DeJohnette, just one of the deepest musicians ever, and a personal hero. Here is my obituary for NPR Music.
Thanks @ethaniversonpiano.bsky.social for this comprehensive and personal tribute to the late Jack DeJohnette #JazzSky
October 29, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Thanks @ethaniversonpiano.bsky.social for this comprehensive and personal tribute to the late Jack DeJohnette #JazzSky
Any proposal that starts with the word "convince" is doomed to failure
Okay, let's get into the text...
Here are their bullet point recommendations: Talk about the economy! Don't talk about immigrants or climate or "social issues!" Criticize the ultra-wealthy, but in a very-not-socialist sort of way!
This is... just popularism? Didn't we already do this?
Here are their bullet point recommendations: Talk about the economy! Don't talk about immigrants or climate or "social issues!" Criticize the ultra-wealthy, but in a very-not-socialist sort of way!
This is... just popularism? Didn't we already do this?
October 28, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Any proposal that starts with the word "convince" is doomed to failure
My people! And I have a song for them. Enjoy "Easy" youtu.be/BTGqaAqULYw
These students, tech workers and artists just say no to AI - @washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2... #notbyai #songwriter #songwriting
These students, tech workers and artists just say no to AI - @washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2... #notbyai #songwriter #songwriting
Meet the people who dare to say no to artificial intelligence
Some students, workers and artists are trying to avoid using artificial intelligence tools, citing concerns about accuracy, privacy or undermining their own skills.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 23, 2025 at 12:40 PM
My people! And I have a song for them. Enjoy "Easy" youtu.be/BTGqaAqULYw
These students, tech workers and artists just say no to AI - @washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2... #notbyai #songwriter #songwriting
These students, tech workers and artists just say no to AI - @washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2... #notbyai #songwriter #songwriting
Thanks Capital Bop for sharing the story of Aaron Myers' Black Fox Ensemble. Come hear our final show at Mr. Henry's this Friday 10/24 at 8 pm! #JazzSky #washingtondc #dmvmusic www.capitalbop.com/black-fox-lo...
The Last Waltz: The Black Fox Lounge Ensemble's final show
After 15 years of regular performance, an all-star quartet of local stalwarts hangs up their hats this Friday at Mr. Henry's.
www.capitalbop.com
October 22, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Thanks Capital Bop for sharing the story of Aaron Myers' Black Fox Ensemble. Come hear our final show at Mr. Henry's this Friday 10/24 at 8 pm! #JazzSky #washingtondc #dmvmusic www.capitalbop.com/black-fox-lo...
#TunesOnTuesday shares Luiz Bonfá's gentle bossa nova classic "The Gentle Rain" ohljazz.com/2025/10/21/t... #JazzSky #bossanova #jazzpiano #solopiano
Tunes on Tuesday: The Gentle Rain
Why this tune? This week’s tune “The Gentle Rain” is a gentle bossa nova composed by Luiz Bonfá that has been in my set lists for a while. Bonfá wrote it for the soundtrack of the…
ohljazz.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:51 PM
#TunesOnTuesday shares Luiz Bonfá's gentle bossa nova classic "The Gentle Rain" ohljazz.com/2025/10/21/t... #JazzSky #bossanova #jazzpiano #solopiano
Looking forward to joining Aaron Myers at Mr. Henry's in DC Friday Oct. 24 at 8 pm. It's my last show with Aaron before we decamp for St. Croix in November, and promises to be an unforgettable evening of melodies and memories. Tickets $25 at www.mrhenrysdc.com/event/aaron-...
#JazzSky #dcmusic
#JazzSky #dcmusic
Aaron Myers - Mr. Henry's DC
Entertainer. Artist. Veteran. Entrepreneur. Believer. These are just a few of the titles claimed by DC-based jazz artist Aaron Myers, whose life story is anything but typical. Originally from Goodlow,...
www.mrhenrysdc.com
October 19, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Looking forward to joining Aaron Myers at Mr. Henry's in DC Friday Oct. 24 at 8 pm. It's my last show with Aaron before we decamp for St. Croix in November, and promises to be an unforgettable evening of melodies and memories. Tickets $25 at www.mrhenrysdc.com/event/aaron-...
#JazzSky #dcmusic
#JazzSky #dcmusic
Reposted by Oren Levine
October 17, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Reposted by Oren Levine
In the near future economy, I bet the skill of “can type a prompt into ChatGPT and repeat whatever it says” will be less in demand than “understands things enough to catch when ChatGPT makes an error or hallucinates.”
Wow. Just wow.
"Students pay premium prices for information that AI now delivers instantly and for free. A business student can ask ChatGPT to explain supply chain optimization or generate market analysis in seconds. The traditional lecture-and-test model faces its Blockbuster moment."
"Students pay premium prices for information that AI now delivers instantly and for free. A business student can ask ChatGPT to explain supply chain optimization or generate market analysis in seconds. The traditional lecture-and-test model faces its Blockbuster moment."
When Knowledge is Free, What are Professors For?
Higher Education Must Stop Competing with AI on Information and Start Teaching What Machines Can’t Do
www.forbes.com
October 16, 2025 at 5:28 PM
In the near future economy, I bet the skill of “can type a prompt into ChatGPT and repeat whatever it says” will be less in demand than “understands things enough to catch when ChatGPT makes an error or hallucinates.”
I wrote a song about this, tho my language is not quite as direct as David Simon's "Easy" youtu.be/BTGqaAqULYw (h/t @darcyjamesargue.com for this post)
October 10, 2025 at 4:22 PM
I wrote a song about this, tho my language is not quite as direct as David Simon's "Easy" youtu.be/BTGqaAqULYw (h/t @darcyjamesargue.com for this post)
Today's #grammy #jazz discovery: "Zero Point" - a brilliant album featuring Hadar Noiberg (flute) and Katya Toobool (piano) as a duo and with a string quartet. Two artists at the top of their respective games #JazzSky hadarnoiberg.bandcamp.com/album/zero-p...
Zero Point, by Hadar Noiberg and Katia Toobool
9 track album
hadarnoiberg.bandcamp.com
October 7, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Today's #grammy #jazz discovery: "Zero Point" - a brilliant album featuring Hadar Noiberg (flute) and Katya Toobool (piano) as a duo and with a string quartet. Two artists at the top of their respective games #JazzSky hadarnoiberg.bandcamp.com/album/zero-p...