The arc of the moral universe seems to have been trampled on and tarnished by those who know nothing about morals and certainly don't have any, as well.
And OMG! Michel Petrucciani. How he glides and dances across the keys. Loved when he played with his right hand and held on to the piano with his left. Balance and stability and just amazing. And of course, Charlie Parker. Bird. April in Paris. Haven't heard that in ages. Lovely. Beautiful. Young man beginning.
The whole Maduro/Rubio thing is so very interesting. I wonder if it's all a big farce and the real intent was to get him out of Venezuela because there were so many Cuban operatives in Venezuela that wouldn't permit him to leave, so he paid the price for removal with his illegal dealings or so the story has been told. And Cuba depends on Venezuela for their oil supply. And Venezuela's oil industry is in terrible disrepair. And Cuba is also on the regimes hit list and who is on tap to run Venezuela? Oh no! Not him. We changed our minds overnight. Oh look. It's the man whose parents fled Cuba to escape Batiste. Son of immigrants. How is this tolerated? Oh wait. He was born in Florida so it doesn't count. And the best words today are "chaos dressed up as righteousness." It seems to echo that every day.
And the Michael Cooper book. Definitely on my list. Always loved watching him play. Tough guy. Best defense.
And props to your best wishes for Mayor Mamdani. Your hometown. Such a task ahead for him. I wish him well.
Too many M's . Maduro, Mamdani, Marco, Michael & Music always and forever.
Thank you for all Kareem. Hope you are well and thriving. Pray for us all. I do. Peace and Love.🕊️♥️
A very thoughtful take on current events this morning. Thank you, Kareem, for sharing your wisdom. We the people certainly need to express our displeasure, particularly on this fifth anniversary of the insurrection fomented by the now sitting President. Never Forget!
I share your love of jazz and New York City, having often made it down to the Village to enjoy the intimate venues. You remind me to keep music as an antidote to all the angst.
You touch on an important point: jazz thrives in intimate venues, and while it makes perfect sense to send beginners to the recordings by people who laid out the music for us back in the day, going out to hear jazz live makes all the difference. The clubs like the ones in the Village—from the more recently closed closed 55 Bar (always one of my favorite places to play and to hear music) to the venerable Vanguard—are where one can really experience what jazz is about.
P.S. If you come to Mezzrow on Jan. 18 you can hear me!
Oh, that would be such fun but probably way past my bedtime these days. Thank you for reminding me of the name of the most famous place I’m proud to say I visited. Now if I could just remember who I went to see . . .
Yes indeed. The Village Vanguard. And thank you again for bringing me back to my youth. Now that I’m 80 I tend to get up very early and literally fall asleep before 8. Any morning jazz???
Well, you could go to the all-night jam sessions! ;) I'm joking. Not too many morning gigs, though there are some Sunday brunches; I did one recently at the Ivy Room in the Grammercy Park area. There was a long-running (twenty-five years) jazz brunch at the Washington Square Hotel, but they sold the hotel a few months ago, so that ended. Some venues (like Mezzrow and Smalls) also livestream. And are you aware of the Saint Peter's Jazz Vespers services—since 1965! I'm not a church member (I'm not even Christian) but I've both performed in and attended these services many, many times. They're beautiful, inclusive, inspiring. 5 pm on Sundays (and they also livestream).
So many choices. Thank you. I wish I still lived in the City. Connecticut is just a train ride in but mostly reserved for medical visits lately. Perhaps I’ll use technology to listen instead. Glad you’re making music!
As always the entire post is great. a comment or two on
1. NYC. Mandami has a lot to prove. He doesnt have the budget. The money can only come from Albany. He is totally unproven. Has no track record or accomplishment. A fine dresser. We will see. As regards Tisch, yes she has the last name but she has done the work and has the track record and the NYPD believes in her. Mandami needs her and she is the real deal.
2. Jazz for beginners!!!!!!!!!!!! Is great, even for the experienced.
Exactly what I was going to write! Mamdani calls to mind the famous last scene in The Candidate: “now what do we do?”
As for Jessica Tisch, she has proven herself, if not on literal rat patrol then in her current role for sure. I’m betting she will run for mayor in the not so distant future.
Agree on your thoughts on Tisch, just because she has a Billionaire Dad, she seems to
Be doing the work over a number of Administrations and as mentioned, there is a big task ahead so keeping some of the experienced people around, especially if they are effective, seems to make sense. Not sure if there was another angle on your remarks on Her Kareem but this one struck me as maybe off base, at least with not real facts stated.
Bruce, I was referencing Kareem’s comment on Tish. I’m wondering if he had some other angle on her other than the family that she comes from. Thank you.
Terrific newsletter today, Kareem. Pretty much as always.
The NYT article on jazz is outstanding. My personal recommendation on where to start listening to jazz is MELO. Miles, Ella, Louis and Oscar.
For what it's worth, here's my completely non-expert opinion of music. "The best MUSICIANS play jazz. The best TECHNICIANS play classical. The rest play the rest." Yes, I listen to and enjoy it all, even some country.
I can’t express how much your writing means to me. It’s huge! You are one of the people saving my life. I’m distraught about the state of our country. The news makes me physically ill. I’m jumpy and irritable, more grumpy than I’d like. But then I read your Substack and I feel better. Your writing is amazing and the range of topics is great. You continue to be one of my heroes. Thank you!
On US gangster raid on Venezuela: Kareem, you are forgetting that the US CIA for years has been illegally trying to subvert what must be a domestic solution - they have spent many millions causing trouble, and this has greatly worsened conditions for the Venezuelan people. That was intentional- makes things so bad the people would rebel can we seriously think that King Trump gives a damn about democracy- He has said it himself- Its about getting his hands on the oil, and running Vnezuela to benefit the US-meaning him. This is way beyond doing a good thing in a bad way. This is about Chief Gangster Trump spitting on a fundamental principle of democracy- that nations have the right to govern themselves. Besides it is utter hypopcrisy for Trump to kidanp Mauro (and his wife!) for supposed drug charges when the Chief Ganger just pardoned the Honduras President removing drug charges.
re: Mamdani: Talk about nuanced, of which you apparently are the embodiment. It's so refreshing to hear calm caution with a tweak of optimism instead of all in giddy glee about any politician. You're a gem and have been a public renaissance man through much of my lifetime. Thanks very much for that.
So Maduro was a “dictator and a thug”; an authoritarian? And what do we have? Maduro was certainly those people, but let’s take a look at Generalissimo Trump. He didn’t consult with Congress— didn’t even notify the Gang of Eight— before the attack on Venezuela (where there was no provocation). A blatant violation of the Constitution. The US has ignored the rules based international order that we helped create after WWII with the Allies to avoid future wars; instead, Trump is talking about possibly invading Mexico and Colombia— developing a “sphere of influence” a la Putin. Another dictator. His action violates the UN Charter, per the emergency meeting yesterday of the Security Council.
Trump isn’t saying he’s going to install the legitimate president of Venezuela. He’s saying the US will rule. Shoot-fire-aim. Dictator without a plan, and boy, was he rambling in his press conference. Scary as hell.
So glad to see you mention Heather Cix Richardson. You both offer profound insights and wisdom in your unique individual ways. More of this country needs your ethical lessons and examples to emulate.
Great as usual Kareem. Although I do have to confess, growing up in Albuquerque, it was Michael Cooper that made me a Lakers fan. Probably the last Lobo I ever rooted for before going to college in Las Cruces. Going to get that book!
So great to start the new year with your words of wisdom and cultural insights — thank you! Your writing is a great gift to us all. Here’s wishing you and fellow readers a happy, healthy year ahead — we’ll need great courage, strength and resolve to bend the moral arc of the universe toward justice in 2026! 🙏🏼❤️
wow, really disappointed in your premature takedown of mayor mamdani. what if the guy is sincere--and effective? he almost certainly will not be able to achieve all he wants and promises, but aren't his goals and effort laudable?
and, second wow, your take down of ms. tisch: “When you run as a democratic socialist who’s going to transform the system, you should probably not let a billionaire heiress remain in charge of the nation’s largest police force. “
why not look at it this way: she is renouncing her status and life as a billionaire heiress to serve the people of nyc; that has got to be an incredibly difficult job. AND: what if she is--and the evidence suggests she is--effective? should mamdani kick her her out because she's an heiress?
love your newsletter and admired you as an athlete but i'm shocked and feel you are WAY off base.....jc
I don’t know the Laws of War or Rules of Engagement, but much of what is written in the newsletter about Maduro, seems current with us. It’s all pearl clutching, but we’re choking by now. We didn’t learn from Iraq. I read an article by a retired Ambassador James Story. He opined, “There is no education in the second kick of a mule”. I’m excited about Mayor Mamdani. The people appeared to agree with his choices, when announcing to the public; an array of ethnicities and backgrounds. Perhaps he can deliver ambitious promises with new revenue AND scale back. Naming those slum lords for better housing was an initial step.
Michael Cooper may have grown up in South Central L.A. Of that, I'm not sure. But I do know that he went to Pasadena High School in northeast Los Angeles County. I personally saw him play there in his senior year (1973-1974) when he played against my high school team (Alhambra High) in one of our home games. I'm pretty sure Pasadena won. They were great that year! ;-)
This was absolutely great!
Thanks Alex I am glad I can bring you some enjoyable reading material
The arc of the moral universe seems to have been trampled on and tarnished by those who know nothing about morals and certainly don't have any, as well.
And OMG! Michel Petrucciani. How he glides and dances across the keys. Loved when he played with his right hand and held on to the piano with his left. Balance and stability and just amazing. And of course, Charlie Parker. Bird. April in Paris. Haven't heard that in ages. Lovely. Beautiful. Young man beginning.
The whole Maduro/Rubio thing is so very interesting. I wonder if it's all a big farce and the real intent was to get him out of Venezuela because there were so many Cuban operatives in Venezuela that wouldn't permit him to leave, so he paid the price for removal with his illegal dealings or so the story has been told. And Cuba depends on Venezuela for their oil supply. And Venezuela's oil industry is in terrible disrepair. And Cuba is also on the regimes hit list and who is on tap to run Venezuela? Oh no! Not him. We changed our minds overnight. Oh look. It's the man whose parents fled Cuba to escape Batiste. Son of immigrants. How is this tolerated? Oh wait. He was born in Florida so it doesn't count. And the best words today are "chaos dressed up as righteousness." It seems to echo that every day.
And the Michael Cooper book. Definitely on my list. Always loved watching him play. Tough guy. Best defense.
And props to your best wishes for Mayor Mamdani. Your hometown. Such a task ahead for him. I wish him well.
Too many M's . Maduro, Mamdani, Marco, Michael & Music always and forever.
Thank you for all Kareem. Hope you are well and thriving. Pray for us all. I do. Peace and Love.🕊️♥️
A very thoughtful take on current events this morning. Thank you, Kareem, for sharing your wisdom. We the people certainly need to express our displeasure, particularly on this fifth anniversary of the insurrection fomented by the now sitting President. Never Forget!
I share your love of jazz and New York City, having often made it down to the Village to enjoy the intimate venues. You remind me to keep music as an antidote to all the angst.
You touch on an important point: jazz thrives in intimate venues, and while it makes perfect sense to send beginners to the recordings by people who laid out the music for us back in the day, going out to hear jazz live makes all the difference. The clubs like the ones in the Village—from the more recently closed closed 55 Bar (always one of my favorite places to play and to hear music) to the venerable Vanguard—are where one can really experience what jazz is about.
P.S. If you come to Mezzrow on Jan. 18 you can hear me!
Oh, that would be such fun but probably way past my bedtime these days. Thank you for reminding me of the name of the most famous place I’m proud to say I visited. Now if I could just remember who I went to see . . .
Yes indeed. The Village Vanguard. And thank you again for bringing me back to my youth. Now that I’m 80 I tend to get up very early and literally fall asleep before 8. Any morning jazz???
Well, you could go to the all-night jam sessions! ;) I'm joking. Not too many morning gigs, though there are some Sunday brunches; I did one recently at the Ivy Room in the Grammercy Park area. There was a long-running (twenty-five years) jazz brunch at the Washington Square Hotel, but they sold the hotel a few months ago, so that ended. Some venues (like Mezzrow and Smalls) also livestream. And are you aware of the Saint Peter's Jazz Vespers services—since 1965! I'm not a church member (I'm not even Christian) but I've both performed in and attended these services many, many times. They're beautiful, inclusive, inspiring. 5 pm on Sundays (and they also livestream).
So many choices. Thank you. I wish I still lived in the City. Connecticut is just a train ride in but mostly reserved for medical visits lately. Perhaps I’ll use technology to listen instead. Glad you’re making music!
Which is the place you visited, the Vanguard? It is indeed special.
(And for future ref, if you get the bug again, Mezzrow has early sets at 6 & 7:30 pm. :) )
And now I just looked up your venue and was treated to a tiny video that filled me with joy. Thank you, Andrea.
As always the entire post is great. a comment or two on
1. NYC. Mandami has a lot to prove. He doesnt have the budget. The money can only come from Albany. He is totally unproven. Has no track record or accomplishment. A fine dresser. We will see. As regards Tisch, yes she has the last name but she has done the work and has the track record and the NYPD believes in her. Mandami needs her and she is the real deal.
2. Jazz for beginners!!!!!!!!!!!! Is great, even for the experienced.
best in the new year.
Exactly what I was going to write! Mamdani calls to mind the famous last scene in The Candidate: “now what do we do?”
As for Jessica Tisch, she has proven herself, if not on literal rat patrol then in her current role for sure. I’m betting she will run for mayor in the not so distant future.
Agree on your thoughts on Tisch, just because she has a Billionaire Dad, she seems to
Be doing the work over a number of Administrations and as mentioned, there is a big task ahead so keeping some of the experienced people around, especially if they are effective, seems to make sense. Not sure if there was another angle on your remarks on Her Kareem but this one struck me as maybe off base, at least with not real facts stated.
No other angle.
Bruce, I was referencing Kareem’s comment on Tish. I’m wondering if he had some other angle on her other than the family that she comes from. Thank you.
Aha 👍👍
Terrific newsletter today, Kareem. Pretty much as always.
The NYT article on jazz is outstanding. My personal recommendation on where to start listening to jazz is MELO. Miles, Ella, Louis and Oscar.
For what it's worth, here's my completely non-expert opinion of music. "The best MUSICIANS play jazz. The best TECHNICIANS play classical. The rest play the rest." Yes, I listen to and enjoy it all, even some country.
I can’t express how much your writing means to me. It’s huge! You are one of the people saving my life. I’m distraught about the state of our country. The news makes me physically ill. I’m jumpy and irritable, more grumpy than I’d like. But then I read your Substack and I feel better. Your writing is amazing and the range of topics is great. You continue to be one of my heroes. Thank you!
Ditto to every word, Carole.
On US gangster raid on Venezuela: Kareem, you are forgetting that the US CIA for years has been illegally trying to subvert what must be a domestic solution - they have spent many millions causing trouble, and this has greatly worsened conditions for the Venezuelan people. That was intentional- makes things so bad the people would rebel can we seriously think that King Trump gives a damn about democracy- He has said it himself- Its about getting his hands on the oil, and running Vnezuela to benefit the US-meaning him. This is way beyond doing a good thing in a bad way. This is about Chief Gangster Trump spitting on a fundamental principle of democracy- that nations have the right to govern themselves. Besides it is utter hypopcrisy for Trump to kidanp Mauro (and his wife!) for supposed drug charges when the Chief Ganger just pardoned the Honduras President removing drug charges.
re: Mamdani: Talk about nuanced, of which you apparently are the embodiment. It's so refreshing to hear calm caution with a tweak of optimism instead of all in giddy glee about any politician. You're a gem and have been a public renaissance man through much of my lifetime. Thanks very much for that.
So Maduro was a “dictator and a thug”; an authoritarian? And what do we have? Maduro was certainly those people, but let’s take a look at Generalissimo Trump. He didn’t consult with Congress— didn’t even notify the Gang of Eight— before the attack on Venezuela (where there was no provocation). A blatant violation of the Constitution. The US has ignored the rules based international order that we helped create after WWII with the Allies to avoid future wars; instead, Trump is talking about possibly invading Mexico and Colombia— developing a “sphere of influence” a la Putin. Another dictator. His action violates the UN Charter, per the emergency meeting yesterday of the Security Council.
Trump isn’t saying he’s going to install the legitimate president of Venezuela. He’s saying the US will rule. Shoot-fire-aim. Dictator without a plan, and boy, was he rambling in his press conference. Scary as hell.
So glad to see you mention Heather Cix Richardson. You both offer profound insights and wisdom in your unique individual ways. More of this country needs your ethical lessons and examples to emulate.
Great as usual Kareem. Although I do have to confess, growing up in Albuquerque, it was Michael Cooper that made me a Lakers fan. Probably the last Lobo I ever rooted for before going to college in Las Cruces. Going to get that book!
So great to start the new year with your words of wisdom and cultural insights — thank you! Your writing is a great gift to us all. Here’s wishing you and fellow readers a happy, healthy year ahead — we’ll need great courage, strength and resolve to bend the moral arc of the universe toward justice in 2026! 🙏🏼❤️
wow, really disappointed in your premature takedown of mayor mamdani. what if the guy is sincere--and effective? he almost certainly will not be able to achieve all he wants and promises, but aren't his goals and effort laudable?
and, second wow, your take down of ms. tisch: “When you run as a democratic socialist who’s going to transform the system, you should probably not let a billionaire heiress remain in charge of the nation’s largest police force. “
why not look at it this way: she is renouncing her status and life as a billionaire heiress to serve the people of nyc; that has got to be an incredibly difficult job. AND: what if she is--and the evidence suggests she is--effective? should mamdani kick her her out because she's an heiress?
love your newsletter and admired you as an athlete but i'm shocked and feel you are WAY off base.....jc
Absolutely among the best .....if not the best......that you've ever written.!!
I don’t know the Laws of War or Rules of Engagement, but much of what is written in the newsletter about Maduro, seems current with us. It’s all pearl clutching, but we’re choking by now. We didn’t learn from Iraq. I read an article by a retired Ambassador James Story. He opined, “There is no education in the second kick of a mule”. I’m excited about Mayor Mamdani. The people appeared to agree with his choices, when announcing to the public; an array of ethnicities and backgrounds. Perhaps he can deliver ambitious promises with new revenue AND scale back. Naming those slum lords for better housing was an initial step.
Michael Cooper may have grown up in South Central L.A. Of that, I'm not sure. But I do know that he went to Pasadena High School in northeast Los Angeles County. I personally saw him play there in his senior year (1973-1974) when he played against my high school team (Alhambra High) in one of our home games. I'm pretty sure Pasadena won. They were great that year! ;-)