Books
 Martini,
Straight Up by Lowell Edmunds
This is that rara avis—a scholarly book that is really
interesting about a worthwhile subject. And there’s nothing more
important, more American, indeed, more noble, than the martini,
which, along with jazz and democracy, is one of America’s
greatest gifts to the world.
 The
Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow
How do you become who you are? Augie is a born recruit to other
peoples’ schemes, plans and ideas for how to lead life, until he
is finally destroyed by the scheming eagle-huntress Thea in a
small town in Mexico and reborn as an individual human being.
Skip the prattle of psychobabble best sellers like Po Bronson’s
“What Should I do With My Life?” and read the real deal. Long,
difficult and frustratingly brilliant, Martin Amis calls this
the Great American Novel. It’s certainly one of them.
 Greenmantle
by John Buchan
Germans making mischief in the Middle East. Sounds like today.
No, really, this great spy novel was written during the War to
End All Wars (World War I) and deals with the Kaiser’s attempt
to use a Muslim mystic to further Germany’s evil war on
worldwide conquest. John Buchan was a real-life British
spymaster and this tale of adventure, intrigue and danger is the
real deal (and extremely relevant for 2003). And the dashing
Brits are ably assisted by an American sidekick. It just doesn’t
get any better than this. There’s even a cavalry charge at the
end. Pretty cool!
CDs
 The
Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, Allegresse
Maria Schneider is one of the greatest jazz composers of all
time. A protégé of Gil Evans and Bob Brookmeyer, Schneider’s
music swings and makes you think. Her big band almost never
tours, so if you aren’t fortunate enough to make the scene in
New York, you need to get this album right away.
 Sparks,
Kimono My House
When this album first came out on vinyl in 1974, I wore out two
copies. Now it’s available as a digitally remastered, virtually
indestructible CD from Island. From the title play on Rosemary
Clooney’s signature “C’mon A My House,” to songs about
first-time teen sex (“Amateur Hour”), a lovers’ not quite
successful suicide pact (“Here in Heaven”), the young Albert
Einstein (“Talent is an Asset”)and the confusions of lust in
foreign climes (“Hasta Mañana Monsieur), the Mael Brothers’
debut album is perhaps the funniest pop record ever recorded
(and yes, I’m taking into account They Might Be Giant’s
“Lincoln”).
 Kurt
Elling, Live in Chicago
The hard driving master of scat and successor to the throne of
Mark Murphy is at the top of his form on this CD, a live album
recorded in Chicago at The Green Mill, the greatest jazz club in
the world. Includes guest appearances by Jon Hendricks and Von
Freeman. Elling’s intense version of “My Foolish Heart” takes
that standard into uncharted waters, and the duet with Jon
Hendricks of the blues anthem “Goin’ to Chicago” is by itself
worth the price of the CD.
Be sure to read
Part 1
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