It's up and it's GOOD

Best play of last night's game.  This tweet from NFL.com sums it up.

SIXTY. ONE. YARDS. #ForTheWin #BALvsDET MUST-SEE: http://t.co/mGDXZyHw9T
— NFL (@nfl) December 17, 2013

Happy Friday - Happy birthday Dave Brubeck

Another weekend is upon us and I can't wait.  My twitter feed brought to my attention that it's Dave Brubeck's birthday.  I confirmed it on davebrubeck.com.  I almost feel bad posting this youtube of Take Five because he has so many standout tunes.

Have a great weekend.

Royal Caribbean officially launches new unlimited alcohol packages

Royal Caribbean officially launches new unlimited alcohol packages

If you ever needed a reason to go on another cruise Royal just gave me one.  This made cruise budgeting that much simpler.  They also changed their policy to so that you can buy it per person and not per stateroom.  That way the designated walker doesn't have to pay for the person that staggers back to the cabin.  Let the partying begin.

Robert Glasper Experiment - Calls ft. Jill Scott

This is the most thought out creative video I have seen in years.  Now I have to buy the album.

Jazz comes to New Jersey in Novemember

New Jersey Performing Arts Center :: TD James Moody Democracy of Jazz Festival

Newark is the place to be for the beginning of November as

 

kicks off with a star studded lineup that includes:

 



Diane Reeves

and

Christian Mcbride

 

 

 

It will be a homecoming for Mcbride and Dianne never disappoints.  Click on link at top for full details. 



Only in the UFC

This weekend Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson fought a very tough battle which was awarded by the judges to Jon Jones.  Most agree Jones won a very good fight.  After the fight both fighters got checked out at the local hospital and here is the picture for Gustafsson Instagram.

Both guys pretty beat up, but clearly it wasn't personal.  Heck if the money is right they will probably be back in the hospital in another six months after the rematch.

UFC - gotta love it.

Jay Cutler BIG HIT on Robert Golden | LIVE 9-22-13

Not jazz or travel related but it was my favorite play this weekend.

Missing You

Glad it's Friday and Las Vegas awaits.  Big fight this weekend.  Mayweather has already won but I'm going to watch anyway.  Why do I say he has won, an estimated guaranteed purse of over 40 million dollars is a win in anybody's book.  Even if he loses the fight I'm sure there is a rematch clause which means even more money for both fighters.

But for those of us missing the beach.  I found this smooth jazz with beach video that will sooth the soul.  Have a great weekend.

Goodbye summer - Hello football

I thoroughly enjoyed this summer and hated to leave it.  A couple of nice trips and an opportunity to go the beach.  I didn't make it to Curacao but I did enjoy the nice beaches with my beaches and a few nice days at National Harbor Md.  My favorite photo of the summer.

Sunset at National Harbor

The fall brings football my favorite sport.  Personally I think the 49er's are going to take it this year but that's why they play the games.  Football fan or not here comes the fall.

Much respect to the King of Pop

Yesterday was Michael Jackson's birthday.  Despite any feelings you might have about his amazing life or tragic death his place in the music industry is undisputed.  I found this clip of Joey DeFranceso's version of Billy Jean that is real tribute to Michael.

Enjoy and have safe and wonderful Labor Day weekend.

Jazz'SAlive - Guess who is coming to San Antonio Sep 21 and 22

Jazz'SAlive

Click on the above link to see a tremendous lineup that includes:

Spyro Gyra

Ramsey Lewis

Hiroshima

These are some serious headliners but some local stars will also be present

Ken Slavin

Beverly Houston

Joe Posada

Jazz'SAlive is slated for Sep 21 and 22.  Stay tuned for more updates.

Because I can't go to Curacao

Happy Friday everyone.  In one week the Curacao Jazz Festival will begin and I will not be there.  Prince, Jose James and a personal favorite, Esperanza Spalding will all showcase their talents on that beautiful island.  I wanted to find a video that would appease us til next year and this is what I found.

After the beautiful introduction in spanish that get into it.  I'm planning on Curacao Jazz Festival 2014 but until then  ... enjoy.

Happy Smooth Friday

Normally the jazz video that I select for Friday is a little more classical.  Miles and Mingus all the way.  This morning I came across Sade on youtube and fell in love with her music all over again.  Enjoy this concert from 2011 in Argentina.

Have a great weekend

Royal Caribbean kicks off fleet-wide celebration of 50 millionth guest

Royal Caribbean kicks off fleet-wide celebration of 50 millionth guest

Pretty impressive no matter how you slice it.  I've been on a couple of Royal Caribbean cruises and always had a good time.  I guess I wasn't the only one.  This picture demonstrates how one dinner table of strangers can have a great New Year's celebration on Royal Caribbean.

 

 

Congrats on bringing millions of strangers together in the name of fun.

George Duke - DreamWeaver - Farewell to a great one

This is George talking about his newest album.  The industry mourns his passing and sends condolences to his family.  Your music still lives on.

In honor of her new album

Here is a flashback of Keiko in Tokyo in 2002.  I have bought the new album and I'm looking forward to hearing it this weekend.  Have a good weekend everybody.

Dimitriou's Jazz Alley - Pacific Jazz Institute - Calendar

Dimitriou's Jazz Alley - Pacific Jazz Institute - Calendar

Too many great artists to name.  I've been working on a list of jazz clubs to visit and this one has risen to the top.  I don't know much about Seattle but I can see now that I will know alot more shortly.  I know I said it was too many to name  but I did want to highlight a couple of my personal favorites.

@dseibert71 I hate when they do that.
— al dorsey (@jazzandtravel) July 29, 2013

I think they ought to compensate the passengers $1 a minute for every minute longer than what the  pilot tells them.  That would put an end to that foolishness.

Southwest is my favorite airline.

What to wear on your Royal Caribbean cruise

What to wear on your Royal Caribbean cruise

Good advice straight from the cruise ship.  People really look nice on formal nights and for Captain's dinners and very casual most other times.  In my experience flip-flops and shorts never work in the dining room but can be ok for casual dining in buffet areas.  But dressed up or not the food was great on my last Royal Caribbean cruise.

 

 

Taken from Google Images

Herbie Hancock Quartet - Maiden Voyage [1988]

Happy Friday

Enjoy and have a great weekend.

Awesome sale on an awesome property.

Lifestyle Resort Puerto Plata | CheapCaribbean.com  I have visited this property and it this price I can't think of a better vacation.  When the President of the Dominican Republic comes to Puerto Plata this is where he stays. 

Ocean World is not included in this sale price.

Google said to weigh supplying TV channels

Google is trying to launch a cable tv service over the internet.  I hate cable tv and have not had cable service for over a year and a half.   It seems Google may be to do what the FCC can't do.  Bring competition to the cable tv industry.  In the meantime they do offer  Google TV .

Amazaon is having a cd sale

Between CD Exchange and 5.99 cd sales at Amazon I have built my jazz collection.  They always have great jazz history on sale.

Two great albums that I saw were

The only thing better than good jazz is a good jazz collection.

Anderson Silva knocked out cold

Hopefully he will respect his opponents more in the future.  I still think he is the greatest fighter in the world.

Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Canelo Alvarez title fight breaks all-time live gate record for boxing event - ESPN

Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Canelo Alvarez title fight breaks all-time live gate record for boxing event - ESPN

This fight is going to be big but I question the historical significance.  I'm glad the fighters are looking at a huge payday but I think this quick sellout is pent up demand from fight fans longing for a quality fight.  My only prediction at this point is that I will watching in Vegas.  Good luck to both fighters.

Travel & Leisure

Travel & Leisure   Carnival has replaced there CEO Micky Arison.  After several well publicized mishaps Arnold Donald will take his place.  Micky will still remain chairman of the board.  The details are reported on CNBC.  I'm following this because I see an inexpensive cruise in my future.

International Jazz Day

April 30 was International Jazz Day.  While I have been a jazz fan for many years I had never heard to this day.  A bid celebration was held in Turkey and Herbie Hancock was one of the emcees.  For your viewing pleasure here is the youtube clip of the event.

Next April I will celebrate a little bit better.

Weekend Flash Sales at Renaissance Hotels in Aruba and Curacao

Weekend Flash Sales at Renaissance Hotels in Aruba and Curacao

Quick sale that I saw on the web.  I prefer Curacao but both are awesome islands.

 

Taken from Curacao Marriot photo gallery on Marriott website.



Navigator of the Seas comes to Galveston

Royal Caribbean - Unofficial blog about Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

According to their blog this ship will dock in Galveston later this year and sail from the Texas port.  Look for my jockeying around as Royal Caribbean looks to take advantage of Carnival's recent misfortunes.

 

 

I like these ships docked out of Texas.  They make for quick getaways for Texans.

Royal Caribbean releases 2014-2015 Short Caribbean and Bahamas Cruise Schedule

Royal Caribbean releases 2014-2015 Short Caribbean and Bahamas Cruise Schedule

Never too early to plan.  I'm still hoping Carnival has a huge sale.

UFC 159 Results: Jon Jones Breaks Toe Badly in Win vs. Chael Sonnen | Bleacher Report

UFC 159 Results: Jon Jones Breaks Toe Badly in Win vs. Chael Sonnen | Bleacher Report

I would not have posted this article and picture of his broken toe but since I had that post about Chael Sonnen prior to the fight I feel obligated to complete the cycle.  Fortunately for Jones he didn't really need his toe in this one sided contest.  WARNING: This picture is not for the squeamish.  On a lighter note here is a picture of John Jones and one of my coworkers at UFC 100 in Vegas.

Bahamas & Bermuda Cruises: $199 -- Bahamas: 3-Night Weekend Royal Caribbean Cruises | Travelzoo

Bahamas & Bermuda Cruises: $199 -- Bahamas: 3-Night Weekend Royal Caribbean Cruises | Travelzoo

Best Deal I've seen in a long time.  Great opportunity for a weekend getaway.

Majesty of the Seas

 

 

Nothing but smooth sailing.  Enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jazz Albums $5.99 or less

I don't think of myself as cheap but my jazz collection has come from two places: CD Exhange and Amazon when Amazon has an album sale for $5.99 or less. Since I have the blog I feel it is my duty to share this information with fellow jazz enthusiasts. To which albums are on sale feel free to use this link.

Jazz Albums $5.99 or less

From Youtube I present the flautist:

 

Althea Rene

 

 

Tri-C JazzFest, JazzFest Tickets: Cleveland, Ohio

Tri-C JazzFest, JazzFest Tickets: Cleveland, Ohio

This is off to a good start in Cleveland.  Many people tweeted about how they enjoyed the Robert Glasper show.  I'm going to keep this festival on my radar. Living in the south for so long I didn't know that such good events go to Cleveland.

 Enjoy some Afro Blue

Connecticut lawmakers pass sweeping gun measure - CNN.com

Connecticut lawmakers pass sweeping gun measure - CNN.com
Not a big political guy but it never ceases to amaze what has to happen in America to make change occur.  Hopefully we can all learn and grow from the horrible tradegy in Newtown.

Carnival can't catch a break

Is Carnival snake bit or what?  While the Carnival Triumph was getting repaired in Alabama,  a mighty wind knocked the ship away from it's dock and sent it adrift.  It received additional damage while adrift.  A security guard is unaccounted for and our thought and prayers go out to him and his family.  This CNN link has more details.

The Triumph during better days

I'm looking for a triumphant return of the Triumph.

New Orleans Jazz Clubs

New Orleans Jazz Clubs

A great resource for those that want to listen to live jazz in Nola.  I'm still looking for the local places not on this list and you never know who will pop in and play at the casinos but it's a great start for getting a handle on the jazz scene.

More... More...More

After three months I have come to the conclusion that this blogging stuff is kinda fun.  I have met some great people by blog and twitter and I have learned more about jazz and travel than I could have possibly imagined.  As a result I'm EXPANDING.  I have started a website related to jazz and travel and I am using this blog to deal with those issues and more.  Expect news and sports and anything I find noteworthy as continue to grow and learn.  As you can see my website is a work in progress but I'm looking forward to sharing great things.

I will start with this photo

This is my dinner group from last cruise.  When I cruise this year I hope to be thinner. lol

Where to eat in Nassau

Good places to eat in Nassau

I wish I had this information the last time I was in Nassau.  I ended up eating at some at some generic American tourist chain restaurant.

Source RCI

Chael Sonnen To Jon Jones: "Go Get In Your Car, And Hit Another Tree" (Video) | Robert Littal Presents BlackSportsOnline

Chael Sonnen To Jon Jones: "Go Get In Your Car, And Hit Another Tree" (Video) | Robert Littal Presents BlackSportsOnline

This is going to make me go to Vegas and see this fight. Too Funny.

Southwest is having a sale

Some people get excited when electronics go on sale, some people like shoe sales but I enjoy when  Southwest airlines goes on sale. This is going on now through Thursday .  Not much time but they had some very reasonable rates especially to Nassau via Airtran.  I'm getting the feeling that after spring break there are going to be some sales. 

This hotel has the best casino in Nassau.  I love how it lights up at night.

Before he was famous

We are one - Michael Ward



The best thing about YouTube is finding great musicians before they were "discovered."

Enjoy this clip

Chilling in San Antonio

Taking it real easy in San Antonio for my birthday weekend.  Downtown on the Riverwalk is a great way to relax and enjoy a beautiful "winter" day.  San Antonio doesn't have any Jazz specific clubs but it  does have some very nice places to listen to jazz.  I always prefer small venue clubs anyway and the laid back vibe of San Antonio doesn't disappoint.  Jim Cullum is jazz in San Antonio and he plays at Bohanan's every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. What is a San Antonio blog post without a few Riverwalk photos.  I took these looking out from my room.

Happy birthday to me.

I just saw the Atlanta Jazz Festival announcement so I wanted to spread the news.  Another Memorial Day event for those seeking something to do.  The website reminds us that Memorial Day is only 91 days away.

Memorial Day Happenings

I hope everyone had a happy and safe President's day.  Three day weekends are something to look forward to and reason to work hard when you get back to that 9 to 5.  Memorial day strikes me as a must do three day weekend.  As a hear about events that come up I will list them.  I plan on being in the Caribbean on a beautiful beach.

Aruba has just announced Soulbeach that starts the Wednesday before Memorial day and ends on Monday.  I prefer events after Monday, Memorial day itself but Aruba is Aruba anytime.  I stayed at Playa Linda over Thanksgiving and the beach is awesome.  I prefer jazz festivals but someone may get value from this information.

I found a couple of nice photos from google images for you viewing enjoyment.

Thanks Hotwire

I'm listening to the news reports in Houston stating that hotel rooms downtown are running close to 1000 tonight due to the NBA all star game.  They quoted that even a Motel 6 was charging 200.  Don't keep the lights on for me at that rate.  Through Hotwire I was able to get a 3 star room for $60 plus taxes.  I won't say what hotel it is as Hotwire doesn't reveal the hotel until after you book the room.  They give you an idea what basic amenities the hotel has, a star rating and the general vicinity of the hotel.  I've a client for years and have always had my expectations met.  My favorite deal was the one I got a years back on South Beach  where I know people paid $350 for the same room I paid $92.

Thanks again Hotwire.

All Star eating at the All Star game

The NBA all star game has come to Houston this weekend.  So in addition to great jazz and the other amenities that Houston has to offer, it is the place to be for anyone associated with the NBA this weekend.  I wanted to highlight a three superior restaurants in the Galleria area that I frequent when I'm down there.

1.Sage 400
While their website is horrible let me tell you the sushi is to die for.
Here I am talking about the NBA all star game and they are still hyping the superbowl.

2.Tango and Malbec
This restaurant is in the same shopping area as Sage 400.  If you like South American cooking you won't be disappointed.  Reservations are strongly suggested.  I found that Sunday afternoon and early evening is the least crowded time.  I was able to get an amazing dinner with great service then.

3Pho Binh
A little further down Westheimer is this Vietnamese restaurant.  Very good pho at a very reasonable price.  I've introduced many people to pho at this restuarant and it has never let me down.

There you have it folks my Houston international food lineup for the All Star game.
Good Luck and good eating.

San Antonio Treat

Last Sunday, Christian Mcbride played in the Jo Long theater in San Antonio Texas.  He promised not to wait another 20 years before he visited again.  I have seen several jazz concerts but 2 things stood out in this grand performance.  First the level of respect these musicians had for each was unparalled and secondly I have never seen musicans smile so much while they were playing.  Obviously all the group were accomplished but vibraphonist Warren Wolfe stood out because it's rare to see someone play that instrument at that level.  Christian put him in the level of Milt Jackson and I can see why.

Thanks for adding value to San Antonio jazz scene and please don't be a stranger.

Final thoughts on Superbowl

I know the Superbowl ended football season last Sunday but I wanted to reminisce for a moment.  Watching the game in Las Vegas with my father is a tradition that we have enjoyed for over 15 years.
We watch at Boulder Station in their theater but there are several good places to watch.

I bet on the quarterbacks and the over so it was definitely a good day.  I miss football already.

A bad day for Carnival

My personal thought is that a bad day cruising beats a good day working anytime.  I may have to revise that after Carnival's latest mishap.  Apparently the Carnival Triumph had an engine fire that injured no one but left the ship adrift.  You can get details on this as well as contact information from this CNN story link.  I'm thinking this ship will be offering tremendous discounts when it starts sailing again. 


I did come across a great cruise resource link when I looked into this story.  I'm certain this will add value to anyone interested in cruising .


It's not a post without a picture.

Photo taken from Google images.

Little Incident

Most domestic travel in the US involves using a rental car.  During my last trip to Houston I had a little incident.  When I arrived at my hotel I noticed that the tire was flat.  It must have happened at or near the hotel as I had been driving several hours to reach the destination without any issues.  The hotel bellboy and I changed the tire and I took the car back to the local rental car place and they told me I would be charged for the flat tire.  Naturally I was in shock but it made me think what should I do if a problem does arrive with a rental car.  So I remind everyone of these steps:

1. Have the problem solved before it happens.  I insure my rental cars through American Express automatically by using the card.  Other options are available to include purchasing insurance through rental agency.
2. Know that the incident will have to be documented.  Any time something happens to a rental paperwork will be involved.  The clerk asked how I wanted to pay for tire when she should have said we have to document this and if our claims department has questions they will contact you.
3. Take good notes.  If the rental agency documents you should as well.
4. Handle all minor issues yourself if possible.  Dealing with this flat cost me a half day out of my 3 day weekend.  Had I known all this drama was involved I would have had a tire shop plug the tire and went on about my business.

My home (hotel) away from home

Travel lovers are creatures of habit.  When I go to my favorite places I always look for a unique and local experience but I also want a little bit of home.  The home I tend to lean on most often is Marriott.  From Puerto Rico to Aruba and in between they have beautiful resorts throughout the carribean as well as the rest of the world.  I have a couple of photos that show off the Marriott.  That is not to say that other hotels aren't beautiful.  I just get that good down home feeling.

In Santo Domingo in the heart of the business district.

Looking down from the 47th floor in Atlanta.

Marriott I know these aren't professional photos but if you are looking for an enthusiastic rookie, I'm your guy.

al

The Lineup for the Newport Jazz Festival has been announced

Tickets go on sale January 17, 2013. As always they have an impressive lineup and hoping to stow away in somebody's suitcase and find myself there.  Newport Jazz Festival 2013 for more information.

Dean, I'm coming to check you out

One of my favorite jazz cities in Houston Texas.  Many great artists and many solid venues for good jazz.  A good resource when your coming to town is Jazzhouston.com.  I saw many good shows and artists listed but I'm looking to listen to Dean James at the Red Cat Jazz Preservation Society.  I was going to try to describe his play but a video is worth a thousand words. Dean James in San Antonio playing one his hits. I have this cd but there's nothing like hearing it live.  H-town here I come.

P.S.  Dean doesn't charge extra if you use his music to get close to the people that are important to you so I won't either.

al

Winter Blues

Nothing beats a winter vacation.  I admit I’m saying that because it’s January and I’m not going anywhere.  But it’s not too early to think about the summer trip or a winter cruise.  Two trips I’m trying to fit in this year.  If you have never cruised between Christmas and New Year’s there is no time like the present.  A quick search at Royal Carribean found these ships touring over the holidays.

Winter Vacation

In the meantime if someone could get to Saint Thomas and sneak some scraps to my buddy I would really appreciate it.

I have two big passions: jazz and travel.  I'm hoping with this blog to share my experiences and to increase my knowledge level to where I can be a resource to others.  I will also post other topics that reflect my interests and add to the human experience (what can I say, I'm a news, sports, and tech enthusiast as well).

One of my favorite places for jazz and travel.