Fab find: WKCR and Phil Schaap

Like Jazz? Me too. And I'm lucky to live within broadcast range of WBGO, Jazz 88 out of Newark. They're great (really) but the station that has me most excited about Jazz is one that only has limited Jazz offerings, but boy are they good! Columbia University's WKCR comes in alright in the kitchen but now that I've found their online stream (MP3 or RA) I can listen anywhere. Which means I don't have to chain myself to the stove to hear Phil Schaap.

Schaap hosts a few of WKCR's Jazz shows and I'm partial to Bird Flight where he waxes on (and on) about Charlie Parker between a chronology of tracks. I understand how some folks might want more music and less talk but what a gift to get to listen to the pieces within their context. It's like sitting in on lectures from a top Jazz historian, for free!

Phil also gets props for his tireless efforts to get Roy Eldridge recognized as a key and overlooked hero of Black History. In honor of Eldridge this Black History Month, you'll get to hear lots of him on Schaap's shows like Traditions in Swing (Saturdays from 6-9 pm). I was lucky enough to catch Eldridge's birthday celebration on 30 January and learned a lot about him during the 24 hours dedicated to his music. He started playing when bands were still segregated so recordings like this gem Schaap played (and I found on YouTube!) caused quite a stir in their day.

Cracking stuff that highlights another nice thing about WKCR, the birthday programming. Head's up, there's a trio of crowd pleasers coming in April: Holiday, Mingus and Ellington!

Lastly, I love Schaap's funny (Baltimoran?) pronunciation of words like on. Reminds me of my girl Beth, whose voice I miss. Check him out, let me know what you think.

PS. WBGO streams online too: http://www.wbgo.org/internal/mediaplayer/?type=stream

Fab find: Acupressure mats!

I'm the proud new owner of an acupressure mat and I love it. We've been together for nearly a week now and these are my first impressions (ha!).

But seriously, if you've thought about getting one, go for it! There are a bunch of reviews out there that talk about the benefits of acupressure and how it can be both relaxing and rejuvenating. I'll skip repeating all that and tell you that it's really not that uncomfortable. In fact, I fell asleep on my mat the other night.

What surprised me the most is just how deeply I've been able to relax on this thing. Laying on it on my back and meditating I was able to relax as deeply as I only have in 90 minute+ massages or during shirodhara. Heaven.

The points do take getting used to and I'd recommend wearing a T-shirt on your first go. But don't be afraid, you can barely feel them at all through denim. Also, ease on and off, don't slide or you'll be sorry. Then, once you're used to how it feels, try it bare-skinned for more intense results. (Okay, I can't handle standing barefooted on it. Not yet.) In short, if you regularly have tension in your body and don't have the time or money for frequent bodywork, an acupressure mat may be for you.