Seven Whole Days

1.  I love when I discover great things. So many of friends whose musical taste I trust have been recommending Roberta Gambarini to me for a long time now.  But I have not seen her albums on the torrent sites until recently, so when it appeared I grabbed them instantly. The ones that showed up, "So In Love," and "You Are There" are instant classics that they have become instant favorites. ('So In Love' was even nominated for a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Recording)  Reading about Roberta, it seems she is Italian born in Turin who was a runner up when Teri Thornton won the Monk Jazz Vocal Competition in 1998. her voice is an earthy alto reminiscent of a young Carmen McRae. And no wonder I love SIl so much: Johnny Mandel did the arrangements. 


2.  So I broke down and bought the Ricky Martin memoir  on Kindle. I wanted a book to bring with me for the Solstice, and I might as well give the business to an out homosexual (It was between him and Will Friedwald)  I saw Ricky's interview on Larry King and I was impressed, and besides, I have always liked him and want to read his journey to self-discovery. By all accounts, I hear that it is beautifully written, and I wanted something "personal" to bring with me. If I cannot be on a gay cruise, then I might as well bring a gay book, right?  Although there seems to be an "unofficial" met up of FODs at the Sunset Bar during sail away, so I might meet some "family" there. I hope. I don't know how I will handle the whole family for seven straight days.

"Every moment of your life is infinitely creative and the universe is endlessly bountiful. Just put forth a clear enough request, and everything your heart desires must come to you."

- Mahatma Gandhi