Aaron Cohen

Professor: Which browser do you use, Firefox or Chrome?

Student: Chrome. Nobody uses Firefox. Except for ... teachers...

Professor: Yeah, I know you meant to say "old people."

Paul Marinaro Mood Ellington (Origin 82937)

The brilliant jazz singer Paul Marinaro majestically interprets Duke Ellington's compositions for his new "Mood Ellington." Along with Marinaro's 9-piece band (plus string section), 13 top arrangers add their orchestrations. It was an honor to write its liner notes.
originarts.com/recordings/r...

Professor: Wrapping up the semester, does anybody have any overarching questions?
Student: If the Aztec gods were so powerful, how come they didn't stop the Spanish colonizers?
Professor: Don't assume the war is over.

Next time you need style advice, turn to students' comments on the Rate My Professors web site.

The Chicago Reader's Best of Chicago nominations are out today and in the category of Best Radio DJ is the one and only Mr. Jimmy himself: James Porter!
Vote online here:
chicagoreader.com/best-of-chic...

Indeed, I'd add that despite his f*cked up politics I like Clapton's dobro playing on Pete Townshend/Ronnie Lane's "Rough Mix."

At 83 years old, this man performed in Chicago last night for three hours, played six different instruments, and sang in a voice that turned a bit of fragility into immense emotional weight. May all of you love what you do as much as he clearly does.

Trump's capitulation is more inexcusable than weak-ass Chamberlain's. When Chamberlain appeased Hitler, England was still mourning its massive losses from World War I. Trump is just an easily cowed grifter.

Most of my students recognize the woman on the left, none of them recognize the woman on the right. Both were wonderful artists but there would not have been a Selena if Lydia did not build that road.

I've been speaking to my class about Fania Records but I'm not sure which T-shirt I should wear.

Trump kind of sounds like Luther in the final scene of "The Warriors."

I can think of nobody who would need to do this who is not involved in something majorly criminal.

No school today because of the Veterans Day holiday, but I talked to my class yesterday about the heroic all-Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment (The Borinqueneers) who bravely served in both World Wars and in Korea—only to be wrongfully maligned by the military's top brass.

Kenny Cox deserved far more acclaim than he received. He was also a funny and kind man.

It's ludicrous when a newspaper publishes a piece that implies what a politician studied in college determines how that person will govern (ex.: New York Times). I was an English lit major but no h.r. department believed that I would use the office break room to re-enact Chaucer's "Miller's Tale."

What a wild week this has been: Republicans and Islamophobes got beat all across the country, my man Adam Shatz snagged his first Grammy nomination (the cool Scott B. Bomar and Bob Mehr are returning nominees) and Patti Smith revealed that she's half Jewish.

So, as it turns out, Debra Messing is as much of a racist as her character on "Seinfeld."

As my wife says, Rob Bowman is a benevolent wizard.

Federal Agents Deploy Tear Gas In Albany Park As Neighbors Block Immigration Arrest It is the latest use of chemical irritants deployed by agents in neighborhoods. The incident was also the latest example of increased neighbor resistance to immigration enforcement in Chicago.

This happened on Sunday a few blocks away from where we live (we weren't home at the time and didn't find out about it until afterwards). Frightening but I'm glad to live in a neighborhood that is standing up to this tyranny.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/13/f...

With his latest quartet, Joshua Redman moves forward by stepping back | Chicago Symphony Orchestra Joshua Redman credits his latest quartet with giving him a different outlook. "They’re all young, but they’re playing music that is very mature," he says. "It requires a lot of sensitivity and humilit...

I first saw Joshua Redman around 33 years ago when he performed in Chicago with his father, Dewey. His recent quartet albums are among his best. Here's a conversation we had for Symphony Center Presents, which is where he'll be next month:
cso.org/experience/a...

I was sent to observe a class today that was discussing "Dr. Faustus." I was tempted to enter the room by saying, "Please allow me to introduce myself...." but I don't know who would have gotten the connection.

Super excited to announce this recently unearthed 1962 live recording of the Ramsey Lewis Trio. "Groovin'" captures the spirit and ebullience that built the foundation for soon-to-come pop stardom. Verve Record Club did a fantastic job with the entire package (I wrote the liner notes).

Talking to my class tomorrow about Peruvian artist Jesus Ruiz Durand (and advising them to see his orginal works here @artinstitutechi.bsky.social). I am of the belief that agrarian political art should also be trippy.

‘Rockit'! 10 essential discs by a master of all genres, the icon Herbie Hancock | Chicago Symphony Orchestra Herbie Hancock’s discography is extensive, and he also has recorded celebrated albums alongside Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter and Joni Mitchell. For those who are looking to build a Hancock collection, s...

Herbie Hancock is coming to Symphony Center next month and here's my list of the former Chicagoan's Top 10 Essential Album's for CSO web site:
cso.org/experience/a...

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
― James Baldwin

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
― James Baldwin

Curious: Was there mention of the late, and legendary, jazz bassist Richard Davis who played on "Meeting Across The River"?

From the 27 January 1972 edition of the underground British newspaper International Times:

I'm a firm believer that recorded music should, ideally, travel through the air from quality speakers into the ear. But, damn, Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi and Head Hunters albums sound so great on headphones.

And Haitian music.