Nate Chinen

Exactly what it says on the label: The Pope in 1982. He's wearing a black hat, dark RayBans, and looks like he's a member of the Blues Brothers.

What's from Chicago, hates Illinois Nazis, and is holy as fuck?

It's the Pope in 1982.

All this Epstein talk today. Just watch, tomorrow The White House will announce that the Lincoln Memorial is being bulldozed to clear space for the Vince McMahon Patriot Dome. Also, a declaration of war with Luxembourg.

" @maryhalvorson.bsky.social released what will soon officially be one of the most acclaimed jazz albums of 2025." — @natechinen.bsky.social in The Gig, on Halvorson, her sextet Amaryllis, and their latest album, 'About Ghosts' substack.com/home/post/p-...

Supracoracoideus The mighty Mary Halvorson, in action and in conversation

Mary Halvorson's Amaryllis is the bomb. Herein, a new podcast episode, a Jazzfest Berlin review, and some additional thoughts.

That was rough. Glad for the W.

That Saquon run followed by that Davonte TD catch, this is the stuff

You must have a particular book, or set of books, in mind — I’m all ears

This is an amazing review. I have enjoyed a Mallmann meal in Mendoza (1884, 18 years ago) and harbor some residual affection for him even though his whole deal seems increasingly cloistered and corny. Thank you for your service. 🫡

Kassa Overall at Solar Myth: hear it only on Sunday Rotation at WRTI Tune in to Sunday Rotation on Nov. 9 to hear a world-exclusive broadcast of Kassa Overall's album-release show for CREAM, recorded at Solar Myth.

Hey, heads-up: Kassa Overall played an absolute knockout of an album-release show at Solar Myth two months ago. Tonight at 8pm, WRTI will play selections from that show on Sunday Rotation, hosted by @booker-julian.bsky.social. Tune in locally, or stream it worldwide. More info (+ video!) right here.

Yaaaaaay congrats, Nat!!! ❤️

A Conversation with Khruangbin The Houston-born trio on process, perspective, and 'The Universe Smiles Upon You ii'

Had a great time talking with Khruangbin about their world-beating first decade, their back-to-the-barn new release, and the secret formula behind their rapport. Listen now at The Gig.

Man, this is starting to feel like a motif!

a black dodge charger is doing a burnout on a road Alt: a black dodge charger is doing a burnout on a road

Footage of Cuomo heading back upstate

In my suburban Pennsylvania district, I cast ballot No. 538. My wish for you is that this is the only 538-related content that you will see from a Nate today.

(I realize that “duped” doesn’t have the central letter and therefore doesn’t count as a valid entry here. Also noting: the central letter is N.) 😜

But they damn sure got DUPED

@burningambulance.bsky.social, thought you’d want to see this still life from the merch table at Jazzfest Berlin

All Empires Fall Clarifying fire from Elder Ones at Jazzfest Berlin

What does it look like when artists speak out? The other night in Berlin, it looked like Elder Ones.

I think about Jack’s first night in NYC, sitting in with Freddie at Minton’s. Harold Mabern on piano, Larry Ridley on bass… and Al Foster on drums. I imagine Al was impressed (and maybe taken aback) by the new kid in town. Here’s the relevant excerpt from Jack’s oral history for the Smithsonian.

For Jack DeJohnette Tributes and tributaries, on the passing of a titan

A few more thoughts about Jack DeJohnette, who left us this week (but is still with us in many ways)

Thanks, David. Hardest part was coming to terms with how much I’d have to leave out.

Jack DeJohnette, dynamic and instantly recognizable jazz drummer, dies at 83 Jack DeJohnette, of the most daring and singular jazz drummers of the last 60 years, died on Sunday.

Jack DeJohnette, just one of the deepest musicians ever, and a personal hero. Here is my obituary for NPR Music.

Beauty is the Sharpest Tool: A Conversation with David Breskin The producer and poet behind some of our most inspired albums

David Breskin has been behind some of the most vital recorded music in recent memory — including four of my No. 1 albums over the last decade. He doesn’t often talk publicly about that work, which is one reason this conversation is special. (There are myriad other reasons.)

Ah, there it is! Apparently too, it was Cannonball who prevented the live recording from being released at that time. (According to John Szwed, he wanted to be paid more than union scale.)

Well, he singles out Miles and Coltrane (“badly executed velocity exercises”) for criticism — seems he is strategically silent on the subject of Cannonball

YouTube video by Miles Davis - Topic Straight, No Chaser (Live at the Plaza Hotel, New York, NY - Sept. 1958)

In September 1958, Columbia threw a jazz party at the Plaza Hotel. Ralph Ellison wrote afterward to Albert Murray about "poor, evil, lost little Miles Davis" and his band. "These cats have gotten lost, man. They're trying to get hold of something by fucking up the blues." 🤨 youtu.be/_PrJhAERZlQ?...

New York Times Editorial Board nervously urges the American public to preserve a vanished status quo of centrism

The View From Nowhere stays pretty appealing when you’ve built an entire resort community touting the view

Through George Wein, I once interviewed Elliot Hoffman, “lawyer to the stars,” who served as tour manager for the Coltranes in Japan. There are a few stories! Here’s a pertinent page from George’s book.