Good morning everyone -
Tottenham play Chelsea later today knowing that a point will all but guarantee Premier League survival. No pressure.
To calm nerves, let’s talk jazz. More specifically: Christian McBride - LIVE! At the Library of Congress.
The living legend returned to Washington to perform a free concert at the Library of Congress, which is a gorgeous venue for a small show like this one. This was my first time seeing McBride since he played in DC in 2003, so it’s been a really long wait.
McBride reunited with his old band - The Christian McBride Band - for a one-off show where they played songs from Live At Tonic and Vertical Vision. Backed by a terrific group (Rob Blake on sax, Geoffrey Keezer on the keys, and Terreon Gully on drums), McBride tore through some of the best bits to come out of contemporary jazz.
The group was in masterful control the whole time, showing they hadn’t missed a beat all these years, while McBride again showed why he’s perhaps the greatest bass player out there right now. Take the rockin’ Technicolor Nightmare for instance, where McBride ditched the bow for the classic finger-plucking style on the upright bass.
Some more melodic and experiential tunes from Keezer such as Tahitian Pearl brought a very nice balance to some of the more bombastic jams of the night. And it was refreshing to see how relaxed entire band was.
It was a long wait to see McBride again. And it was worth it.
Fitzie’s track of the day: Technicolor Nightmare, by Christian McBride
And now for your links:
BBC: “Big motivation if people want Spurs down - De Zerbi”
Alasdair Gold: “Roberto De Zerbi explains when he will speak with Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham about transfers”
The Athletic ($$): “Chelsea were all but relegated by Tottenham in 1975. Now, 51 years on, comes a chance for revenge”
The Guardian: “West Ham could have to raise £100m in player sales if they are relegated”