How can one capture Martin Luther King in a short blog post? Or one piece of music? It’s a daunting task that took me through lots of pieces, many of which I had never heard before.

American jazz musician and composer Dave Brubeck wrote a piece in 1969 called “The Gates of Justice.” It is a religious concert work, taking its text primarily from the Psalms. However, in one movement, Brubeck  incorporates portions of King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, as well as the ancient Jewish leader, Hillel the Elder: “If the time for action is not now, when is it?”

Brubeck had a fascinating life, including a scandalous graduation from a music conservatory without being able to read music, starting one of the US Army’s first interracial bands, and developing strong religious views despite growing up in a non-religious family.

The words of Hillel remain pertinent today, and probably, always: “If the time for action is not now, when is it?”

… think about all the Giant Steps you during the earth’s last rotation around the sun.

The lore surrounding saxophonist John Coltrane is wild, almost as wild as his playing. He managed to cram eighty years of living into forty years of life. Some people find his music impossible to listen to; they can’t tell whether it is overly complex or completely random (however you think it sounds, the truth is that everything he did was carefully crafted and practiced). His music is now over 50 years old – so if it sounds normal to you, well, you have Coltrane to thank for that. Art Music is always progressing towards new territory – some people just get there faster.

T-minus two days to turkey.

The classic American dessert for Thanksgiving is, of course, pumpkin pie.

But let me suggest something different this year – something a little smoother, richer, spicier. So once you’ve downed your turkey, and your host asks if you’d like a slice of pumpkin pie, you should reply, “No thanks – Cheesecake for me.”

Pull up your favorite chair, pour yourself a cup of hot coffee, and grab a slice of New York Cheescake. Then listen to one of the best saxophonists of all time:

This track comes from Gordon’s 1962 album, Go. The rest of the album is great, too; if you want more, check it out here.