Rather than focus on one topic for this edition, here are some random items of information and/or opinion while I contemplate whether or not it’s really necessary for Roger Clemens to return to the Red Sox.

As word spreads about www.nejazzscene.com, the number of daily visits to the site keeps rising. If you haven’t checked it out, do so—you’ll find gig listings for musicians from Portland to Boston, as well as links to individual Web sites, links for downloads and other various jazz-related information. Down the road, look for a series of nejazzscene.com performance presentations.

A message went out a couple of weeks ago about the theft of a musician’s instrument. Matthew Robbins of King Memphis had a prized 1972 Les Paul Gold Top guitar stolen from his vehicle in the Old Port area of Portland, Maine. The instrument was in its original black Gibson case which also contained several other related items. The serial number is 966218-U, and one distinguishing feature is the presence of a small, round white plastic cover in between the volume and tone knobs, where Robbins replaced a mini-switch with a plug.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Portland Police Department at 207-874-8300. The theft report number is 06-1202. Photos of the guitar are at http://kingmemphis.com/news.html.
A lesson for all musicians here is, whenever possible, to keep your instrument with you. Still, it’s a sad commentary on our society that people find themselves in such desperate straits or simply feel the compulsion to steal an instrument from another person, depriving that person of a means of making their livelihood.

Among the many recipients of the ASCAP Foundation’s 2005/06 Young Jazz Composer Awards was University of New Hampshire grad Julie Hardy. Hardy, a native of Durham and also a graduate of Oyster River High School, is currently a Brooklyn, N.Y., based jazz singer and composer. Hardy’s song “No Turning Back” received the honor and is available on “A Moment’s Glance” (Fresh Sounds). For more on this talented musician, visit www.juliehardy.com.

Terry MacDonald, who hosts the terrific jazz show Straightahead on WSCA-LP, Portsmouth Community Radio, is now broadcasting the show on Wednesday mornings from 7 to 10 a.m. The show focuses on the mainstream music of the post-bop era of the mid-1950s to today. So, if you’re up for some jazz to go with your coffee on your Wednesday morning commute, here’s a chance to catch a thoughtful and well-produced show.

Anyone who was at the Maria Schneider concert at The Music Hall a few weeks ago, was no doubt impressed with the solo work of tenor saxophonist Donny McCaslin. If you’d like to hear more, McCaslin has a new CD, “Give and Go,” to be released on Feb. 22 on the Dutch label Criss Cross. The CD features McCaslin in a quintet setting with John Swana, a superb Philadelphia-based trumpet player, and Steve Cardenas on guitar, among others. McCaslin is an imaginatively creative musician where a very thoughtful approach to the music.

Another new CD that recently crossed my path comes from saxophonist Chris Potter. Called “Underground,” the recording features Potter with his current working band of Wayne Krantz on guitar, Craig Taborn on Rhodes electric piano and Nate Smith on drums. The music focuses on old school funk-jazz grooves and features some explosive playing form all four musicians, most notably the leader. The CD is on the Sunnyside label and can be found at Bull Moose Music in Portsmouth, where they also carry or can get recordings on the aforementioned Criss Cross label. And Bull Moose’s prices on the Criss Cross label are hard to beat—most store and online sites charge $18 to $20 for the CC recordings, but at Bull Moose, they’re around $14.

If you’re a local jazz, blues, funk, soul or world music performer and you have some news, drop me a line via news[at]wirenh[dot]com. And to Clemens: I say your legacy is set, you have nothing to prove. Stay in Houston. You’ll be happier there.