Perspectives

Boy! The world seems to be deconstructing before our eyes: The Middle East in flames. Japan leveled by earthquakes and tidal waves. Nuclear meltdowns to follow. Drought in Ethiopia. America’s economy on the ropes. Greece, Portugal and Spain one euro from default. A narco-state forming on our southern border. Pirates off Africa. Iran transiting warships through the Suez Canal. Wars. Lunacy. Mayhem. What next? Plagues? Boils? Locusts.

Just another day for humanity. But importantly, the richest 5 percent of Americans are responsible for 37 percent of consumer spending. And it’s increasing! Whew! Thank you God, for the rich. Seriously. Us hoi polloi, well, how would we occupy our time, our minds, if not from living vicariously off the detritus of Charlie Sheen’s life?

I, for one, enjoy immensely reading about, speculating on and discussing the ebb and flow of humanity. What would the world be if the Israelis and the Arabs weren’t chewing on each other’s bones? If Catholic priests weren’t being “perp” walked? If Wall Street and their banking toadies weren’t this moment creating questionable new financial instruments to hose the next generation of rubes? Or, right here in Orlando. How funny (and interesting) it is that we take our scarce tax revenue to construct a $500 million arena for a billionaire. And call such largesse “in the public good.” Which public, again, is that? Are we a stitch or what? Or, that the expensive arts facility that is contemplated for construction downtown won’t help our local arts groups one iota. Really. Honestly.

You’re so 20th century, Chris! I know. I still buy books and CDs and I am researching the purchase of a new turntable for my 500-plus albums I haven’t played in the 15 years since CDs became the “norm.” Today, I’ve music to plug.

But first, my hat is off to the WUCF 89.9 FM radio station. It’s the rare community treasure. It’s art. It plays real jazz, not that soft jazz pabulum that passes as some radio fare these days, music so banal it is little more than saccharine, vacuous “air” candy for the ears.

I was recently listening to the excellent Kayonne Riley, WUCF station manager and midday radio host. She played Melody Gardot from her album “My One and Only Thrill.” Kids, this is a fabulous album if you have a taste, at all, for the romantic. From beginning to end, it is the music you so wish you heard when first getting to know the love of your life. Suh-weeet.

I am also listening to “Alone Together” by Clifford Brown and Max Roach; “Krupa and Rich” featuring Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich; and “We Insist! – Freedom Now Suite” with Max Roach, Coleman Hawkins and Abbey Lincoln.

OK, I have to reiterate a music plug from 2010. Order these three Ben Webster albums: “Ben Webster for Lovers,” “The Soul of Ben Webster” and “Music for Loving.” Webster plays such a soulful tenor saxophone that I can only describe it as breathy harmonies cascading sublimely down. And baaaack up.

Here’s a great date-night package: Pick up some grapes, cut watermelon and cheese from Publix. Pick up two bottles of Schramsberg. It’s like drinking liquid air. Chill in the freezer. Put on Webster and Gardot. Laugh. Get naked. Be silly.

Any tsunamis will be local. Suh-weeet.