Hope springs eternal.

I am doing my best to control my feelings of hope today as these meetings seem to be going well. Perhaps it’s time to believe in Christmas miracles.

Especially fascinating is the positive influence that Sidney Crosby appears to be having in these talks, it may even make a Philly fan change his opinion of Sid the Kid… at least until the first Flyers/Penguins game of the new season.

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I often use this space for appreciation of those entertainers, musicians, comedians that have impacted me at various stages of my life. The passing of legendary jazzman Dave Brubeck today reminds us not only of his genius, but of the way he consistently challenged the listener to go beyond the norm… get outside the box. A natural musician who couldn’t read music until he was well into his 20’s, Brubeck formed the Dave Brubeck Quartet in the early 50’s which went on to build their rep by touring college campuses, recording a prolific series of albums (sometimes as many as four per year) that led to the quintessential Brubeck effort, 1959’s “Time Out.”

“Time Out” was a revelation, challenging many musical conventions, even for jazz, with a series of original works that featured time signatures that were rarely heard, yet alone released on a mainstream label. The opening cut on the album, “Blue Rondo a la Turk” was in 9/8 time, inspired and influenced by Turkish musicians Brubeck and his quartet experienced while touring Eurasia. The album featured works in 6/4, 5/4 and also features a cut that alternates time signatures every two measures… simply groundbreaking.

The other groundbreaking thing about this album was the fact it hit a nerve with the music buying public. It sold like crazy and spawned a top 40 hit single called “Take Five,” a Paul Desmond composition that is entirely in 5/4 time. I remember the first time my high school jazz band director turned us on to this album… I liken the first listen of that album to when the Wizard of Oz goes from black and white to color… for a young would-be musician, it was simply mind-blowing. “Time Out” remains one of the best-selling, most influential jazz albums in history.

Brubeck would continue to record and perform with the quartet until 1967 when he disbanded the group to concentrate on extended orchestral compositions. He also wanted to get off the road and spend more time with his family. He couldn’t stay away, he continued to record and perform, pulling the quartet back together for special occasions and actively promoted music and its influence. Thursday would’ve been Dave Brubeck’s 92nd birthday… a concert planned to celebrate that milestone has now turned into a memorial/tribute concert. This is truly a case of a man passing who’s influence will live on.

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We have a unique SlapShot Radio scheduled for tonight. We will be discussing all things between the pipes. Our guest list includes USA Today hockey writer and co-author of the book “Without Fear: The Greatest Goalies of All-Time.” Allen’s book has been updated and re-released this year… and honestly, would make a great Christmas gift for the hockey nut on your list. Then we talk to the coach who developed one of the goaltenders on that list… Predators goal coach Mitch Korn will join us to discuss how a goaltender is developed. We will also talk to the founder of “The Goalie Guild,” NHL.com contributor Justin Goldman.

Unless big news breaks… It’s all things goal on tonight’s very special SlapShot Radio… Please join Pete and I at 7pm central time on 102.5 the Game and the SlapShot Radio Network.

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Random Notes

- Pred Prospects are making some noise in a few different leagues. Brendan Leipsic scored four in his last game and was also named the WHL Player of the Month.

- Harvard freshman and Preds 2012 3rd round pick Jimmy Vesey was named Rookie of the Month in the ECAC for November.

- How about a little college hockey tonight?? After you listen to SlapShot Radio of course… It’s the University of Vermont against Dartmouth on the NBC Sports Network.

- Shortest Bettman media availability in history this afternoon… that’s not a bad thing.

- Take this information… the NHL and the NHLPA have requested an adjournment in their Quebec Labor Board action. It could mean… I dunno… progress?

- Looks like the Red Wings are on the way to getting a new home. Olympia Development is proposing a new $650 million downtown entertainment district that would feature a new arena for the Wings.

- Nice article on UAH here. Hope springs eternal indeed.

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You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for @PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates, but we are having a bit of fun by getting your input on Gnash introductions, weigh in on Twitter and who knows, we may use your introduction for the best mascot in the NHL at the next Preds game!

Also... make sure to "like" SlapShot Radio on Facebook... here's the link.

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