I drink coffee every day, but I cannot detect traces of milk chocolate, walnut, or toasted marshmallow in the brew. I am no wine connoisseur. I do not know what is meant by a “floral hint” in a pinot noir.

I am a student, however, of the subtle notes and flavors of Art Chansky’s voice.

I admit that I’ve never read any of the author’s books about UNC athletics. But every weekday morning, after dropping off my kids at school, I turn the radio to Art Chansky’s Notebook.

Each segment begins the same with a rocking theme song and voiceover introduction. The first time we hear Chansky’s voice, he sets up the daily piece with a hook—something catchy and attention-grabbing in just one sentence.

Chansky has a unique voice. Something of the flavor of George Costanza (of “Seinfeld” fame), but with more gravel. Not Tom Waits gravel. More like a cigar-smoking uncle. Chansky sounds casual enough to be talking sports with you over a beer. Yet, he knows his stuff. He does his research, whether on statistics or quotations from other players and coaches. My favorite Notebook recordings occur on the days between games when Chansky has to dig for subject matter. He still manages to inform and delight in only a couple of minutes.

Chansky’s voice is brisk and lively. But he slows down when he wants to make a point, like savoring a beverage. And his final sentence is always satisfying: for example, closing a segment about Tar Heel alum Leaky Black’s budding NBA career: “Keep climbing, Rechon Malik.”

I enjoy a drink, in part, because of the ambiance. My first cup of coffee with the dog still dozing beside me. A glass of bubbly with my beloved before stepping out for date night. After the hustle and tussle of the morning rush to get my kids to elementary school, the Notebook comes on the radio, and I’ll often pull over into a side street just to linger and enjoy.

Keep ‘em coming, Art. If we’re ever together in the Casual Pint, I’ll buy you a round.

Andrew Taylor-Troutman is the author of “Little Big Moments,” a collection of mini-essays about parenting, and “Tigers, Mice & Strawberries: Poems.” Both titles are available most anywhere books are sold online. Taylor-Troutman lives in Chapel Hill where he serves as pastor of Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church and occasionally stumbles upon the wondrous while in search of his next cup of coffee.

 

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