The music business is filled with tragic stories, but that doesn't lessen the impact of individual tales of opportunities lost and potential unfilled. One of those is the story of Johnny Ace. Johnny Ace (John Marshall Alexander, Jr.) was a Memphis native and a regular on the local music scene from an early age. A … Continue reading A Promising Start Leads To A Senseless End
Month: July 2008
REVIEW: Coleman Hawkins – The Hawk Flies High
Presented for your perusal is the second in a series of reviews (previously: Nat Adderley) based on Concord's Keepnews Collection, a salute to legendary producer Orrin Keepnews. This edition finds us taking a look at a Coleman Hawkins classic, The Hawk Flies High, now reissued with 24-bit digital remastering. Coleman Hawkins was one of the … Continue reading REVIEW: Coleman Hawkins – The Hawk Flies High
Banned From Radio Play – Nervous Norvus
I've enjoyed silly songs for a long time (and have written about them before) but I'm not alone in my admiration. Fans of veteran radio personality Dr. Demento have long appreciated the unusual music he's brought their way, and he's given credit for helping make a star of Weird Al Yankovic and a few others. … Continue reading Banned From Radio Play – Nervous Norvus
REVIEW: Nat Adderley – Work Song
Orrin Keepnews is a name that's probably unfamiliar to most jazz fans, but over the years you've almost certainly listened to a lot of the music he generated -- not as a musician, but as a producer. In recognition of his accomplishments, Concord is reissuing many of his classic albums in 24-bit remastered versions, designating … Continue reading REVIEW: Nat Adderley – Work Song
The Grinch Makes A Rare Summer Appearance
I'm not sure if there's such a thing as an Independence Day Grinch, but I'm very close to being one. The 4th of July is a holiday that in its simplest form is meant to celebrate the historical aspects of independence, but like most holidays it has evolved into something else. For some, it's all … Continue reading The Grinch Makes A Rare Summer Appearance
REVIEW: Dennis Stroughmatt – Cadet Rouselle
It's a pretty safe bet that this is the only review you'll read today for an album of music inspired by early French Creole settlers in an area of Southern Illinois and Missouri once known as Upper Louisiana. Cadet Rouselle, newly issued on the Swallow Records label, is the latest musical expression from Dennis Stroughmatt, … Continue reading REVIEW: Dennis Stroughmatt – Cadet Rouselle
Geezer Music Club 