Stanley Dural, Jr. November 14, 1947 - September 24, 2016 It's probably an overused expression, but it's difficult to avoid the label of "living legend" when describing someone like Stanley "Buckwheat" Dural, Jr. The Louisiana native, whose stage name is also the name of his group -- Buckwheat Zydeco -- is still going strong after … Continue reading REVIEW: Buckwheat Zydeco -Lay Your Burden Down
Author: BG
BG (aka The Big Geez) is a retiree who who has spent over a decade generating the Geezer Music Club, where he tries to prove that geezers can stay in touch with today's world. . .and still find time for the trimming of ear hair.
Charlie Feathers – Rockabilly’s Cranky Pioneer
The 1950s must have been a heady time for musicians, especially those in what was then considered the cutting edge of country music. Performers like Bill Haley, the Maddox Brothers, and Carl Perkins were beginning to attract some attention with a sound that had its roots in a variety of styles. Those included Western Swing … Continue reading Charlie Feathers – Rockabilly’s Cranky Pioneer
The Mystery Of Leon Redbone
I think I first saw Leon Redbone on TV's Saturday Night Live, and at the time I suspected his act was a put-on. A few people (not me) even thought he might be eccentric comedian Andy Kaufman in disguise. After all, the program is known for quirky stunts, so Redbone seemed to fit right in. … Continue reading The Mystery Of Leon Redbone
The Musical MP – George Melachrino
I thought maybe I'd revisit the subject of easy listening music, the sweet and melodious kind that was the specialty of a few band directors I've written about before, like Mantovani, Kostelanetz, and Percy Faith. But I don't think any of those particular guys had a background like George Melachrino, who in addition to his … Continue reading The Musical MP – George Melachrino
REVIEW: Kevin Hays Trio – You’ve Got A Friend
When you consider all the permutations that are possible with jazz combos -- not only with the number of musicians but also the instruments they play -- you might occasionally find yourself craving something simple and basic. One of the purest choices would have to be a trio consisting of piano, bass and drums. Having … Continue reading REVIEW: Kevin Hays Trio – You’ve Got A Friend
The Paler George Hamilton
I suppose it might be due to the approach of July 4th, but for some reason I found myself thinking today about George Hamilton IV. (And by the way, you do know that I'm not talking about the terrifically tanned guy, right?) Hamilton the musician was one of the pioneers of the early rock and … Continue reading The Paler George Hamilton
Bobby Lewis And The School Of Hard Knocks
It's an expression that we've all heard countless times and one that certainly could be applied to a lot of musicians, but when it comes to being a graduate of the school of hard knocks, Bobby Lewis definitely qualifies. The R&B singing star, whose recording of "Tossin' And Turnin'" rose to the number-one spot on … Continue reading Bobby Lewis And The School Of Hard Knocks
REVIEW: Kyle Eastwood – Metropolitain
Let's get the obvious question out of the way first. Yes, Kyle Eastwood is Clint's son. And yes, he's the same kid who showed up with his Dad in 1982's Honkytonk Man, one of several of the elder Eastwood's movies that have connections with music. Clint's love of all things musical is pretty well documented, … Continue reading REVIEW: Kyle Eastwood – Metropolitain
Doc Watson Is Still Pickin’
Whew. I just listened to a little piece called "Nashville Pickin'," by a multiple Grammy winner who is among the best to ever pick up a guitar, and yet he remains a relative unknown to many modern country music fans. Maybe that just says something about the direction country music has moved in recent years, … Continue reading Doc Watson Is Still Pickin’
Slim & Slam’s Sly Song
I've always been fascinated by novelty songs, and I especially like those that have hidden meanings, although in some cases they're barely concealed. That type of song is one that the songwriter is aiming at a certain audience -- the kind that will "get it" -- while hiding it from straight listeners. A good example … Continue reading Slim & Slam’s Sly Song
Geezer Music Club 