Although I enjoy a lot of different types of music, I am at heart a traditionalist. That's one of the reasons why I always look forward to any new album that features experienced and talented jazz pros, doing their thing. When the musicians fulfill that promise, it becomes a very pleasant listening experience. Case in … Continue reading REVIEW: Ralph Lalama Quartet – Energy Fields
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.
Don Cherry — The Other One
For a period of time beginning in the late 1950s, trumpeter Don Cherry was one of the most influential jazz artists around -- but he wasn't the only guy with that name making his mark in the music world. We're here to talk about the other Don Cherry. Pop vocalist Don Cherry came out of … Continue reading Don Cherry — The Other One
REVIEW: Gumbeaux Rouge -Stirrin’ It Up
Most folks know something about gumbo, a dish that's generally accepted as having originated in Louisiana but that has since become common in many other areas. Although it's prepared in many different ways, it's basically a thick soup or stew that contains a lot of ingredients native to an area. Using that as a starting … Continue reading REVIEW: Gumbeaux Rouge -Stirrin’ It Up
A Love Song That Became A Four-Time Hit
If you were anywhere near a radio or jukebox in 1958 and had an ear open for pop music, chances are very good that you would have heard a song about love that became a hit for two different musical acts at the same time, but that wasn't the end. That same song experienced a … Continue reading A Love Song That Became A Four-Time Hit
REVIEW: David Leonhardt Trio – Explorations
It's always nice to find something a little different when reviewing a new album, and a recent release from Big Bang Records (gotta love that name) fills the bill -- but more later about that. Explorations is the latest from the David Leonhardt Trio, a group that - surprise - is led by pianist David … Continue reading REVIEW: David Leonhardt Trio – Explorations
Trombone Travails
I once bought a trombone at a garage sale. That's not the opening line of a limerick. I really did buy an old trombone and I only paid $3 for it. This was in the early Seventies, when $3 was worth a little more than it is now but that was still quite a bargain. … Continue reading Trombone Travails
REVIEW: Now That’s What I Call Country
I haven't reviewed a country music album for a while, but even though I'm a traditionalist who naturally leans heavily toward classic country (big surprise), a new compilation featuring today's country stars is still a pretty good listen. Now That's What I Call Country is from the same folks who have churned out a series … Continue reading REVIEW: Now That’s What I Call Country
Origins Of Doo-Wop – The Mills Brothers
I've occasionally written about doo-wop, either spotlighting some of the best of the smooth close-harmony groups of the Fifties and Sixties, or reviewing newly-released compilations, but to understand the origins of the genre you have to start with the Mills Brothers. The legendary group (along with their contemporaries the Ink Spots) helped pave the way … Continue reading Origins Of Doo-Wop – The Mills Brothers
REVIEW: Brazilian Trio – Forests
Here's a recipe for success. Take three talented musicians from Brazil who are all now living in New York, add a collection of Latin tunes - both traditional and original - and then give the threesome a perfectly descriptive name like The Brazilian Trio. The result is Forests, a new album on the Zoho label. … Continue reading REVIEW: Brazilian Trio – Forests
A Salute To Leroy Anderson
It doesn't take a visit from Mr. Obvious to acknowledge that music has the power to trigger memories, and sometimes they're very specific memories, relating directly to a certain time or person. A good example is what happens when I hear "Blue Tango," one of prolific composer Leroy Anderson's most popular melodies. It reminds me … Continue reading A Salute To Leroy Anderson
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