Once again we're paying a visit to Concord's tribute to long-time producer Orrin Keepnews, the Keepnews Collection, a series of 24-bit reissues of a number of timeless jazz recordings. (Previously: Wes Montgomery, Coleman Hawkins, Nat Adderley.) In this review, we're covering Freedom Suite, Sonny Rollins' 1958 classic. Unlike most of the legends in the series, … Continue reading REVIEW: Sonny Rollins – Freedom Suite
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.
Bulldog Songs – They Grab On And Won’t Let Go
I've always wondered what it is about certain songs that seem to just grab you and hang on, becoming a favorite from the very first time you hear them. In a way, that type of song reminds me of a stubborn and unpredictable bulldog that clamps his teeth into your pants leg and won't be … Continue reading Bulldog Songs – They Grab On And Won’t Let Go
REVIEW: Wes Montgomery – The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery
Even casual jazz fans are familiar with the name Wes Montgomery, and those who have closely followed the legendary guitarist's career know that 1960's The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery was probably one of his most important albums. It's that landmark effort that's the subject of our third review from Concord's Keepnews Collection, a … Continue reading REVIEW: Wes Montgomery – The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery
A Promising Start Leads To A Senseless End
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
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
Perry Como And The Singing Sisters
We were watching an old movie musical on TV the other night - Skirts Ahoy with Esther Williams - and among the supporting cast I noticed a singing group with a familiar-sounding name, the DeMarco Sisters. Hmmm (I thought) weren't they the ones who had a big hit with "Teach Me Tonight," and often made … Continue reading Perry Como And The Singing Sisters
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