Having spent some time in New Orleans over the years, I'm always happy to review a new album from one of the local legends, especially one who mixes blues, jazz and soul into his own special sound. Walter "Wolfman" Washington has kept a low profile in the last decade - partially due to Hurricane Katrina … Continue reading REVIEW: Walter “Wolfman” Washington – Doin’ The Funky Thing
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.
Taxi Drivers Have Feelings Too
When Scorsese's Taxi Driver came out in 1976, it drew a lot of attention for its graphic violence and unforgettable portrayals, including Robert De Niro as disturbed cabbie Travis Bickle and Jodie Foster as an underage hooker. But when I first saw the film I had a couple of additional thoughts. For one thing, I … Continue reading Taxi Drivers Have Feelings Too
REVIEW: Roger Davidson Trio – Bom Dia
During his long career, veteran pianist/composer Roger Davidson has confidently and successfully performed in a variety of genres, including everything from the classics to bebop. He even spent some time leading a chamber music group and also wrote a lot of sacred choral music. Born in Paris, he's also had a long-time fascination with world … Continue reading REVIEW: Roger Davidson Trio – Bom Dia
What’s In A Name? — Joni James
What's in a name? In the 1950's, singer Joni James had a lot of success with one of those names that always seemed easy to confuse with a few others (at least for me). On the other hand, her real name - Giovanna (Joan) Carmella Babbo - might have been a little more distinctive, but … Continue reading What’s In A Name? — Joni James
REVIEW: Robin McKelle – Modern Antique
I was happy to see that a lady I reviewed about this time last year - Robin McKelle - has continued to explore the world of traditional jazz with her newest album, Modern Antique, now out on the Cheap Lullaby Records label. It's a nice follow-up to 2007's Introducing Robin McKelle, and again features the … Continue reading REVIEW: Robin McKelle – Modern Antique
Summertime — And The Junebugs Are Buzzin’
The official start of Summer is very close now and a lot of blogs are focusing on the season. One that I read regularly has published a long list of Summer-related songs, including several different renditions of Gershwin's classic composition, "Summertime." (Although in my opinion they left off one of the best versions, that by … Continue reading Summertime — And The Junebugs Are Buzzin’
REVIEW: David Benoit – Heroes
Even talented and accomplished stars have idols. That's the theme of David Benoit's newest release on the Peak Records label, Heroes; and in addition to paying tribute to those artists, he also continues a pattern of stretching himself musically. Benoit has a string of best-selling albums that have consistently hit the contemporary jazz charts for … Continue reading REVIEW: David Benoit – Heroes
Kentucky’s Other Music — The Hilltoppers
Kentucky has always been home to a rich musical heritage, with an especially strong tradition in bluegrass and other forms of country music, but the state has sometimes provided a fertile birthplace for something a little different. One of those occasions was the creation of the pop music singing group, the Hilltoppers. They began as … Continue reading Kentucky’s Other Music — The Hilltoppers
REVIEW: Thom Rotella 4-Tet — Out Of The Blues
Thom Rotella might not be a familiar name to the average jazz fan, but if you have a ear for jazz guitar you've probably enjoyed his music at some time over the past two decades. If so - or even if the multi-talented artist is unfamiliar to you - a new album on the Four-Bar … Continue reading REVIEW: Thom Rotella 4-Tet — Out Of The Blues
Goin’ To Kansas City With Wilbert Harrison
I'll have to confess that I didn't know much about Wilbert Harrison when I first heard him singing "Kansas City," and in all honesty I don't think that I made much of an effort to find out at that time. In those days I was mostly just into enjoying the music, and his signature song … Continue reading Goin’ To Kansas City With Wilbert Harrison
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