Every type of music has its legendary performers, but because not all genres are widely popular, many treasured artists are something less than household names. A new album from Swallow Records might help to remedy that, at least as it relates to Cajun music. Cajun Jamboree, a collection of tunes from Joe Bonsall and the … Continue reading REVIEW: Joe Bonsall & The Orange Playboys – Cajun Jamboree
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.
REVIEW: Piers Lawrence Quartet – Stolen Moments
There's something very satisfying about sitting down and listening to four talented jazz pros combining to provide a smooth and cohesive sound. It's a task that is far more difficult than it sounds (making the music -- not listening to it) but the Piers Lawrence Quartet has nailed it on the group's new album, Stolen … Continue reading REVIEW: Piers Lawrence Quartet – Stolen Moments
Swimming To Catalina With The Four Preps
As a more or less typical Midwestern teenager in the 1950's, I was often fascinated by what I saw of sunny California in movies or even on TV (although it wasn't as colorful). It was a place that seemed almost magical, with a vibrant energy that was very appealing, and it was filled with exotically-named … Continue reading Swimming To Catalina With The Four Preps
REVIEW: Eric Sardinas – Eric Sardinas And Big Motor
Fans of slide guitarist Eric Sardinas will be happy to hear that he's limbered up his trusty Dobro for a fourth album, Eric Sardinas And Big Motor, just out on the the Favored Nations label. Last heard on 2003's Black Pearls, Sardinas' newest effort again showcases his signature brand of blues-tinged rock, and helps kick … Continue reading REVIEW: Eric Sardinas – Eric Sardinas And Big Motor
Johnny Long Tried To Straddle The Line
When I first began to get interested in big band music in the 1950's, the era was actually starting to wind down, with droves of music fans moving to rock and roll and other modern sounds. But I've always been a little bit of a contrarian, and although I wasn't immune to the attractions of … Continue reading Johnny Long Tried To Straddle The Line
REVIEW: The David Finck Quartet – Future Day
While listening to Future Day, the David Finck Quartet's debut album newly out on the Soundbrush label, I found myself returning again and again to one thought. It's so doggone good that the only mystery is -- why did the talented bassist wait so long? Over the past three decades, Finck has worked with some … Continue reading REVIEW: The David Finck Quartet – Future Day
Lionel Hampton Got The Job – And Became A Legend
The first time I ever became aware of vibes legend Lionel Hampton was when he appeared as himself in The Benny Goodman Story. He was one of several real musicians appearing in the movie, although he had more screen time than most of the others. The movie portrayed him as the proprietor of a diner … Continue reading Lionel Hampton Got The Job – And Became A Legend
Friends And The Nature Of Friendship
A friend of mine is having a problem with his computer and his furnace at the same time, which is a tough double-header for anyone to handle. I've tried to offer some advice with the computer but don't know if I can do him any good. At least his plumbing is OK so he doesn't … Continue reading Friends And The Nature Of Friendship
REVIEW: Frank Rosolino & Carl Fontana – Trombone Heaven: Vancouver 1978
When reviewing a new album, I usually give some background about the musical history of the artist, but I seldom dig too deeply into other aspects of their life. However, Trombone Heaven - Vancouver 1978, a new release from Uptown Records that showcases a live performance by trombone masters Frank Rosolino and Carl Fontana, has … Continue reading REVIEW: Frank Rosolino & Carl Fontana – Trombone Heaven: Vancouver 1978
Blue-Eyed Soul And Beyond – The Box Tops
Although it might be an oversimplification, the term 'blue-eyed soul' has generally been used as a way to describe white pop singers who perform R&B. You can find examples in almost every decade, even the 1940's, when Frankie Laine was often called the first of the blue-eyed soul singers, and it continued into the 1950's, … Continue reading Blue-Eyed Soul And Beyond – The Box Tops
Geezer Music Club 