There are certain songs that are so familiar that they seem to have always been around. A good example is a little something called "Maria Elena" -- especially the version performed by Los Índios Tabajaras. I can't remember a time that it didn't sound like an old standard to me. Of course, it goes without … Continue reading Los Indios Tabajaras – Mystery From The Amazon
Author: BG
Celebrating The New Year With Ray Stevens
In the early 60's I was working in radio, mostly as a DJ but sometimes with added duties that included everything from minor tech work to programming. It would have been nice if the added responsibilities had resulted in higher pay, but working for a small-town radio station at that time meant that you pretty … Continue reading Celebrating The New Year With Ray Stevens
Willie Nelson – The Early Years
Willie Nelson is probably one of the most famous musical stars around, and I can't imagine anyone not instantly recognizing his grizzled face when they see it or his unique voice when they hear it. I wonder though if there are many of us around who remember the early days, before he became the character … Continue reading Willie Nelson – The Early Years
Holiday Season Triggers Memories Of Dad
Once again, a confluence of thoughts and memories has resulted in a musical connection being formed in my holiday-addled brain. I was stumbling through my musical library and came across a tune that instantly formed a mental image of my dad, not only because it was one of his favorites but also because of the … Continue reading Holiday Season Triggers Memories Of Dad
Holiday Wishes
Wishing all the friends of the GMC our best for the holidays. -- Big Geez "I'll Be Home For Christmas" Sarah McLachlan (From Wintersong)
Granting Absolution To Pat Boone
I have a modest proposal, but before you say no I would ask you to remember what time of year it is. After all, 'tis the season to be...er, jolly, or something like that, but what I had in mind was something closer to forgiveness. After many years of relegating him to the penalty box, … Continue reading Granting Absolution To Pat Boone
Tony Bennett – Before He Was A Legend
A while back I posted an article called The Crooner Conundrum, which discussed the state of crooner-hood in general and included a couple of contradictory quotes about Tony Bennett -- “One of the world’s favorite crooners” and “Bennett is a belter, not a crooner”. I guess when it comes to Tony it depends on how … Continue reading Tony Bennett – Before He Was A Legend
Same Place, Different Music – From Buddy Holly To Mozart
Life is full of coincidences but it still strikes as a little funny the way things happen sometimes. I'm thinking specifically about a couple of musical revelations I've had, although revelation might be too strong a word. These weren't instances where I slammed my forehead and said, "wow!", but rather moments that set me on … Continue reading Same Place, Different Music – From Buddy Holly To Mozart
Close Encounters Of The Celebrity Kind
We might as well admit it. It's obvious that we're all fascinated by celebrities. In fact, you could probably say that our endless interest forms part of the very definition of the word. According to the dictionary, a celebrity is someone who is "held up for public acclaim", which our society certainly does with an … Continue reading Close Encounters Of The Celebrity Kind
REVIEW: Dave Liebman & Bobby Avey – Vienna Dialogues
New on the Zoho label, Vienna Dialogues features well-regarded soprano saxophonist Dave Liebman on a follow-up to his previous Manhattan Dialogues, on which he collaborated with Phil Markowitz. This time around, he chooses young pianist Bobby Avey as a partner, and focuses on 19th century romantic European art music. Included are pieces by Schubert, Handel, … Continue reading REVIEW: Dave Liebman & Bobby Avey – Vienna Dialogues