For most of my childhood we lived on the far side of a small city that also featured a big industrial area on its opposite side. The location of our house in relation to that area was important because it meant that we didn't have to play the daily game practiced by residents closer to … Continue reading What Is THAT SMELL?
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.
Sam Butera – Out Of The Shadows
I realize the title of this piece might sound a little melodramatic, but for two decades beginning in the mid-1950s Sam Butera was the guy who led -- and performed in -- the band behind entertainer Louis Prima. That meant he was performing in the shadows of the flamboyant Prima and his wife, singer Keely … Continue reading Sam Butera – Out Of The Shadows
Facing Up To A Phobia
We all have things that creep us out. You know what I mean. They might make you shudder, or in some cases even cause you to gag and turn your head away. In fact, most people probably have several different things that affect them that way. I decided that facing up to one of my … Continue reading Facing Up To A Phobia
Revisiting Pete Rugolo
Award-winning composer/musician Pete Rugolo died Sunday in Los Angeles, so I thought I'd repost a piece from last year. ------------------------ The Long Musical Journey Of Pete Rugolo It might be unfair to call TV's Richard Diamond show a Peter Gunn clone, because even though both shows featured private eyes and a jazz-laden soundtrack, Diamond actually … Continue reading Revisiting Pete Rugolo
Just A Simple Bottle Of Soda-Pop
Although most geezers begin reminiscing whenever faced with something that triggers an old memory, those of us with blogs can then expose those moldy thoughts to hyperspace. My latest mental adventure occurred while I was fighting the exasperating behavior of a modern soft drink machine. You know the kind I mean -- it has bottles … Continue reading Just A Simple Bottle Of Soda-Pop
Rethinking The Village Stompers
The decade of the 1960s was rife with differing musical influences, all dueling for the attention of the record-buying public. One of the most popular genres was folk music, which might help explain why a few fans got a little confused about a group like the Village Stompers. The name sounded sort of folk-ish, and … Continue reading Rethinking The Village Stompers
Honey-Dippers Need A Sense Of Humor
If you read the title of this piece and assumed it was about guys who laugh while they collect honey from beehives, then I have to inform you that you're mistaken. It is instead about those hardy souls who make a living by doing something that most of us wouldn't want any part of -- … Continue reading Honey-Dippers Need A Sense Of Humor
Don’t Forget The OTHER Red Allen
A few days ago I wrote a piece about country music performer Red Allen, and today I thought I'd follow up with the story of another Red Allen, one who was different in just about every way. But the two did share one quality -- both loved to make music. Henry 'Red' Allen was a … Continue reading Don’t Forget The OTHER Red Allen
Roger Williams Will Be Remembered
(In light of the recent passing of Roger Williams, I thought I'd repost a piece from 2007. I've added some music and a very nice video I found that features Autumn scenes backed by his classic recording of "Autumn Leaves".) Command Performances - A Specialty Of Roger Williams Command performances by musicians, whether for royalty … Continue reading Roger Williams Will Be Remembered
Red Allen – Bluegrass Troubadour
Not to be confused with the jazz trumpeter who came along a little before him (although their careers did overlap), bluegrass performer Red Allen was a much-respected and influential part of country music for many years beginning in the 1950s. An accomplished instrumentalist with a solid singing voice, he was a favorite of many fans … Continue reading Red Allen – Bluegrass Troubadour
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