Glenn Yarbrough – Still In Strong Voice

Glenn Robertson Yarbrough (January 12, 1930 – August 11, 2016) I've always enjoyed writing about musical artists who have managed long, successful careers that have continued even into their 'senior' years. A good example is Glenn Yarbrough, who has had many years of success, both as a member of the Limeliters and as a solo … Continue reading Glenn Yarbrough – Still In Strong Voice

Hurt So Bad

I have to confess that I found this picture of a sand sculpture so fascinating that I had to build a post around it. I can only imagine the artist's frame of mind during its creation, but -- like any piece of art -- it will stir up a lot of different feelings in those … Continue reading Hurt So Bad

Charlie Byrd’s Inspiration Led The Way

I've been a fan of Latin jazz for many years. I can remember as a child hearing Pérez Prado or Xavier Cugat records (or later watching Desi Arnaz perform "Babalu" on TV) so the stage was set early. But I'd guess that the strongest influence on me was what occurred in the Sixties -- the … Continue reading Charlie Byrd’s Inspiration Led The Way

Carl Smith Was Known As ‘Mr. Country’

Although I wrote about Carl Smith just a few months ago, it seems appropriate to repost that piece (see below) because the legendary country music star died recently, at his home near Nashville. I also thought I'd offer up another song -- one of his best early hits, 1955's "There She Goes." It's one that … Continue reading Carl Smith Was Known As ‘Mr. Country’

REVIEW: Tierra Negra & Muriel Anderson – New World Flamenco

Flamenco music is one of those instantly recognizable genres, the kind that immediately takes the listener to a familiar place. In this case, it inspires in me a mental image of a beautiful dancer with flashing eyes, clicking castanets, and a rose in her teeth; backed by a dark, brooding guitarist. A new album on … Continue reading REVIEW: Tierra Negra & Muriel Anderson – New World Flamenco

Early Phil Spector Project – Curtis Lee

I thought I'd cash a mental check I wrote to myself a while back, when I told the story of early pop star Ray Peterson ("Tell Laura I Love Her"). At that time I mentioned that Ray eventually moved into producing, working with the then-young (and presumably trouble-free) Phil Spector to promote other performers. One … Continue reading Early Phil Spector Project – Curtis Lee

The Kitty Who Became A Songbird – Kitty Kallen

A while back I was listening to a song on an outstanding blog, Days Of Transition, and it got me to thinking -- always a perilous undertaking, but one that I keep attempting in spite of the danger. Anyhow, the song -- "We'll Meet Again," performed by British songbird Vera Lynn -- was so perfectly … Continue reading The Kitty Who Became A Songbird – Kitty Kallen

Rex Allen – Best Of The Singing Cowboys?

Rex Allen the best singing cowboy? It's certainly a startling thought, especially when you figure that most people would vote for Gene Autry or Roy Rogers. But here's the thing -- Autry himself called Allen the best cowboy among them, and Rogers said he was the best singer by far. So if you add up … Continue reading Rex Allen – Best Of The Singing Cowboys?

A Few Words About Friends

Nothing too complicated today. Someone passed this old poem along to me and I couldn't resist sharing it. --------------------------------------- A Friend -- Too Late Around the corner I have a friend In this great city that has no end, Yet days go by and weeks rush on And before I know it, a year is … Continue reading A Few Words About Friends

REVIEW: The Reese Project – Eastern Standard Time

A new album from veteran jazz flautist Tom Reese's quartet, The Reese Project, continues down the same road traveled in the group's previous effort, 2008's This Just In. Which is to say that Eastern Standard Time, now out on the In The Groove label, is another nice collection of traditional jazz standards interspersed with some … Continue reading REVIEW: The Reese Project – Eastern Standard Time