Bop -- or bebop, to use its full name -- has never been my favorite kind of jazz, but I do enjoy it more now than I once did. I came to big band music long after its heyday anyway, so my acceptance of bop was delayed but it did eventually occur. Part of the … Continue reading Bop For The People – Charlie Ventura
Category: Big Band
Johnny Desmond – The Forgotten Italian Crooner
I probably should start with an apology about the title of this piece, because implying that Johnny Desmond is forgotten is a little misleading. Even though his name might not be as familiar as some singers from the past, he is still fondly remembered by many fans. But that being said, I did forget to … Continue reading Johnny Desmond – The Forgotten Italian Crooner
In Memory Of Platters Long Gone
I've probably written about this before, but I was thinking today about all the good records that have passed through my hands and moved on, maybe even ending up in platter heaven. (Which creates the question; do bad records go in the other direction?) I guess it started when I ran into a 50-year-old picture … Continue reading In Memory Of Platters Long Gone
A Different Kind Of Sculpture
A while back I posted something that had as its centerpiece an amazing sand sculpture, one that carried a powerful message -- or at least it seemed so to me. Today I though I'd do the same with a different kind of 'temporary' sculpture, one that is a little more appropriate to the season. As … Continue reading A Different Kind Of Sculpture
Les Baxter – Master Of Exotica
Since I've written from time to time about guys like Percy Faith, André Kostelanetz, and a few other specialists in Easy Listening music -- a genre that isn't exactly first on everybody's playlist these days -- it would be understandable if you thought I was at it again. After all, Les Baxter certainly did his … Continue reading Les Baxter – Master Of Exotica
Not Much Goin’ On
You ever have one of those days when you just feel too lazy to do much of anything? The slows have definitely hit me today, so music that connects to my mood seems to be inevitable. I'm thinking lush instrumental, something that just allows a person to kick back and relax. Perfect conditions for the … Continue reading Not Much Goin’ On
Groundhog Day And Dad’s Polkas
This time of year it's impossible to miss all the news stories about Groundhog Day, speculating about whether Punxsutawney Phil (the resident rodent) will see his shadow and what comes next. Most also mention the 1993 Bill Murray movie, Groundhog Day, but when I see anything that spotlights one of the most memorable songs on … Continue reading Groundhog Day And Dad’s Polkas
Doin’ The Yam With Fred Astaire
'Can't Sing, Can't Act. Balding. Can Dance a Little.' You might recognize that as the oft-quoted evaluation from an early talent scout, giving his opinion about the then-young performer Fred Astaire. The punch line, of course, is that he became one of the biggest stars of all time; and while his career was certainly anchored … Continue reading Doin’ The Yam With Fred Astaire
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
Ouch!
Hurt my thumb... Difficult to use keyboard... Short post today... Bigger and better next time... Enjoy the music... Duke Ellington & Orchestra - "Mooche"
Geezer Music Club 