I had thought of calling British bandleader Ray Noble the musical Forrest Gump because he seemed to have a way of being in on some significant moments in musical history, but it's probably more accurate to call him the musical Kevin Bacon (as in 'six degrees of'). During his career Noble had connections with a … Continue reading Six Degrees Of Ray Noble
Category: Big Band
REVIEW: Tito Puente – Live At The 1977 Monterey Jazz Festival
Another in a series of Concord albums celebrating the Monterey Jazz Festival (previously: Brubeck, Tjader) presents the music of an American-born, but purely Latin music maestro, Tito Puente. It was recorded during his band's triumphant appearance at the 1977 festival, the first of many he would make at the storied venue through the years. At … Continue reading REVIEW: Tito Puente – Live At The 1977 Monterey Jazz Festival
REVIEW: Jamie Davis – Vibe Over Perfection
I've written a couple of reviews recently that spotlight recordings of legendary performances from the Monterey Jazz Festival, but this time around I'm focusing on an artist who will soon be making his very first appearance at the storied show. Vocalist Jamie Davis will be bringing his mellow baritone to Monterey in September, close on … Continue reading REVIEW: Jamie Davis – Vibe Over Perfection
REVIEW: The Best of Cal Tjader: Live at the Monterey Jazz Festival 1958-1980
Concord Music Group has carved out a prominent role for itself in today's music world as one of the most diversified sources for recordings of all genres, with an especially strong presence in jazz. One of the many special collections they've made available is a series of releases based on historical performances at the Monterey … Continue reading REVIEW: The Best of Cal Tjader: Live at the Monterey Jazz Festival 1958-1980
REVIEW: Gary Morgan & PanAmericana! – Felicidade
For the last decade or so, one of the best-kept secrets in Latin jazz is a transplanted Canadian who is now living in New York. But Gary Morgan and his 20 piece orchestra PanAmericana! (complete with exclamation point) just might break out of that anonymity with their latest album, Felicidade, now out on the Consolidated … Continue reading REVIEW: Gary Morgan & PanAmericana! – Felicidade
Stormy Weather – Part Deux
Just my luck. In a recent piece I related a couple of stories about 'stormy' experiences I've had, including the time that I lost something I was writing when the power failed, but it turns out that ol' Mama Nature wasn't quite finished with me. She slapped me again this week when stormy weather caused … Continue reading Stormy Weather – Part Deux
REVIEW: Coleman Hawkins – The Hawk Flies High
Presented for your perusal is the second in a series of reviews (previously: Nat Adderley) based on Concord's Keepnews Collection, a salute to legendary producer Orrin Keepnews. This edition finds us taking a look at a Coleman Hawkins classic, The Hawk Flies High, now reissued with 24-bit digital remastering. Coleman Hawkins was one of the … Continue reading REVIEW: Coleman Hawkins – The Hawk Flies High
Perry Como And The Singing Sisters
We were watching an old movie musical on TV the other night - Skirts Ahoy with Esther Williams - and among the supporting cast I noticed a singing group with a familiar-sounding name, the DeMarco Sisters. Hmmm (I thought) weren't they the ones who had a big hit with "Teach Me Tonight," and often made … Continue reading Perry Como And The Singing Sisters
What’s In A Name? — Joni James
What's in a name? In the 1950's, singer Joni James had a lot of success with one of those names that always seemed easy to confuse with a few others (at least for me). On the other hand, her real name - Giovanna (Joan) Carmella Babbo - might have been a little more distinctive, but … Continue reading What’s In A Name? — Joni James
REVIEW: Robin McKelle – Modern Antique
I was happy to see that a lady I reviewed about this time last year - Robin McKelle - has continued to explore the world of traditional jazz with her newest album, Modern Antique, now out on the Cheap Lullaby Records label. It's a nice follow-up to 2007's Introducing Robin McKelle, and again features the … Continue reading REVIEW: Robin McKelle – Modern Antique
Geezer Music Club 