More than three decades after first bursting onto the New York music scene, Grammy-winning bassist Marcus Miller is still a vibrant presence in R&B and jazz. At any particular point in time he might be functioning as a producer, composer, arranger, or performer -- and sometimes all at once. That's the case with his newest … Continue reading REVIEW: Marcus Miller – Marcus
Category: Blues
REVIEW: Eric Sardinas – Eric Sardinas And Big Motor
Fans of slide guitarist Eric Sardinas will be happy to hear that he's limbered up his trusty Dobro for a fourth album, Eric Sardinas And Big Motor, just out on the the Favored Nations label. Last heard on 2003's Black Pearls, Sardinas' newest effort again showcases his signature brand of blues-tinged rock, and helps kick … Continue reading REVIEW: Eric Sardinas – Eric Sardinas And Big Motor
Cuttin’ Wax In Post-War Motown
When I was a very small boy on a visit to post-war Detroit, I had an experience that might surprise you -- or at least it will until you hear the details. It happened one day when I found myself "cuttin' wax" - making a record - and this was years before Motown Records was … Continue reading Cuttin’ Wax In Post-War Motown
Origins of Rock & Roll – Jivin’ With Jordan
When I was a teenager in the 1950's, rock and roll was catching the attention of most of my contemporaries. I wasn't immune to its attraction, but while I kept an eye on what was happening in that area I was also beginning to form my lifelong affection for the type of big band music … Continue reading Origins of Rock & Roll – Jivin’ With Jordan
Canned Heat – Definitely Deluxe Bell-Ringers
In the vast world of music - or at least in the portion that exists between my ears - there's a type of song that I call a "bell-ringer". You know the kind I mean -- songs that you can't identify at first, but that definitely ring a bell. Everyone has them but might call … Continue reading Canned Heat – Definitely Deluxe Bell-Ringers
REVIEW: Joe Friedman – Cup O’ Joe
I guess it was inevitable. When you consider that I drink countless cups of coffee during the day, and always have a mug going while working on reviews, sooner or later the two processes would align themselves in some way. Cup O' Joe, a new album from jazz guitarist Joe Friedman, fills the bill -- … Continue reading REVIEW: Joe Friedman – Cup O’ Joe
Mule Skinners – From Jimmie Rodgers To Van Morrison
Sometimes you hear a song that seems to be sort of a lightweight - or even silly - but it just grabs you and hangs on in a way that other tunes can't match. "Mule Skinner Blues" by the Fendermen is exactly that for me. It tickles my fancy every time I hear it (and … Continue reading Mule Skinners – From Jimmie Rodgers To Van Morrison
Lee Dorsey And The Monday Morning Song
Sometimes you first become aware of a song at a perfectly appropriate moment in your life, and if the connection is strong enough you'll remember it for a long time. That just might be the case for me, because there was a time in the 1960's when my job made for many a depressing Monday … Continue reading Lee Dorsey And The Monday Morning Song
Cher And Betty – The Shoop Shoop Girls
Sometimes I hear a familiar old song being performed by a modern artist, and although I might enjoy listening, I also find myself thinking: something's not right about that. I'm sure the experience isn't unique to me. New versions of old songs are pretty common, and most listeners probably feel a twinge of nostalgia for … Continue reading Cher And Betty – The Shoop Shoop Girls
REVIEW: Curtis Stigers – Real Emotional
Although his teen years were spent in rock music and blues, Curtis Stigers seems to have found a home in jazz, judging from the string of albums he's put together during his career. The latest, Real Emotional, newly released on the Concord label, continues a trend that over the last decade and a half has … Continue reading REVIEW: Curtis Stigers – Real Emotional
Geezer Music Club 