Although I now enjoy most of the music from the 1960s and 1970s, that wasn't always the case. During those decades I was a conservative young married man with a growing family, and even though I enjoyed most music, I tended to dismiss a lot of the anti-establishment stuff then in vogue. But that's not … Continue reading All The “Signs” For Success Were There
Category: Boomers
REVIEW: Carl Allen & Rodney Whitaker – Work To Do
Whether we realize it or not, I'm convinced that those of us who review new albums are subject to the same kinds of influences that affect any music fan (which we also are, of course). You might even call it an mental checklist, albeit an unconscious one in most cases. That being said, it's nice … Continue reading REVIEW: Carl Allen & Rodney Whitaker – Work To Do
In Search Of A Salty Dog
Just browsing through old pictures again, and I happened across one that includes a really cute little fella. No, not me. I'm referring to the puppy I'm holding, although I have to blushingly admit that I did possess a little touch of cuteness myself (long since lost). A lot of dogs and a slew of … Continue reading In Search Of A Salty Dog
The Amazing Dinnings
There have been a lot of musical siblings through the years and some of them immediately come to mind, but it's difficult to imagine a group of brothers and sisters quite like the Dinnings. Over a period of several decades, they covered just about every aspect of music; including songwriting, bandleading, recording, and performing on … Continue reading The Amazing Dinnings
Puttin’ On The Ritz
May has arrived and for a lot of teenagers that means just one thing -- prom night is rapidly approaching and plans need to be made. I'm certainly not an authority of how it's done these days, but I know that everything up to and including stretch limos is pretty much the standard now. It … Continue reading Puttin’ On The Ritz
REVIEW: Bill Wimmer – Project Omaha
It's always a kick to discover a musician who has flown a little below the radar, although in all fairness to artists everywhere I should admit that my particular radar unit is not always reliable. In fact, I would have been right at home as part of the crew watching over Pearl Harbor. But putting … Continue reading REVIEW: Bill Wimmer – Project Omaha
Johnny Duncan’s ‘Skiffle’ Inspired The Beatles
If you were to ask current music fans what they know about Johnny Duncan, most would either not recognize the name or would think of the country music star who first rose to prominence in the 1970s. But there was an earlier Johnny Duncan and his story makes for a fascinating tale, one that involves … Continue reading Johnny Duncan’s ‘Skiffle’ Inspired The Beatles
Get Your Kicks On Route 66
One of my favorite nieces (actually they're all favorites) is a talented and entertaining writer whose posts on her own blog often tickle my funny bone. In a recent tale about a road trip she mentioned Route 66, and that's all it took for my memories to rev up to full speed like a super-charged … Continue reading Get Your Kicks On Route 66
A Group Called Smith
The members of newly formed musical groups often choose quirky and unusual names for their aggregations -- usually something that's sort of cool-sounding, but at the same will be remembered by ever-fickle fans. Maybe that's why I find it so fascinating that in at least one case, a group chose a name that was unusual … Continue reading A Group Called Smith
REVIEW: Hilary Kole – Haunted Heart
The first thing that comes to mind when listening to Hilary Kole's solo debut, Haunted Heart, now out on the Justin Time label, is amazement that it's a debut album. Her crystal-clear voice and perfect timing, combined with some solid backing from a group that includes guitarist (and producer) John Pizzarelli, provide a polished and … Continue reading REVIEW: Hilary Kole – Haunted Heart
Geezer Music Club 