As a long-time jazz fan, it gets my attention whenever I see Live At Newport in the title of an album, because it evokes memories of Ellington, Brubeck, and other legendary jazz performers who have appeared at the festival through the years. Of course, it also creates expectations -- and that can sometimes be the … Continue reading REVIEW: Christian Scott – Live At Newport
Category: Boomers
The Nature Of Musical Nostalgia
Lately I've been thinking about the nature of musical nostalgia, and it's pretty obvious that even though a whole generation can share fond memories of certain types of music, each of us has specific songs and/or musicians that hit the target. It stands to reason that the same was true for earlier generations, but some … Continue reading The Nature Of Musical Nostalgia
REVIEW: Garry Dial & Terre Roche – US An’Them
An unusual but intriguing new release on the Just Dial Roche label brings to life a feel-good project from the duo of jazz musician Garry Dial and folk singer Terre Roche. For years, they've been fascinated by the national anthems of many countries, and have spent long hours arranging, playing, and singing those tunes. That … Continue reading REVIEW: Garry Dial & Terre Roche – US An’Them
Short And Sweet — Just Like The Song
I'm a little under the weather today, so this will be a short one. I recently caught a rerun on TV of the Tom Hanks movie, That Thing You Do, and if you've ever seen it you know that it features a typical one-hit wonder pop group in the 1960's. One of the clever gimmicks … Continue reading Short And Sweet — Just Like The Song
REVIEW: Sean Noonan’s Brewed By Noon – Boxing Dreams
Boxing Dreams, a new release on the Songlines label from Sean Noonan and his Brewed By Noon group, adds a few more tales to last year's Stories To Tell, which introduced his vision of "wandering folk music" to many new fans. Once again the unique drummer/composer is providing listeners a chance to experience a fascinating … Continue reading REVIEW: Sean Noonan’s Brewed By Noon – Boxing Dreams
Musical Classics Come In All Flavors
Once in a while, I hear a piece of music that immediately reminds me of my dad. In some ways that's a little surprising because it's been well over two decades since he passed on, but he did have very memorable musical tastes. He liked a lot of different kinds, including marches, polkas, and the … Continue reading Musical Classics Come In All Flavors
REVIEW: Gilfema – Gilfema + 2
Another intriguing release from the ObliqSound label (previously reviewed: Sira) is now available, and it's once again a fascinating foray into international jazz. Gilfema, a talented trio that some will remember from their self-titled 2004 debut album, has now produced Gilfema + 2, and once again it's well worth a listen. Members of the threesome … Continue reading REVIEW: Gilfema – Gilfema + 2
Easy Does It – The Music Of Percy Faith
I seem to be on a kind of 'easy listening' tear lately, spinning out a article about Frank Chacksfield a while back and a few others before that, so it seems - er - easy enough to continue down that road for a while. And even though Chackfield's name might have been a little unfamiliar … Continue reading Easy Does It – The Music Of Percy Faith
REVIEW: James Moody & Hank Jones Quartet – Our Delight
After reviewing a number of new albums that feature unusual instruments and/or odd combinations thereof, I think I was more than ready for something ordinary. But let me quickly state that I mean ordinary only in the sense of conventional instrumentation. Our Delight, a new release from the James Moody/Hank jones Quartet on the IPO … Continue reading REVIEW: James Moody & Hank Jones Quartet – Our Delight
Keanu’s Movie Needs To Get The Music Right
I recently spotted a piece about an upcoming new movie - a remake of The Day The Earth Stood Still, starring Keanu Reeves - and naturally enough it got me to thinking about the original. (The movie, not Keanu.) Even though I like many of the newer films and do appreciate their astonishing special effects, … Continue reading Keanu’s Movie Needs To Get The Music Right
Geezer Music Club 