It seems as though I'm on a roll when it comes to reviewing new albums by unusual instrumental duos. Recently I spotlighted a twosome who combined a trumpet with an African kora, and a while before that I reviewed an album by a couple of guys playing tuba and harmonica. This time around the instruments … Continue reading REVIEW: Mort Weiss – All Too Soon
Category: Boomers
Musical Familiarity Breeds Contentment – Not Contempt
It has always seemed a little odd to me how some musicians can sort of slip in the back door of your musical psyche. You might be pretty sure that you've never gone out of your way to listen to anything by them or read anything about them, and yet they've somehow become familiar. You … Continue reading Musical Familiarity Breeds Contentment – Not Contempt
REVIEW: K.J. Denhert – Dal Vivo A Umbria Jazz
A new issue from Motema Music is a little bit of a different animal. Dal Vivo A Umbria Jazz features jazz guitarist/vocalist K.J. Denhert in a collection of live performances from the Italian Umbria jazz festival. It's a follow-up to her successful Lucky 7 album from earlier this year and includes some of the same … Continue reading REVIEW: K.J. Denhert – Dal Vivo A Umbria Jazz
The Story Behind A ‘Super-One-Hit Wonder’
I've always been a little reluctant to use the term 'one-hit wonder' but I've learned that there is often a compelling story behind an artist who carries that sobriquet. I've also learned that the term is applied to a lot of performers with records that do well on the charts, but very few actually reach … Continue reading The Story Behind A ‘Super-One-Hit Wonder’
REVIEW: Swamp Pop Sweethearts
One of the reasons I enjoy reviewing music is that it gives me the opportunity to shine a spotlight on artists - and even entire genres - that might otherwise be overlooked by many listeners. With that in mind, I've often featured reviews of new albums from the deep South, especially those from South Louisiana. … Continue reading REVIEW: Swamp Pop Sweethearts
Zoot And The Evolution Of Cool
The world of music has always provided fertile ground for funny nicknames. One of the best belonged to a favorite of mine, a guy who was one of the many jazz artists who thrived in both the big band era and the later modern jazz years. He was hard-partying and had a quirky sense of … Continue reading Zoot And The Evolution Of Cool
REVIEW: Ablaye Cissoko & Volker Goetze – Sira
Occasionally I review an album that reminds me of a Monty Python classic -- And Now for Something Completely Different. In the past that has included everything from jazz bassoon to a harmonica and tuba duet. The latest example would have to be Sira, a new release on the ObliqSound label. It was recorded in … Continue reading REVIEW: Ablaye Cissoko & Volker Goetze – Sira
Singin’ In The Streets In Philly
Although I can't really say that I've followed the team, the Phillies getting into the World Series would seem to be a good time to reminisce about one of the city's best singing combos, Lee Andrews and the Hearts. It was a group that was capable of doo-wop harmonizing with the best of the era, … Continue reading Singin’ In The Streets In Philly
REVIEW: Stryker/Slagle Band – The Scene
Two of the busiest guys around the jazz world would have to be the pair who head up the Stryker/Slagle Band. Guitarist Dave Stryker and saxophonist Steve Slagle probably meet themselves coming and going, with busy schedules that include solo albums and appearances in other groups, but it's always a special treat when they come … Continue reading REVIEW: Stryker/Slagle Band – The Scene
Music And Memories From The Campaign Trail
Lately a couple of secondary stories from the presidential campaign have kind of combined to jog my rusty memory, causing me to reminisce about my slight involvement in a campaign many years ago. First, there's the attention being paid to the music played at the candidates' appearances -- what used to be called their theme … Continue reading Music And Memories From The Campaign Trail
Geezer Music Club 