A new album on the Skipstone label provides an unusual opportunity to hear something a little different from a jazz ensemble -- a cello lead, played sans bow. Genre-crossing virtuoso Erik Friedlander is the focal point of the unconventional group, which includes bassist Trevor Dunn and drummer Mike Sarin. The title of the album is … Continue reading REVIEW: Friedlander/Sarin/Dunn – Broken Arm Trio
Category: Boomers
Connie Haines – The Savannah Nightingale
A recent passing was overlooked by many and that's a real shame, because she was one of the best of the big-band songbirds -- in fact, she was sometimes known as the Savannah Nightingale. And although one of her regular singing partners - Frank Sinatra - became a legend, Connie Haines was a star in … Continue reading Connie Haines – The Savannah Nightingale
REVIEW: Ava Logan – So Many Stars
I'm not 100% sure, but I think this is the first time I've ever reviewed a new album by a vet. That might surprise you, but when I say vet I'm not talking about a veteran musical artist or a veteran from military service - I've probably encountered a few of those. I'm talking about … Continue reading REVIEW: Ava Logan – So Many Stars
The ART Of Improvisation
I was looking through some old childhood pictures recently and found one that showed me playing ping-pong with my sister. Not a particularly unusual occurrence except for one thing -- we were playing on the dining room table, which had been fitted with one of those clamp-on nets. You remember those, right? I guess they're … Continue reading The ART Of Improvisation
REVIEW: Ralph Lalama Quartet – Energy Fields
Although I enjoy a lot of different types of music, I am at heart a traditionalist. That's one of the reasons why I always look forward to any new album that features experienced and talented jazz pros, doing their thing. When the musicians fulfill that promise, it becomes a very pleasant listening experience. Case in … Continue reading REVIEW: Ralph Lalama Quartet – Energy Fields
Don Cherry — The Other One
For a period of time beginning in the late 1950s, trumpeter Don Cherry was one of the most influential jazz artists around -- but he wasn't the only guy with that name making his mark in the music world. We're here to talk about the other Don Cherry. Pop vocalist Don Cherry came out of … Continue reading Don Cherry — The Other One
REVIEW: Gumbeaux Rouge -Stirrin’ It Up
Most folks know something about gumbo, a dish that's generally accepted as having originated in Louisiana but that has since become common in many other areas. Although it's prepared in many different ways, it's basically a thick soup or stew that contains a lot of ingredients native to an area. Using that as a starting … Continue reading REVIEW: Gumbeaux Rouge -Stirrin’ It Up
A Love Song That Became A Four-Time Hit
If you were anywhere near a radio or jukebox in 1958 and had an ear open for pop music, chances are very good that you would have heard a song about love that became a hit for two different musical acts at the same time, but that wasn't the end. That same song experienced a … Continue reading A Love Song That Became A Four-Time Hit
REVIEW: David Leonhardt Trio – Explorations
It's always nice to find something a little different when reviewing a new album, and a recent release from Big Bang Records (gotta love that name) fills the bill -- but more later about that. Explorations is the latest from the David Leonhardt Trio, a group that - surprise - is led by pianist David … Continue reading REVIEW: David Leonhardt Trio – Explorations
Trombone Travails
I once bought a trombone at a garage sale. That's not the opening line of a limerick. I really did buy an old trombone and I only paid $3 for it. This was in the early Seventies, when $3 was worth a little more than it is now but that was still quite a bargain. … Continue reading Trombone Travails
Geezer Music Club 