A new release on the Cadence Jazz label proves that you can sometimes stumble onto a hidden treasure, even one that's been out of sight for over a decade. For The Children, featuring the Michael Jefry Stevens Quartet, was actually recorded in 1995 but has just now been issued as part of Cadence's Historical Jazz … Continue reading REVIEW: Michael Jefry Stevens Quartet – For The Children
Category: Boomers
Billy Vaughn – Thriving In The Rock And Roll Era
During the rise of rock and roll in the 1950's, several other kinds of music still had a pretty good hold on much of the listening public, and one of the most popular was what's now described as 'easy listening' music. It's chief practitioners were orchestra leaders such as Percy Faith, Ray Coniff, and Nelson … Continue reading Billy Vaughn – Thriving In The Rock And Roll Era
REVIEW: Gust Spenos Quartet – Swing Theory
It's pretty obvious that saxophonist Gust Spenos developed the idea for his group's debut album, Swing Theory, with his tongue firmly lodged in his cheek. He's proposing a quasi-scientific explanation of swing music, and as part of the fun has likened it to the string theory in physics. He's even linked the two theories on … Continue reading REVIEW: Gust Spenos Quartet – Swing Theory
Kay Starr’s Answer To Rock And Roll
Kay Starr (Katherine Laverne Starks) July 21, 1922 - November 3, 2016 As a teenager in the 1950's, I'm pretty sure that I didn't catch on to the fact that a revolution was occurring in popular music. (Come to think of it, I missed a lot of things in those days -- but that's another … Continue reading Kay Starr’s Answer To Rock And Roll
REVIEW: Scott Hamilton & Friends – Across The Tracks
he appearance of a new album from Scott Hamilton is not exactly big news to jazz fans. After all, the veteran tenor saxman has a long history of recording success, including appearances on over sixty albums for Concord Jazz alone. But his newest, Across The Tracks, does have some notable differences. For one thing, he's … Continue reading REVIEW: Scott Hamilton & Friends – Across The Tracks
The Grass Is Not Always Greener
It has always tickled me to observe how my mind reacts when I hear a piece of music, because it seldom takes a predictable route. At first I might be just enjoying the music while thinking about the performer or possibly the song itself, but then inevitably my thoughts drift into distant territory Here's an … Continue reading The Grass Is Not Always Greener
Uncle John And The Deep-Freeze
I was listening to some World War II era music recently, and a tune by Harry James and his orchestra triggered some thoughts from childhood. The song was "Waiting For The Train To Come In," and it brought back a memory of my Uncle John coming to visit us and arriving on the train. I've … Continue reading Uncle John And The Deep-Freeze
REVIEW: Vince Seneri – The Prince’s Groove
Vince "The Prince" Seneri might be a name that sounds like it should be attached to a movie character played by Nicholas Cage, and Vince even looks a little like him, but knowledgeable fans know that he's a talented organist who has spent the last couple of decades building a solid reputation in the jazz … Continue reading REVIEW: Vince Seneri – The Prince’s Groove
Swayze’s Ghost Revived An Old Song
In 1990, an old song appeared in a couple of memorable movies, in the process introducing itself to a new generation. On the soundtrack of Goodfellas it was performed by Vito and The Salutations, but it made a much bigger impression in another film -- Ghost, starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. That movie appearance … Continue reading Swayze’s Ghost Revived An Old Song
REVIEW: Louie Bellson/Clark Terry – Louie & Clark Expedition 2
If you remember the Tonight Show during the Johnny Carson years, you might also recall that it was well-known as a place to hear good jazz, especially that played by a big band. Johnny was a fan himself, and he always made sure that the show's band was fully supported. That made it a really … Continue reading REVIEW: Louie Bellson/Clark Terry – Louie & Clark Expedition 2
Geezer Music Club 