I would guess that most people are familiar with the idea of "chick-flicks" but might not realize that it's not a new concept, even if the actual term wasn't used in the early days of Hollywood. But no matter what it was called, once movie-makers caught on to the fact that ladies had a big … Continue reading A Musical Chick-Flick Is Still A Chick-Flick
Category: Boomers
REVIEW: Marcus Miller – Marcus
More than three decades after first bursting onto the New York music scene, Grammy-winning bassist Marcus Miller is still a vibrant presence in R&B and jazz. At any particular point in time he might be functioning as a producer, composer, arranger, or performer -- and sometimes all at once. That's the case with his newest … Continue reading REVIEW: Marcus Miller – Marcus
Jazzin’ The Classics With Larry Clinton
As a long-time fan of big band music, I've found that even though I pretty much like it all, there are some specific types that have always held special appeal. One of my favorite is the music that results when a band plays modern arrangements of timeless classical pieces, a practice that was known in … Continue reading Jazzin’ The Classics With Larry Clinton
REVIEW: It All Started With Doo Wop
Doo Wop has to be one of the most fascinating music sub-genres ever. During its long and vibrant life it's been reinvented again and again, but has remained ever popular. That last fact helps explain the frequent PBS specials and other TV events, along with boxed sets such as the one we're reviewing here. Time-Life, … Continue reading REVIEW: It All Started With Doo Wop
March Madness — Rock & Roll Style
March madness is again upon us so we're being bombarded by images of basketball in all its various incarnations. It's difficult to avoid and I have to admit that I'm pretty much enjoying it, but strangely enough I sometimes find my thoughts turning to -- rock and roll? I was watching my young grandson playing … Continue reading March Madness — Rock & Roll Style
REVIEW: Jessy J – Tequila Moon
Latin jazz is a popular and easily defined genre, as is contemporary jazz, but you seldom see the two as skillfully combined as they are on a new release from Peak Records (Concord), Tequila Moon. It showcases the talented saxophonist Jessy J, who not only basks in the spotlight as lead instrumentalist, but also adds … Continue reading REVIEW: Jessy J – Tequila Moon
Revisiting Elvis In Hawaii
I've written before about my affinity for some of the early movies of Elvis Presley, and especially Blue Hawaii. Even though it can be viewed through the prism of hindsight as Hollywood phony and politically incorrect to the Nth degree, to a teenager in small-town Midwestern America at that time it was very appealing. I … Continue reading Revisiting Elvis In Hawaii
REVIEW: Joe Bonsall & The Orange Playboys – Cajun Jamboree
Every type of music has its legendary performers, but because not all genres are widely popular, many treasured artists are something less than household names. A new album from Swallow Records might help to remedy that, at least as it relates to Cajun music. Cajun Jamboree, a collection of tunes from Joe Bonsall and the … Continue reading REVIEW: Joe Bonsall & The Orange Playboys – Cajun Jamboree
Swimming To Catalina With The Four Preps
As a more or less typical Midwestern teenager in the 1950's, I was often fascinated by what I saw of sunny California in movies or even on TV (although it wasn't as colorful). It was a place that seemed almost magical, with a vibrant energy that was very appealing, and it was filled with exotically-named … Continue reading Swimming To Catalina With The Four Preps
REVIEW: Eric Sardinas – Eric Sardinas And Big Motor
Fans of slide guitarist Eric Sardinas will be happy to hear that he's limbered up his trusty Dobro for a fourth album, Eric Sardinas And Big Motor, just out on the the Favored Nations label. Last heard on 2003's Black Pearls, Sardinas' newest effort again showcases his signature brand of blues-tinged rock, and helps kick … Continue reading REVIEW: Eric Sardinas – Eric Sardinas And Big Motor
Geezer Music Club 