When I first began to get interested in big band music in the 1950's, the era was actually starting to wind down, with droves of music fans moving to rock and roll and other modern sounds. But I've always been a little bit of a contrarian, and although I wasn't immune to the attractions of … Continue reading Johnny Long Tried To Straddle The Line
Category: Boomers
REVIEW: The David Finck Quartet – Future Day
While listening to Future Day, the David Finck Quartet's debut album newly out on the Soundbrush label, I found myself returning again and again to one thought. It's so doggone good that the only mystery is -- why did the talented bassist wait so long? Over the past three decades, Finck has worked with some … Continue reading REVIEW: The David Finck Quartet – Future Day
Lionel Hampton Got The Job – And Became A Legend
The first time I ever became aware of vibes legend Lionel Hampton was when he appeared as himself in The Benny Goodman Story. He was one of several real musicians appearing in the movie, although he had more screen time than most of the others. The movie portrayed him as the proprietor of a diner … Continue reading Lionel Hampton Got The Job – And Became A Legend
Friends And The Nature Of Friendship
A friend of mine is having a problem with his computer and his furnace at the same time, which is a tough double-header for anyone to handle. I've tried to offer some advice with the computer but don't know if I can do him any good. At least his plumbing is OK so he doesn't … Continue reading Friends And The Nature Of Friendship
REVIEW: Frank Rosolino & Carl Fontana – Trombone Heaven: Vancouver 1978
When reviewing a new album, I usually give some background about the musical history of the artist, but I seldom dig too deeply into other aspects of their life. However, Trombone Heaven - Vancouver 1978, a new release from Uptown Records that showcases a live performance by trombone masters Frank Rosolino and Carl Fontana, has … Continue reading REVIEW: Frank Rosolino & Carl Fontana – Trombone Heaven: Vancouver 1978
Blue-Eyed Soul And Beyond – The Box Tops
Although it might be an oversimplification, the term 'blue-eyed soul' has generally been used as a way to describe white pop singers who perform R&B. You can find examples in almost every decade, even the 1940's, when Frankie Laine was often called the first of the blue-eyed soul singers, and it continued into the 1950's, … Continue reading Blue-Eyed Soul And Beyond – The Box Tops
REVIEW: Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys – Keeping The Tradition Alive!
I've reviewed a lot of Cajun/Zydeco albums in the past, and at some point I usually describe them just as I did in the early part of this sentence -- combining them as Cajun/Zydeco. But it's not just me. The people behind the Grammys recently announced a new category: Best Zydeco or Cajun Music. But … Continue reading REVIEW: Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys – Keeping The Tradition Alive!
Cuttin’ Wax In Post-War Motown
When I was a very small boy on a visit to post-war Detroit, I had an experience that might surprise you -- or at least it will until you hear the details. It happened one day when I found myself "cuttin' wax" - making a record - and this was years before Motown Records was … Continue reading Cuttin’ Wax In Post-War Motown
REVIEW: Chick Corea & Gary Burton – New Crystal Silence
I guess it's not unusual for two top-flight jazz musicians to form a bond that causes them to frequently come together through the years and work as a duet, but you won't find many pairs with the virtuosity - and the longevity - of Chick Corea and Gary Burton. For over thirty-five years, the innovative … Continue reading REVIEW: Chick Corea & Gary Burton – New Crystal Silence
The Many Sides Of Ferlin Husky
If you set out to build yourself a country music star, one of the most important steps might be choosing a suitable name. You might even pick something like Ferlin Husky, which sounds like the perfect moniker for a country music singer. But it turns out that the fledgling singer born with that name chose … Continue reading The Many Sides Of Ferlin Husky
Geezer Music Club 