While I was growing up, I often heard adults talking about some of the musicians who were popular at that time, and many of those artists are still pretty well known today. However, there were others who seemed to be huge stars in those days but are now largely forgotten, and sometimes I wonder why. … Continue reading Bobby Helms Was Something Special
Category: Boomers
Retro Rockin’ With The Georgia Satellites
I've never made much of a secret about my feelings concerning musicians who are sometimes called one-hit wonders. I think the very term is unfairly applied to many of them, and even when it's used with some accuracy it still carries an unfortunate stigma that shouldn't exist. Having said that, I have to confess that … Continue reading Retro Rockin’ With The Georgia Satellites
REVIEW: Acadien Cajun Band – All Night Long
Although the 2nd anniversary of Katrina's slam-bang of Southern Louisiana has passed, the area is still very much in the news and in the thoughts of a lot of people -- not only those who still live there, but many others who have spent time in the area and retain fond memories. With that in … Continue reading REVIEW: Acadien Cajun Band – All Night Long
The Musical Side Of Desi Arnaz
I can't imagine anyone who's been around for a while who doesn't remember - or at least know about - the hugely successful 1950's TV show, I Love Lucy. It was a true phenomenon, one of the biggest hits in the history of TV and a show that helped popularize the medium at a time … Continue reading The Musical Side Of Desi Arnaz
REVIEW: 50th Anniversary Collection – Dick Clark’s American Bandstand
If you're in the business of producing boxed sets of CDs, and your intent is to put together the Big Kahuna of oldies collections, one that includes the best from the 1950's through the 1980's, I can't imagine a more potent combination than Dick Clark and Time-Life. Think about it. A company that has corralled … Continue reading REVIEW: 50th Anniversary Collection – Dick Clark’s American Bandstand
Command Performances – A Specialty Of Roger Williams
Command performances by musicians, whether for royalty or presidents, have always fascinated me. Obviously, centuries ago they were performed because of a ruler's actual command for the artist to appear and entertain, but I have a feeling that it didn't take long for the performers to understand and appreciate the prestige and fame that could … Continue reading Command Performances – A Specialty Of Roger Williams
REVIEW: Monk’s Music Trio – Monk On Mondays
One thing you can say about Monk's Music Trio, the group performing on Monk On Mondays, a new album coming out soon from CMB Records -- they don't make a secret of what they're all about. In case you haven't figured it out by now, they're proud to call themselves a Thelonious Monk repertory group. … Continue reading REVIEW: Monk’s Music Trio – Monk On Mondays
Naughty Moments With The Ames Brothers
One of the first words a kid learns while growing up is "naughty". Grownups use it to tell a kid how to act (or how not to act) and they also use it as a way to deflect questions about other people. For example, whispered conversations about relatives or neighbors often cause a kid's ears … Continue reading Naughty Moments With The Ames Brothers
REVIEW: Curtis Stigers – Real Emotional
Although his teen years were spent in rock music and blues, Curtis Stigers seems to have found a home in jazz, judging from the string of albums he's put together during his career. The latest, Real Emotional, newly released on the Concord label, continues a trend that over the last decade and a half has … Continue reading REVIEW: Curtis Stigers – Real Emotional
The Incomparable Erroll Garner
The first time I ever listened to Erroll Garner play, I suddenly had the thought that either the burrito I'd had for lunch was making funny noises in my belly, or there was someone in the room with me. The reason? I was playing a new CD I'd brought home, and mixed in with the … Continue reading The Incomparable Erroll Garner
Geezer Music Club 