Boogie-woogie is a type of music that's a little difficult to pin down and define with precision, mostly because it's like ice cream -- it comes in a lot of different flavors, and they're all downright tasty. But I will at least try to edge into something approaching a definition. I'm not a trained musician … Continue reading From Boogie-Woogie To Early Rock And Roll – Ella Mae Morse
Category: Country
Marty Robbins – A Star In Many Different Genres
It could be said that Gary Cooper introduced me to Marty Robbins. You remember Coop, right? He was the long, lanky, leather-faced movie star who specialized in Westerns and was rumored to possess Hollywood's biggest...gun. In the late 1950's he made one of his many oaters, something called The Hanging Tree, and although I enjoyed … Continue reading Marty Robbins – A Star In Many Different Genres
Roy Clark – Much More Than A Hee-Haw Host
My musical tastes run all the way from A to Z (I love zydeco) but some genres have had to work a little harder than others to get my attention and loyalty. Country music is a good example. I often heard the music of the heartland while I was growing up, so I sometimes count … Continue reading Roy Clark – Much More Than A Hee-Haw Host
Cowboy Copas And Patsy Cline – Connected By Tragedy
I've written before about listening to various Grand Ol' Opry singers on my grandparents' old Philco, but to be totally honest about it my memory of those days is a little fuzzy. I'm pretty sure I remember guys like Hank Williams and Hank Snow, but there are others that I probably became aware of later … Continue reading Cowboy Copas And Patsy Cline – Connected By Tragedy
Origins Of Rock And Roll – Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith
It's unusual for a musician to embrace his hit song to the extent that he even makes it part of his name. After all, it might serve to pave the way for becoming known as a "one-hit wonder", normally something to be avoided. But when Arthur "Guitar Boogie" Smith realized he had a winner on … Continue reading Origins Of Rock And Roll – Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith
Woody Guthrie – The Okie Troubadour Who Became Dylan’s Muse
A while back I caught the John Ford movie, The Grapes Of Wrath, on TV. For those who might not know, it's based on the Steinbeck novel about the trials and tribulations of dust bowl farmers during the Depression. Although the film's message has been debated for years, and even taking into account the upbeat … Continue reading Woody Guthrie – The Okie Troubadour Who Became Dylan’s Muse
REVIEW: Boots Randolph – A Whole New Ballgame
I know what you're thinking, because I had the same thoughts when I received this new album for review. Boots Randolph, the guy whose honkin' sax ruled Nashville for years, is still around? The guy who struck gold with "Yakety Sax" is still tooting his horn? Well, yeah -- and the truth is, he sounds … Continue reading REVIEW: Boots Randolph – A Whole New Ballgame
REVIEW: Chick Corea/Béla Fleck – The Enchantment
Start with a pair of virtuoso musicians, two guys who have twenty Grammys between them but have worked together only sporadically. Add in the freedom to explore and create, and then turn them loose. That's the recipe for this exciting new Concord album, The Enchantment, featuring legendary jazz pianist Chick Corea and Béla Fleck, the … Continue reading REVIEW: Chick Corea/Béla Fleck – The Enchantment
Song Titles That Might Tickle Your Fancy
I guess I've always been a fan of country music, stretching back to the days of listening to it on my grandparents' old Philco, enjoying all the "Hanks" (Williams, Snow, Locklin, Thompson, etc) and their counterparts. But there were long periods in my life where I really didn't think that I was much into it. … Continue reading Song Titles That Might Tickle Your Fancy
Ridin’ The Rails (Part II) – New Orleans
A while back I wrote about my train buff beginnings, describing how my Dad worked mail on the train and how I then traveled by rail as a young boy alone. So I thought it might be enjoyable to reflect on the other bookend in the set -- my most memorable experience riding the rails … Continue reading Ridin’ The Rails (Part II) – New Orleans
Geezer Music Club 