I used to work with a guy named Cyril. I didn't realize that at first because he was introduced to me by his nickname, Cy, which I heard as Si, the common shortening of Simon. And even though Cyril is pretty ordinary in the UK, that's not the case in the US. I think he's … Continue reading The Tale Of Two Cyrils
This edition of Anatomy of a Song features a selection that revisits the iconic songwriting team of the Gershwins. It was the last song written by George Gershwin before his death in 1937, and brother Ira then added the lyrics as a tribute to his sibling. Although the song didn't get a lot of attention … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – About Staying Power
It seems like I'm always reading or hearing about dad jokes, dad clothes, or dad bodies, and a few other things as well. As I understand it, the description is used to poke a little fun at what the younger crowd considers corny tastes or behavior by older guys like their dads (or grandpas). Of … Continue reading The Music Of “Dad Movies”
My dad was orphaned as a pre-teen, and I'm not sure what he took away from his early years except one thing. . .his given names. His natural parents gave him the moniker Abraham Lincoln. I don't know if they were history buffs or just admirers of the 16th president, who was and is considered … Continue reading Abraham Lincoln Reversed
The other day my youngest grandson, Jack, was visiting and when he was leaving I said, "Slip out the back, Jack", then broke into laughter. I tried to explain that it reminded me of Paul Simon's big hit song, "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover", but he wasn't too impressed since he had never heard … Continue reading Earworms – Slip Out The Back, Jack
I see that the musical, West Side Story, is coming back to Broadway, where it started over sixty years ago. Of course this isn't exactly an earth-shaking event, since it has been revived several times before, but it got me to reminiscing. No, I didn't see the original stage show. In fact as a clueless … Continue reading West Side Story Redux
Anyone who is a long-time visitor to the GMC might recall that I've generated a number of posts featuring slideshows of unusual sculptures. I've always been fascinated by the imagination and talent it takes to create these (the sculptures, not my posts) and I'm always happy to find some new examples. In the past I've … Continue reading A Sculpture Double-Header
There have been a staggering number of close harmony singing groups formed through the years, but a few of them have some distinctive differences. One of those is the Four Freshmen, a combo that has been around for well over a half-century, during which more than two dozen members have come and gone. Even more … Continue reading Four Freshmen Are Here To Stay
Maybe I'm just like an ostrich burying my head in the sand, but for one day at least I'm going to try to forget about the ugly stuff and reminisce about happier times. This is a sort of strange post, with a little bit of everything. Let's begin with a list of links to previous … Continue reading Retro Independence Day
Early jazz era bandleader Jimmie Lunceford was mentioned in an earlier piece about the Cotton Club but I thought we should dig a little deeper into his story. After all, he was one of the best, even if his star has dimmed a little in the many years since his heyday. Born on a Mississippi … Continue reading Jimmie Lunceford Was The Real Thing
Geezer Music Club 