If you read the title of this piece and assumed it was about guys who laugh while they collect honey from beehives, then I have to inform you that you're mistaken. It is instead about those hardy souls who make a living by doing something that most of us wouldn't want any part of -- … Continue reading Honey-Dippers Need A Sense Of Humor
Category: Jazz
Don’t Forget The OTHER Red Allen
A few days ago I wrote a piece about country music performer Red Allen, and today I thought I'd follow up with the story of another Red Allen, one who was different in just about every way. But the two did share one quality -- both loved to make music. Henry 'Red' Allen was a … Continue reading Don’t Forget The OTHER Red Allen
Covered Bridges At Their Best
Although most people don't enjoy having to dispose of all the falling leaves, Autumn is a difficult season to dislike. Before becoming a chore, those same leaves morph into brilliant splashes of color and combine with crisp, sunny days and chilly nights to create a time of year that's almost magical. In our area of … Continue reading Covered Bridges At Their Best
Grant Green’s Legacy Has Endured
For someone who's been called one of the least-appreciated jazz guitarists of the modern era, Grant Green left behind an amazing amount of material. But he did seem to fly below the radar for much of his career, which was often stalled by drug-related causes. In the years since he died in 1979 (at just … Continue reading Grant Green’s Legacy Has Endured
Travelin’ In Style
In the spirit of previous posts like Guys Will Be Guys and the memorable Olds Convertibles - Then And Now, today's entry in the slideshow sweepstakes features a look at something truly amazing -- or gauche, depending on your point of view. Once again the pictures were sent in by one of our regulars (thanks, … Continue reading Travelin’ In Style
The Fiery Side Of Jeri Southern
Despite a singing voice that was sometimes described as limited, Jeri Southern was able to build a good career in the 1950s by becoming the quintessential torch singer, a gal who could deliver a song with impact and verve. And she was also the voice behind a memorable and 'fiery' movie song that I still … Continue reading The Fiery Side Of Jeri Southern
Eddie Heywood Never Gave Up
Jazz pianist Eddie Heywood, whose long career continued almost up to his death in 1989, is probably most remembered now for originating the much-loved song, "Canadian Sunset." But Heywood's story encompasses so much more, including not only his early experiences in the big band era but also having to overcome bouts of paralysis in his … Continue reading Eddie Heywood Never Gave Up
The Perseverance Of Herbie Mann
I've always had a little bit of a soft spot for the flute. My daughter played one during her school years, and I've also always enjoyed the mix of classics and lighter music that James Galway has performed so well -- his collaborations with Mancini on movie themes and pop tunes are some of my … Continue reading The Perseverance Of Herbie Mann
Weekend Goofiness
Regular visitors to the GMC might have noticed that weekends are often a little goofy in terms of what shows up here. You might find slideshows of strange sculptures or unusual objects, odd little tales from my checkered past, or just pieces built on the thoughts that sometimes drift through my admittedly nebulous mind. It's … Continue reading Weekend Goofiness
Happily Hurricaneless
As a lifelong resident of the Midwestern United States, my exposure to hurricanes is minimal. We have been known to get thunderstorms that can occur in fringe areas after hurricanes run their course, but for the most part we're not directly affected. I do have a Chicago friend who has a second home on the … Continue reading Happily Hurricaneless
Geezer Music Club 