A while back I posted something that had as its centerpiece an amazing sand sculpture, one that carried a powerful message -- or at least it seemed so to me. Today I though I'd do the same with a different kind of 'temporary' sculpture, one that is a little more appropriate to the season. As … Continue reading A Different Kind Of Sculpture
Category: Jazz
Les Baxter – Master Of Exotica
Since I've written from time to time about guys like Percy Faith, André Kostelanetz, and a few other specialists in Easy Listening music -- a genre that isn't exactly first on everybody's playlist these days -- it would be understandable if you thought I was at it again. After all, Les Baxter certainly did his … Continue reading Les Baxter – Master Of Exotica
REVIEW: Antoinette Montague – Behind The Smile
If you're like most of us you're starting to get extremely tired of Winter, and if you're located somewhere in the snow belt you might even be suffering from a touch of cabin fever and could use a liberal application of something warm and soothing. How about some mellow vocals from a singer at the … Continue reading REVIEW: Antoinette Montague – Behind The Smile
Not Much Goin’ On
You ever have one of those days when you just feel too lazy to do much of anything? The slows have definitely hit me today, so music that connects to my mood seems to be inevitable. I'm thinking lush instrumental, something that just allows a person to kick back and relax. Perfect conditions for the … Continue reading Not Much Goin’ On
Groundhog Day And Dad’s Polkas
This time of year it's impossible to miss all the news stories about Groundhog Day, speculating about whether Punxsutawney Phil (the resident rodent) will see his shadow and what comes next. Most also mention the 1993 Bill Murray movie, Groundhog Day, but when I see anything that spotlights one of the most memorable songs on … Continue reading Groundhog Day And Dad’s Polkas
Doin’ The Yam With Fred Astaire
'Can't Sing, Can't Act. Balding. Can Dance a Little.' You might recognize that as the oft-quoted evaluation from an early talent scout, giving his opinion about the then-young performer Fred Astaire. The punch line, of course, is that he became one of the biggest stars of all time; and while his career was certainly anchored … Continue reading Doin’ The Yam With Fred Astaire
REVIEW: Nilson Matta & Brazilian Voyage – Copacabana
Let's get this out of the way first: sorry, Barry Manilow fans, but the title song of this album is not the one made famous by your idol. It is instead one of the best of the original compositions provided for the album by its featured star, Brazilian bassist Nilson Matta, who named it for … Continue reading REVIEW: Nilson Matta & Brazilian Voyage – Copacabana
REVIEW: Tierra Negra & Muriel Anderson – New World Flamenco
Flamenco music is one of those instantly recognizable genres, the kind that immediately takes the listener to a familiar place. In this case, it inspires in me a mental image of a beautiful dancer with flashing eyes, clicking castanets, and a rose in her teeth; backed by a dark, brooding guitarist. A new album on … Continue reading REVIEW: Tierra Negra & Muriel Anderson – New World Flamenco
The Kitty Who Became A Songbird – Kitty Kallen
A while back I was listening to a song on an outstanding blog, Days Of Transition, and it got me to thinking -- always a perilous undertaking, but one that I keep attempting in spite of the danger. Anyhow, the song -- "We'll Meet Again," performed by British songbird Vera Lynn -- was so perfectly … Continue reading The Kitty Who Became A Songbird – Kitty Kallen
A Few Words About Friends
Nothing too complicated today. Someone passed this old poem along to me and I couldn't resist sharing it. --------------------------------------- A Friend -- Too Late Around the corner I have a friend In this great city that has no end, Yet days go by and weeks rush on And before I know it, a year is … Continue reading A Few Words About Friends
Geezer Music Club 