Something that has always fascinated me is how often two or more members of the same family find musical fame, even if in varying degrees. I suppose it's not that unusual for offspring, siblings, cousins, and the like to gravitate to the field that has provided success for others in the family, whether it's music, … Continue reading Bob — The Other Crosby
Category: Jazz
REVIEW: Gabriel Espinosa – From Yucatan To Rio
I've been a fan of Latin jazz for a lot of years, and have noticed that Brazilian music seems to be the Big Dog. Which is not to say that there aren't plenty of other pooches in the pack, just that they seem to always be trotting along in the shadow of the alpha dog. … Continue reading REVIEW: Gabriel Espinosa – From Yucatan To Rio
Photoshopping The Old-Fashioned Way
A relatively new word that has entered our lexicon is "photoshopping", and it's pretty commonly used by everybody now to describe the digital manipulation of pictures. The term is derived from the popular image editor Adobe Photoshop, although there are a lot of other programs around too. Of course, manipulating photos has been a reality … Continue reading Photoshopping The Old-Fashioned Way
REVIEW: Karrin Allyson – By Request
Receiving a new album to review from an artist I've reviewed before -- and liked a lot -- is sort of like running into an old friend. I'm happy to see someone I've enjoyed spending time with in the past, and at the same time I'm wondering what they've been up to lately. Karrin Allyson, … Continue reading REVIEW: Karrin Allyson – By Request
Pondering Julie London
How someone is remembered -- as an actress who also sang or a singer who also acted -- is a question that has occurred to me more than once. It's not always easy to answer when considering the many ladies who have dipped a toe in both ponds. And just to muddy that pond water … Continue reading Pondering Julie London
Art Farmer Loved To Flaunt His Flumpet
In spite of his name and his Iowa origins, there's no evidence that jazz great Art Farmer ever plowed the back forty. In fact, his implement of choice for a significant part of his career was not a plow but a flugelhorn; and to be even more precise, a "flumpet" -- a cross between a … Continue reading Art Farmer Loved To Flaunt His Flumpet
REVIEW: Kevin Hays Trio – You’ve Got A Friend
When you consider all the permutations that are possible with jazz combos -- not only with the number of musicians but also the instruments they play -- you might occasionally find yourself craving something simple and basic. One of the purest choices would have to be a trio consisting of piano, bass and drums. Having … Continue reading REVIEW: Kevin Hays Trio – You’ve Got A Friend
REVIEW: Kyle Eastwood – Metropolitain
Let's get the obvious question out of the way first. Yes, Kyle Eastwood is Clint's son. And yes, he's the same kid who showed up with his Dad in 1982's Honkytonk Man, one of several of the elder Eastwood's movies that have connections with music. Clint's love of all things musical is pretty well documented, … Continue reading REVIEW: Kyle Eastwood – Metropolitain
Slim & Slam’s Sly Song
I've always been fascinated by novelty songs, and I especially like those that have hidden meanings, although in some cases they're barely concealed. That type of song is one that the songwriter is aiming at a certain audience -- the kind that will "get it" -- while hiding it from straight listeners. A good example … Continue reading Slim & Slam’s Sly Song
REVIEW: Frank Wess Nonet – Once Is Not Enough
If you're into all things jazz, you might have read the recent announcement about the winners of this year's Jazz Journalists Association awards, and you might even have noticed that the title of Flutist of the Year was given to Frank Wess. It's just the latest of the many honors the talented instrumentalist has received … Continue reading REVIEW: Frank Wess Nonet – Once Is Not Enough
Geezer Music Club 