Presented for your perusal is the second in a series of reviews (previously: Nat Adderley) based on Concord's Keepnews Collection, a salute to legendary producer Orrin Keepnews. This edition finds us taking a look at a Coleman Hawkins classic, The Hawk Flies High, now reissued with 24-bit digital remastering. Coleman Hawkins was one of the … Continue reading REVIEW: Coleman Hawkins – The Hawk Flies High
Category: Jazz
REVIEW: Nat Adderley – Work Song
Orrin Keepnews is a name that's probably unfamiliar to most jazz fans, but over the years you've almost certainly listened to a lot of the music he generated -- not as a musician, but as a producer. In recognition of his accomplishments, Concord is reissuing many of his classic albums in 24-bit remastered versions, designating … Continue reading REVIEW: Nat Adderley – Work Song
Perry Como And The Singing Sisters
We were watching an old movie musical on TV the other night - Skirts Ahoy with Esther Williams - and among the supporting cast I noticed a singing group with a familiar-sounding name, the DeMarco Sisters. Hmmm (I thought) weren't they the ones who had a big hit with "Teach Me Tonight," and often made … Continue reading Perry Como And The Singing Sisters
REVIEW: Walter “Wolfman” Washington – Doin’ The Funky Thing
Having spent some time in New Orleans over the years, I'm always happy to review a new album from one of the local legends, especially one who mixes blues, jazz and soul into his own special sound. Walter "Wolfman" Washington has kept a low profile in the last decade - partially due to Hurricane Katrina … Continue reading REVIEW: Walter “Wolfman” Washington – Doin’ The Funky Thing
Taxi Drivers Have Feelings Too
When Scorsese's Taxi Driver came out in 1976, it drew a lot of attention for its graphic violence and unforgettable portrayals, including Robert De Niro as disturbed cabbie Travis Bickle and Jodie Foster as an underage hooker. But when I first saw the film I had a couple of additional thoughts. For one thing, I … Continue reading Taxi Drivers Have Feelings Too
REVIEW: Roger Davidson Trio – Bom Dia
During his long career, veteran pianist/composer Roger Davidson has confidently and successfully performed in a variety of genres, including everything from the classics to bebop. He even spent some time leading a chamber music group and also wrote a lot of sacred choral music. Born in Paris, he's also had a long-time fascination with world … Continue reading REVIEW: Roger Davidson Trio – Bom Dia
REVIEW: Robin McKelle – Modern Antique
I was happy to see that a lady I reviewed about this time last year - Robin McKelle - has continued to explore the world of traditional jazz with her newest album, Modern Antique, now out on the Cheap Lullaby Records label. It's a nice follow-up to 2007's Introducing Robin McKelle, and again features the … Continue reading REVIEW: Robin McKelle – Modern Antique
Summertime — And The Junebugs Are Buzzin’
The official start of Summer is very close now and a lot of blogs are focusing on the season. One that I read regularly has published a long list of Summer-related songs, including several different renditions of Gershwin's classic composition, "Summertime." (Although in my opinion they left off one of the best versions, that by … Continue reading Summertime — And The Junebugs Are Buzzin’
REVIEW: David Benoit – Heroes
Even talented and accomplished stars have idols. That's the theme of David Benoit's newest release on the Peak Records label, Heroes; and in addition to paying tribute to those artists, he also continues a pattern of stretching himself musically. Benoit has a string of best-selling albums that have consistently hit the contemporary jazz charts for … Continue reading REVIEW: David Benoit – Heroes
REVIEW: Thom Rotella 4-Tet — Out Of The Blues
Thom Rotella might not be a familiar name to the average jazz fan, but if you have a ear for jazz guitar you've probably enjoyed his music at some time over the past two decades. If so - or even if the multi-talented artist is unfamiliar to you - a new album on the Four-Bar … Continue reading REVIEW: Thom Rotella 4-Tet — Out Of The Blues
Geezer Music Club 