I love irony. I was noodling on the computer today while listening to Duke Ellington's very nice version of "Stormy Weather," and I happened to notice outside my window that the weather was really starting to deteriorate. It didn't surprise me because we've had a lot of storms lately - including a tornado or two … Continue reading Ridin’ Out The Storm With The Duke
Category: Jazz
REVIEW: Felipe Salles – South American Suite
As someone who has always enjoyed Latin jazz, my spirits rise whenever I have the chance to review a new album featuring that type of music. But what makes it even more special is when that album is something a little different, and that's certainly the case with Felipe Salles' new release on the Curare … Continue reading REVIEW: Felipe Salles – South American Suite
Ivory Joe Joins The Revolution
In the early days of rock and roll a lot of different musical sounds were being heard, and they all helped form the mix that would eventually become a pop music revolution. Rockabilly, folk music, and a few other tasty treats were all part of the recipe, but one of the most important ingredients was … Continue reading Ivory Joe Joins The Revolution
Lee Konitz – Playing Fast, Sweet And High
During my college years I was still very new to listening to modern jazz, and like a lot of others at that time, thought that it began and ended with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. I was especially dazzled by the melodic, lyrical play of alto saxophonist Paul Desmond, and even though I eventually came to … Continue reading Lee Konitz – Playing Fast, Sweet And High
REVIEW: Michael Jefry Stevens Quartet – For The Children
A new release on the Cadence Jazz label proves that you can sometimes stumble onto a hidden treasure, even one that's been out of sight for over a decade. For The Children, featuring the Michael Jefry Stevens Quartet, was actually recorded in 1995 but has just now been issued as part of Cadence's Historical Jazz … Continue reading REVIEW: Michael Jefry Stevens Quartet – For The Children
Billy Vaughn – Thriving In The Rock And Roll Era
During the rise of rock and roll in the 1950's, several other kinds of music still had a pretty good hold on much of the listening public, and one of the most popular was what's now described as 'easy listening' music. It's chief practitioners were orchestra leaders such as Percy Faith, Ray Coniff, and Nelson … Continue reading Billy Vaughn – Thriving In The Rock And Roll Era
REVIEW: Gust Spenos Quartet – Swing Theory
It's pretty obvious that saxophonist Gust Spenos developed the idea for his group's debut album, Swing Theory, with his tongue firmly lodged in his cheek. He's proposing a quasi-scientific explanation of swing music, and as part of the fun has likened it to the string theory in physics. He's even linked the two theories on … Continue reading REVIEW: Gust Spenos Quartet – Swing Theory
Kay Starr’s Answer To Rock And Roll
Kay Starr (Katherine Laverne Starks) July 21, 1922 - November 3, 2016 As a teenager in the 1950's, I'm pretty sure that I didn't catch on to the fact that a revolution was occurring in popular music. (Come to think of it, I missed a lot of things in those days -- but that's another … Continue reading Kay Starr’s Answer To Rock And Roll
REVIEW: Scott Hamilton & Friends – Across The Tracks
he appearance of a new album from Scott Hamilton is not exactly big news to jazz fans. After all, the veteran tenor saxman has a long history of recording success, including appearances on over sixty albums for Concord Jazz alone. But his newest, Across The Tracks, does have some notable differences. For one thing, he's … Continue reading REVIEW: Scott Hamilton & Friends – Across The Tracks
Uncle John And The Deep-Freeze
I was listening to some World War II era music recently, and a tune by Harry James and his orchestra triggered some thoughts from childhood. The song was "Waiting For The Train To Come In," and it brought back a memory of my Uncle John coming to visit us and arriving on the train. I've … Continue reading Uncle John And The Deep-Freeze
Geezer Music Club 