Vince "The Prince" Seneri might be a name that sounds like it should be attached to a movie character played by Nicholas Cage, and Vince even looks a little like him, but knowledgeable fans know that he's a talented organist who has spent the last couple of decades building a solid reputation in the jazz … Continue reading REVIEW: Vince Seneri – The Prince’s Groove
Category: Jazz
REVIEW: Louie Bellson/Clark Terry – Louie & Clark Expedition 2
If you remember the Tonight Show during the Johnny Carson years, you might also recall that it was well-known as a place to hear good jazz, especially that played by a big band. Johnny was a fan himself, and he always made sure that the show's band was fully supported. That made it a really … Continue reading REVIEW: Louie Bellson/Clark Terry – Louie & Clark Expedition 2
Xavier Cugat – The Godfather Of Latin Pop Music
I was thumbing the TV remote control the other day and happened to land on an old I Love Lucy rerun, and although I'm not a huge fan of those shows I noticed that Ricky (Desi Arnaz) was talking about someone threatening to replace him and his band with Xavier Cugat's outfit. I would guess … Continue reading Xavier Cugat – The Godfather Of Latin Pop Music
BOOK REVIEW: The Lucky Strike Papers by Andrew Lee Fielding
A little over a year ago, I wrote a piece about the early days of television that I titled Did Rock and Roll Kill Your Hit Parade? I'm not sure I actually provided much of an answer at that time, but that's just one of many questions that are covered in an outstanding new book … Continue reading BOOK REVIEW: The Lucky Strike Papers by Andrew Lee Fielding
Arranging As An Art – Fletcher Henderson
The first time I became aware of jazz legend Fletcher Henderson was - surprisingly enough - in a movie. But it was definitely a very musically-oriented one, 1955's The Benny Goodman Story. And even though Henderson's character appeared in the movie, he had actually died a few years earlier and was played by Sammy Davis … Continue reading Arranging As An Art – Fletcher Henderson
Confessions Of A Multiple-Music Addict
If you're reading this, then you're probably familiar enough with current technology to know that these days most of us load up our hard drives - and our portable players - with digital music, picking and choosing our favorite tunes from various sources. Just like before, we still sometimes buy entire albums just to get … Continue reading Confessions Of A Multiple-Music Addict
REVIEW: Norah Jones & Others – My Blueberry Nights (Soundtrack)
Chanteuse Norah Jones, having pretty much conquered the music world, is now taking on Hollywood by starring in My Blueberry Nights, which is currently in limited release. The producers are making the most of the opportunity -- although the film poster shows all three leading ladies (the others are Rachel Weisz and Natalie Portman), the … Continue reading REVIEW: Norah Jones & Others – My Blueberry Nights (Soundtrack)
REVIEW: Karrin Allyson – Imagina: Songs Of Brasil
Over the last decade or so, there are very few - if any - female jazz vocalists who can match Karrin Allyson's steady climb as a fan favorite. The Grammy-nominated singer has become a regular on the album charts, and has also become an audience favorite in live appearances at a number of locations, including … Continue reading REVIEW: Karrin Allyson – Imagina: Songs Of Brasil
REVIEW: Melody Breyer-Grell — Fascinatin’ Rhythms
When Melody Breyer-Grell generated her debut album, The Right Time, in 2004, her singing might have been something a little different for many listeners. Those who were used to the gimmicked-up sound of today's singers would have found themselves listening to someone who simply sang, ably backed by solid musicians but absent the studio-applied effects … Continue reading REVIEW: Melody Breyer-Grell — Fascinatin’ Rhythms
REVIEW: Richard Boulger – Blues Twilight
I was going to start this review by writing something lame about how it sometimes helps, in terms of pushing a career, if a musician who plays a brass instrument has brass - uh - cojones, but I guess that could be said about any performer. After all, if you're not ready to put yourself … Continue reading REVIEW: Richard Boulger – Blues Twilight
Geezer Music Club 