Reminiscent of Pérez Prado and moonlit Havana nights, Cuban dance music is alive and well -- or at least it is on Romantic Cuba, a new compilation on the Malanga label. The album, which stars the late Cuban trombonist Juan Pablo Torres, is actually two complete albums in one. It combines 1975's Mangle and 1981's … Continue reading REVIEW: Juan Pablo Torres – Romantic Cuba
Category: Jazz
REVIEW: Steve Khan – Borrowed Time
A veteran of over 20 albums stretching back to the 1970's, Steve Khan has built a nice résumé as a respected jazz guitarist, and his latest effort, Borrowed Time, follows up on his successful release from 2006, The Green Field. His newest also continues a collaboration with some of the same talented musicians, including bassist … Continue reading REVIEW: Steve Khan – Borrowed Time
REVIEW: Hot Club Sandwich – Green Room
If it's lunchtime as you're reading this, then a warm grilled cheese or a BLT might sound pretty good right now -- but we're here to discuss Hot Club Sandwich, a Gypsy jazz combo with a brand new album, Green Room, now out on the Modern Hot Records label. It's their fifth, and follows 2005's … Continue reading REVIEW: Hot Club Sandwich – Green Room
Musical Moods From The Godfather
It's pretty much a given that most men are fascinated by the Godfather movies. (Or at least the first two -- it's also a given that Godfather III didn't quite make the grade.) I guess it's like they say - it's a guy thing - but most of us have seen the films countless times … Continue reading Musical Moods From The Godfather
REVIEW: Paul Taylor – Ladies’ Choice
I have a funny feeling that I'm not part of the intended market for this new Peak Records release starring contemporary jazz saxophonist Paul Taylor. After all, the album title, Ladies' Choice, would seem to indicate the target in the musician's sights. But Taylor says that the album is a collection of "melodies from the … Continue reading REVIEW: Paul Taylor – Ladies’ Choice
Clyde McCoy – Leaving The Legendary Feud Behind
I have written some articles with unusual juxtapositions, but I think this is one of the strangest. It's about an early jazz pioneer, a man who is especially remembered for one distinctive song, who also happened to be a member of a family involved in a legendary hillbilly blood-feud. I think most of us have … Continue reading Clyde McCoy – Leaving The Legendary Feud Behind
REVIEW: Robin McKelle – Introducing Robin McKelle
If ever a new album was apt to pique my curiosity, it would be something like Introducing Robin McKelle, just out this month on Cheap Lullaby Records. She's being promoted as a throwback singer similar to the songbirds of the big band era. Having written more than once about those very ladies, when I was … Continue reading REVIEW: Robin McKelle – Introducing Robin McKelle
Just A Lazy Afternoon
Hope everyone is having a nice Memorial Day weekend. It's a holiday that has different meanings and memoriesfor each of us. One of my happier times was the Indy 500 race that I attended for the first time in 1958. I was Mr. Cool personified -- mirrored sunglasses, camera, and a cold Pepsi. What more … Continue reading Just A Lazy Afternoon
REVIEW: Robert MacGregor – Refraction of Light
I don't envy a serious young musician who is trying to put together his debut album. I'd think it would be a scary prospect, but if he has a musical vision and some talented pros to help him realize it, then he can give himself his very best chance to generate something memorable. Tenor saxophonist … Continue reading REVIEW: Robert MacGregor – Refraction of Light
REVIEW: George Gee/Jump Jivin’ Wailers – If Dreams Come True
Last year I reviewed an album by one of the modern swing bands, that of Bob Mintzer, and it helped me to understand that the newer guys can swing just as well as many of those from the early era. (In fact I chose that album as my album of the year.) That newly-gained insight … Continue reading REVIEW: George Gee/Jump Jivin’ Wailers – If Dreams Come True
Geezer Music Club 