If you've been brave enough (or open-minded enough) to pursue reading this article in spite of your conventional mental image of Lawrence Welk, then I congratulate you. I certainly have little room to criticize those who haven't looked at it, because my memories of him are probably similar to theirs -- that is, I considered … Continue reading When Lawrence Welk Became Cool
Category: Jazz
REVIEW: Nanny Assis – Double Rainbow
I have to say that I'm a little surprised to find myself reviewing an album by a Nanny, but I guess I should hasten to add that in this case it's a name, not a profession. Nanny Assis, a respected Brazilian jazz percussionist and veteran of many concert and recording sessions, has now joined the … Continue reading REVIEW: Nanny Assis – Double Rainbow
Benny Goodman Conquers Carnegie Hall
I've written about Benny Goodman before, at least in passing, and have even featured him prominently in some articles. (Including the one in which I wondered if he was my doppelganger.) However, I thought it was time to write in more detail about an event connected to him that had a profound effect on my … Continue reading Benny Goodman Conquers Carnegie Hall
Musical Memories – Early TV Themes
It is a truism that our memories are often triggered in a variety of ways related to our senses. We see someone or something that reminds us of an experience in our past, or we catch a familiar scent or taste, possibly something as simple as warm cinnamon rolls, that brings back fond memories of … Continue reading Musical Memories – Early TV Themes
Harry James – More Than Just Betty Grable’s Hubby
It's pretty difficult to talk about Harry James without mentioning his famous wife, Betty Grable, and indeed they were a well-known couple for over twenty years, a union that also produced two children. But this is a place for musical discussions, and although Betty did make a number of movies that included lots of singing … Continue reading Harry James – More Than Just Betty Grable’s Hubby
REVIEW: Pablo Aslan – Buenos Aires Tango Standards
The title of Buenos Aires Tango Standards, a new album being released in mid-February on the Zoho label, is a little misleading. According to the album notes, Pablo Aslan and his group certainly seem to be covering a number of tango standards as the title suggests. But his stated purpose is to provide something more … Continue reading REVIEW: Pablo Aslan – Buenos Aires Tango Standards
One More Toast To Anita O’Day – And To Her Mentor
A lot of music lovers mourned the loss of Anita O'Day a while back, and rightfully so. When she died at age 87 it marked the end of a legendary career that reached from her early days as a big band singer (or songbird, a subject I covered in a previous article) through her many … Continue reading One More Toast To Anita O’Day – And To Her Mentor
Los Indios Tabajaras – Mystery From The Amazon
There are certain songs that are so familiar that they seem to have always been around. A good example is a little something called "Maria Elena" -- especially the version performed by Los Índios Tabajaras. I can't remember a time that it didn't sound like an old standard to me. Of course, it goes without … Continue reading Los Indios Tabajaras – Mystery From The Amazon
Tony Bennett – Before He Was A Legend
A while back I posted an article called The Crooner Conundrum, which discussed the state of crooner-hood in general and included a couple of contradictory quotes about Tony Bennett -- “One of the world’s favorite crooners” and “Bennett is a belter, not a crooner”. I guess when it comes to Tony it depends on how … Continue reading Tony Bennett – Before He Was A Legend
REVIEW: Dave Liebman & Bobby Avey – Vienna Dialogues
New on the Zoho label, Vienna Dialogues features well-regarded soprano saxophonist Dave Liebman on a follow-up to his previous Manhattan Dialogues, on which he collaborated with Phil Markowitz. This time around, he chooses young pianist Bobby Avey as a partner, and focuses on 19th century romantic European art music. Included are pieces by Schubert, Handel, … Continue reading REVIEW: Dave Liebman & Bobby Avey – Vienna Dialogues
Geezer Music Club 