It doesn't take a guest appearance by Mr. Obvious to state the simple truth that it's impossible to review an album called A Tribute To Gypsy Swing without mentioning Django Reinhardt, the legendary gypsy jazz guitarist. But this album's artist, Harri Stojka, makes it easier because he embraces the comparison and makes no secret of … Continue reading REVIEW: Harri Stojka Channels Django
Category: Jazz
REVIEW: Listeners Of All Ages Can Enjoy NEW AGE Music
I'm just guessing, but I'm pretty sure that it's not too smart to start a review by revealing your ignorance about a subject. Nevertheless, I have to confess to a certain lack of knowledge about the wider aspects of the whole New Age movement, including the spiritual foundation. But that being said, this is a … Continue reading REVIEW: Listeners Of All Ages Can Enjoy NEW AGE Music
Was Benny Goodman A Doppelganger?
Here's a test for you. If someone says "clarinet player", what's the first name that comes to mind? I'd bet the farm - if I had a farm - that you'd answer with the name of the guy who was known as the King of Swing. But he was also someone I once considered to … Continue reading Was Benny Goodman A Doppelganger?
REVIEW: Jerry Walks With His Wazmo
If you watch TV at all, then you've probably caught Conan O'Brien's late night show at least a few times, and if so then you've also seen and heard the house band, The Max Weinberg 7. I have to admit that the show itself has gradually lost its appeal for me and the main reason … Continue reading REVIEW: Jerry Walks With His Wazmo
REVIEW: True Talent On The Piano Shows Through
While growing up, my only real musical training was on the clarinet, but as an adult I decided that I wanted to learn to play the piano -- and it did not go well. I kept hammering at it and was finally able to get to the point where I could play some simple melodies, … Continue reading REVIEW: True Talent On The Piano Shows Through
REVIEW: Smooth Jazz Is Definitely a Genre
Have you ever taken a look at the music genres available in the tag editor of Windows Media Player? It lists over a hundred, starting with "a capella" and ending with "vocal", and it even includes "noise" -- and yet doesn't seem to recognize the genre that Boney James is best-known for. Go figure. James … Continue reading REVIEW: Smooth Jazz Is Definitely a Genre
Swing Music In The Movies — The MTV Of Its Day
I happened to spot an old black and white musical on one of the cable movie channels the other day, and it got me to thinking about how sometimes situations change but the basics don't. Modern movie-goers are accustomed to hearing music in their films, either in the background or featuring a currently hot musician … Continue reading Swing Music In The Movies — The MTV Of Its Day
Paul Desmond On Alto Sax — The ‘Anti-Bird’?
I want to start with the assurance that I'm not criticizing Charlie Parker, or 'Bird' as he's known to his many fans -- including Clint Eastwood, who made a very good movie about him. Nor am I trying to damn him with faint praise when I say that I like most - but not all … Continue reading Paul Desmond On Alto Sax — The ‘Anti-Bird’?
Count Basie And The Aristocracy Of Swing Music
Way back in the early years of my burgeoning infatuation with swing music, I began to notice that there seemed to be a lot of musicians with nicknames that bestowed nobility -- even royalty. Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, King Oliver, Count Basie, and of course the King of Swing, just to mention a few. … Continue reading Count Basie And The Aristocracy Of Swing Music
REVIEW: Virtuoso From Down-Under
Having appointed myself the arbiter of how music relates to geezers, I feel a heavy responsibility to steer my cohorts in the right direction when I spot something I think they'd like (or warn them away, in some cases). Recently I received an advance copy of a new CD titled The Mystery by Australian guitarist … Continue reading REVIEW: Virtuoso From Down-Under
Geezer Music Club 