I thought it might be time for the 2nd edition of our newest special feature, Diamonds In The Rough. You might recall that its purpose is to present a list of interesting older posts that you might have missed, and rescue them from fading sadly into the mists. I hope you'll find them entertaining because … Continue reading Diamonds In The Rough – Part II
Category: Jazz
The Sad Story Of Susannah McCorkle
Even if you're not familiar with jazz vocalist and writer Susannah McCorkle, the title of this piece has probably already made you suspect a tragic end to her life, and you would be right. The very talented singer suffered from depression for years and finally took her own life in 2001, but she left behind … Continue reading The Sad Story Of Susannah McCorkle
Fantastic Foursome Is Back!
I guess the headline is a little misleading because the Fantastic Foursome hasn't really been gone, but it has been AWOL for almost two months so we're certainly due for another installment. (A little info for new visitors; the Fantastic Foursome is a GMC special feature that offers a chance to hear - and vote … Continue reading Fantastic Foursome Is Back!
The Golden Trumpet Of Eddie Calvert
One thing I've learned from years of putting together pieces about musical performers is that there is usually some degree of popularity that crosses borders. For example, someone who was a big star in the UK was usually well-known in America and elsewhere too, even if not quite to the same level of fame. But … Continue reading The Golden Trumpet Of Eddie Calvert
Marian McPartland Had Rich Career
As you know, if a performer we've featured in a previous GMC article passes on I usually put together a little tribute and also direct visitors to the previous article. (As I did recently for Marvin Rainwater.) But in a reversal of sorts, I started writing about today's featured artist -- Grammy-winning jazz pianist Marian … Continue reading Marian McPartland Had Rich Career
The Many Faces Of Teri Thornton
Teri Thornton, a talented but under-appreciated jazz vocalist who died more than a decade ago, had a career that was varied and unconventional to say the least. Although she's probably most remembered for her successful recording of "Somewhere in the Night," (the theme for the TV show Naked City) she went through a lot of … Continue reading The Many Faces Of Teri Thornton
Sathima Bea Benjamin – A Legendary Voice Stilled
I was sorry to hear of the recent death of Sathima Bea Benjamin, a South African who became a world-renowned jazz vocalist, composer, and activist during her lifetime. She was 76 when she died at her home in Cape Town. The singer was featured in a GMC album review back in 2008, and you can … Continue reading Sathima Bea Benjamin – A Legendary Voice Stilled
Buster Bailey Blew A Mean Licorice Stick
Regular visitors to the GMC might remember that I've always had a fondness for clarinetists, having been one myself (a bad one) and even claiming a sort of spiritual link to Benny Goodman. We've also featured a lot of masters of the licorice stick, but it's been a while since our last so I thought … Continue reading Buster Bailey Blew A Mean Licorice Stick
A Hidden Treasure – Toots Mondello
As I've said before, the big musical stars have all had plenty of stuff written about them, but what about those who were just as talented -- maybe even more so -- but never got the recognition? Guys like saxophonist Toots Mondello, who was one of the best but remains relatively unknown to most music … Continue reading A Hidden Treasure – Toots Mondello
John Kirby And The Biggest Little Band In The Land
In spite of its name, the big band era always had room for smaller outfits. Sometimes they'd be formed from the members of a bigger band and become part of the show, as was the case with Benny Goodman's trio and quartet. But in other cases a smaller group would do just fine on its … Continue reading John Kirby And The Biggest Little Band In The Land
Geezer Music Club 