Another intriguing release from the ObliqSound label (previously reviewed: Sira) is now available, and it's once again a fascinating foray into international jazz. Gilfema, a talented trio that some will remember from their self-titled 2004 debut album, has now produced Gilfema + 2, and once again it's well worth a listen. Members of the threesome … Continue reading REVIEW: Gilfema – Gilfema + 2
Category: Retirement
Easy Does It – The Music Of Percy Faith
I seem to be on a kind of 'easy listening' tear lately, spinning out a article about Frank Chacksfield a while back and a few others before that, so it seems - er - easy enough to continue down that road for a while. And even though Chackfield's name might have been a little unfamiliar … Continue reading Easy Does It – The Music Of Percy Faith
REVIEW: James Moody & Hank Jones Quartet – Our Delight
After reviewing a number of new albums that feature unusual instruments and/or odd combinations thereof, I think I was more than ready for something ordinary. But let me quickly state that I mean ordinary only in the sense of conventional instrumentation. Our Delight, a new release from the James Moody/Hank jones Quartet on the IPO … Continue reading REVIEW: James Moody & Hank Jones Quartet – Our Delight
Keanu’s Movie Needs To Get The Music Right
I recently spotted a piece about an upcoming new movie - a remake of The Day The Earth Stood Still, starring Keanu Reeves - and naturally enough it got me to thinking about the original. (The movie, not Keanu.) Even though I like many of the newer films and do appreciate their astonishing special effects, … Continue reading Keanu’s Movie Needs To Get The Music Right
REVIEW: Mort Weiss – All Too Soon
It seems as though I'm on a roll when it comes to reviewing new albums by unusual instrumental duos. Recently I spotlighted a twosome who combined a trumpet with an African kora, and a while before that I reviewed an album by a couple of guys playing tuba and harmonica. This time around the instruments … Continue reading REVIEW: Mort Weiss – All Too Soon
Musical Familiarity Breeds Contentment – Not Contempt
It has always seemed a little odd to me how some musicians can sort of slip in the back door of your musical psyche. You might be pretty sure that you've never gone out of your way to listen to anything by them or read anything about them, and yet they've somehow become familiar. You … Continue reading Musical Familiarity Breeds Contentment – Not Contempt
REVIEW: K.J. Denhert – Dal Vivo A Umbria Jazz
A new issue from Motema Music is a little bit of a different animal. Dal Vivo A Umbria Jazz features jazz guitarist/vocalist K.J. Denhert in a collection of live performances from the Italian Umbria jazz festival. It's a follow-up to her successful Lucky 7 album from earlier this year and includes some of the same … Continue reading REVIEW: K.J. Denhert – Dal Vivo A Umbria Jazz
The Story Behind A ‘Super-One-Hit Wonder’
I've always been a little reluctant to use the term 'one-hit wonder' but I've learned that there is often a compelling story behind an artist who carries that sobriquet. I've also learned that the term is applied to a lot of performers with records that do well on the charts, but very few actually reach … Continue reading The Story Behind A ‘Super-One-Hit Wonder’
REVIEW: Swamp Pop Sweethearts
One of the reasons I enjoy reviewing music is that it gives me the opportunity to shine a spotlight on artists - and even entire genres - that might otherwise be overlooked by many listeners. With that in mind, I've often featured reviews of new albums from the deep South, especially those from South Louisiana. … Continue reading REVIEW: Swamp Pop Sweethearts
Zoot And The Evolution Of Cool
The world of music has always provided fertile ground for funny nicknames. One of the best belonged to a favorite of mine, a guy who was one of the many jazz artists who thrived in both the big band era and the later modern jazz years. He was hard-partying and had a quirky sense of … Continue reading Zoot And The Evolution Of Cool
Geezer Music Club 