Flamenco music is one of those instantly recognizable genres, the kind that immediately takes the listener to a familiar place. In this case, it inspires in me a mental image of a beautiful dancer with flashing eyes, clicking castanets, and a rose in her teeth; backed by a dark, brooding guitarist. A new album on … Continue reading REVIEW: Tierra Negra & Muriel Anderson – New World Flamenco
Category: Retirement
Early Phil Spector Project – Curtis Lee
I thought I'd cash a mental check I wrote to myself a while back, when I told the story of early pop star Ray Peterson ("Tell Laura I Love Her"). At that time I mentioned that Ray eventually moved into producing, working with the then-young (and presumably trouble-free) Phil Spector to promote other performers. One … Continue reading Early Phil Spector Project – Curtis Lee
The Kitty Who Became A Songbird – Kitty Kallen
A while back I was listening to a song on an outstanding blog, Days Of Transition, and it got me to thinking -- always a perilous undertaking, but one that I keep attempting in spite of the danger. Anyhow, the song -- "We'll Meet Again," performed by British songbird Vera Lynn -- was so perfectly … Continue reading The Kitty Who Became A Songbird – Kitty Kallen
Rex Allen – Best Of The Singing Cowboys?
Rex Allen the best singing cowboy? It's certainly a startling thought, especially when you figure that most people would vote for Gene Autry or Roy Rogers. But here's the thing -- Autry himself called Allen the best cowboy among them, and Rogers said he was the best singer by far. So if you add up … Continue reading Rex Allen – Best Of The Singing Cowboys?
A Few Words About Friends
Nothing too complicated today. Someone passed this old poem along to me and I couldn't resist sharing it. --------------------------------------- A Friend -- Too Late Around the corner I have a friend In this great city that has no end, Yet days go by and weeks rush on And before I know it, a year is … Continue reading A Few Words About Friends
REVIEW: The Reese Project – Eastern Standard Time
A new album from veteran jazz flautist Tom Reese's quartet, The Reese Project, continues down the same road traveled in the group's previous effort, 2008's This Just In. Which is to say that Eastern Standard Time, now out on the In The Groove label, is another nice collection of traditional jazz standards interspersed with some … Continue reading REVIEW: The Reese Project – Eastern Standard Time
Country Songbird Billie Jo Spears
A country songbird I've always enjoyed listening to is Billie Jo Spears, who has had a long career specializing in a blend of honky-tonk and pure country blues. Although she's probably best known for her 1975 chart-topping hit "Blanket on the Ground," she's had several decades of solid success -- albeit with a few snags … Continue reading Country Songbird Billie Jo Spears
Ouch!
Hurt my thumb... Difficult to use keyboard... Short post today... Bigger and better next time... Enjoy the music... Duke Ellington & Orchestra - "Mooche"
Remembering Dee Clark
One of the realities of the music world is that some stars are less remembered than others, even when their level of talent is head and shoulders over that of many of the bigger names. A good example might be Dee Clark, who was one of the best R&B singers of the Fifties and Sixties … Continue reading Remembering Dee Clark
Are The Resolution Blues Headed Your Way?
I have to be honest about it. I've never been particularly inclined toward making New Year's resolutions. That's not to say I haven't tried from time to time, but not so much lately. And it's certainly not because I lack faults to correct. I have a whole lot more than my share -- just ask … Continue reading Are The Resolution Blues Headed Your Way?
Geezer Music Club 