If you remember the Tonight Show during the Johnny Carson years, you might also recall that it was well-known as a place to hear good jazz, especially that played by a big band. Johnny was a fan himself, and he always made sure that the show's band was fully supported. That made it a really … Continue reading REVIEW: Louie Bellson/Clark Terry – Louie & Clark Expedition 2
Category: Review
BOOK REVIEW: The Lucky Strike Papers by Andrew Lee Fielding
A little over a year ago, I wrote a piece about the early days of television that I titled Did Rock and Roll Kill Your Hit Parade? I'm not sure I actually provided much of an answer at that time, but that's just one of many questions that are covered in an outstanding new book … Continue reading BOOK REVIEW: The Lucky Strike Papers by Andrew Lee Fielding
REVIEW: Various Artists – The Very Best Of Outlaw Country
First, a little history. By the late 1960's, the Nashville establishment had a good thing going. Country music was changing and becoming more and more appealing to mainstream America, and a lot of country artists were becoming major crossover stars. Not everybody catered to that style of the music, but songwriters and performers who wanted … Continue reading REVIEW: Various Artists – The Very Best Of Outlaw Country
REVIEW: Kevin Naquin & The Ossun Playboys – Call It What You Want
I was just thinking. I might be one of the leading reviewers of Cajun music on the internet. Not because I'm - you know - any good at it, but just because there aren't that many people covering the genre, and that's a shame. It's a type of music that might appeal to a lot … Continue reading REVIEW: Kevin Naquin & The Ossun Playboys – Call It What You Want
REVIEW: Norah Jones & Others – My Blueberry Nights (Soundtrack)
Chanteuse Norah Jones, having pretty much conquered the music world, is now taking on Hollywood by starring in My Blueberry Nights, which is currently in limited release. The producers are making the most of the opportunity -- although the film poster shows all three leading ladies (the others are Rachel Weisz and Natalie Portman), the … Continue reading REVIEW: Norah Jones & Others – My Blueberry Nights (Soundtrack)
REVIEW: Karrin Allyson – Imagina: Songs Of Brasil
Over the last decade or so, there are very few - if any - female jazz vocalists who can match Karrin Allyson's steady climb as a fan favorite. The Grammy-nominated singer has become a regular on the album charts, and has also become an audience favorite in live appearances at a number of locations, including … Continue reading REVIEW: Karrin Allyson – Imagina: Songs Of Brasil
REVIEW: Melody Breyer-Grell — Fascinatin’ Rhythms
When Melody Breyer-Grell generated her debut album, The Right Time, in 2004, her singing might have been something a little different for many listeners. Those who were used to the gimmicked-up sound of today's singers would have found themselves listening to someone who simply sang, ably backed by solid musicians but absent the studio-applied effects … Continue reading REVIEW: Melody Breyer-Grell — Fascinatin’ Rhythms
REVIEW: Richard Boulger – Blues Twilight
I was going to start this review by writing something lame about how it sometimes helps, in terms of pushing a career, if a musician who plays a brass instrument has brass - uh - cojones, but I guess that could be said about any performer. After all, if you're not ready to put yourself … Continue reading REVIEW: Richard Boulger – Blues Twilight
REVIEW: Jimmy Bruno – Maplewood Avenue
Tired of overproduced and gimmicked-up music? Do you find yourself wanting to get back to the basics? Maybe listen to some jazz generated by talented pros getting together in a simple setting and doing their thing -- and doing it well? Do I have an album for you. Maplewood Avenue, on the Affiliated Artists label, … Continue reading REVIEW: Jimmy Bruno – Maplewood Avenue
REVIEW: Cynthia Sayer – Attractions
There are not many renowned jazz banjoists around - Béla Fleck is probably the best known - but there's little doubt that Cynthia Sayer's fame is growing. The talented instrumentalist has been a prolific recording artist too, as evidenced by the recent release of her eighth album, Attractions, now out on the Plunk label. Sayer … Continue reading REVIEW: Cynthia Sayer – Attractions
Geezer Music Club 