It goes without saying that it's a tragedy when an artist loses his ability to freely exercise his talent, but it's kind of inspirational to see one who finds ways around his difficulties. Legendary jazz pianist Jimmy Amadie has struggled for years with severe tendonitis but his new album, The Jimmy Amadie Trio - The … Continue reading REVIEW: The Jimmy Amadie Trio – The Philadelphia Story: The Gospel As We Know It
Category: Review
REVIEW: Joe Friedman – Cup O’ Joe
I guess it was inevitable. When you consider that I drink countless cups of coffee during the day, and always have a mug going while working on reviews, sooner or later the two processes would align themselves in some way. Cup O' Joe, a new album from jazz guitarist Joe Friedman, fills the bill -- … Continue reading REVIEW: Joe Friedman – Cup O’ Joe
REVIEW: Le Band Passe Partout – Louisiana Cajun Music
For reasons I'll get to later, I thought I'd revisit the world of Cajun music for this review, spotlighting a newly released album on the Swallow label (Flat Town Music). It's actually a reissue of the debut album for Le Band Passe Partout, an authentic group straight from the bayou, and it's simply titled Louisiana … Continue reading REVIEW: Le Band Passe Partout – Louisiana Cajun Music
REVIEW: Merle Haggard – The Bluegrass Sessions
I would guess that legendary musicians - or artists of any kind, for that matter - are sometimes tempted to sit back and rest on their laurels. However, I would also guess that part of what makes them a legend is that they're continuously striving to stretch themselves, and that's certainly Merle Haggard's intent on … Continue reading REVIEW: Merle Haggard – The Bluegrass Sessions
REVIEW: Mr. Groove – Little Things
You might be new to the music of a diverse jazz group called Mr. Groove, but in addition to possessing an interesting name they've been performing at a consistently high level for two decades, often as the band behind stars like Boots Randolph and vocalist Bonnie Bramlett. They're also no strangers to the recording studio, … Continue reading REVIEW: Mr. Groove – Little Things
REVIEW: Mindy Smith – My Holiday
Well, it looks like this particular Grinch finds himself once again reviewing a Christmas album, but that's OK because it's the kind I like. My Holiday, on the Vanguard label, is talented young vocalist Mindy Smith's third album but her first holiday effort, and she's assembled a very nice mix of traditional holiday pieces and … Continue reading REVIEW: Mindy Smith – My Holiday
REVIEW: Stacey Kent – Breakfast On The Morning Tram
It is with a profound sense of relief that this particular Grinch is happy to report that the music review you're reading is NOT about a holiday album. Not that there's anything wrong with holiday music - I'm not that much of a Grinch - but I've reviewed several recently, and it's always nice to … Continue reading REVIEW: Stacey Kent – Breakfast On The Morning Tram
REVIEW: Peter White, Rick Braun, Mindi Abair – Peter White Christmas
Traditional Christmas music is sometimes a little difficult to find these days. There are plenty of holiday albums around because most of the artists have a ready-made customer base made up of their fans, and it makes economic sense to tap into that market. However, those artists sometimes range a little far and wide in … Continue reading REVIEW: Peter White, Rick Braun, Mindi Abair – Peter White Christmas
REVIEW: Wendy Luck – See You In Rio
It would probably be an understatement to say that Wendy Luck is not a name that comes to mind when you think of Brazilian jazz. In fact, you probably wouldn't think first of her when considering flutists or vocalists -- but she's very good at both skills, as she proves on her new album, See … Continue reading REVIEW: Wendy Luck – See You In Rio
REVIEW: Boney James – Christmas Present
This feels a little odd -- writing a review of sax icon Boney James' new album, Christmas Present, on Halloween. But I think we all know that waiting until later in the year to think about Christmas is no longer how things are done. Besides that, I don't think Boney did a Halloween album. (Although … Continue reading REVIEW: Boney James – Christmas Present
Geezer Music Club 