Those who have read my stuff before (all three of you) will remember that I was once quite a clarinetist. Or maybe it would be more accurate to say that I played at being a clarinetist, but that was enough to find myself drawn to some of the greats. You know, the guys who could … Continue reading Master Of Vibrato – Sidney Bechet
Category: Seniors
After Clear Lake — Bobby Vee
Bobby Vee (Robert Thomas Velline) April 30, 1943 - October 24, 2016 Having written recently about the infamous 1959 Clear Lake plane crash that claimed Buddy Holly and the others, I thought it might be worth mentioning one more of the era's singers who also had a connection with the event. You might even say … Continue reading After Clear Lake — Bobby Vee
Tennessee Ernie And The Caravelles
As a young teenager with eclectic music tastes, one of my favorite records was Tennessee Ernie Ford's tribute to coal miners, "Sixteen Tons." Of course, I wasn't the only one who found a lot to like about that song -- after all, it rocketed to the top of both country and pop charts -- but … Continue reading Tennessee Ernie And The Caravelles
REVIEW: Hank Jones & Frank Wess – Hank and Frank II
Follow-up albums are sort of like movie sequels. If the original was well-received and successful, the sequel is often disappointing because it's just more of the same and probably not as well done. But occasionally a follow-up comes along that not only includes a lot of what made the original good, but adds new elements … Continue reading REVIEW: Hank Jones & Frank Wess – Hank and Frank II
Glenn Campbell And The Bogus Beach Boys
In all fairness to the 1960s group known as the Hondells, it's probably a little misleading to call them "bogus". In fact, they were a bunch of solid musicians who did manage to generate some good sounds that were very reminiscent of the Beach Boys -- but the group wasn't quite what it might have … Continue reading Glenn Campbell And The Bogus Beach Boys
Memories Of Memorial Day
Memorial Day can hold different meanings for all of us, but most of our thoughts obviously have something to do with memories. The holiday itself was originally called Decoration Day and was intended to honor military casualties, but has gradually become a day to honor all those who have passed on. Although those types of … Continue reading Memories Of Memorial Day
All The “Signs” For Success Were There
Although I now enjoy most of the music from the 1960s and 1970s, that wasn't always the case. During those decades I was a conservative young married man with a growing family, and even though I enjoyed most music, I tended to dismiss a lot of the anti-establishment stuff then in vogue. But that's not … Continue reading All The “Signs” For Success Were There
REVIEW: Carl Allen & Rodney Whitaker – Work To Do
Whether we realize it or not, I'm convinced that those of us who review new albums are subject to the same kinds of influences that affect any music fan (which we also are, of course). You might even call it an mental checklist, albeit an unconscious one in most cases. That being said, it's nice … Continue reading REVIEW: Carl Allen & Rodney Whitaker – Work To Do
In Search Of A Salty Dog
Just browsing through old pictures again, and I happened across one that includes a really cute little fella. No, not me. I'm referring to the puppy I'm holding, although I have to blushingly admit that I did possess a little touch of cuteness myself (long since lost). A lot of dogs and a slew of … Continue reading In Search Of A Salty Dog
The Amazing Dinnings
There have been a lot of musical siblings through the years and some of them immediately come to mind, but it's difficult to imagine a group of brothers and sisters quite like the Dinnings. Over a period of several decades, they covered just about every aspect of music; including songwriting, bandleading, recording, and performing on … Continue reading The Amazing Dinnings
Geezer Music Club 