Most of us are familiar with the term 'One-Hit Wonder', especially if we're among those who love to listen to Oldies. In an earlier post, I suggested that artists whose one hit reaches the top of the charts should be called Super-One-Hit Wonders, but what would you call someone who had one big hit and … Continue reading The Danleers: One-Hit-Plus Wonders
Category: Seniors
REVIEW: Roger Kellaway – Live At The Jazz Standard
Virtuoso is a word that's often used to describe a skilled musician, and I'm probably as guilty as anyone of using it a little too casually. However, this is not one of those times. Veteran jazz pianist Roger Kellaway is a virtuoso by anyone's standards, and his newest release, Roger Kellaway - Live At The … Continue reading REVIEW: Roger Kellaway – Live At The Jazz Standard
Remembering Ritchie Valens
It's always been a little interesting to me how a long-gone musician's legacy can develop with the passage of time. Ritchie Valens is mostly remembered now as one of the doomed passengers on Buddy Holly's ill-fated plane trip, and also for his hit song, "La Bamba." But his biggest hit by far was the slow … Continue reading Remembering Ritchie Valens
REVIEW: Various Artists – Boots, Buckles & Spurs
Just in time for holiday giving - even if only to yourself - is a new 3-CD collection that just might make you feel like strapping on your shootin' iron and saddling up your ol' cayuse -- if you have one, that is. These days most of us get our transport from the horses under … Continue reading REVIEW: Various Artists – Boots, Buckles & Spurs
Andre Kostelanetz And The Evolution Of A Genre
André Kostelanetz is given credit by some for inventing Easy Listening music, but I think the whole concept of a genre being 'invented' is a little iffy -- at least as a conscious act. It seems to me that it's more of an evolution, a natural process of musicians stretching themselves to find a wider … Continue reading Andre Kostelanetz And The Evolution Of A Genre
Happy Thanksgiving — Country Style
I was going to write a nostalgic piece about Thanksgivings as a child -- but then I realized that I'd done exactly that last year. (It's still there -- click HERE to read it.) Instead, I think I'll just say HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone and also post this little story that a friend sent. It … Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving — Country Style
REVIEW: Marco Granados – Music Of Venezuela
Brazilian jazz is probably the first type of music that comes to mind when you think of Latin jazz but there are many others, and one of the best is Venezuelan. Doing his part to help expose jazz lovers to the music of his homeland, flute virtuoso Marco Granados is offering up his latest album … Continue reading REVIEW: Marco Granados – Music Of Venezuela
Jim Lowe Found Success Behind That Famous Door
If you were around in 1956, and old enough to pay attention to the music being broadcast on the radio or coming out of jukeboxes, then you will probably remember a song that soared to the top of the charts that year. I'll give you a hint -- it had something to do with a … Continue reading Jim Lowe Found Success Behind That Famous Door
REVIEW: Christian Scott – Live At Newport
As a long-time jazz fan, it gets my attention whenever I see Live At Newport in the title of an album, because it evokes memories of Ellington, Brubeck, and other legendary jazz performers who have appeared at the festival through the years. Of course, it also creates expectations -- and that can sometimes be the … Continue reading REVIEW: Christian Scott – Live At Newport
The Nature Of Musical Nostalgia
Lately I've been thinking about the nature of musical nostalgia, and it's pretty obvious that even though a whole generation can share fond memories of certain types of music, each of us has specific songs and/or musicians that hit the target. It stands to reason that the same was true for earlier generations, but some … Continue reading The Nature Of Musical Nostalgia