A new issue from Motema Music is a little bit of a different animal. Dal Vivo A Umbria Jazz features jazz guitarist/vocalist K.J. Denhert in a collection of live performances from the Italian Umbria jazz festival. It's a follow-up to her successful Lucky 7 album from earlier this year and includes some of the same … Continue reading REVIEW: K.J. Denhert – Dal Vivo A Umbria Jazz
Category: Seniors
The Story Behind A ‘Super-One-Hit Wonder’
I've always been a little reluctant to use the term 'one-hit wonder' but I've learned that there is often a compelling story behind an artist who carries that sobriquet. I've also learned that the term is applied to a lot of performers with records that do well on the charts, but very few actually reach … Continue reading The Story Behind A ‘Super-One-Hit Wonder’
REVIEW: Swamp Pop Sweethearts
One of the reasons I enjoy reviewing music is that it gives me the opportunity to shine a spotlight on artists - and even entire genres - that might otherwise be overlooked by many listeners. With that in mind, I've often featured reviews of new albums from the deep South, especially those from South Louisiana. … Continue reading REVIEW: Swamp Pop Sweethearts
Zoot And The Evolution Of Cool
The world of music has always provided fertile ground for funny nicknames. One of the best belonged to a favorite of mine, a guy who was one of the many jazz artists who thrived in both the big band era and the later modern jazz years. He was hard-partying and had a quirky sense of … Continue reading Zoot And The Evolution Of Cool
REVIEW: Ablaye Cissoko & Volker Goetze – Sira
Occasionally I review an album that reminds me of a Monty Python classic -- And Now for Something Completely Different. In the past that has included everything from jazz bassoon to a harmonica and tuba duet. The latest example would have to be Sira, a new release on the ObliqSound label. It was recorded in … Continue reading REVIEW: Ablaye Cissoko & Volker Goetze – Sira
Singin’ In The Streets In Philly
Although I can't really say that I've followed the team, the Phillies getting into the World Series would seem to be a good time to reminisce about one of the city's best singing combos, Lee Andrews and the Hearts. It was a group that was capable of doo-wop harmonizing with the best of the era, … Continue reading Singin’ In The Streets In Philly
REVIEW: Stryker/Slagle Band – The Scene
Two of the busiest guys around the jazz world would have to be the pair who head up the Stryker/Slagle Band. Guitarist Dave Stryker and saxophonist Steve Slagle probably meet themselves coming and going, with busy schedules that include solo albums and appearances in other groups, but it's always a special treat when they come … Continue reading REVIEW: Stryker/Slagle Band – The Scene
Music And Memories From The Campaign Trail
Lately a couple of secondary stories from the presidential campaign have kind of combined to jog my rusty memory, causing me to reminisce about my slight involvement in a campaign many years ago. First, there's the attention being paid to the music played at the candidates' appearances -- what used to be called their theme … Continue reading Music And Memories From The Campaign Trail
REVIEW: Friedlander/Sarin/Dunn – Broken Arm Trio
A new album on the Skipstone label provides an unusual opportunity to hear something a little different from a jazz ensemble -- a cello lead, played sans bow. Genre-crossing virtuoso Erik Friedlander is the focal point of the unconventional group, which includes bassist Trevor Dunn and drummer Mike Sarin. The title of the album is … Continue reading REVIEW: Friedlander/Sarin/Dunn – Broken Arm Trio
Connie Haines – The Savannah Nightingale
A recent passing was overlooked by many and that's a real shame, because she was one of the best of the big-band songbirds -- in fact, she was sometimes known as the Savannah Nightingale. And although one of her regular singing partners - Frank Sinatra - became a legend, Connie Haines was a star in … Continue reading Connie Haines – The Savannah Nightingale
Geezer Music Club 