Although he's still only in his twenties, jazz keyboardist Aaron Parks has already put together an impressive resume. He has a background that combines formal musical training with playing next to some of the best, and already has several albums to his credit. Invisible Cinema, his newest effort and his first for Blue Note, will … Continue reading REVIEW: Aaron Parks – Invisible Cinema
Category: Seniors
The Music Of The Olympics
No, not THOSE Olympics. It would be a natural assumption for you to make, and an obvious ploy on my part to lead you down that path, but we're not here to discuss the music of the recent Beijing games. Nope, our subject is a very good singing group from the Los Angeles area who … Continue reading The Music Of The Olympics
REVIEW: Tito Puente – Live At The 1977 Monterey Jazz Festival
Another in a series of Concord albums celebrating the Monterey Jazz Festival (previously: Brubeck, Tjader) presents the music of an American-born, but purely Latin music maestro, Tito Puente. It was recorded during his band's triumphant appearance at the 1977 festival, the first of many he would make at the storied venue through the years. At … Continue reading REVIEW: Tito Puente – Live At The 1977 Monterey Jazz Festival
Ray Peterson — Rising Above Adversity
For many years polio (poliomyelitis) was a dreaded specter that hovered over parents with small children, and the very thought of it scared a lot of families beyond reason. I can remember being warned about everything from touching green flies to putting my mouth on public drinking fountains, although I'm not sure how well I … Continue reading Ray Peterson — Rising Above Adversity
REVIEW: Ron Kalina & Jim Self – The Odd Couple
Last year I reviewed an album that featured jazz harmonica (and it was actually my second review of the group's music) and I also reviewed an album that showcased jazz on a bassoon. So I guess it makes perfect sense for me to review a new release starring a couple of guys who offer jazz … Continue reading REVIEW: Ron Kalina & Jim Self – The Odd Couple
Music Appreciation 2.0
One of the most overused expressions of all time is 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks', and speaking as an elder schnauzer myself I can't deny that there is a kibble of truth contained somewhere in there. Still, I have been known to occasionally learn a new thing or two if given a … Continue reading Music Appreciation 2.0
REVIEW: Jamie Davis – Vibe Over Perfection
I've written a couple of reviews recently that spotlight recordings of legendary performances from the Monterey Jazz Festival, but this time around I'm focusing on an artist who will soon be making his very first appearance at the storied show. Vocalist Jamie Davis will be bringing his mellow baritone to Monterey in September, close on … Continue reading REVIEW: Jamie Davis – Vibe Over Perfection
Singing About Sickness In New Orleans
New Orleans has always been home to a rich musical heritage, with a history of influence on almost every kind of music, especially jazz and R&B. Among the performers in the latter genre have been an almost endless parade of locally-grown artists, many of whom went on to major stardom. Names like Fats Domino, Lloyd … Continue reading Singing About Sickness In New Orleans
REVIEW: 50 Years Of Dave Brubeck – Live At The Monterey Jazz Festival (1958-2007)
Another release in Concord's series of albums paying tribute to the Monterey Jazz Festival (previously: Cal Tjader) is one that fits me like a bespoke suit, because it features one of my favorites -- Dave Brubeck. 50 Years Of Dave Brubeck - Live At The Monterey Jazz Festival (1958-2007) is exactly what you'd infer from … Continue reading REVIEW: 50 Years Of Dave Brubeck – Live At The Monterey Jazz Festival (1958-2007)
Gene Pitney – Troubadour To Troubled Teens
Although in his day he was often dismissed as a lightweight teen idol who just churned out song after song about teenage agony and angst, Gene Pitney managed to sustain a long and mostly successful career. Along the way he explored other genres, performing with everyone from George Jones to the Rolling Stones, and eventually … Continue reading Gene Pitney – Troubadour To Troubled Teens
Geezer Music Club 