You gotta hand it to Sergio Mendes. The ageless Latin musical star has flourished for more than four decades, and even though he has plenty of ability himself, he's been helped along the way by his unerring ability to choose some interesting musical partners. For his latest album, Encanto, now out on the Concord label, … Continue reading REVIEW: Sergio Mendes – Encanto
Category: Seniors
Amping It Up With Johnny & The Hurricanes
Although they weren't the only ones with the idea, for a few years in the late Fifties and early Sixties Johnny and The Hurricanes enjoyed a lot of success with an unusual recipe for music. They'd take old, traditional songs and amp them up with a modern sound that was very appealing to the era's … Continue reading Amping It Up With Johnny & The Hurricanes
REVIEW: Sonny Rollins – Freedom Suite
Once again we're paying a visit to Concord's tribute to long-time producer Orrin Keepnews, the Keepnews Collection, a series of 24-bit reissues of a number of timeless jazz recordings. (Previously: Wes Montgomery, Coleman Hawkins, Nat Adderley.) In this review, we're covering Freedom Suite, Sonny Rollins' 1958 classic. Unlike most of the legends in the series, … Continue reading REVIEW: Sonny Rollins – Freedom Suite
Bulldog Songs – They Grab On And Won’t Let Go
I've always wondered what it is about certain songs that seem to just grab you and hang on, becoming a favorite from the very first time you hear them. In a way, that type of song reminds me of a stubborn and unpredictable bulldog that clamps his teeth into your pants leg and won't be … Continue reading Bulldog Songs – They Grab On And Won’t Let Go
REVIEW: Wes Montgomery – The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery
Even casual jazz fans are familiar with the name Wes Montgomery, and those who have closely followed the legendary guitarist's career know that 1960's The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery was probably one of his most important albums. It's that landmark effort that's the subject of our third review from Concord's Keepnews Collection, a … Continue reading REVIEW: Wes Montgomery – The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery
A Promising Start Leads To A Senseless End
The music business is filled with tragic stories, but that doesn't lessen the impact of individual tales of opportunities lost and potential unfilled. One of those is the story of Johnny Ace. Johnny Ace (John Marshall Alexander, Jr.) was a Memphis native and a regular on the local music scene from an early age. A … Continue reading A Promising Start Leads To A Senseless End
REVIEW: Coleman Hawkins – The Hawk Flies High
Presented for your perusal is the second in a series of reviews (previously: Nat Adderley) based on Concord's Keepnews Collection, a salute to legendary producer Orrin Keepnews. This edition finds us taking a look at a Coleman Hawkins classic, The Hawk Flies High, now reissued with 24-bit digital remastering. Coleman Hawkins was one of the … Continue reading REVIEW: Coleman Hawkins – The Hawk Flies High
Banned From Radio Play – Nervous Norvus
I've enjoyed silly songs for a long time (and have written about them before) but I'm not alone in my admiration. Fans of veteran radio personality Dr. Demento have long appreciated the unusual music he's brought their way, and he's given credit for helping make a star of Weird Al Yankovic and a few others. … Continue reading Banned From Radio Play – Nervous Norvus
REVIEW: Nat Adderley – Work Song
Orrin Keepnews is a name that's probably unfamiliar to most jazz fans, but over the years you've almost certainly listened to a lot of the music he generated -- not as a musician, but as a producer. In recognition of his accomplishments, Concord is reissuing many of his classic albums in 24-bit remastered versions, designating … Continue reading REVIEW: Nat Adderley – Work Song
The Grinch Makes A Rare Summer Appearance
I'm not sure if there's such a thing as an Independence Day Grinch, but I'm very close to being one. The 4th of July is a holiday that in its simplest form is meant to celebrate the historical aspects of independence, but like most holidays it has evolved into something else. For some, it's all … Continue reading The Grinch Makes A Rare Summer Appearance
Geezer Music Club 