It's a pretty safe bet that this is the only review you'll read today for an album of music inspired by early French Creole settlers in an area of Southern Illinois and Missouri once known as Upper Louisiana. Cadet Rouselle, newly issued on the Swallow Records label, is the latest musical expression from Dennis Stroughmatt, … Continue reading REVIEW: Dennis Stroughmatt – Cadet Rouselle
Category: Seniors
Perry Como And The Singing Sisters
We were watching an old movie musical on TV the other night - Skirts Ahoy with Esther Williams - and among the supporting cast I noticed a singing group with a familiar-sounding name, the DeMarco Sisters. Hmmm (I thought) weren't they the ones who had a big hit with "Teach Me Tonight," and often made … Continue reading Perry Como And The Singing Sisters
REVIEW: Walter “Wolfman” Washington – Doin’ The Funky Thing
Having spent some time in New Orleans over the years, I'm always happy to review a new album from one of the local legends, especially one who mixes blues, jazz and soul into his own special sound. Walter "Wolfman" Washington has kept a low profile in the last decade - partially due to Hurricane Katrina … Continue reading REVIEW: Walter “Wolfman” Washington – Doin’ The Funky Thing
Taxi Drivers Have Feelings Too
When Scorsese's Taxi Driver came out in 1976, it drew a lot of attention for its graphic violence and unforgettable portrayals, including Robert De Niro as disturbed cabbie Travis Bickle and Jodie Foster as an underage hooker. But when I first saw the film I had a couple of additional thoughts. For one thing, I … Continue reading Taxi Drivers Have Feelings Too
REVIEW: Roger Davidson Trio – Bom Dia
During his long career, veteran pianist/composer Roger Davidson has confidently and successfully performed in a variety of genres, including everything from the classics to bebop. He even spent some time leading a chamber music group and also wrote a lot of sacred choral music. Born in Paris, he's also had a long-time fascination with world … Continue reading REVIEW: Roger Davidson Trio – Bom Dia
What’s In A Name? — Joni James
What's in a name? In the 1950's, singer Joni James had a lot of success with one of those names that always seemed easy to confuse with a few others (at least for me). On the other hand, her real name - Giovanna (Joan) Carmella Babbo - might have been a little more distinctive, but … Continue reading What’s In A Name? — Joni James
REVIEW: Robin McKelle – Modern Antique
I was happy to see that a lady I reviewed about this time last year - Robin McKelle - has continued to explore the world of traditional jazz with her newest album, Modern Antique, now out on the Cheap Lullaby Records label. It's a nice follow-up to 2007's Introducing Robin McKelle, and again features the … Continue reading REVIEW: Robin McKelle – Modern Antique
Summertime — And The Junebugs Are Buzzin’
The official start of Summer is very close now and a lot of blogs are focusing on the season. One that I read regularly has published a long list of Summer-related songs, including several different renditions of Gershwin's classic composition, "Summertime." (Although in my opinion they left off one of the best versions, that by … Continue reading Summertime — And The Junebugs Are Buzzin’
REVIEW: David Benoit – Heroes
Even talented and accomplished stars have idols. That's the theme of David Benoit's newest release on the Peak Records label, Heroes; and in addition to paying tribute to those artists, he also continues a pattern of stretching himself musically. Benoit has a string of best-selling albums that have consistently hit the contemporary jazz charts for … Continue reading REVIEW: David Benoit – Heroes
Kentucky’s Other Music — The Hilltoppers
Kentucky has always been home to a rich musical heritage, with an especially strong tradition in bluegrass and other forms of country music, but the state has sometimes provided a fertile birthplace for something a little different. One of those occasions was the creation of the pop music singing group, the Hilltoppers. They began as … Continue reading Kentucky’s Other Music — The Hilltoppers
Geezer Music Club 