As I listened to guitarist Doug Munro performing on his newest album, Big Boss Bossa Nova 2.0, on the Chase Music label, the thought came into my mind that sometimes simpler is better. Munro keeps it very basic indeed on the album, performing as part of a trio in a studio setting, where he's joined … Continue reading REVIEW: Doug Munro – Big Boss Bossa Nova 2.0
Category: Seniors
Uncle John And The Deep-Freeze
I was listening to some World War II era music recently, and a tune by Harry James and his orchestra triggered some thoughts from childhood. The song was "Waiting For The Train To Come In," and it brought back a memory of my Uncle John coming to visit us and arriving on the train. I've … Continue reading Uncle John And The Deep-Freeze
REVIEW: Vince Seneri – The Prince’s Groove
Vince "The Prince" Seneri might be a name that sounds like it should be attached to a movie character played by Nicholas Cage, and Vince even looks a little like him, but knowledgeable fans know that he's a talented organist who has spent the last couple of decades building a solid reputation in the jazz … Continue reading REVIEW: Vince Seneri – The Prince’s Groove
Swayze’s Ghost Revived An Old Song
In 1990, an old song appeared in a couple of memorable movies, in the process introducing itself to a new generation. On the soundtrack of Goodfellas it was performed by Vito and The Salutations, but it made a much bigger impression in another film -- Ghost, starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. That movie appearance … Continue reading Swayze’s Ghost Revived An Old Song
REVIEW: Louie Bellson/Clark Terry – Louie & Clark Expedition 2
If you remember the Tonight Show during the Johnny Carson years, you might also recall that it was well-known as a place to hear good jazz, especially that played by a big band. Johnny was a fan himself, and he always made sure that the show's band was fully supported. That made it a really … Continue reading REVIEW: Louie Bellson/Clark Terry – Louie & Clark Expedition 2
Xavier Cugat – The Godfather Of Latin Pop Music
I was thumbing the TV remote control the other day and happened to land on an old I Love Lucy rerun, and although I'm not a huge fan of those shows I noticed that Ricky (Desi Arnaz) was talking about someone threatening to replace him and his band with Xavier Cugat's outfit. I would guess … Continue reading Xavier Cugat – The Godfather Of Latin Pop Music
BOOK REVIEW: The Lucky Strike Papers by Andrew Lee Fielding
A little over a year ago, I wrote a piece about the early days of television that I titled Did Rock and Roll Kill Your Hit Parade? I'm not sure I actually provided much of an answer at that time, but that's just one of many questions that are covered in an outstanding new book … Continue reading BOOK REVIEW: The Lucky Strike Papers by Andrew Lee Fielding
Arranging As An Art – Fletcher Henderson
The first time I became aware of jazz legend Fletcher Henderson was - surprisingly enough - in a movie. But it was definitely a very musically-oriented one, 1955's The Benny Goodman Story. And even though Henderson's character appeared in the movie, he had actually died a few years earlier and was played by Sammy Davis … Continue reading Arranging As An Art – Fletcher Henderson
REVIEW: Various Artists – The Very Best Of Outlaw Country
First, a little history. By the late 1960's, the Nashville establishment had a good thing going. Country music was changing and becoming more and more appealing to mainstream America, and a lot of country artists were becoming major crossover stars. Not everybody catered to that style of the music, but songwriters and performers who wanted … Continue reading REVIEW: Various Artists – The Very Best Of Outlaw Country
The Rivieras: California Beach Music – Hoosier Style
I've written before about how appealing California was to me as a Midwestern teenager in the 1950's, but my fascination with the golden West didn't end with the decade. As a young man in the early 1960's I continued to find myself intrigued by some of the things happening out there, especially those of a … Continue reading The Rivieras: California Beach Music – Hoosier Style
Geezer Music Club 