About this time last year, I reviewed New York Samba Jazz Quintet, a new release on the Zoho label that starred Hendrik Meurkens on vibes and harmonica. In that review I looked into the musical history of the talented artist, exploring not only his background as an instrumentalist but also how his passion for Brazilian … Continue reading REVIEW: Hendrik Meurkens – Sambatropolis
Category: Seniors
Artie Shaw’s Funk Paves Way For Tony Pastor
I've been actively listening to big band music for most of my life, beginning with my teen years (when it competed with early rock and roll for my attention) and continuing to the present. Not surprisingly, I've gained some favorites from among the many tunes I've heard again and again. A few of those are … Continue reading Artie Shaw’s Funk Paves Way For Tony Pastor
Best Wishes To All…
Merry Christmas Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Perry Como Vince Gill Do You Hear What I Hear Perry Como Vince Gill
REVIEW: Bernie Kenerson – Just You & Me
Just in time to fulfill your New Year's resolution to listen to more EWI music comes a new release on the BernUp label from instrumental wizard Bernie Kenerson. Just You & Me, with a planned street date of January 1st, features the talented multi-instrumentalist showcasing his Akai Electronic Wind Instrument 4000 on a mix of … Continue reading REVIEW: Bernie Kenerson – Just You & Me
Johnny Carson And The Music Of The Tonight Show
The late Johnny Carson has been in the news lately, because of something that happened during the last writers' strike in 1988 and how it connects with the current one. It seems that some of the late night hosts are bringing back their shows without writers, and they're reminding everyone that Johnny did something similar … Continue reading Johnny Carson And The Music Of The Tonight Show
Flu Leads To Best Of Big Geez
NOTE: I have the flu. Bad. Not your problem, but I say that as a way of explaining why I'm going to re-post an article from last year's holiday season. (I promise not to make a habit of it.) Let's just call it "Best Of Big Geez". ----------------------------------------------- Once again, a confluence of thoughts and … Continue reading Flu Leads To Best Of Big Geez
In Search Of Christmas Carolers
The holiday season is filled with traditions of all kinds but sometimes they aren't quite what they seem. That thought occurred to me recently when it dawned on me that I've never actually seen any real door-to-door Christmas carolers. (Or at least I don't think I have.*) You know the kind I mean -- you've … Continue reading In Search Of Christmas Carolers
REVIEW: Various Artists – Swamp Gold Country – Vol. 2
Louisiana has always had a huge presence in country music, with a rich history that includes everyone from Faron Young and Floyd Cramer to modern stars such as Tim McGraw. Through the years, performers have starred in every venue from regional dance halls to radio and TV, where the Louisiana Hayride trailed only the Grand … Continue reading REVIEW: Various Artists – Swamp Gold Country – Vol. 2
Commander Cody – Silly Songs and Beyond
About this time last year I wrote the first of a couple of articles about silly songs, spotlighting not only the music but also how modern practitioners such as Weird Al Yankovic have been preceded by generations of musicians. One of those I featured was Phil Harris, whose "Smoke, Smoke, Smoke That Cigarette" was a … Continue reading Commander Cody – Silly Songs and Beyond
REVIEW: The Jimmy Amadie Trio – The Philadelphia Story: The Gospel As We Know It
It goes without saying that it's a tragedy when an artist loses his ability to freely exercise his talent, but it's kind of inspirational to see one who finds ways around his difficulties. Legendary jazz pianist Jimmy Amadie has struggled for years with severe tendonitis but his new album, The Jimmy Amadie Trio - The … Continue reading REVIEW: The Jimmy Amadie Trio – The Philadelphia Story: The Gospel As We Know It