I have written some articles with unusual juxtapositions, but I think this is one of the strangest. It's about an early jazz pioneer, a man who is especially remembered for one distinctive song, who also happened to be a member of a family involved in a legendary hillbilly blood-feud. I think most of us have … Continue reading Clyde McCoy – Leaving The Legendary Feud Behind
Category: Seniors
Johnnie Ray – The Prince Of Wails
In the late 1940's and early 1950's there was a type of singer who bridged the gap between swing era crooners and the pop vocalists who would come along later. They were guys who'd probably come up through the club route rather than as big band vocalists, and often had a sound that was a … Continue reading Johnnie Ray – The Prince Of Wails
Origins Of Rock – Michael Jackson Echoes Bobby Day
Sigh. Looks like I did it again. Sometimes I stumble onto a bit of musical info that seems - in retrospect - so obvious that it causes me to wonder how I missed it before. (And it's often accompanied by the suspicion that I'm the only one who isn't aware of it.) I think that's … Continue reading Origins Of Rock – Michael Jackson Echoes Bobby Day
REVIEW: Robin McKelle – Introducing Robin McKelle
If ever a new album was apt to pique my curiosity, it would be something like Introducing Robin McKelle, just out this month on Cheap Lullaby Records. She's being promoted as a throwback singer similar to the songbirds of the big band era. Having written more than once about those very ladies, when I was … Continue reading REVIEW: Robin McKelle – Introducing Robin McKelle
Just A Lazy Afternoon
Hope everyone is having a nice Memorial Day weekend. It's a holiday that has different meanings and memoriesfor each of us. One of my happier times was the Indy 500 race that I attended for the first time in 1958. I was Mr. Cool personified -- mirrored sunglasses, camera, and a cold Pepsi. What more … Continue reading Just A Lazy Afternoon
REVIEW: Robert MacGregor – Refraction of Light
I don't envy a serious young musician who is trying to put together his debut album. I'd think it would be a scary prospect, but if he has a musical vision and some talented pros to help him realize it, then he can give himself his very best chance to generate something memorable. Tenor saxophonist … Continue reading REVIEW: Robert MacGregor – Refraction of Light
Origins Of Rock And Roll – Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith
It's unusual for a musician to embrace his hit song to the extent that he even makes it part of his name. After all, it might serve to pave the way for becoming known as a "one-hit wonder", normally something to be avoided. But when Arthur "Guitar Boogie" Smith realized he had a winner on … Continue reading Origins Of Rock And Roll – Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith
Before Weird Al, Newhart And Sherman Tickled America’s Funny-Bone
Comedy albums have gone through some ups and downs through the years but have been around for a long time, and generally fall into one of two types. They're either straight comedy, such as a recording of a comedian's act, or novelty music -- sometimes satirical but often just plain silly. (A subject I've touched … Continue reading Before Weird Al, Newhart And Sherman Tickled America’s Funny-Bone
REVIEW: George Gee/Jump Jivin’ Wailers – If Dreams Come True
Last year I reviewed an album by one of the modern swing bands, that of Bob Mintzer, and it helped me to understand that the newer guys can swing just as well as many of those from the early era. (In fact I chose that album as my album of the year.) That newly-gained insight … Continue reading REVIEW: George Gee/Jump Jivin’ Wailers – If Dreams Come True
Woody Guthrie – The Okie Troubadour Who Became Dylan’s Muse
A while back I caught the John Ford movie, The Grapes Of Wrath, on TV. For those who might not know, it's based on the Steinbeck novel about the trials and tribulations of dust bowl farmers during the Depression. Although the film's message has been debated for years, and even taking into account the upbeat … Continue reading Woody Guthrie – The Okie Troubadour Who Became Dylan’s Muse
Geezer Music Club 