Poncho Sanchez is no stranger to Latin jazz fans. He's been voted number one percussionist in both DownBeat and Jazz Times reader’s polls for the past three years, and has been a driving force in the genre for over two decades. But on his new album for Concord Picante, Raise Your Hand, Sanchez - who … Continue reading REVIEW: Poncho Sanchez – Raise Your Hand
Category: Seniors
Ridin’ The Rails (Part II) – New Orleans
A while back I wrote about my train buff beginnings, describing how my Dad worked mail on the train and how I then traveled by rail as a young boy alone. So I thought it might be enjoyable to reflect on the other bookend in the set -- my most memorable experience riding the rails … Continue reading Ridin’ The Rails (Part II) – New Orleans
REVIEW: Joel Frahm – We Used To Dance
Talented, experienced, respected -- all terms that come to mind when describing tenor saxman Joel Frahm, but the one that comes most to my mind is versatile. That quality is prominently displayed on his new album, We Used To Dance, due out soon on the Anzic label. It provides him plenty of opportunities to demonstrate … Continue reading REVIEW: Joel Frahm – We Used To Dance
Bad Boys Of Early Rock – Gene Vincent
Teenagers in mainstream America who followed pop music in the 1950's had a lot of choices, but most could be classified in one of two groups -- the good guys or the bad boys. The former were those singers who were perceived as clean-cut, well-dressed, respectable, and - well - safe. The poster boy was … Continue reading Bad Boys Of Early Rock – Gene Vincent
Outdoor Concerts – From Early Americana To Streisand
For years, Central Park in New York has drawn a lot of attention by hosting huge concerts starring Barbra Streisand and others. But for over a century New Yorkers have enjoyed all kinds of music in the park, and other large cities have similar traditions, with many different varieties available for citizens. Folks in small-town … Continue reading Outdoor Concerts – From Early Americana To Streisand
REVIEW: Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Ray Price – Last Of The Breed
Last of the Breed, recently released on the Lost Highway label and featuring Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Ray Price (and some guest stars, but more later about that) is the kind of album I enjoy -- legends singing legendary songs. But I needed to get past a couple of things before I could review … Continue reading REVIEW: Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Ray Price – Last Of The Breed
Adventures In Highway Travel – From Yellowstone To Route 66
The approach of warm Summer weather means the news is full of predictions about how the increase in auto use will mean higher gas prices, proving once again that self-fulfilling prophecies are easy when you have a bunch of analysts who own oil stock. But I'd rather focus on a time when you could pleasantly … Continue reading Adventures In Highway Travel – From Yellowstone To Route 66
From Bob Wills To Big Ray – Swingin’ Western Style
One of the best things about music is how it constantly changes and evolves, with different types often fusing into something new and different. It's a process that's always fueled by creative musicians, who are either consciously trying to be innovators or maybe just struggling to find a niche they can inhabit and make a … Continue reading From Bob Wills To Big Ray – Swingin’ Western Style
REVIEW: Alvin Queen – I Ain’t Looking At You
Any time you read something promoting a jazz musician, whether it's the album notes or publicity info of other kinds, one of the obligatory components is always a list of other musicians the artist has played with at some time or another. Assuming those names are recognizable, it serves to establish some legitimacy. (If the … Continue reading REVIEW: Alvin Queen – I Ain’t Looking At You
Ridin’ The Rails To Detroit City
If you could somehow look into a geezer's head and identify all the various segments and what they contain, you'd almost certainly find a train-buff section. It might be big, it might be small, but it would be there. Mine is pretty large and well-developed (my train-buff portion - not my brain) and I think … Continue reading Ridin’ The Rails To Detroit City
Geezer Music Club 