REVIEW: Harri Stojka Channels Django

It doesn't take a guest appearance by Mr. Obvious to state the simple truth that it's impossible to review an album called A Tribute To Gypsy Swing without mentioning Django Reinhardt, the legendary gypsy jazz guitarist. But this album's artist, Harri Stojka, makes it easier because he embraces the comparison and makes no secret of … Continue reading REVIEW: Harri Stojka Channels Django

REVIEW: Listeners Of All Ages Can Enjoy NEW AGE Music

I'm just guessing, but I'm pretty sure that it's not too smart to start a review by revealing your ignorance about a subject. Nevertheless, I have to confess to a certain lack of knowledge about the wider aspects of the whole New Age movement, including the spiritual foundation. But that being said, this is a … Continue reading REVIEW: Listeners Of All Ages Can Enjoy NEW AGE Music

Was Benny Goodman A Doppelganger?

Here's a test for you. If someone says "clarinet player", what's the first name that comes to mind? I'd bet the farm - if I had a farm - that you'd answer with the name of the guy who was known as the King of Swing. But he was also someone I once considered to … Continue reading Was Benny Goodman A Doppelganger?

Not Just Another Guitar Player

As a geezer - a term I embrace although others use it dismissively - I try to write my opinions about the type of music that I think might interest my...er...co-geezers. But even if you don't consider yourself a geezer you might want to keep an open mind and read on, because you might find … Continue reading Not Just Another Guitar Player

REVIEW: Jerry Walks With His Wazmo

If you watch TV at all, then you've probably caught Conan O'Brien's late night show at least a few times, and if so then you've also seen and heard the house band, The Max Weinberg 7. I have to admit that the show itself has gradually lost its appeal for me and the main reason … Continue reading REVIEW: Jerry Walks With His Wazmo

Reckless Driving And The Sound Of Roger Miller

Here's how it happened. I was driving down the street one day in 1964 and listening to my car radio, which was tuned to a pop station. At that time, I was in a transitional stage, music-wise, and was beginning to appreciate a lot of the popular music of the sixties while still hanging on … Continue reading Reckless Driving And The Sound Of Roger Miller

REVIEW: True Talent On The Piano Shows Through

While growing up, my only real musical training was on the clarinet, but as an adult I decided that I wanted to learn to play the piano -- and it did not go well. I kept hammering at it and was finally able to get to the point where I could play some simple melodies, … Continue reading REVIEW: True Talent On The Piano Shows Through

Significant Beginnings Lead To CCR

Two significant births occurred about thirty-nine years ago, and in a curious way the two events ended up circling around and crossing paths twenty years later -- and affecting my musical tastes. 1967 was the year my son came into the world - which was obviously important to me - but it was also the … Continue reading Significant Beginnings Lead To CCR

REVIEW: Smooth Jazz Is Definitely a Genre

Have you ever taken a look at the music genres available in the tag editor of Windows Media Player? It lists over a hundred, starting with "a capella" and ending with "vocal", and it even includes "noise" -- and yet doesn't seem to recognize the genre that Boney James is best-known for. Go figure. James … Continue reading REVIEW: Smooth Jazz Is Definitely a Genre

Classic Country Music Ages Well

For the benefit of those who tend to dismiss geezer music as just "oldies" or maybe something by Glenn Miller (not that there's anything wrong with Glenn Miller!) I thought I'd veer into the land of Classic Country, which is a genre every bit as distinct as Classic Rock -- although country and rock do … Continue reading Classic Country Music Ages Well