The recent death of jazz icon Dave Brubeck was marked by a ton of articles (including one on the GMC) and many of them mentioned that he was part of the West Coast jazz movement. Although I think he transcended any kind of label, I thought I'd dig a little deeper into that style of … Continue reading West Coast Jazz Pioneer Abe Lyman
Category: Seniors
How I Turned Into A Grumpy Snow Hermit
As I write this, we're facing a weather forecast that calls for about a zillion inches of snow, and I find myself dreading it. Thinking about that feeling makes me realize that I've turned into a grumpy snow hermit -- someone who just wants to stay inside and hope it all goes away. But I … Continue reading How I Turned Into A Grumpy Snow Hermit
Merry Christmas To All!
Rosemary Clooney - "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" Mel Torme - "The Christmas Song"
Leo Watson – Something Different In Holiday Music
For some reason, Christmas seems to have really taken the ol' GMC by surprise this year. Usually I post one or two holiday-themed pieces in the days leading up to the big day, but I guess I've just fallen asleep this time around. Maybe I can remedy that by featuring something really different -- scat-singing … Continue reading Leo Watson – Something Different In Holiday Music
Dorothy Shay – The Park Avenue Hillbilly
If you were a dedicated fan of The Waltons, the iconic 1970s TV show that was a huge hit for many years, you might remember that one of the teens - Jason - was musically inclined, and that he sometimes risked his mother's wrath by entertaining in an area roadhouse, the venerable Dew Drop Inn. … Continue reading Dorothy Shay – The Park Avenue Hillbilly
The Quotations Had A Lot Of Imagination
It's always fun to listen to a doo-wop group sing the rhythmic gibberish that was often part of the music. You know the kind I mean -- 'papa ooma mau mau' and the like. One of the best was a Brooklyn-based quartet known as the Quotations, who not only had all the odd sounds down … Continue reading The Quotations Had A Lot Of Imagination
Fantastic Foursome Inspired By Amy Winehouse
I would guess that most folks of my generation think that a big percentage of modern music stars seem to be a big deal today but are forgotten tomorrow, often because of a lack of talent. But there are exceptions, even if it takes a while for a geezer like me to catch on -- … Continue reading Fantastic Foursome Inspired By Amy Winehouse
Onie Wheeler’s Surprising Finale
Revisiting a point I've made before, there were a lot of traditional country music artists who spent at least part of their careers performing what would become known as rockabilly. Guys like Onie Wheeler, who was never a big star but did enjoy a long, solid career before dying in 1984, in a way that … Continue reading Onie Wheeler’s Surprising Finale
That Scandalous Song
One of the many funny scenes in the 1983 film Vacation is when Chevy Chase recklessly drives alongside the blonde in the convertible, almost losing control (in more ways than one), before things calm down and his oblivious wife finally realizes something just happened. He then sings "Love For Sale" to himself, while she glares … Continue reading That Scandalous Song
Another Side Of Buddy Rich
Although he was the main subject of a GMC piece five years ago, jazz legend Bernard 'Buddy' Rich is making another appearance today. But the famously fiery drummer, who died at age 69 in 1987, is not showing up here because of his drumsticks. He's here because I thought I'd expose a secret about him … Continue reading Another Side Of Buddy Rich
Geezer Music Club 