When you look at the current music scene and see the various methods used to promote the performers, it would be easy to think that it's a relatively new phenomenon, but it's not. Historical precedents are varied and numerous. For example, Mozart's father tirelessly promoted his son as a young genius and a musical prodigy … Continue reading Remembering Mr. & Mrs. Swing
Category: Video
Kenny Ball – Keepin’ It Alive
I guess you could consider this a continuation of my recent article about Acker Bilk, or at least a companion piece, because Kenny Ball is certainly a contemporary of Bilk's and was another stalwart of the British trad jazz movement. He's also still actively pursuing his music, as is Bilk. But there are differences, other … Continue reading Kenny Ball – Keepin’ It Alive
Acker Bilk – Trad Jazz Master
I've never been a big fan of dixieland jazz. I remember hearing a lot of it when I was a teenager and a friend of mine seemed inexplicably entranced by a group called the Dukes Of Dixieland. He had several LP records by the Dukes and seemed to play them every time I visited. It … Continue reading Acker Bilk – Trad Jazz Master
Norman Greenbaum — A Spirited Life
Although Norman Greenbaum could probably be described as a classic one-hit wonder, his story is still an interesting one. After all, even though he's best known for his big hit, 1970's "Spirit In The Sky," his first charted song was the oddly-named "The Eggplant That Ate Chicago," and he later spent some time as a … Continue reading Norman Greenbaum — A Spirited Life
Ben Webster – King Of The Tenors?
Although King Of The Tenors was the title given to Ben Webster's classic 1953 album, making that type of pronouncement probably provoked an argument, as it would now. But even though Webster was certainly one of the best of the early jazz saxophonists, the title of the album was probably not his idea anyway. In … Continue reading Ben Webster – King Of The Tenors?
Getting To Know Arthur Greenslade
I've mentioned before that I like to periodically check the freebies that Amazon and other online music sellers offer. Although some of the tracks they give away are a little iffy, you can also find yourself getting acquainted with good music from someone you might not know too well, like Arthur Greenslade. Arthur Greenslade's name … Continue reading Getting To Know Arthur Greenslade
Gene McDaniels And The BBC
There is an old adage that says that all publicity is good publicity. I'm not sure that it's always true in today's nutsy world, but there is one type of notoriety that will always boost interest in a book, a movie, or a song -- being banned. Born in Kansas City, Gene McDaniels grew up … Continue reading Gene McDaniels And The BBC
Remembering The B-List Music Stars
Although you seldom see much about the big band era that flourished before and during World War II, many of the names are still familiar. Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman have names that will ring the proverbial bell with most of us, but what about Chick Webb, Larry Clinton, or Claude Thornhill? As … Continue reading Remembering The B-List Music Stars
Bob — The Other Crosby
Something that has always fascinated me is how often two or more members of the same family find musical fame, even if in varying degrees. I suppose it's not that unusual for offspring, siblings, cousins, and the like to gravitate to the field that has provided success for others in the family, whether it's music, … Continue reading Bob — The Other Crosby
Kate Smith’s Special Song
As most baseball fans know, since the events of September 11, 2001, a lot of games now feature the singing of "God Bless America" at the 7th inning break. I was watching a game on TV the other day, and as the music was performed I began thinking about the origins of the song itself … Continue reading Kate Smith’s Special Song
Geezer Music Club 