May has arrived and for a lot of teenagers that means just one thing -- prom night is rapidly approaching and plans need to be made. I'm certainly not an authority of how it's done these days, but I know that everything up to and including stretch limos is pretty much the standard now. It … Continue reading Puttin’ On The Ritz
Tag: Big Band
Still Waitin’ For That Train
When I wrote about a song called "Night Train" in a recent piece, I connected it to my high school marching band and my transition into a football player. But aside from those memories, it's also a type of song that's very near and dear to me -- a train song. It's pretty common knowledge … Continue reading Still Waitin’ For That Train
Helen Humes And The Cotton Club
I've always been a little fascinated by the story of the Cotton Club, the historic New York night spot that hosted countless musical legends through the years. In fact, I've written about it before, but my subject here is a lady who might -- or might not -- have appeared there. Helen Humes was a … Continue reading Helen Humes And The Cotton Club
Marchin’ To The Train With King Curtis
So I was listening to some music today -- specifically an old R&B instrumental called "Night Train," by King Curtis -- and as I enjoyed his honkin' sax I kept thinking to myself, why does that song sound so familiar? I don't mean just familiar in the sense that I'd heard it before, because practically … Continue reading Marchin’ To The Train With King Curtis
Jan Savitt – The Enigmatic Russian
One of the most fascinating stories of the big band era would have to be that of bandleader Jan Savitt. A Russian immigrant with a few holes in the story of his origin, as a child he was a prodigy on the violin but ended up leading his own very popular swing band -- and … Continue reading Jan Savitt – The Enigmatic Russian
Nagasaki — The Song, Not The City
For the last sixty-plus years, the name Nagasaki has stirred thoughts of a city in Japan with a history that includes being the site of the last wartime use of a nuclear device. But in the pre-war years, jazz fans probably most often thought of it as the title of one of the most popular … Continue reading Nagasaki — The Song, Not The City
In The Footsteps Of Glenn Miller
I guess it's just how things work sometimes, but it's not unusual for talented musicians to sometimes be more remembered for their association with a big name than for their own abilities. A case could be made that Ray McKinley's history with Glenn Miller fits that profile. The two were good friends whose paths often … Continue reading In The Footsteps Of Glenn Miller
The Sound Of Waters
If you've enjoyed listening to any of the numerous lady singers who have performed "Am I Blue" through the years, then you might be interested to find out that it all started with a very special songbird. She introduced it in 1929 in a film called On With The Show, which was not only one … Continue reading The Sound Of Waters
Another Appearance From Mr. O
I'd like to welcome back Mr. Obvious, who is making yet another guest appearance on the GMC. Regular readers might remember that Mr. O sometimes shows up here just for the purpose of helping me make a point, or in some cases beat it to death. Anyhow, this time around I was going through some … Continue reading Another Appearance From Mr. O
REVIEW: Carol Fredette – Everything In Time
Carol Fredette is a perfect example of an undiscovered treasure. Or at least undiscovered by a wide audience, because she's been a fixture on the New York club scene for many years and has built a following of loyal fans, some of whom are her fellow artists. She's been called 'a musician's singer,' and jazz … Continue reading REVIEW: Carol Fredette – Everything In Time
Geezer Music Club 