Throughout his long career, vibes master Gary Burton has been one of the most respected jazz performers around. But even though he's performed alongside many of the greats (and won six Grammys along the way), one of his best spots has always been as the heart and soul of the groups he's led. Those groups … Continue reading REVIEW: Gary Burton Quartet – Quartet Live
Tag: Instrumental Jazz
The Captain Meets His Match
I've once again been digging through old photos, and I ran across a standard school picture of myself as a sixth-grader. Nothing unusual about that, but I couldn't help but notice the white band across my chest. I immediately recognized it as part of my Safety Patrol belt, which in turn released a flood of … Continue reading The Captain Meets His Match
Master Of Vibrato – Sidney Bechet
Those who have read my stuff before (all three of you) will remember that I was once quite a clarinetist. Or maybe it would be more accurate to say that I played at being a clarinetist, but that was enough to find myself drawn to some of the greats. You know, the guys who could … Continue reading Master Of Vibrato – Sidney Bechet
REVIEW: Hank Jones & Frank Wess – Hank and Frank II
Follow-up albums are sort of like movie sequels. If the original was well-received and successful, the sequel is often disappointing because it's just more of the same and probably not as well done. But occasionally a follow-up comes along that not only includes a lot of what made the original good, but adds new elements … Continue reading REVIEW: Hank Jones & Frank Wess – Hank and Frank II
Memories Of Memorial Day
Memorial Day can hold different meanings for all of us, but most of our thoughts obviously have something to do with memories. The holiday itself was originally called Decoration Day and was intended to honor military casualties, but has gradually become a day to honor all those who have passed on. Although those types of … Continue reading Memories Of Memorial Day
REVIEW: Carl Allen & Rodney Whitaker – Work To Do
Whether we realize it or not, I'm convinced that those of us who review new albums are subject to the same kinds of influences that affect any music fan (which we also are, of course). You might even call it an mental checklist, albeit an unconscious one in most cases. That being said, it's nice … Continue reading REVIEW: Carl Allen & Rodney Whitaker – Work To Do
Puttin’ On The Ritz
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
REVIEW: Bill Wimmer – Project Omaha
It's always a kick to discover a musician who has flown a little below the radar, although in all fairness to artists everywhere I should admit that my particular radar unit is not always reliable. In fact, I would have been right at home as part of the crew watching over Pearl Harbor. But putting … Continue reading REVIEW: Bill Wimmer – Project Omaha
REVIEW: Tango Duo – Pasión por la Vida
Over a long and illustrious career that has included everything from bebop to the classics (not that there aren't some bebop classics, but you know what I mean), respected pianist Roger Davidson has again and again returned to Latin music. That passion is reflected in the title of his newest album on the Soundbrush label, … Continue reading REVIEW: Tango Duo – Pasión por la Vida
Geezer Music Club 