When a performer becomes known by a moniker like Willie 'The Lion' Smith, you might think he'd find it a little long and cumbersome to drag around. But that probably wasn't the case with the legendary jazz pianist, an early star who specialized in the 'stride piano' style*, because when he was born in turn-of-the-century … Continue reading Willie ‘The Lion’ Smith Inspired The Duke
Tag: Jazz
Abbey Lincoln Left An Indelible Mark
Although she performed under a variety of names earlier in her career, jazz singer/songwriter Abbey Lincoln certainly didn't suffer from any kind of identity crisis. Sometimes billed under her real name - Anna Marie Wooldridge - or as Anna Marie, Gaby Lee, and even Gaby Woolridge, she eventually became Abbey Lincoln, and by the time … Continue reading Abbey Lincoln Left An Indelible Mark
The Legacy Of Joe Muranyi
I was sorry to hear of the passing (at age 84) of jazz musician Joe Muranyi, who was for many years one of the best clarinetists around. He is probably most remembered now for being a part of Louis Armstrong's last group in the late 1960s, and for his solid dixieland jazz career in the … Continue reading The Legacy Of Joe Muranyi
Just So You’ll Know
Nothing too complicated today. I just thought I'd explain something that might have piqued your curiosity. You might have noticed that the music samples I post (for a limited time) have been presented in a number of different ways, and there's a reason for that. WordPress does an excellent job of hosting the GMC, but … Continue reading Just So You’ll Know
The Bold And Brassy Sound Of Billy May
A talented trumpeter who at times led a very successful orchestra of his own, Billy May is probably most remembered now as a composer and arranger, one of the best ever. During a decades-long career that began in the swing era, the Grammy-winner worked with a staggering list of stars; among them Glenn Miller, Frank … Continue reading The Bold And Brassy Sound Of Billy May
Look Here If You Need A Smile
A while back I posted a slideshow of funny, unusual sculptures. Today I thought I'd go for funny again, but the subject is goofy signs. Judging from the large number of pictures of them available on the internet, they're pretty popular -- and definitely funny. (Be sure to check the fine print at the bottom … Continue reading Look Here If You Need A Smile
Jimmie Noone Inspired The King Of Swing
Regular visitors to the GMC know that I've always had a soft spot for clarinet legend Benny Goodman. The Chicago native has shown up in several pieces, including the one that is probably my favorite, Was Benny Goodman A Doppelganger?, but I don't think I've ever written about his early influences, and at least one … Continue reading Jimmie Noone Inspired The King Of Swing
Strange But True – And Funny Too!
Regular visitors to the ol' GMC will know that we occasionally feature a slideshow of unusual sculptures, a variety of art that has always interested me. In the past we've shown sculptures created in everything from cheese to sand to ice, but today's subject has a different focus. The objects in the pictures below are … Continue reading Strange But True – And Funny Too!
Shirley Horn’s Late-Life Success Inspired Many
Performers who sing while accompanying themselves on the piano have been a part of music for a long time, and some of them have been very talented at handling both duties. But not many could measure up to the late Shirley Horn, a jazz artist who was so good at focusing on both skills that … Continue reading Shirley Horn’s Late-Life Success Inspired Many
Julia Lee – Queen Of The Dirty Blues
For several decades beginning in the 1930s there was a type of music known as the 'dirty blues', and it was very popular but you wouldn't hear it on the radio. You could find it in live performances or on jukeboxes in certain kinds of places, and you could also buy records -- but you … Continue reading Julia Lee – Queen Of The Dirty Blues
Geezer Music Club 