It all started when Mrs. Big Geez commented about a particular song that seemed to have lyrics that were endlessly repetitive. I don't remember what it was, but it did seem to go over and over the same territory way more than necessary. It also got me to thinking about songs that repeat lyrics, and … Continue reading Neal Hefti – Before Batman
Tag: Jazz
A Good Night’s Sleep
Before I became a geezer myself, it always seemed to me that older people incessantly complained about their inability to get a good night's sleep. In fact, I remember a former father-in-law of mine who insisted that he never slept, period. As I approached my golden years I was sort of expecting that I might … Continue reading A Good Night’s Sleep
From Internment Camp To Broadway – Pat Suzuki
Most of us have read about -- or even remember -- the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. It was especially prevalent in the Western United States, and was an accepted practice at the time with lots of historical precedence, but it was later condemned and now seems barbaric to us. The people who … Continue reading From Internment Camp To Broadway – Pat Suzuki
Dakota Staton – Beyond George Shearing
The recent death of George Shearing was noted in a number of articles, and some of the more detailed pieces mentioned various performers who recorded with the legendary jazz pianist. Among them was a singer whose name might not be quite as familiar as Shearing's -- but his 1958 pairing with singer Dakota Staton on … Continue reading Dakota Staton – Beyond George Shearing
Ben Pollack Was The Real Thing
I've written before about a couple of movies that told the Hollywood version of the lives of two stars from the big band era -- The Benny Goodman Story and The Glenn Miller Story (video below) -- but something occurred to me today. Each film included a number of real musicians from the era appearing … Continue reading Ben Pollack Was The Real Thing
Lionel Hampton And Illinois Jacquet Shared Signature Song
Signature songs are a long-time tradition in the world of music. Almost every musician or group that has ever managed to attain a measure of fame can point to one special song that became their best known and most loved by fans. But in at least one instance, a song became the signature for two … Continue reading Lionel Hampton And Illinois Jacquet Shared Signature Song
America’s Singing Master – Fred Waring
Although his name might draw a blank with the younger generation, I think just about everyone else will be at least a little familiar with Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians. Most will recall Waring as the leader of a musical ensemble that included a lot of choral pieces, but the man who was sometimes called … Continue reading America’s Singing Master – Fred Waring
Glenn Miller’s Favorite Singing Group
I have to admit that the title of this piece represents an assumption on my part, but I would guess it's probably accurate. Since the Modernaires played an important role in the band's success during Glenn Miller's biggest years, you'd have to draw that conclusion, even if he might have secretly coveted Tommy Dorsey's Pied … Continue reading Glenn Miller’s Favorite Singing Group
Didgeridoo – Déjà Vu?
In addition to being a very nifty tongue-twister, the title of this piece has to be just about the strangest ever seen here on the ol' GMC. Still, it does make sense -- I think. Let me elaborate. I've always been fascinated by the didgeridoo (occasionally spelled didjeridoo), the strange musical instrument most often associated … Continue reading Didgeridoo – Déjà Vu?
About That Lead In Your Pencil
As we begin the new year, I hope everyone who needs it has lead in their pencil. And you can choose to see that as a euphemism or not -- your choice -- but the subject of the post is real lead pencils. Of course, modern pencils use graphite -- not lead -- but for … Continue reading About That Lead In Your Pencil
Geezer Music Club 