Bop -- or bebop, to use its full name -- has never been my favorite kind of jazz, but I do enjoy it more now than I once did. I came to big band music long after its heyday anyway, so my acceptance of bop was delayed but it did eventually occur. Part of the … Continue reading Bop For The People – Charlie Ventura
Tag: Jazz
A Different Kind Of Sculpture
A while back I posted something that had as its centerpiece an amazing sand sculpture, one that carried a powerful message -- or at least it seemed so to me. Today I though I'd do the same with a different kind of 'temporary' sculpture, one that is a little more appropriate to the season. As … Continue reading A Different Kind Of Sculpture
A Few Words About Friends
Nothing too complicated today. Someone passed this old poem along to me and I couldn't resist sharing it. --------------------------------------- A Friend -- Too Late Around the corner I have a friend In this great city that has no end, Yet days go by and weeks rush on And before I know it, a year is … Continue reading A Few Words About Friends
REVIEW: The Reese Project – Eastern Standard Time
A new album from veteran jazz flautist Tom Reese's quartet, The Reese Project, continues down the same road traveled in the group's previous effort, 2008's This Just In. Which is to say that Eastern Standard Time, now out on the In The Groove label, is another nice collection of traditional jazz standards interspersed with some … Continue reading REVIEW: The Reese Project – Eastern Standard Time
Are The Resolution Blues Headed Your Way?
I have to be honest about it. I've never been particularly inclined toward making New Year's resolutions. That's not to say I haven't tried from time to time, but not so much lately. And it's certainly not because I lack faults to correct. I have a whole lot more than my share -- just ask … Continue reading Are The Resolution Blues Headed Your Way?
Maxine Sullivan – Swingin’ To Loch Lomond
A while back I wrote about bandleader Claude Thornhill, who is unfortunately less remembered than many of his contemporaries from that era, but was nevertheless a very important part of jazz history. He was an outstanding instrumentalist, composer, and arranger, but in addition to all that he was a shrewd judge of musical talent -- … Continue reading Maxine Sullivan – Swingin’ To Loch Lomond
REVIEW: Pablo Menendez & Mezcla – I’ll See You In Cuba
As someone who has reviewed his share of Cuban music, I have to confess that I jumped to a premature conclusion when I received my review copy of the latest album from Pablo (Paul) Menéndez. I pretty much expected I'll See You In Cuba, coming out in early January on the Zoho label, to be … Continue reading REVIEW: Pablo Menendez & Mezcla – I’ll See You In Cuba
Chattanooga Has Inspired Classic Songs
I've always been a train buff, and since I'm also a fan of big-band music it stands to reason that one of my favorite songs of all time would be Glenn Miller's "Chattanooga Choo-Choo." I especially like the long version, which includes a 'jive' reprise. That performance, which features an 18 year-old Dorothy Dandridge and … Continue reading Chattanooga Has Inspired Classic Songs
Laura Lives On – Musically
Sometimes movies -- even classics -- end up being less remembered than the music contained within. A good example is the 1944 film, Laura, which is considered one of the best cinematic mysteries ever made and still has many fans, but probably isn't remembered as much as its timeless theme song. When producer/director Otto Preminger … Continue reading Laura Lives On – Musically
REVIEW: Kelley Suttenfield – Where Is Love?
I would think that an artist would encounter a lot of obstacles in generating a debut album. First of all, they're almost certainly not well-known, so even getting the album made is an accomplishment. But even beyond that, they still have to get the album exposed to music fans, who will hopefully find that the … Continue reading REVIEW: Kelley Suttenfield – Where Is Love?
Geezer Music Club 