When I read that Frank Wess had died recently, I remembered that he'd been featured on the GMC in the past so I set about the process I usually follow to mark the passing of a notable musical performer, which is to revive the original post and add some new material. What I discovered was … Continue reading Frank Wess Transitioned Several Eras
Tag: Jazz
Gloria Lynne Was A Fan Favorite
Although she was never a huge star, Gloria Lynne was a very respected singer with a long -- and sometimes rocky -- career, and her recent passing at age 83 was a sad moment for her fans. Probably best remembered for helping make "I Wish You Love" a standard, she sang in a style that … Continue reading Gloria Lynne Was A Fan Favorite
Anatomy Of A Song – Changing With The Times
A perfect example of a song that had to change with the times is Cole Porter's "Anything Goes," which began life as a commentary on scandalous Depression-era happenings. Unfortunately it was specific to the time period so it became meaningless to later generations, creating the need for the lyrics that are more familiar to modern … Continue reading Anatomy Of A Song – Changing With The Times
Diamonds In The Rough – Part II
I thought it might be time for the 2nd edition of our newest special feature, Diamonds In The Rough. You might recall that its purpose is to present a list of interesting older posts that you might have missed, and rescue them from fading sadly into the mists. I hope you'll find them entertaining because … Continue reading Diamonds In The Rough – Part II
The Sad Story Of Susannah McCorkle
Even if you're not familiar with jazz vocalist and writer Susannah McCorkle, the title of this piece has probably already made you suspect a tragic end to her life, and you would be right. The very talented singer suffered from depression for years and finally took her own life in 2001, but she left behind … Continue reading The Sad Story Of Susannah McCorkle
Fantastic Foursome Is Back!
I guess the headline is a little misleading because the Fantastic Foursome hasn't really been gone, but it has been AWOL for almost two months so we're certainly due for another installment. (A little info for new visitors; the Fantastic Foursome is a GMC special feature that offers a chance to hear - and vote … Continue reading Fantastic Foursome Is Back!
The Golden Trumpet Of Eddie Calvert
One thing I've learned from years of putting together pieces about musical performers is that there is usually some degree of popularity that crosses borders. For example, someone who was a big star in the UK was usually well-known in America and elsewhere too, even if not quite to the same level of fame. But … Continue reading The Golden Trumpet Of Eddie Calvert
Marian McPartland Had Rich Career
As you know, if a performer we've featured in a previous GMC article passes on I usually put together a little tribute and also direct visitors to the previous article. (As I did recently for Marvin Rainwater.) But in a reversal of sorts, I started writing about today's featured artist -- Grammy-winning jazz pianist Marian … Continue reading Marian McPartland Had Rich Career
The Many Faces Of Teri Thornton
Teri Thornton, a talented but under-appreciated jazz vocalist who died more than a decade ago, had a career that was varied and unconventional to say the least. Although she's probably most remembered for her successful recording of "Somewhere in the Night," (the theme for the TV show Naked City) she went through a lot of … Continue reading The Many Faces Of Teri Thornton
Sathima Bea Benjamin – A Legendary Voice Stilled
I was sorry to hear of the recent death of Sathima Bea Benjamin, a South African who became a world-renowned jazz vocalist, composer, and activist during her lifetime. She was 76 when she died at her home in Cape Town. The singer was featured in a GMC album review back in 2008, and you can … Continue reading Sathima Bea Benjamin – A Legendary Voice Stilled
Geezer Music Club 