One of the best of the many "ghost" bands that have operated through the years would have to be that of Count Basie. Although he died over twenty years ago, the Count Basie Orchestra -- or the CBO, as it calls itself (complete with a nifty logo that pictures all the group's members) -- has … Continue reading REVIEW: Count Basie Orchestra – Swinging, Singing, Playing
Tag: Vocal Jazz
Remembering Mr. & Mrs. Swing
When you look at the current music scene and see the various methods used to promote the performers, it would be easy to think that it's a relatively new phenomenon, but it's not. Historical precedents are varied and numerous. For example, Mozart's father tirelessly promoted his son as a young genius and a musical prodigy … Continue reading Remembering Mr. & Mrs. Swing
Just Keep Smilin’
If you're a "glass half-empty" type of person, it's certainly easy enough to find reasons to be that way in today's world. But if you look at that same imaginary glass and see it as half-full (and maybe even rising), then chances are that you're able to crack a smile once in a while. But … Continue reading Just Keep Smilin’
REVIEW: Michael Olatuja — Speak
As someone who mostly writes about jazz, country music, and oldies (with the occasional foray into oddities like zydeco), I sometimes enjoy taking a look at something completely different. Speak, a new album on the Backdrop/ObliqSound label from Nigerian bassist and composer Michael Olatuja, is certainly just that. Although Olatuja is only 28 and this … Continue reading REVIEW: Michael Olatuja — Speak
REVIEW: Gabriel Espinosa – From Yucatan To Rio
I've been a fan of Latin jazz for a lot of years, and have noticed that Brazilian music seems to be the Big Dog. Which is not to say that there aren't plenty of other pooches in the pack, just that they seem to always be trotting along in the shadow of the alpha dog. … Continue reading REVIEW: Gabriel Espinosa – From Yucatan To Rio
REVIEW: Karrin Allyson – By Request
Receiving a new album to review from an artist I've reviewed before -- and liked a lot -- is sort of like running into an old friend. I'm happy to see someone I've enjoyed spending time with in the past, and at the same time I'm wondering what they've been up to lately. Karrin Allyson, … Continue reading REVIEW: Karrin Allyson – By Request
Pondering Julie London
How someone is remembered -- as an actress who also sang or a singer who also acted -- is a question that has occurred to me more than once. It's not always easy to answer when considering the many ladies who have dipped a toe in both ponds. And just to muddy that pond water … Continue reading Pondering Julie London
REVIEW: Kyle Eastwood – Metropolitain
Let's get the obvious question out of the way first. Yes, Kyle Eastwood is Clint's son. And yes, he's the same kid who showed up with his Dad in 1982's Honkytonk Man, one of several of the elder Eastwood's movies that have connections with music. Clint's love of all things musical is pretty well documented, … Continue reading REVIEW: Kyle Eastwood – Metropolitain
Slim & Slam’s Sly Song
I've always been fascinated by novelty songs, and I especially like those that have hidden meanings, although in some cases they're barely concealed. That type of song is one that the songwriter is aiming at a certain audience -- the kind that will "get it" -- while hiding it from straight listeners. A good example … Continue reading Slim & Slam’s Sly Song
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
Geezer Music Club 