Best known for his work with Charles Mingus in the 1960s, alto saxist Charlie Mariano was one of the proto-boppers, but instead of trying to sound like Charlie Parker, he leaned towards the lilting tone of Lester Young. That combination…
Month: June 2024
Roland Kirk: The Classic 1960s Albums
One of the most unique jazz artists has to be Roland Kirk, who first made a name for himself with Charles Mingus, but later on for creating not only unique sounds from playing 2-3 instruments simultaneously, but actually creating instruments…
KEYS TO THE KINGDOM
When I got into jazz in the 1970s, it seemed everyone was playing either electric piano, Rhodes, or some type of synthesizer. Then, things went acoustic and the grand piano was back in style. These days, except for the Hammond…
JEFF BABKO: KEYS TO THE CITY
IT’S EASY TO KNOCK THE CURRENT LOS ANGELES JAZZ SCENE. AT ONE TIME, THE CITY BOASTED OF A PLETHORA OF CLUBS ALL THE WAY FROM MALIBU TO REDONDO BEACH; NOW THERE ARE ONLY A HANDFUL. YET THIS DOESN”T MEAN THAT…
LARRY GOLDINGS: MOOD SWINGS
IT’S A PRETTY GOOD BET THAT IF YOU CHECK OUT ANYONE’S ALBUM/CD COLLECTION OR PLAYLIST, THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE SOMETHING THAT LARRY GOLDINGS HAS APPEARED ON. ONE OF THE MOST PROLIFIC KEYBOARDISTS IN TODAY’S SCENE, HE’S GRACED THE ALBUMS…