It’s funny how some things change, but they still stay the same. See how much of this sounds hauntingly familiar: Back in the 40s, jazz was going through a bit of an identity crises, with people arguing what was “real”…
Author: George W. Harris
BLUES WAILING! The Yardbirds: Making Tracks-On Tour 2010-2012
One of the most influential but under-appreciated bands of the 60s rock/pop explosion was the British group The Yardbirds. At the time of the Stones and the Beatles, this band was neck in neck in terms of popularity and probably…
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO-John Young Trios: The Complete Argo & Vee-Jay Recordings
Releases such as this one from Fresh Sound Records proves my theory that there are certain periods of musical history that there is a surfeit of talented artists that simply get overlooked. The late 50s and early 60s was one…
DO THEY DO WEDDINGS? The All Purpose Blues Band: Cornbread & Cadillacs
At one time, good time boogie bands like this were as ubiquitous as Italians in South Philly. That’s definitely not the case anymore, so when a band like the APB puts something out, pay attention. The team of Willie Lockett/v-tp,…
Lady Antebellum: Own The Night World Tour
The award winning vocal group Lady Antebellum (have never understood the name with two guys and one girl) deliver an exciting concert here in Little Rock Arkansas as part of their highly successful North American tour. The Nashville-based team of…
NO FLUFF-Otis Taylor: My World Is Gone, Robert Randolph Presents: The Slide Brothers
Here are a couple releases that cut to the marrow of music. Earthy blues, smoky blues, churchified blues with no swagger, not attitude no gimmicks. Real people with real stories and delivery. No junk pitchers here-it’s all fastballs. Blues man…
Sasi Shalom: Moments of Eternity
Pianist and composer Sasi Shalom brings together the impressive team of Donny McCaslin/ts-ss, Antonio Sanchez/dr and Desmond White/b for a collection of post modern originals. Shalom’s got a gentle touch, which is demonstrated on the undulating “Shari” while assertiveness is…
Erin Boheme: What A Life
After releasing her intriguing and promising debut at the age of 17, vocalist Erin Boheme pulled a Madeleine Peyroux and went into hiding for about 5 years before coming back for a followup. This one is produced by Michael Buble’,…
WHERE MODERN MUSIC BEGINS-Bessie Smith: The Complete Columbia Recordings
There are a handful of albums or boxed sets that are essential to truly understand American music, as well as this thing we call jazz. This 10 cd set recently released by Sony Music is definitely one of them. Yes,…
Tony Bennett: Viva Duets
If you’re expecting this collection of Tony Bennett linking up with Latin vocalists like Thalia, Marc Anthony, Gloria Estfan and Franco De Vita to be the crooner’s foray into salsa music, forget it. Except for the last track, a lovingly…