Yeah, I know! The government, the leaders, and the whole system seems like a total joke lately. With the latest revelations about the JFK assassination, you can’t trust the CIA or FBI, and the media is in the on the…
Category: No One Asked My Opinion, But…
MUSIC WITH AN ETERNAL MESSAGE
Don’t believe that jazz started in the brothel; far from it. Jazz was born in the church, with the call and response between the preacher and congregation resulting in songs like Charles Mingus’ “Better Get It In Your Soul” or…
Making the San Fernando Valley My Home
Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, I had the opportunity to see some amazing jazz artists. Most of the clubs, as well as artists, have gone, but a few of both remain. Here are some places where great music…
I WANT TO BE A SIDEMAN!!
Such was the appropriate title of the classic song by pianist Dave Frishberg back in 1998. The humorous ditty captured the joy and attitude of the unsung professional musician who puts in a career supporting the stars of the recordings…
WHY I GET EXCITED OVER LENT, PURIM, SPRING AND EASTER
March is one of my favorite months as we celebrate Lent, Purim and the first day of spring. We’ve got a lot to celebrate this year! And, while I’m not of the Jewish faith (although there is rumored to be…
GREAT GROOVES
This month we have interviews with drummers who have mastered that intangible thing called “the groove”. In light of that, we thought a list of some classic pulses will give you a chance to see what we’re talking about. Art…
IT’S TOP TEN TIME AGAIN!!!
ONE OF MY FAVORITE TIMES OF THE YEAR ACTUALLY STARTS BY LOOKING BACKWARDS. WHAT WERE THE MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR? OH, YES, WE CAN TALK ABOUT “THE BEST” ALBUMS OF THE YEAR, BUT WHICH ONES ARE WE GOING TO…
THE REASONS FOR THE SEASON!
Yes, it can be commercialized, but SO WHAT?!? Yes, the world sometimes seems like it’s spinning out of control. World protests, world wars, cultural wars on what even constitutes a man and a woman. But you know what? It’s ALWAYS…
A MONTH OF GIVING THANKS
Yes, I agree with you…THIS YEAR WAS TOUGH! Everyone is angry at everyone! The election is nasty, and no matter who wins, half the country will be angry. Everything cost more. Travel is still tough. You can’t trust the media. …
FAMOUSLY SWINGING BROTHERS (AND MAYBE SOME SISTERS)
A number of months ago, I was intrigued by a gig at The Baked Potato featuring “The Band Of Brothers”. Who were these guys? Ex veterans of WWII? Much to my pleasant surprise, the quartet consisted of a pair of…