When you hear some old curmudgeon say, “Today’s music stinks compared to when I was a kid,” it’s probably because they grew up listening to music like what you’re hearing on this 103 song, 4 cd collection. This box set…
Category: Ringer of the Week
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****A FRESH VOICE…Jeff Baker: Phrases
There aren’t a lot of male vocalists who stray form the same old Great American Songbook, so a guy like Jeff Baker immediately grabs my attention, and should yours. He’s got a low tenor-high baritone sound, and his style is…
IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR…Elvis Presley and His Competitors: The Heartbreak Hotel Top 100
On May 5th, 1956, Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” went to Number 1 on the Billboard top 100 chart. So, what was the competition that he was dealing with? Many times, people denigrate the popular music of the mid-50s claiming that…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Robert Hurst: Black Currant Jam
Robert Hurst plays both acoustic and electric bass while leading a flexible team of musicians and vocalists through his creative originals. The core unit of Nate Winn/dr, Ian Finkelstein/p-key, Rafael Statin/sax-woodwinds and Pepe Espinosa/perc are augmented by a rotating team…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Nick Maclean Quartet: Rites of Ascension
Pianist Nick Maclean delivers a tribute to Herbie Hancock’s 60s Blue Note with a collection of interpretations and originals. His team of Brownman Ali/tp, Jesse Dietschi/b and Tyler Goertzen/dr is up for the task, with Ali tapping into his inner…
OH YEAH! Charles Mingus: Live at Montreux 1975
Whether or not you have any previous experience with the music of Charles Mingus, this two cd set is a great addition to your music collection. Caught in concert at Montreux in 1975, it finds the legendary bassist with his…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****Hristo Vitchev Quartet: Of Light and Shadows
Guitarist Hristo Vitchev continues to create an impressive and wide ranging catalogue with this latest album. He’s with his regular quartet of Jasnam Daya Singh/p, Dan Robbins/b and Mike Shannon/dr and they work together like the Houston Astro’s infield; perfectly…
THE MAN BEHIND THE DRAPE…Otis Blackwell: The Songs & Recordings 1952-62
I know that the Bible says that coveting is a sin, and I’m usually content in all that I am and have. However, my fantasy life was to be someone like either Steve Cropper or Otis Blackwell; just penning hit…
****RINGER OF THE WEEK****THIS IS A PIANO TRIO….Jeff Hamilton Trio: Live From San Pedro
One of the greatest living drummers, Jeff Hamilton leads a double life, splitting his time with the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra and this nifty trio with Christoph Luty/b and Tamir Hendelman/p. Here’s he’s with the trio at a swinging gig in the…
****ROTW****HISTORICAL RECORD OF THE NEW YEAR?!?****Wes Montgomery: In Paris-The Definitive ORTF Recording
There are certain artists that, no matter what “undiscovered” tape of a studio or concert recording is found, deserves to be put into the public realm and evaluated. Simply put, you can never have enough music from these artists. Wes…