Men of Jazz – Carol’s and Bonnie’s
No time to write of late (too busy at work and home), but I thought I’d throw out some music to offset the craziness. My blogging colleague Jeff Vaca and his extraordinary series, the 95 songs of summer, continues its fine stretch of melodies during this season. If you’ve not checked…
Read articleReprise – Friday Forgotten Song: Theme From “St. Elsewhere”
Written by the underrated composer, arranger, and pianist Dave Grusin, the theme song, a seemingly lost art these days, had a distinctly melodious and infectious 80s mood to it. It has proven to be Mr. Grusin’s, another of Jazz Fusion’s durable players from the 70s, most recognizable of arrangements. If Dave Grusin’s name doesn’t mean much at first glance, you’ve most likely heard a few of his movie scores.
Read articleFriday Forgotten Song: Summer Days by Angela Bofill
Like some, certain memories are tied with the music of the time. During this particular period, I was in my Jazz Fusion phase and the artists in and around the genre. Yet, still very much near the R&B stylings of the day. And with summer of 2012 coming to an end tomorrow, there is one song and artist that comes back to my mind’s eye whenever the autumnal equinox cycles passed.
Read articleMy Top 13 Favorite Pop Instrumentals of the 1990s
This is the final installment of a series that began in September, which was sparked by the Tom Nawrocki post of his favorite pop instrumentals. Got me thinking about my selections, then realizing this genre in particular had a great affect on my musical tastes as a young person and…
Read articleMy Top 13 Favorite Pop Instrumentals of the 1980s
This is the continuance of the series began a few weeks back following an idea sparked by the Tom Nawrocki post of his favorite pop instrumentals. Got me thinking about what would be mine and realizing this genre in particular had a great affect on my musical tastes as a…
Read articleReblogged » 12 Essential Records Loved by Audio Nerds
“Listening to vinyl isn’t the easiest way to listen to music, especially by today’s streaming standards. Nor does it guarantee the highest-quality listening experience anymore, as high-res lossless digital tracks are more abundant than ever. But people don’t care about that anymore. After decades in decline, the popularity of vinyl…
Read articleThe Soundtrack of My Life – The 10s
As promised four years ago, am adding the 2010s to this series. My local colleague Arlee Bird from Tossing It Out broached a meme a few years back that certainly intrigued: The Soundtrack of My Life As Arlee put it, “A few weeks ago a piece was posted by Jessica,…
Read articleBest Album Covers: Objects of Desire
This is the next entry in Best Album Covers, a series begun right here. The first successful long-playing microgroove record for the phonograph was introduced by Columbia Records back in June of 1948. Yet, album covers (the paper board packaging that held them) didn’t come into their own graphically till decades later. Eventually becoming the cultural stamp…
Read articleFriday Song: Piano in the Dark by Brenda Russell
Being ahead of the curve defined as “…ahead of current thinking and trends.” Musically, it’s where many wish to be…leading the way. Blazing a trail. The downside is you’re apt to not be recognized for it, being that far in front. Positively influencing those coming up behind you. However like…
Read articleBest Album Covers: Moonflower
This is the next entry in Best Album Covers, a series begun right here. The first successful long-playing microgroove record for the phonograph was introduced by Columbia Records back in June of 1948. Yet, album covers (the paper board packaging that held them) didn’t come into their own graphically till decades later. Eventually becoming the cultural stamp…
Read articleA Song For This Day (and year): Wishing on a Star
Another year over and upon us, and like I’ve done before, highlighting a song that just felt right for this point in time. As has been my habit, or rather since this span of ours reeks of another decade, selected a tune from the 1970s to christen the new year…
Read articleBest Album Covers: Heart Like a Wheel
This is the next entry in Best Album Covers, a series begun right here. The first successful long-playing microgroove record for the phonograph was introduced by Columbia Records back in June of 1948. Yet, album covers (the paper board packaging that held them) didn’t come into their own graphically till decades later. Eventually becoming the cultural stamp…
Read articleBest Album Covers: The Low End Theory
This is the next entry in Best Album Covers, a series begun right here. The first successful long-playing microgroove record for the phonograph was introduced by Columbia Records back in June of 1948. Yet, album covers (the paper board packaging that held them) didn’t come into their own graphically till decades later. Eventually becoming the cultural stamp…
Read articleFriday Forgotten Song: Ethereal Mood by Jean-Luc Ponty
As mentioned awhile back, the year 1978 remains a pivotal annum no matter how you slice it. Politically, nationally, or personally, the ’70s would only continue throwing various haymakers at the body electric from the start and through to the close of this very year. No different musically, come to…
Read articleBest Album Covers: Extensions
This is the next entry in Best Album Covers, a series begun right here. The first successful long-playing microgroove record for the phonograph was introduced by Columbia Records back in June of 1948. Yet, album covers (the paper board packaging that held them) didn’t come into their own graphically till decades later. Eventually becoming the cultural stamp…
Read articleNever Say No to a Rock Star Book Review
Perhaps, it’s really no coincidence at all I’d read author Glenn Berger‘s memoir of his time serving under the legendary A&R Recording studio recording engineer, record producer, and pioneer Phil Ramone. He being the “R” in “A&R” with co-founder and then-business partner Jack Arnold. We’re of similar age and surely share…
Read articleOpening Titles and Song: Sharky’s Machine (1981)
Sometimes, there is an unexpected inception to a movie, like in a certain action star’s self-directed and underappreciated thriller from the early ’80s. Where the accompanying song makes for a near-perfect music-movie-moment, which wholly brings a smile to your face as it plays out on screen. Specifically, the opening titles…
Read articleBest Album Covers: Out of the Blue
This is the next entry in Best Album Covers, a series begun right here. The first successful long-playing microgroove record for the phonograph was introduced by Columbia Records back in June of 1948. Yet, album covers (the paper board packaging that held them) didn’t come into their own graphically till decades later. Eventually becoming the cultural stamp…
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It Rains... You Get Wet 