Today is the 99th birthday of WIlliam "Count" Basie. He was one of many legendary jazz pianists, and big band leaders. He formed the Count Basie Orchestra in 1935 and led the group for almost 50 years. He is noted for creating innovations like the use of two "split" tenor saxophones, emphasizing the rhythm section, … Continue reading Happy Birthday, Count!
Author: nostalgicitalian
I'm just a guy who likes the classics. I love Old Time Radio Shows. I love Classic TV. I love Classic Movies. I love songs from the "Great American Songbook". I dig songs from the first decade of Rock and Roll. Don't get me wrong, I am not opposed to newer things. My musical taste ranges from Classical to Classic Rock and Country to Rap. I love a good book and am always looking for something to read. I tend to lean toward historical fiction, biographies, mysteries, and more.
I have always believed that our past (and the things we've experienced in it) make us who we are today. That being said, after reading through some old My Space blogs (yeah, that's about how long it's been since I blogged regularly), I decided that I should once again write. Welcome to my blog. I hope you find it interesting, thought provoking, and entertaining in some way.
CONTACT ME AT - nostalgicitalian@yahoo.com
Sunday Song
My friend, Eric, was the choir director at my high school. While I was never in choir, music brought us together. We played many Easter services together, he matches with the alumni band, and he even provided music at my first marriage. Every day on Facebook, he will play a song on his piano. Selections … Continue reading Sunday Song
Weekend Book Recommendations
With my shift change, my drive is a bit longer because of traffic. It doesn't bother me, though, because it gives me a bit more time with the audio books I am listening to. The extra time (and extra day's commute) is also allowing me to get through each book a little faster than before. … Continue reading Weekend Book Recommendations
“Get Off My Lawn!”
The construction continues on our street. That in itself is bad enough. They have pretty much ripped out all of the concrete from the street itself. They had removed all the sidewalks from the other side of the street early in the project. This week, they began ripping up not only our sidewalk, but our … Continue reading “Get Off My Lawn!”
A Striking Query
I am about to pose a question to you. I already have my answer, however, I hoped you might contribute to the "conversation." Let me set it up for you. This morning, Sam and I are sitting in the living room drinking coffee. She tells me that we are supposed to be getting some really … Continue reading A Striking Query
Royal Rock and Roll Remembrance (and Other Orchestral Music)
August 16 On this day in 1977 - a King died. The King of Rock and Roll. On this day in 2018 - a Queen died. The Queen of Soul. Both were musical royalty. Did you know they both have a musical group in common? Both have "recorded" with the world famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. … Continue reading Royal Rock and Roll Remembrance (and Other Orchestral Music)
Stay In Touch, Neighbor!
When I moved in with Sam, a year or so before we got married, the first neighbor I met was Dale. He came over and introduced himself. He was friendly, told me a bit about the neighborhood and the neighbors. He really made an impression on me. I remember telling Sam that I had met … Continue reading Stay In Touch, Neighbor!
Weekend Review
It's Monday and there is finally a bit of normalcy back in our life. It was a crazy weekend for us. Thursday, Andrew had his surgery. It went better than expected and we were grateful that many of the "possible" surgeries were not needed. This time the recovery went a bit better than the last … Continue reading Weekend Review
Now, Was and Gonna Be
I was having a discussion with some radio buds from the past on Facebook over the last couple days. It reminded me of the Andy Bernard quote from The Office finale: "I wish there was a way to know you're in 'the good old days', before you've actually left them." That got me thinking more … Continue reading Now, Was and Gonna Be
Home Recovering
I wanted to thank each of my readers who said a prayer or sent positive thoughts our way for Andrew's surgery. All went well and he is home recovering. We will need to follow up with ENT in about 6 weeks. We also will follow up with sleep/neurology in the weeks ahead. He was such … Continue reading Home Recovering
Various Ramblings of a Nostalgic Italian 