Monday Birthday Bonus

One of the biggest influencers of R&B and Rock and Roll was born on this day in 1911. I just had to do a "shout out" to the great Big Joe Turner! The "Boss of the Blues was born Joseph Vernon Turner Jr. in Kansas City, Missouri. He lost his father when he was only … Continue reading Monday Birthday Bonus →

El That Jazz

The month is almost over, but did you know that it is National Jazz Appreciation Month? According to the National Day Calendar, "Throughout the month of April we celebrate the heritage and history of jazz. As a truly American art form, jazz's soulful and rich culture dates back to the 1890s." It goes on to … Continue reading El That Jazz →

Tune Tuesday – Flying Home

I played trumpet in high school. I played it off and on after high school, but I probably couldn't play more than 5-10 minutes now. That being said, I do love to listen to the professionals who have mastered the instrument. I love listening to Maynard Ferguson, Clark Terry, Harry James, and Doc Severinsen. The … Continue reading Tune Tuesday – Flying Home →

Turntable Talk #34 – What’s My Scene?

Welcome to the first Turntable Talk of 2025, hosted by Dave of A Sound Day. This is the 34th round, if you are keeping track. If you are a new follower, let me fill you in on how it works. Dave Ruch offers up a musical topic to a group of us music fans each … Continue reading Turntable Talk #34 – What’s My Scene? →

Tune Tuesday – Neal Hefti

The amazing Neal Hefti was born today in 1922. Neal may not be a name that you recognize, but I bet that you recognize at least one of the songs that he has composed. He was a jazz trumpet player, arranger, and composer. He began arranging songs in his teens and went on to arrange … Continue reading Tune Tuesday – Neal Hefti →

Tickling The Ivories

Today is World Pianist Day, so I thought I'd share a guilty pleasure piano song with you. The Piano has been an instrument that has provided music and melodies for centuries. It has figured prominently in all genres of music and some very talented people have been known for the instrument. Frederic Chopin, Ludwig Von … Continue reading Tickling The Ivories →

Happy Birthday, Count!

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! →

Sunny Side of the Street

"The Sunny Side of the Street" One of my favorite commercials on TV right now is the "Spring Into Action" commercial from Kohl's. There is something about the smile of the little girl as people "hop" by that tugs at the heart strings. It is a wonderful "feel good" commercial. If you haven't seen it … Continue reading Sunny Side of the Street →