Great American Songbook Saturday – St. Louis Blues

112 years ago yesterday (9-11-1914) WC Handy published a song that would become a pop and jazz standard - St. Louis Blues. It was one of the first blues songs to "succeed as a pop song and remains a fundamental part of jazz musicians' repertoire." Handy said he had been inspired by a chance meeting with … Continue reading Great American Songbook Saturday – St. Louis Blues →

Great American Songbook Saturday

One of the greatest men to tickle the ivories was born today 101 years ago. Oscar Peterson was born on August 15, 1925. He was born in Canada and is considered to be one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time. He has released more than 200 recordings, is a winner of eight Grammy … Continue reading Great American Songbook Saturday →

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 →

Torme’ Centennial

Happy 100th birthday to the late, great Mel Torme'!! Melvin Howard Tormé was an American musician, singer, composer, arranger, drummer, actor, and author. He was a jazz icon. He won two Grammy Awards and was nominated a total of 14 times. Mel grew up in a largely black neighborhood and was heavily influenced by jazz. He was a … Continue reading Torme’ Centennial →

Turntable Talk #24 – This Woman’s Work

For two solid years Dave Ruch from A Sound Day has been hosting a monthly feature called "Turntable Talk." Each month he provides a topic to me and other musical bloggers to write about. I have been honored to have participated in every one of them. Each of the participants look forward to not only … Continue reading Turntable Talk #24 – This Woman’s Work →

Turntable Talk 21 – Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

Once again, Dave Ruch from A Sound Day has offered up an interesting topic for this month's Turntable Talk. I see it as being a way for each of us writers to offer you a bit of ourselves. I mean, any time I write something, it usually has something that gives the reader a glimpse … Continue reading Turntable Talk 21 – Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner →

Music Memory Monday

Jazz legend Mel Torme' passed away on this day in 1999. He began performing when he was just 14 years old. While he had some success with his group, The Mel-Tones, and some solo work in the 50's and 60's, it wasn't until late in his life that his career really soared. He was introduced … Continue reading Music Memory Monday →

Inspired by Blogmas

A few blogs that I follow, started to talk about "Blogmas" a week or so ago. From what I can tell it is a list of 25-31 Blog post ideas. Sort of a daily writing prompt that are all Christmas related. I did a search for "Blogmas" and read through a few of them. The … Continue reading Inspired by Blogmas →

Let’s Talk About Sax …

Today is National Saxophone Day! If you think about it, the saxophone is one of the most important instruments in pop music. As I think about some of the great early rock and roll songs, almost all of them had saxophone solos in them. Bill Haley and the Comets, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Big Joe … Continue reading Let’s Talk About Sax … →

I’m Gonna Miss You, “Sir”

I'm still trying to process the loss of my friend, Tom Shaner. He passed away just before Christmas. He was my high school band director. He was more than just a friend to me (and many others). He was a mentor, a leader, a counselor, a cheerleader, a boss, a role model, an advisor, and … Continue reading I’m Gonna Miss You, “Sir” →