Album Picks
Jimmy Smith, “Groovin’ at Smalls’ Paradise Vol. 1”, by Jay Selwitz
Jul 20, 2020
My pick is Groovin’ at Smalls’ Paradise Volume 1 by organist Jimmy Smith. This album was recorded at a club in 1957 and the crowd noise greatly enhances the vibrancy of the performance.
Rhiannon Giddens “At the Purchaser’s Option” and Dominique Fils-Aime “Strange Fruit”, by Stefan Zorn
Jul 19, 2020
Two songs that I always thought were gut wrenching, but only touched my on an intellectual level until I found these versions. Music has always been an amazing vehicle to express social discontent,
Chet Baker Quartet, “No Problem”, by Kevin Olson
Jun 28, 2020
My music pick is this great album featuring Chet Baker.
Chet Baker Quartet No Problem
This is Chet in Europe in 1979 just off a European tour with his trio.
Playing for Change, by David Hicks
Jun 28, 2020
The label on the album cover shrink-wrap tells you all you need to know.
210 Musicians. 25 Countries. 10 Songs. One Love!
I’d previously written about the Playing For Change organization (PFC) when I posted their video of The Band’s,
Van Goat, “Follow Me Under”, by David Hicks
Jun 28, 2020
If you’d like to take a break from your morning coffee and still get a turbo boost of energy when you wake up, you couldn’t do better than put on this LP from Oakland’s,
Yngwie J. Malmsteen, “Rising Force”, by Grant Stoner
Jun 28, 2020
My album pic for this month is “Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s Rising Force. Polydor records, 1984 vinyl.
Continuing my occasional series of guitar hero records,
Peter Gabriel, “Live Blood”, by Gregory Morgan
Jun 20, 2020
My monthly music selection is the double CD of Peter Gabriel’s Live Blood. Live Blood is a live album of Peter Gabriel with a 46-piece orchestra recorded March 23 &
Frances Quinlan, “Likewise”, by Stefan Zorn
Jun 02, 2020
I received a message from my children’s school yesterday that started with “Now that we are in week 7 of the stay-at-home order…”.
Bela Fleck, The Ripple Effect, by David Hicks
Jun 02, 2020
The Ripple Effect
Bela Fleck is one of those musicians who has incorporated his playing ability into a variety of musical styles.
The Last Waltz, by Gregory Morgan
Jun 02, 2020
My recording of the month is the 40th Anniversary Deluxe edition of The Band’s Last Waltz. I have long loved the timeless quality of The Band’s music and the 40th Anniversary edition of the last Waltz is fantastic.