Thoughts on Art, Film, Jazz, Blues and Culture

Mark Wahlberg Has Lots of Acting Style!

2012-01-29T17:25:00.000-05:00

MOVIES: Wow! They can energize me in a really good way.

POWERFUL! Yeah, high energy music abounds in adventure cinema.

The films that are gigantic fun tickle me. The new action story 'Contraband' starring the mighty Mark Wahlberg is a terrific package of thriller-flick fun. There is no question that Mark Wahlberg can tremendously bring a real powerhouse acting job to the huge cinematic screen. If a person is trying to derive grand escapist delights then this mighty new movie, the one tagged 'Contraband' is "cool."

Book of Proverbs=Maximum Meaning

2012-01-28T12:28:00.001-05:00

HAPPY TIMES: I am thoughtful today, Many things have happened lately. I realize realizing certain modes of thought can ease our souls, tremendously. I want you to know I am reading The Book of Proverbs in the King James Version of the Bible lately. It seems to me that the passionate words of proverbs are passionately GREAT!

ENJOYING THE SUNSHINE: Today, I am loving viewing funny videos like lego man in space. I want so much for this to be a day that is full of fun time. Let's LOVE LIFE!

Deep South's Complicated

2012-01-23T12:37:00.003-05:00

DEEP SOUTH CULTURE is complicated. Unusual stuff happening. Today, lots of us are jumpy about the weather. So much flooding and odd storms sticking things on edge. Alabama had rugged stuff already...we are all praying now that things ease up. One fantastic thing occurred yesterday. I enjoy the clever art that is Pro Football and a favorite unit of mine....the mighty New York Giants....won yesterday. Makes me happy. Now we got us a grand Super Bowl coming up...The Giants and The Patriots. Let's all enjoy our lives and whoop it up as the little tykes say.

Late Night With Letterman Is 'Right On!'

2012-01-14T19:29:00.001-05:00

GOOD THINGS are poppin' in late-night tv. One guy is getting things done, beautifully. I have enjoyed the mighty David Letterman Show so much in the last month or so. The man has a truly renewed energy and his comedic work sparkles with feisty originality. I delight in his crafty way with political material.

TRULY, I also am tickled constantly by David Letterman's ability to connect well with his audience. The guy is a terrific delight as a creative, masterful television personality. Letterman has a lot of good savvy on so many subjects. He has been tremendous working in interviews with guests like Brian Williams. Again, David Letterman has a good show. The guy "gets it."

'Dangerous Method' ....Film Cleverness!

2012-01-14T13:37:00.000-05:00

I SAW A VERY ENGAGING FILM recently. It was 'A Dangerous Method' and it brings in famed historic people like the remarkable guys Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud. This gem of a film has fine performances by Keira Kinghtley (the patient), Viggo Mortensen (as Sigmund Freud) and Michael Fassbender (Carl Jung). I enjoyed the depiction of the provocative times when Freud's breakthrough ideas were really popping. Also the sleek grand thinker Jung was doing sophisticated work innovating psychotherapy also. In my opinion the acting work of Keira Knightley and Michael Fassbender is vigorous and truly compelling. The windows of the mind and the intricate mechanisms of contemporary psychology have always been clever and fascinating to me.

THE FRESHNESS of the film 'A Dangerous Method' is especially unique. I believe modern films need to convey more of a vigorous interpretation into the inner souls of humans. There is a huge need in this country to have all kinds of more focused artistic and creative experiences and it is a grand essence that happens when we have a sleek conundrum of cinematic directing like what Mr. David Cronenberg dis with fashioning this artful film. The man possesses a terrific amount of style and it pleases me that a tremendous number of thinking, and a bit enigmatic but thinking souls have latched on to this new movie as fine art and something fun to watch from both an emotional as well as an intellectal standpoint.

My Yamaha Keyboard

2012-01-13T14:36:00.001-05:00

Lots of big fun playing great jazz and rock on this instrument.

My bizarre elephant art.

2012-01-07T18:07:00.001-05:00

The power of the wild elephants helps my art creativity.

A Son's Birthday

2012-01-06T17:26:00.000-05:00

Today is special. If he had lived my youngest son would be celebrating his 38th birthday, today. He battled the horror and ravages of insanely brutal cancer for 13 months. His cancer started in the esophagus and then spread throughout him. We miss Gary our youngest son. He was a kind man and a man of intense passion. He loved fine writing...was a writer himself....and also he loved art, movies and music and sports. Many times we talked over the latest movies and also the classics. Today I went out in our yard and stood there looking at the tree (a memorial) we planted for our youngest son, Gary. He passed away on a rugged Sunday....It was March 13, 2005, the most horrible day I have ever had.. I miss my son Gary and My wife misses him so much also.

Soaring Saxophones Prove Mysterious

2012-01-01T22:48:00.002-05:00

MULLIGAN, WEBSTER:
Gerry Mulligan on baritone sax and Ben Webster on tenor are men who produce a full resonant-toned jazz river of sounds that engulfs all of us listeners. There is so much mystery and joy abounding. I feel the ability to move a classic slow tune along in a beautiful way is such a marvelous thing. Tonight I 've listened again to Gerry and Ben playing the vibrant, engaging number called 'In a Mellow Tone.' And listen this composition has me smiling in a big way. People have been so kind to me today and that fact and also the super-polished jazz I have dug tonight (as produced by Mr. Gerry Mulligan and Ben Webster) has made me have a terrific, so-satisfied feeling. On the jazz I heard in this set the other guys were the sleek Jimmy Rowles on piano, Leroy Vinnegar on the bass and the man of style, Mr. Mel Lewis on the drums. This jazzy, good feeling evening has made me feel so very good.

Love my Alto Saxophone

2012-01-01T13:37:00.001-05:00

This great sax gives me plenty of fun
playing jazz or blues.

2011-12-31T18:09:00.001-05:00

This Alexander Calder's Strong

2011-12-31T18:08:00.001-05:00

Calder art gets me going in the morning.

Alexander Calder's Art Really Connects To Us

2011-12-31T17:59:00.000-05:00

THE ARTISTIC INNOVATION of Calder is so strong. So many super things the man has done...mobile art was one of the special good concepts of his. I feel the mobiles that A. Calder developed were so brash and incredibly thoughtful.
HOWEVER, Alexander Calder is not just the man who made fine mobiles. He had super watercolors and sculpture and other great forms and concepts, also. In 2012 try to dig Alexander Calder and you will be a happy soul.

Very Nice Renoir.

2011-12-31T16:33:00.001-05:00

This art holds one's interest, well.

Okinawan classic doll.

2011-12-31T16:06:00.003-05:00

Great art.

Classic Okinawan Doll

2011-12-31T16:06:00.001-05:00

Delicate features make this interesting.

Bill Perkins....A Very 'Hip' Tenor Saxophonist

2011-12-27T17:57:00.001-05:00

BILL PERKINS was a tenor saxophone man whose unique sound and style proved so remarkable that he had a huge coterie of delighted listeners. Bill Perkins was basically a West Coast jazz man but his work moved across several planes of the overall jazz genre. He had great work with the units of Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman and Art Pepper. Also, he worked with the Doc Severinsen Tonight Show Band for about 25 years. Along with tons of experience the man had so much jazz soul.

THE MAN had a fascinating tenor saxophone tone...full-bodied, yet achingly poignant. Today, I listened once again to Perkins great album called 'On Stage' on the Pacific Jazz label. It has a timeless power and charismatic jazz approach. One of my favorite cuts on the album is the composition called 'Just A Child' which is believe me a really haunting tune. On this album there are some fine players...especially Bud Shank on alto saxophone and Carl Fontana on trombone along with the elegant Russ Freeman on the piano. Bill Perkins makes jazz that lingers in one's soul in a vibrant, meaningful way.

My Ibanez guitar

2011-12-26T14:42:00.001-05:00

I play a lot of blues, jazz and rock on this instrument. Oh yes!

Wonderful Times

2011-12-25T18:00:00.001-05:00

Me and the wife at a festive event in beautiful Metro Atlanta,

Unusual Art Concept

2011-12-25T17:43:00.001-05:00

These are the famous Shi-sa Okinawan protectors of the family. They bring good fortune in and bad fortune out.

Lovely Art from our Collection

2011-12-25T17:23:00.001-05:00

These dolls are an Okinawan king and queen.

Beautiful Asian Art

2011-12-25T17:12:00.001-05:00

Enjoying my Christmas painting at my place on a great day.

Christmas at son's house

2011-12-25T14:39:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas to all my peeps. We're having a good day with the family!

Merry Christmas, 12-25-2011

2011-12-25T10:32:00.001-05:00

A BIG MERRY CHRISTMAS To Everyone! This is a beautiful day here in the great state of Georgia. I love all the people and I am so thankful for the Gift of Christmas......The Gift of A New Life. Jesus brings us JOY!

Christmas Eve.....A Joyful Night!

2011-12-24T21:30:00.000-05:00

Tonight was special. Went to a marvelous Christmas Eve service over in the Virginia Highlands area of Northeast Atlanta. We had a marvelous time attending that service at son's church. The children looked fabulous in their Christmas finery....later it was some more fun. Had a fine meal of spinach soup, special salmon and rice pilaf with some delicious Christmas cookies. Having Christmas fun makes this soul so very happy!

What a Saturday!

2011-12-24T14:45:00.000-05:00

YULE FUN TIME:
Out shopping today....and the last minute rush by all the folks was producing plenty of excitement. The Christmas season is really :somethin' else!

Christmas Is Many Experiences

2011-12-22T17:44:00.000-05:00

THE UNUSUAL SEASON:

Christmas is quite wonderful...but there are shall we say other dimensions to it, also. Our culture has so many levels. While driving through the Eastern part of Metro Atlanta today I saw a homeless woman pulling a gigantic old grocery buggy loaded up with old clothes. As I slowed down for heavy traffic, the old woman suddenly stopped and picked up what appeared to be an old soup can. She tried desperately and so quickly to dig out the contents of the can...you could tell the woman was so HUNGRY. Seeing that image was a strong reminder....Christmas can be a very rugged time for some people.

Great Christmas Souls of the United States Air Force

2011-12-20T11:45:00.000-05:00

AIR FORCE MEMORIES:
Many years ago I was a member of the United States Air Force. I was sent overseas right from the start. To Japan. When I was in that far distant country....I became tremendously aware of the great feelings in me generated by my religion. My belief in God helped me so much.....Especially at Christmas time. It is good in our culture that we have our religious beliefs. It is also fantastic that we have marvelous people like the men and women in our military services. My experiences in the military helped me to love life and to appreciate all the many great friends that were so meaningful to me. Merry Christmas to All!

The Christmas Coming Home People

2011-12-20T11:30:00.000-05:00

TROOPS RETURNING SO FANTASTIC!

This is a special Christmas season time this year, the great 2011. Our toops are coming home from Iraq. This makes for an even more wonderful time for all Americans/ And I LOVE IT! The return is magnificent.........The LOVE and PASSION! .......My, My....So BEAUTIFUL.

ENJOY!

Ole St. Nick.......Happy Times!

2011-12-19T13:41:00.000-05:00

THE GUY IN THE RED SUIT:

The Christmas Season is a time of happiness for all of us...adults and children. But especially a lot of fun is our tradition of Ole St. Nick. The guy, Santa Claus, is a tremendous merry soul. When my sons were small they loved the fellow, Ole St Nick, so much. Now the Santa story just moves right along making so many happy.

HAPPY GREAT MOMENTS:

Last Saturday I attended a Christmas party in lovely Fayette County. This was an event of the marvelous Atlanta Okinawa Kenjin-Kai, an Okinawan-American group of which I am a member. When the big fellow Santa came marching out into the big room, all the children hurried and gathered around Ole St Nick in his bright red suit. This happy time made the old guy named me smile with joy just watching the terrifically happy children really getting into the so festive Christmas spirit. All of us Americans have so much greatness this year.....like the soldiers coming back from Iraq. But also we have all our marvelous families and especially all our great kids. God has given us big happiness at this blessed time that is our Christmas. God bless Ole St. Nick, too!

Good Monday Morning!

2011-12-19T12:08:00.000-05:00

MONDAY CHRISTMAS JOY!

Hi! It's Monday....So I say "Good Monday morning" in this great thing we call Christmas week. Having a huge Southern breakfast now. Lots of eggs, bacon grits and plenty of coffee. Happy Monday, all!

SOUTHERN CULTURE TIME!

I love our DEEP SOUTH cultural traditions. So terrific and great.....Yes, Indeed!

Southern Culture Ideas

2011-12-18T18:26:00.000-05:00

Grand Time of The Year:

In our Deep South culture the season of Christmas is exciting and quite memorable. Today I attended my church in the Emory University area of Atlanta and the music was just awesome. The organist played a postlude that had so much energized modern classicism. This has been an utterly fabulous Sunday...A tremendous and so vibrant part of the vigorous Christmas season.

Too Much Jazz Coffee

2011-12-18T16:54:00.001-05:00

I figure I had too much coffee this afternoon, because my spelling in the last blog piece was hilarious. Oh well....that's the way it goes in the wacky world of Pop Culture, Right?

Jazz Lives Beautifully

2011-12-18T16:39:00.001-05:00

Jazz always amazes me. It snares the mind and propgates terrif amounts of tremendous creativity. Listen.....LONG LIVE JAZZ!

Sarah Vaughan....Extraordinary Singer

2011-12-18T15:55:00.000-05:00

INTERESTING AND A WEE BIT COY:
Sarah Vaughan comes across to the listening audience as such a fine-honed jazz vocalist. She encapsulates the clever sound that is jazz in such an interesting way. Her vocal interpretations dig deel into one's psyche and create the intricate kinds of memories that beguile us...sometimes these resurrected thoughts overwhem us. But buddy, this mode of emotionalism remains a spirited grand thing.

SO VERY SHINY, INDEED
Her shiny album 'Sarah Vaughan at Mister Kelly's' contains tunes so jewel-like in their poignant sheen. Jazz numbers can refresh the tired mind in wondrous ways. In this Mister Kelly's set, I especially like Sarah Vaughan on the grandiloquent song entitled, 'Be Anything But Darling Be Mine.' The phrasing and harmonic conceptualization is full of unique vocal concepts. Also, another lovely tune in this set is the somewhat of a rocker ditty called, 'Just A Gigolo.' It has brashness. Additionally, still another soulful vocal excursion takes place on the song popularized by Frank Sinatra, the rare one...'How High The Moon.' The art of Sarah Vaughan propagates splendid life memories.

Stan Getz, Chet Baker....Great Music Guys

2011-12-17T13:10:00.000-05:00

Gorgeous, lyrical jazz makes me a happy camper. Today, I dug out an album of mine featuring Stan Getz on tenor saxophone and the man himself, Chet Baker on the trumpet and vocals. This kind of poignant and meaningful music proves to be so joyous. The Stan Getz rhythm section puts a superior sheen on the thoughtful jazz happening here. The section is made up of Jim McNeely on piano, George Mraz on the bass and Victor Lewis on drums. The sounds coming from this totally focused, genuine cadre of fellows are pleasingly brash and bursting with life. The group's version of the remarkable Benny Golson tune, 'Stablemates' is so unique. Also...the incomparable George Gershwin composition, 'But Not For Me' springs to life exquisitely thanks to these men. I love another song in this set...the lovely Samuel Lewis and John Klenner number, 'Just Friends.' Listen, for some good, tasteful jazz music that is just right for our December souls right now, dig the beautiful work here of the Stan Getz quartet along with the shiny artistry of the elegant Chet Baker.

Michael Buble: A Dynamic Performer!

2011-12-17T12:56:00.000-05:00

Michael Buble produces tasteful and quite imaginative work. Like a young Frank Sinatra, this singer/performer has a sleek sense of style that is so engaging. His recent Christmas album seems such a major achievement...Indeed his clever styling is full of a popping freshness that is the kind of musical fun that engages the listener in such a terrific way. Enjoy M. Buble and place yourself in the driver's seat for fascinating life experiences. We need this kind of enjoyment...Lord, we need yards and yards of loving life soul gifts to happen to us. With the help of Michael Buble delight in the vibrant loving wonderfulness that is a true Georgia Christmas time.

Christmas Season Is Wonderful!

2011-12-17T12:44:00.000-05:00

The Christmas season is really happening now. Cultural definitiveness is FUN!Our Deep South culture is loaded with wild, joyful events. Enjoying fine country music, classical, jazz and blues makes this an even more vivid and festive time of the year. Today we are going to a marvelous Christmas party in the south area in the fine area of Fayette County. What a fabulous Saturday this one is.

Test

2011-12-17T12:42:00.001-05:00

Test

Christmas Season Movies on Television

2011-12-14T17:10:00.000-05:00

I have loved recently the many Christmas season movies on the grand Hallmark Channel and Lifetime and also Lifetime Movie Network. The films have encapsulated well the delicious and so grand and indeed feisty season that happens this time of year. Get out there by your magic box and enjoy, enjoy the grand shows happening so marvelously.

Martin Scorsese's 'Hugo' and Others

2011-12-14T17:01:00.000-05:00

The brilliant man of films, the marvelous Martin Scorsese has gone and done it. His new movie 'Hugo' is a terrific achievement in cinematic artistry. "Hugo' is a quite interesting and visually exciting story of a young orphan boy in the Paris of the 1930s. It shows us how the magical young guy keeps all the clocks running well and he has such a zesty and profound appreciation of the miracle of life. The films of Martin Scorsese have fascinated me for a long time. I especially like his rough and tough 'Mean Streets,' 'Goodfellas' and 'Casino. It is powerful the way Scorsese depicts the violent souls that are often a part of the contemporary American life that prevails in our American cities. See the new film, 'Hugo' and get yourself some marvelous movie going fun.

Warmth

2011-12-14T16:57:00.000-05:00

What a blessing today. Warm weather has arrived. Wow....oh my YES.

Michael Buble Christmas Special

2011-12-07T16:11:00.000-05:00

Last night I watched a nice show on NBC. It was a fine Michael Buble program and it had classy Christmas season music much of it with a delightful jazzy style. The man, Michael Buble has good cleverness...one might say plenty of style. Buble also was grand in the fact he had unique guests, Justin Bieber and Kelly Pickler. This tv show was good fun. Plenty of excitement from Buble and the good folks at NBC.

Tom Petty, Keith Urban....Super Music

2011-11-30T14:18:00.000-05:00

Listening to the good Tom Petty and Keith Urban today. These men make mighty good music. With all this blasted cold it makes me feel fine to hear Tom Petty and the grand soul, Keith Urban. I especially like Tom Petty.

Blues Artists Really Rock!

2011-11-21T14:35:00.000-05:00

Blues music provides us with so many dimensions. Sometimes the numbers can be so slow that it almost tightens your jaws to listen, but then at other times....The Big Blues music can really take off. One of my favorites in the Blues world is Little Walter. I listened to an old tune of his today called 'Juken' and it was mind-popping. Good tight music. Also, today I dug John Lee Hooker. Getting into that wild, tough guy song...'Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom' was truly Super. What is it about raw blues sounds that really gets us? Maybe, just maybe it's the rugged emotion and splendid passion that comes with this stuff. Little Walter and Mr Hooker are two powerful musical souls.
Blues artists rock.

Thelonious Monk: Man of Sleek Style

2011-11-18T17:34:00.000-05:00

This has been a very delightful Friday. I celebrated a little while ago by digging the robust jazz of the clever powerhouse of piano, Thelonious Monk. I listened to a great tune called 'Nutty' and I'm telling you it blew me away. Strong, exciting jazz is built into this Monk performance. Also the swinging big tenor sound of Monk's friend, Charlie Rouse was so fine. The interesting thing about the jazz music of T. Monk is the fact that it is always so fresh. Jazz...Monk Style...is a huge joy.

Veterans Day: So Meaningful

2011-11-12T13:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, we had a very important time. It was Veterans Day again. This is a meaningful experience. I believe the contributions of all our veterans are very important to the culture and fabric that is this country. It sticks in my mind so much....all the veterans I have known. These people are unique and they are fascinating examples of how good Americans can be. My father was a brave, strong man. I was proud of my father who was in the United States Army and when I became a man I was proud and feeling good when I got in the United States Air Force. Let us remember the grand people who are our veterans. Let us feel good about our diverse and rich American culture.

Duke, Ella: Really Super Jazz Souls

2011-10-31T14:59:00.000-04:00

The superb jazz music of the powerful duo of Duke Ellington and singer Ella Fitzgerald is terrific. The fabulous sounds are so engaging to all. Enjoying the performance of the fine song 'It Don't Mean A Thing....' is a vigorous and joyful human experience. Yes, the work of Duke and Ella is truly somethin' else. My, My....I Love Jazz So Very Much!

Meade Luxe Lewis: Fun Piano Man!

2011-10-30T18:17:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone! Know this....the excitement of really strong boogie-woogie piano jazzy art is terrific and so powerful. And one of the best exponents of this clever style is the muscle piano man, Meade Lux Lewis. Today I've been enjoying Meade Lux Lewis music from the 1940s and it has been a whole lot of fun. On some of this material there was also the strong voice man, Big Joe Turner. Hey now....Jump right into truly diggin' the stride piano music of Meade Lux Lewis and you're gonna have a fun time, indeed.

Laura Bell Bundy...Lots of Musical Talent

2011-10-22T23:49:00.000-04:00

I got to say... this person Laura Bell Bundy is a mighty good singer. Been listening to some of her country music material and also interesting stuff from the 'Legally Blond' musical. It is a little simple to say this...but truly when you listen to a charming, high-energy singer it makes you feel so much better.

'Three Musketeers' Is A Fun Movie

2011-10-22T20:27:00.000-04:00

I saw the new movie 'The Three Musketeers' yesterday. It was a fun experience. I read some pundits didn't like it because they thought it was sort of all over the place. But my thoughts are that this film was quite a delight, something with a lot of story "tone and imagery." I read the classic Musketeers novel long ago but seeing this new movie version made me enjoy the old Alexandre Dumas story again. The acting was good. I enjoyed the performances of Matthew Macfadyen as Athos and Milla Jovovich as Milady de Winter. Also, Orlando Bloom did very nice work as the Duke of Buckingham.

Pete Jolly And His Clever Piano Jazz

2011-10-18T21:18:00.000-04:00

If you are looking for good jazz that is still fresh (even though it was created a long time ago) then check out the finesse jazz piano of Pete Jolly a so clever West Coast musician. Listened tonight to his material and I feel so much better. Been having stomach woes but now things are going OK.

Fantastic Colorful Modern Art

2011-10-15T20:19:00.000-04:00

Today, I went to the opening of a show focusing on the modern masters. This exhibit started today at Atlanta's High Museum. This was a fabulous experience. When I walked into the big rooms and saw the explosively creative Picassos, Fernand Legers and also the wild paintings of Henri Matisse, Piet Mondrian and others...well my word...It just "knocked me out." When I am confronted with this kind of massively provocative and so creative experience it is so unique and makes me so terrifically happy. I now realize that true breakthrough art is such a POWERHOUSE feeling!

'House of Strangers'

2011-10-11T20:23:00.000-04:00

The kind of movies the braintrusts call "film noir" are mighty powerful. And I confess, I love them very much. The tough dramas hold a person's interest extremely well. Recently, I got to watching a good example of this kind of film magic. It was a jewel of a movie called 'House of Strangers.' Edward G. Robinson was in the lead playing a guy named Gino Monetti. The character of Irene Bennett is played by the marvelous Susan Hayward and the person named Max Monetti is played by the wily actor, Richard Conte. Max gets wildly mad with his brothers and all kinds of tough stuff ensues, but a little later on old Max comes to the realization that his dad had brought about all the bitterness and disgust and then (believe me this is why film noir cinema gets interesting) after careful negotiating the family members finally work out a bit of true peace. The unique spirited passionate mood of this quite tense 'House of Strangers' makes it quite a nice piece of cinematic art.

Carl Fontana...Chic, Creative Trombone Art

2011-10-06T17:29:00.000-04:00

Carl Fontana.....The guy plays a tremendous jazz trombone. His stylish and melodic approach to trombone is the kind that keeps cutting into you, it's quite engaging. I listened today to Fontana and friends work out on the grand tune that Yip Harburg wrote...'If I Only had a Brain.' (Wizard of Oz sounds come to life.) What a good set of sounds this one is! The outing had the true finesse chops of Carl Fontana on trombone, Pete Jolly on piano and Joe La Barbera on the drums. The delicious melodic sense of Carl Fontana on the trombone is certainly a lot of fun. Pete Jolly sparkling a heady jazz vision on piano and Joe La Barbera crackling zingily on the drums mix up a sly jazzy tonic. This brand of jazz music makes this man known as me the proud owner of a very good Thursday experience. My, My...the backup individuals on this rendition ...Pete Jolly on piano, Joe La Barbera on drums are superb musicians.

Jazz Brings Us All Some Real True Meaning

2011-10-01T19:05:00.000-04:00

You know...Jazz brings so much meaning into a person's life. Whether it's Russell Malone, Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane or Miles Davis or Duke Ellington or Count Basie...so much uniqueness and deliciously marvelous flavors can become a part of one's soul. It is great to have Jazz as a meaningful part of one's very essence.

Shorty Rogers: 'Cool' Jazz Lives On!

2011-09-30T18:40:00.000-04:00

Shorty Rogers playing the unusual fluegelhorn is a unique jazz music experience. Rogers unit so wow...Their brand is the "Cool" Jazz popularized by some West Coast guys way back when. I listened today to fabulous Shorty Rogers and friends working out on the tune 'Martian Bossa Nova' and let me tell you people this was a big fun happening for little old me. This Bossa Nova thing also had super work by Joe Maini on Tenor Saxophone and the mighty Pete Jolly on the piano. Good music....Had me a nice Friday.

Metheny playing 'Alfie' .....Greatness!

2011-09-29T21:52:00.000-04:00

Pat Metheny is a super jazz guitarist. His very lovely, lyrical jazz approach to musical renditions is overwhelming. Tonight, I had a multitude of bizarre thoughts rumbling through me so I knew I needed a boost. I got it. I listened to Pat Metheny guitar impresario playing 'What's It All About' (ALFIE) and my word the music was so perfect it dove down deep in my soul and made me so happy. There is nothing quite like beautiful jazz guitar.

Computer Culture Brain Shock Waves

2011-09-29T21:31:00.000-04:00

The culture of American computerland is oftentimes so baffling. For an edgy raring antique curmudgeon it is enough to make a man tear his hair out. I was raised in the Middle Ages with an old hunt and peck typewriter and also old me worked in the news biz with pieces of paper and a plain no. 2 pencil scribbling away notes and headlines etc. And now I am in the souped-up techie world of iphones, laptops, tablets, ipads, new amazon kindle fire devices etc. Ain't life grand. Had a rugged computer prob tonight but somehow with much praying and sweating I got things fixed up. Life in mod-computer culture U.S. 2011 is quite complex but in its own way it shows a man the value of keeping a positive attitude plunked down in his feisty brain. Norman Mailer-style energy helped old me this evening.

Miranda Lambert....Quite a Fine Singer

2011-09-29T17:43:00.000-04:00

It seems the Country Music field constantly jumps up as more and more popular. I figure super country singers like Miranda Lambert help this situation a lot. Oh my goodness...Yes! I know Miranda Lambert voicing a song generates a lot of gigantic smiles. Her song...'Baggage Claim'....is doing quite well now. Join in with the crowds. Decide to enjoy more Lambert songs. Have Fun!

SNL trippin' the Light Fun Fantastic!

2011-09-27T16:59:00.000-04:00

Culture is a bag of tricks that can be so slick. One mesmerizing element of our gigantic culture has a fierce social dynamic all its own. The essence I am referencing here is comedy...maybe one might call it bawdy comedy. I am a remarkable devotee of sleek, cunning comedy that at times can prove harsh and blunt and rather scatological. I find myself loving the ebullient comic brew that Saturday Night Live (SNL) is brewing up, lately. Last Saturday night Lorne Michaels and his clever folks hit a massive comic home run. Alec Baldwin was terrific....my man was at his political and cultural best playing at being Rick Perry and also the marvelous superstar vocalist, Tony Bennett. Alec Baldwin's encapsulating feisty quasi-political performance was visceral and raw and so right-on funny. Also, the crafty Bill Hader was so profoundly comic as always. The man has remarkable imaginative talents. Seeing grand comedy on tv represents a provocative and heady cocktail for edgy curmudgeons like me. I find the verbal brandy that is comedy a mighty yum-yum of a wowee drink.

'Revenge' Is a Clever Show

2011-09-22T12:34:00.000-04:00

Watched the new tv show, 'Revenge' last night. The plot was so engaging. The lead character, Emily VanCamp was outstanding. What a super show this one is. Lots of brooding, wild emotions and so steamy drama. The thing is rammed full of high-concept entertainment fun. The clever Madeleine Stowe is a grand,strong presence in this production, also. Watch 'Revenge' and get some fun.

Japanese Culture Fun Blooms This Weekend

2011-09-16T17:41:00.001-04:00

Hi all. Don't forget.....JapanFest is tomorrow and Sunday in Duluth. 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway..Gwinnett Center. Lots of giant fun for children and adults.

Japan Fest 9-17, 9-18.

2011-09-15T15:28:00.000-04:00

JapanFest is Saturday and Sunday 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. Get Ready! Big Fun coming!

Charlie Parker: Lilting Jazz Alto Music!

2011-09-14T12:10:00.000-04:00

Charlie Parker is not just a jazz alto sax guy who can play so rapidly. The man's style appears incredible also on slow ballads. A case in point has to be the vivid and so poignant performance on the Gershwin standard, 'Summertime.' That Charlie Parker smoldering fire triggers this jazz tune to the celestial heights.

JapanFest Reminder!

2011-09-13T19:17:00.000-04:00

Don't forget everyone....JapanFest arrives this Saturday and Sunday at the Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. Lots of fun for all ages. Super stuff for Children and Adults.

Lester Young: Fabulous Saxophone Genius

2011-09-12T18:38:00.000-04:00

Needed inspiration today. Needed mainstream JAZZ. I got it! Yeah...today I listened to the flaming hot tenor sax of the powerhouse Lester Young. The man along with the Kansas City Seven was doing the super jazz standard, 'Lester Leaps In.' This sound with its omnipresent totality of jazz classicism (a la, the fabulous keyboard comping of Mr. Count Basie) packs a brashness and a burnished gold quality that really charms the listeners. Enjoying the big tenor sounds of Lester Young...Well, that's heavenly fun...Indeed!

Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys...So Fine

2011-09-07T17:44:00.000-04:00

Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys provide us some engaging music. Bob Wills and his group show us what that style called "Texas Swing" is all about. I enjoying hearing today the old favorite by Wills and Company ...'San Antonio Rose.' Always have loved that song. Also I got a good serving of fun out of Bob Wills and his group doing the solid tunes...'Faded Love' and 'Ida Red.' The sounds of Bob Wills defy convention because his arrangements are tight and cohesive and they are so astute as one of my journalist buddies might say. It is a grand afternoon, this attractive Wednesday. Listening to the shiny sounds of Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys made it an even better day.

JapanFest Coming September 17, 18

2011-09-04T14:34:00.000-04:00

Once again the great JapanFest is coming to all of us. I am so excited about this marvelous event. It will be held once again at The Gwinnett Center at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Gwinnett County. The dates are Saturday, September 17 and Sunday September 18. This Duluth location is marvelous for it is convenient for all folks from everywhere to get to. I thoroughly enjoy JapanFest in September every year. It is an exciting experience for both adults and children, There are many performances of folk dances, musical presentations, and also karate and other martial arts exhibitions. It is fun to see the colorful shops and lovely fashions and artful costumes of Japan and it is a remarkable scene because it provides a chance for many people of the Southeast and truly all over the U.S. to experience first-hand the delightful and culturally rich experiences that are indeed a part of the fascinating culture of Japan. Bring all your family to JapanFest in Duluth Ga. Gwinnett County (6400 Sugarloaf Parkway) on Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18. You will have a fantastic time enjoying all the great fun and joy that is Japan.

The Hampton Hawes Quartet

2011-09-02T19:22:00.000-04:00

Hampton Hawes Quartet ...A jazz aggregation that engages us with highly lucid inprovisatory stylings. Hawes is a pianist who brings brash jazz modernism to the forefront with his sleek command of the ivories. And in this 1958 unit, the aggressive tenor man Harold Land does a marvelous job. Dig Hampton Hawes and friends. Digest superior jazz modernism.

Elvis and Friends...Big Fun Music!

2011-09-01T16:13:00.000-04:00

Elvis time pops up again today!

NOTHING QUITE LIKE THE KING!

Diggin' Classic Elvis songs today...Especially got big fun with the powerhouse numbers 'Burning Love' and 'Blue Suede Shoes.' These musical memories are mighty strong stuff.

I also felt good so the feisty tune 'Don't Be Cruel' was fabulous. Just right for a cheerful Thursday.

SUPER STARS.....

Well, the man called Elvis along with other early Rockers like Carl Perkins and the powerhouse Chuck Berry.....these 'fellas are like....Wow! ....

All these guys could sure light things up with their red-hot steaming music that had a taste of "coolness" too.

Harry 'Sweets' Edison and Ben Webster

2011-08-31T16:23:00.000-04:00

Listening this fine Wednesday afternoon to the super mainstream jazz of Harry "Sweets" Edison on trumpet and Ben Webster on tenor saxophone. These men do some very innovative...engaging work. The set I heard today...'Better Go'...had plenty of lyrical, so nice musical moments. "Sweets" Edison is one fine trumpet man and Ben Webster has a big tenor sound that has so much remarkable quality that it really draws listeners in and makes them delighted.

'The Debt'

2011-08-31T14:25:00.000-04:00

Am very excited. A new thriller film, 'The Debt' opens today. This is a good one featuring the magnificent Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson and Sam Worthington. The fun that can be had with a good movie thriller is a fabulous experience. Let's all enjoy the new film goodie...'The Debt.'

Shorty Rogers and The Giants ...'Cool.'

2011-08-27T19:18:00.000-04:00

Listening today to a superb musician, the flugelhorn man, Shorty Rogers. This "cool" West Coast individualist of jazz is a fellow who creates captivating musical art. His group Shorty Rogers and the Giants had a tightness and a cohesiveness that was so interesting. Also, sidemen like Lou Levy, piano and Mel Lewis on the mighty drums broadly expanded the appeal of this brand of jazz. And do not forget the fine saxophone work of Joe Maini. When he was with Rogers the guy could do a feisty, cool job on his horn. Shorty Rogers group music is just right for this bizarre weekend.

The Modern Jazz Quartet......SO TERRIFIC!

2011-08-23T17:50:00.000-04:00

John Lewis and The Modern Jazz Quartet produce a brand of classic jazz that overwhelms the soul. It is injected with a vigorous dose of jazz finesse that really charms one.

THE MODERN JAZZ QUARTET IN LONDON.....FAB PERFORMANCE!

Wow.....When these fellows play the monumental composition, 'The Golden Striker' the thing is certainly a vivid, knockout number. It has a good kick kind of like the delicious taste of a Papa John's Spinach Alfredo pizza. Lord, this kind of jazz makes me smile.

MARVELOUS JAZZY SOUNDS.....

+++++<+++++ = The Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ) puts out big, shiny jazz that enthralls the audience of avid listeners. P.S. GREAT JAZZ HELPS US ALL!

I sign this.....FRANKLIN C. WHITE JR.

ELVIS GOSPEL SONGS...TOTAL JOY!

2011-08-21T17:57:00.000-04:00

ELVIS....GOSPEL SONGS...

THE SOUNDS OF A GENIUS!.....

Emotions run rampant zinging through me like crazy...when I hear the beautiful music of the FABULOUS ELVIS doing the SUPER GOSPEL SONGS!

THE VICTORY SONGS like...'You'll Never Walk Alone,' 'Peace in The Valley,' 'Precious Lord Take My Hand' and the monumental 'How Great Thou Art!' ...Wow! ....All these songs stir up so many memories in the man known as me....the soul some people call The Captain.

BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEMORIES TODAY!

I need to say right now that today is my birthday and it has been a GREAT ONE! And this early evening I am still celebrating...ENJOYING ELVIS SUPER GOSPEL MUSIC!

"Amazing Grace' becomes a tremendous total PASSION and GIANT EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE when the great Elvis sings it. Hearing it today made me let loose with big tears of joy!

EMOTIONS...Emotions...LORD YES! ...THOSE GIANT EMOTIONS!

I love the FABULOUS ELVIS PASSIONS!...

SUPER ELVIS GOSPEL MUSIC.......SO FANTASTIC!...

It is a beautiful Sunday! Everyone enjoy life and get it done. LIFE IS GOOD!

I am signing this Post....Cap'n Frank.

This is me signing off...

FRANKLIN C, WHITE JR.

CURTIS FULLER! JAZZ POWER MAN!

2011-08-20T12:16:00.000-04:00

HARD BOP JAZZ.....Power Music!

Big boss sounds of Curtis Fuller on trombone and the mighty Benny Golson on tenor...what terrific major jazz truism sounds.

BLUE NOTE........Tremendous!

If you want incredible and provocative jazz...then get stuff on Blue Note. They are so strong in letting us dig high-quality jazz sounds........

MAGIC.....OH YEAH....MAGIC JAZZ!

The gigantic and just right tones of Curtis Fuller on this 'blues-ette' music thing are so fine! Just right for hot August days and nights.

LOVE HARD BOP POWER JAZZ...

The sounds of Curtis Fuller and Benny Golson are so good...but the magical piano jazz work of Tommy Flanagan serves us up a tasty meal of fine jazz creating, also.

CURTIS FULLER ....HE ROCKS!

'The Sound and the Fury'

2011-08-20T10:44:00.000-04:00

Seeing the really high-impact movie called, 'The Sound and the Fury' triggered a fusillade of wild thoughts in me. I love good TCM films and this bit of cinematic art bowled me over once again the other night. The story was originally crafted in the complex novel by the famed Southern novelist William Faulkner. This movie contains imaginative enthralling acting by two sophisticated performers, Joanne Woodward and Yul Brynner playing Quentin Compson and Jason Compson, respectively. The unique portion of the ouvre of William Faulkner is the man's ability to fashion a storyline that encapsulates the intricate variations of the mainstream Southern experience in a so impressive way. I find it amusing the way this Martin Ritt directed movie shows well the tone of real Mississippi life way back when. If a man or woman watches this thing it generates a vivid, deep wellspring of intense emotions and it makes new dimensions in a soul's life allowing a person to really feel the remarkable highlights of human experience.

Jason Moran....Keyboardist with Pizazz

2011-08-15T12:14:00.000-04:00

I love super jazz keyboard performers. This lovely Monday I enjoyed the finesse work of jazzman Jason Moran and his trio. The vibrant sound of quite lyrical jazz piano is extremely pleasurable. I have heard many versions of the standard 'Body and Soul' over the years. However, when I heard this version of the song it was so fresh and infused with profound delight that the thing propagated so much creativity in me. Also, one of the Jason Moran numbers -- a tune of a bluesy nature got me really smiling. Vivid, finesse-oriented keyboard work makes us appreciate shiny, provocative jazz even more.

Chick Corea Electric Band...A Power Unit

2011-08-12T18:09:00.000-04:00

The Chick Corea Electric Band is a fantastic musical aggregation. Listened today to the mighty Chick Corea and compadres doing his tune called 'Spain.' What a powerhouse composition the thing is. Not only is the terrific key attack of Corea great but also the soaring sax of Eric Marienthal is so engaging. This kind of music lights up a person's brain so beautifully.

'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'

2011-08-08T14:52:00.000-04:00

Watched a very high-quality film last night on TCM. The movie was the 1939 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame.' This artful work had so much power and terrific zest. The viewer was really pulled into the story based on the tremendous novel by the magnificent, Victor Hugo. Playing the hunchback was the incredible actor, Charles Laughton. When one sees a performance like his one realizes many men that came later are like asinine little kids...they are nowhere near a man of his stature. Not only Laughton but other real luminaries populate this gem of a film. Maureen O'Hara plays the poor girl, Esmeralda. She (O'Hara) has in her possession a fascinating highly-feminine blend of vulnerability and strong feisty soulfulness. I love the melodic and so true picaresque dollops of artfulness that Maureen O'Hara brings to this clever movie. Cedric Hardwicke and Thomas Mitchell are also truly fascinating in this film. It is a heady brew...the storyline of 'Hunchback' because one feels a sense of drowning in the wild river that is ancient French culture with all of its cleverness and so articulate philosophical insights. When Esmeralda is abruptly rescued by the hideous hunchback it is indeed a shiny, all-encompassing miracle and just like in the first 'Rocky' movie many years later men and women want to jump up and cheer. Again, this gorgeous 1939 movie 'Hunchback' is a fabulous movie that really satisfies the human soul.

Jazz and This Odd Economy

2011-08-04T16:45:00.000-04:00

Horrible stock and economy news happening. Needed lift...really badly. Enjoyed hearing the gorgeous jazz tune entitled 'Blue in Green' on the powerhouse Miles Davis album called 'Kind of Blue.' The sound of that strong and so emotional Miles Davis jazz trumpet helped me. The bad economy has us all sobbin' right now. Please bring us out of the financial horror.

Mark Isham Paints Fine Musical Art

2011-07-31T19:49:00.000-04:00

Mark Isham has really engaging film score music. His reverberating film musical artistry for 'In The Valley of Elah' is remarkable. Good scores can help the dynamic of a film so much.

George Winston's Healing Piano Sounds

2011-07-31T17:53:00.000-04:00

Last evening I talked to a good friend about really nice music. The name of the very interesting pianist George Winston came up. Tonight I remembered our conversation so I decided to "dig" out some George Winston music. As the clever pundits might say I gave a really fine-honed listen to George Winston on a tune that literally is bursting with incredible beauty and glistening creativity. The song is called 'Woods.' This thing touches every possible vein of the human soul. We all need healing music and I truly feel the elegant piano styling of this fabulous pianist, George Winston, is indeed a wondrous thing.

Russell Malone, Billy Taylor: Jazz Elegance

2011-07-30T12:53:00.000-04:00

I had me a lot of fun early this afternoon hearing the finesse jazz guitar man Russell Malone playing with the quite elegant Billy Taylor Trio. The fine composition, 'There Will Never Be Another You' was beautifully interpreted by Russell Malone. What a terrific lyrical approach to Jazz Guitar this guy has. The comping by Billy Taylor on piano....my, my...so EXPRESSIVE, also. This is a tremendous lovely Saturday and grand, shiny jazz music like that propounded by Billy Taylor and Russell Malone makes the day even more memorable.

Eddie Condon, Davison, Hall: Big Jazz Guys

2011-07-29T17:29:00.000-04:00

Old-Time Traditional Jazz can give us all plenty of fun. Today was a nice Friday so I decided to listen to the steady good beat jazz of a group with the wonderful Eddie Condon on guitar, Edmond Hall on clarinet and the powerhouse Wild Bill Davison on trumpet. This material was so great. Gave the man known as me a marvelous Jazz Lift. The lilting punch of this brand of jazz joy is so resonant with all our souls.

Billy Taylor.......Jazz Pianist Who Captivates

2011-07-27T18:09:00.000-04:00

Billy Taylor is a jazz piano guy with incredible speed. His fingers fly across the keyboard. His 1951 version of 'What Is This Thing Called Love' is sensational. With him on this ditty I dug today was the vivid, powerful man of the bass, the sleek genius, Charles Mingus. The combination of Billy Taylor and Charles Mingus is greatness, indeed! I feel fantastic being able to dig this kind of passionate jazz.

'Covert Affairs' Is Top Tuesday Night Fun

2011-07-26T17:53:00.000-04:00

Happy Right Now. One of my favorite TV shows is coming tonight at 10 p.m. I mean the feisty, fine program...'Covert Affairs' on USA Network. This one has the immensely talented and so creative actress, Piper Perabo. This person did a good job in the 'Coyote Ugly' film a few years back. She has very impressive credits now. Check out Piper Perabo and 'Covert Affairs' on USA. Great TV.

Freddie Fender and His Timeless Songs

2011-07-26T17:29:00.000-04:00

Freddie Fender makes timeless Texas music. Heard his two fantastic numbers, 'Before The Next Teardrop Falls' and the passionate 'Wasted Days and Wasted Nights' late this Tuesday afternoon. I used to live in San Antonio and I love the Texas people. Freddy Fender songs hit all the right chords in people. Freddie Fender and his music bring back many great memories for me.

Ray Charles: Steamin' HOT Music!

2011-07-26T17:01:00.000-04:00

Ray Charles music listening this afternoon. Good Lord! What powerful, strong right-on music. Heard the mighty songs, 'Hit The Road Jack.' 'I Got A Woman,' You Are My Sunshine' and the FANTASTIC song that truly stirs us up red HOT...'What'd I Say!' I know when I get the huge sounds of the genius Ray Charles going in me...well, then it's for sure all's right with the world. There is nothing quite like the Red-Hot music of the great Ray Charles.

Adele: A Singer Who Can Touch The Heart

2011-07-26T14:26:00.000-04:00

Adele singing that great song...'Someone Like You' ...well, that rendition just really gets me thinking. If you ever had a broken heart this Adele number will really dig into your soul and your guts. I know it is a real pleasure to hear a grand singer...a person who does not rely on just wacky gimmicks. Enjoy the music of Adele. Feel a lot better!

NFL Deal A Boost For U.S. Pop Culture

2011-07-25T14:26:00.000-04:00

Today we all got a huge boost. This is a marvelous pop culture shock wave. I'm talking about the NFL getting all things accomplished and so now we Americans are going to have our Pro Football. We need this NFL good deal because with this debt crisis and all the other odd economic things happening...we my word, we need what is called GOOD NEWS. I am so happy the Pro Football guys are going to give us great action again. Especially looking forward to watching the magnificent Matt Ryan and Roddy White of my wonderful team...THE ATLANTA FALCONS!

'I Confess' movie loaded with raw emotion

2011-07-24T17:43:00.000-04:00

Alfred Hitchcock had a clever way of directing his films. The man managed to stick all kinds of interesting "twists" in his movies. And it got tricky to just keep up with all his witty cleverness. But somehow a soul got snared and the next thing was...the viewer going down deep into the well and finding the fellow 'Hitch' had managed a finesse job again. the man had another bit of film artistry going on. I believe the raw emotion that is a burning portion of the Hitchcock movie works rather resembles the gutsy feelings one gets when listening to old-style rock sounds like those coming frm Elvis, Carl Perkins, Gene Vincent, Jerry Lee Lewis and yes even some musicians who came a little later like Led Zeppelin and the wild fellows, ZZ-Top. Emotion can produce a whole new dimension in a man or a woman's life. It is a fact that when a big serving of wild emotion explodes into a person's brain then a more compelling and fascinating human being's personality is born. Getting back to the clever core of gritty Hitchcock stuff, one of my favorite H. movies is a thing called 'I Confess' that came out in 1953. This one had Montgomery Clift, Anne Baxter and Karl Malden. The story of a priest (Montgomery Clift) is slick. The psychological teeth of this number is the riveting bloodstream of the story that somehow has the priest Clift ending up as a top suspect in a rugged murder. A church caretaker at a Quebec Catholic church confesses to the priest Clift and then inexorably Mr. Clift is drawn into a spidery web making him wonder what in the world to do with this confessed stream of consciousness. When the police figure the priest Clift has something to do with all this then the guy cannot spill his guts and tell stuff. In a strange way I remembered the clever old actor Walter Brennan when watching Monty Clift's performance. Brennan like Clift was seemingly always getting hung up in a tidal wave of roughhouse emotions that had people really strung out. A sleek additional blue note in this interesting 'I Confess' film is the romantic stuff Mr. Clift and the unique actress, Anne Baxter, get themselves into. And the wild, profound actor Karl Malden pounds out a good performance too in this odd story. Just like listening to grilling, powerful Elvis Presley songs the films of Alfred Hitchcock remain well-honed bits of cinematic steel fixed up on the anvil of truly skilled movie making. Intense emotion in movies rings all our chimes and slips us into a deep abyss of a mind-blowing experience we can really sink our teeth into.

Zac Brown Band...Solid Monday Tunes

2011-07-18T15:11:00.000-04:00

The Zac Brown Band has a total sound that gets to everyone. As solid musicians they have the ability to connect. Yeah, they make you want to dance right along with 'em. I got myself going today by hearing good Zac Brown Band songs, 'Toes' and 'Chicken Fried.' Raw emotion just jumps at you out of these fine numbers. It is unique how the Zac Brown people can produce songs with so much depth, emotion and pure "guts." I am at the point in my life now where I appreciate more and more strong feeling in my music. It is music that brings us all together. If you listen to Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash or the powerhouse Zac Brown Band, all these musical folks can add a dash of delicious flavor to your lives. The zesty sounds of the merry " Chicken Fried' and 'Toes' put a huge smile on my face and probably for all you grand people out there. Let's have a thrilling Monday and let's enjoy the marvelous music of the Zac Brown Band. Yeah...let's sink our teeth into fantastic music this nice Monday!

Sonny Rollins...Poignant Sounds of Jazz

2011-07-16T16:12:00.000-04:00

Jazz tenor saxophone people fascinate me. I think one of the most unique tenor voices is the clever older fella' Sonny Rollins. I listened today to this sly, big-toned sax guy blowing the intricate tune 'St. Thomas' and it was a huge thrill, a collage of sounds that mesmerize us all. This jazzy tune 'St. Thomas' is one of my top favorites. The piano styling of Kenny Drew was superb on this blowing session. Also I heard the sleek jazz tune 'Oleo' interpreted by our vigorous Mr. Sonny Rollins. That development of the composition 'Oleo' with its tricky bridges was so very fine. Jazz tenor sax music makes the mind feel so pleased.

The Doors....Real Strong Music!

2011-07-08T18:44:00.000-04:00

Kinda worn out today. Wow....needed huge music energy quick. Got listening to the mighty DOORS. That did the trick...Hearing Morrison sing is truly "somethin' else." I really like that old song....'L.A. Woman.' The thing is so strong. Hope the night time turns out to be the right time as Mr. Charles says.

Carl Perkins.....Super Dance Music

2011-07-01T16:46:00.000-04:00

Old-Style Rock is fun. The infectious sounds of true rockabilly music are remarkable. Listened this hot Saturday afternoon to the clever Carl Perkins doing two classic tunes...'Glad All Over' and 'Matchbox.' These numbers have so much truly kickin' style...Wow!....They remind us life is a joy. Carl Perkins stuff is loaded up with terrific punch, Makes you wanna get up and dance!

Al Cohn...Jazz Ace on Tenor

2011-06-29T16:11:00.000-04:00

Tenor Sax people are unique. For one thing, it is hard to get a good, big sound... what one might call a fantastic tone out of a tenor saxophone. But listening today to a favorite of mine on tenor sax helped me a lot. The guy I am speaking of is a feisty tenor man named Al Cohn. He along with the clever Zoot Sims were two superb tenor men. I enjoy so much the engaging sounds of attractive tenor playing. Today, the jazz music of Al Cohn on tenor made my life just right.

The Great Clarence Clemons Passes

2011-06-20T12:13:00.000-04:00

A giant loss happened to the music world last Saturday. When Clarence Clemons the super saxophone guy passed on June 18 it was rough news to swallow. The man was such a tremendous mainstay in the mighty E Street Band of the great Bruce Springsteen. I always loved the big sound of that special saxophone guy. For so many years he was right there with Bruce playing his fantastic horn. This gentleman will be really missed by all of us.

A Fantastic Father's Day!

2011-06-19T20:38:00.000-04:00

It's been a FANTASTIC Father's Day for me and my people. Went over to my son's house in Atlanta. My wife and I had a wonderful time with our son, his wife (our daughter-in-law) and his two daughters. It was a lot of fun. He grilled good pork and we had good green beans, corn and a fine pie my daughter-in-law made. My son gave me a great DVD...the 'True Grit' film with Jeff B., Matt Damon, Hailey S. and Josh Brolin. Wife and I watched it late this afternoon. Dear Lord this has been a magnificent day!