Horace Silver: Magical Jazz Pianist

Some jazz artists always refreshed themselves. Getting new insights and trying for vivid new things. That was their forte. Horace Silver is a profound piano man, a guy who can embellish things in a magical musical manner. Today I decided to listen to a fine Horace Silver effort from '58. The jazz played there is still so dynamic and also tremendous in its appeal. On this set, Horace Silver was joined by the super Junior Cook on tenor saxophone. Indeed the highly lucid approach of Junior Cook on tenor is really much like reading John Steinbeck, in other words the big music just soars and soars. Also on this set were Louis Smith on trumpet, Gene Taylor on bass and the fine pulsating drummer Louis Hayes. My favorites tunes played here were 'Tippin' and 'The Outlaw.' For sure the fella, Louis Smith can come up with some elegant soaring oh so pivotally linear lines of improvisation. Jazz is a marvelous element of our highly varied modern American culture. Certainly, genius piano man, Horace Silver, grand trumpet guy Louis Smith and swingin' oh-such-a-good bop fella on tenor Junior Cook...well this group can serve up jazz dishes that are just as fine as good rib-eye steaks. Listen to the superb sound of Horace Silver and you will enjoy your life in a big way.

Booker T. and the MG's: 'Onion' Time

Once upon a time I just loved to dance. It was great to go to events and hear good music. I remember a fave of mine was the wild music of the smokin' hot group, Booker T. and the MG's. Wow! These guys could serve up a big prime rib sound that was so hot, so strong. A favorite tune of this classic unit was the super 'Green Onions.' It had a constant pulsing beat that was sensational. Another good one was the tune with the ascending sounds, 'Time is Tight.' Anyhow, I listened to the mighty Booker T. and the MG's late this afternoon. Lord, that fine bluesy Booker T. and the MG's big 'ole sound was so fantastic. The stuff really set you to swaying with the earthy, right-on raw and just right chords.

Lady Gaga: Soul of High Energy Music

A few minutes ago I went looking for some pick-me-up music. Wow, I found it. Listened to the shiny, wild sounds of the one and only Lady Gaga. The song was 'Bad Romance.' Lady Gaga is truly somethin' else. There are few performers who have that truly brash energy style. Indeed Lady Gaga has that style zeroed in. It is now a much better evening. Thanks Lady Gaga. Good wild music makes this soul a really happy camper.

January Jones, SNL: Grand Performances

SNL was so good last night. The wonderful January Jones of the super 'Mad Men' show was on as a guest and what a marvelous job she did. One segment featured January Jones in a take on the superior Hitch film 'Rear Window.' There was a lot of passing gas. It was hilarious. When a show has people like Fred Armisen, Bill Hader and the elegant and exciting January Jones, well...this is real "fun" time. Indeed Fred Armisen and Bill Hader and January Jones are all great entertainment biz people and really a lot of fun to watch.

DAWGS get goin' and win

Part of the overall culture in Georgia is the genre we call college football. For me one of the vital things is the concept of the University of Georgia. In other words, DAWGS, people. College football drives a lot of business. Lord, yes. The University of Georgia is a great place. My DAWGS won one yesterday, beating the bunch from Auburn, 31-24. It was a pleasure seeing more power and strength in the DAWGS team. I guess it makes a guy happy to see his bunch 'get 'er done' as Larry the Cable Guy says. The people in Athens must have had a real big time with the nice win yesterday. Lots of good music in Athens town last evening.

Joe Pass: The Wizard of Guitar

I got into giving a listen to some real elegance in jazz today. I dug the beautiful guitar sounds of Joe Pass. I have been taking guitar for some time and I have been working to get technique and tone going well. The amazing thing about Joe Pass is the fact he makes it all sound so easy. His smoothness and his long flowing guitar lines can really make a soul smile. Today, I just got delighted with Joe Pass and his version of the lovely, 'Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me.' Tremendous guitar playing is a marvelous joy for us jazz buffs to really love. It is particularly interesting that Joe Pass can also do a very fine job with good kickin' blues work.

Taylor Swift's Success Is Soaring

Taylor Swift is getting more and more famous. She is the big award woman of the moment. It is a grand music biz story. Normally I don't care but for only a few folks in country music. But the fascinating woman named Taylor Swift is so very special. Indeed, it is so cool that like other great women of song like Brenda Lee and Loretta Lynn, Taylor Swift is coming into her own. Loretta Lynn could do fine things with songs. So could Brenda Lee. Now, Taylor Swift is up high with the country music greats. For Taylor, it's grand success time. Way to go Taylor Swift!