Camden, NJ

Columbus, OH

Saxophone players are the vibrant heartbeat of jazz and beyond, their music blending soulful melodies with technical brilliance. From the bebop brilliance of Charlie Parker to the smooth tones of Stan Getz and the avant-garde innovations of John Coltrane, saxophonists shape the soundscape of modern music. Their ability to evoke emotion through intricate improvisation and lyrical expression captivates audiences worldwide, making them icons of creativity and versatility. Whether soaring through complex harmonies or weaving intricate melodies, saxophone players continue to push boundaries, inspiring new generations and leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving landscape of music.

15 Best Saxophone Players of All Time

New Jersey State

William James Basie was born on August 21, 1904, in Red Bank, New Jersey. Basie’s mother gave him his first piano lessons. After moving to New York, Basie met Fats Waller, whom he heard playing organ for silent movies. In 1928 in Kansas City, he joined Walter Page’s Blue...

Count Basie

Eureka, CA

I’ve been attending jazz parties and festivals for twenty years, and each one has its own character. So to call one “the best” would be foolish. But the Redwood Coast Music Festival, held at the beginning of October in Eureka, California, is a musical banquet. No, make that several musical banquets all at once. I’ve been there in 2019, 2022, and 2023 (there was an interruption of service in there) and I’m ready for October 3-6, 2024.

Eureka! The Redwood Coast Music Festival

For the last year, along with an active tour schedule, appearing on recordings for others, and contributing his great column with Jeff Barnhart analyzing choice tracks from important jazz bands, Hal Smith has been rolling out albums for what he is calling the West Coast Jazz Heritage Series. Three albums have been released with two more coming this fall. These are remote recordings for which he has assembled a variety of musicians, most of them too young to have had a real-time connection to the material covered.

Hal Smith’s West Coast Jazz Heritage Series

Chicago, IL

Joe Sullivan and Bob Zurke had several things in common. They were both brilliant pianists with their own sound within the swing tradition of the 1930s, were alcoholics whose drinking affected their lives and careers, and crossed paths during one important period. Michael Joseph O’Sullivan was born on Nov. 4,...

Joe Sullivan and Bob Zurke: Profiles in Jazz

Blanco, TX

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Brigid Pfeifer

There were a number of celebrities who passed away within the past week, including two notable actresses: Shelley Duvall and Shannen Doherty. Shelley Duvall passed away on Thursday July 11th at her home in Blanco, Texas. The cause of death was complications from diabetes and news of her death was confirmed by her partner Dan Gilroy.

Two Beloved Hollywood Actresses Have Passed Away This Week

New York City, NY

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Cheryl E Preston

Yesterday was the third time this year that an ad stating Chelsea Clinton lives in a beautiful Virginia home popped up on my laptop. My computer did not warn me this was a dangerous site, so this time, I clicked on the link.

Chelsea Clinton is rumored to be living in Virginia but probably still in NYC

Folk music singers are storytellers who use their music to convey narratives of cultural heritage, social change, and personal experiences. Rooted in tradition and often accompanied by acoustic instruments like guitars, banjos, and fiddles, folk singers blend authenticity with a grassroots appeal. From the protest songs of Bob Dylan and Joan Baez that fueled social movements to the introspective ballads of Joni Mitchell and Woody Guthrie, folk music singers capture the essence of everyday life and universal themes. Their music resonates with listeners by celebrating diversity, advocating for justice, and preserving oral histories across generations.

15 Best Folk Music Singers of All Time

MusicRadar

"When he died, I cried and I actually jumped into the ocean": Carlos Santana and more on bass legend Jaco Pastorius

In 1944, the “Chiquita Banana Song” premiered as a jingle, a commercial song for extolling the virtues of and selling bananas. By 1945, the jingle was being aired as many at 2,700 times a week. In addition, it became a popular tune with a number of big bands and singing groups issuing recordings. The original singer of the jingle was Elsa Miranda, who issued a commercial phonograph accompanied by the Viva American Orchestra. But there were also recordings by the DeMarco Sisters, Gene Krupa, Xavier Cugat, and Carmen Miranda. The song continued to be popular with the T-Bones issuing a recording in 1966. Recently, the song has appeared in the Simpsons television show and in the movie Despicable Me.

Brass, Reeds, and Percussion: August 3, 2024

Stevie Ray Vaughan was a Texas-born blues guitar virtuoso who revolutionized modern blues with his electrifying playing style and soulful voice. Emerging in the 1980s, Vaughan’s mastery of the guitar, particularly his fiery solos and emotive bends, reinvigorated the genre, earning him acclaim as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His influential albums like “Texas Flood” and “Couldn’t Stand the Weather” showcased his raw talent and deep respect for blues tradition, while collaborations with artists like Double Trouble and his memorable performance at Eric Clapton’s 1988 Crossroads Guitar Festival cemented his legacy as an icon of blues music.

10 Best Stevie Ray Vaughan Songs of All Time

Explore the timeless allure of instrumental music through our curated list of the Top Most Popular 15 Best Instrumental Music Songs of All Time. These compositions transcend words, captivating listeners with their emotive melodies and virtuosic performances. From the classical elegance of Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” to the jazz brilliance of Miles Davis’s “So What,” each piece on our list offers a unique journey into the heart of instrumental expression.

15 Best Instrumental Music Songs of All Time

Sedalia, MO

Fifty years added to our twenties, thirties, and forties in 1974 equals old for those who have managed to survive. And. for us who have survived, it was a marvelous reunion amid the throng of joyfully talented young and well-seasoned performers who entertained audiences of all ages. It was the 50th anniversary of the first Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival in Sedalia, Missouri.

Fifty Years Later, Here We Are!

Delving into the soulful depths of music history, we embark on a journey through the Top Most Popular 15 Best Blues Songs of All Time. Blues, born from the trials and triumphs of African American culture, has etched its melody into the heart of American music. From the haunting laments of Robert Johnson’s “Cross Road Blues” to the electrifying riffs of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Pride and Joy,” each song resonates with raw emotion and storytelling prowess. B.B. King’s timeless “The Thrill Is Gone” echoes the bittersweet ache of lost love, while Muddy Waters’ “Got My Mojo Working” exudes an infectious groove that defines Chicago blues. Robert Johnson’s haunting “Sweet Home Chicago” stands as an anthem of yearning for better days, while Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind” showcases the genre’s ability to capture deep personal anguish. These songs, including classics by John Lee Hooker, Albert King, and Jimi Hendrix, epitomize the blues’ enduring legacy, influencing generations of musicians across genres. Join us as we celebrate these iconic tracks that continue to shape the very fabric of contemporary music, proving that the blues remains an eternal source of inspiration and solace.

15 Best Blues Songs of All Time

Virginia State

Some Virginia fans of The Bold and the Beautiful said they were skeptical when Thomas Forrester (Mathew Atkinswon) asked Hope Spencer (Anikka Noelle) to marry him for a third time on Friday.

The Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers: Thomas was not sincere in his proposal to Hope on Friday

The Byrds stand as icons of mid-1960s rock, pioneering genres like folk rock, psychedelic rock, and country rock—a quintessential American response to the British Invasion led by the Beatles. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in January 1991, The Byrds’ original lineup performed together for the...

5 Songs From The Byrds That Take You Back To The 1960s

When the summer tour of Daryl Hall and Elvis Costello was announced, I first thought Declan MacManus was opting to fill the slot of Hall’s former partner. After all, he’s performed in many guises over the years, from his famous stage name to The Imposter to Napoleon Dynamite (before the movie of the same name). So why not John Oates?

TVD Live: Daryl Hall and Elvis Costello at Wolf Trap, 7/25

This eleven-track marvel is already a few years old, but appears to be the latest record released by the Gallic group comprised by Gilles Berthenet (trumpet), Ezequiel Célada (clarinet), Arthur Defrain (washboard), and Auguste Caron (piano, arrangements). There’s very little info about them online: no website, no social media—only a few live performances preserved on YouTube—which is all the more reason for me to bring them to your attention.

The Washin’ Machines • From Harlem to Montpellier

Davenport, IA

BIX BEIDERBECKE JAZZ FESTIVAL (Davenport, IA) – Aug. 1-3 Hot Jazz will return to the Upper Mississippi River next year during the Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Festival. On August 2, 2024, there will be even more music aboard the Celebration Belle, with Matt Tolentino’s Iowans playing on the main deck while T.J. Müller’s Jazz-O-Maniacs perform on the upper deck.

The Festival Roundup August 2024

After observing hints of this imminent project since the spring of 2023, it was an immense joy when Turtle Bay Records announced the New Wonders’ album release in early April of 2024. I was among those on the online pre-order list, and the CD was delivered immediately. Since the day of its arrival, I’ve played it repeatedly on my little Sony stereo to the point of realization on why I personally ought to stick to these compact discs rather than the classic shellac/vinyl records: I would undoubtedly overuse the grooves! (But if you’re a record collector, Turtle Bay Records also offers their novelty vinyl edition.)

The New Wonders • Steppin’ Out

Philadelphia, PA

Oaklyn, NJ

Collingswood, NJ

NewsBreak

Bennie Moten’s KC Orch: The Final Four Recordings

Jeff Barnhart: Dan, we have the pleasure of discussing the final four sides the Bennie Moten Orchestra recorded on Dec. 13, 1932, in Camden, NJ. Our...

Bennie Moten’s KC Orch: The Final Four Recordings

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