Columbus, OH

Over the five fascinating years I’ve been interviewing jazz musicians, a curious trend has emerged. It has interested, confounded and occasionally annoyed me—the last probably due to a (misguided) sense that my musical passions and practices are being slighted by implication. I’m talking about the tendency for pro musicians to begin their journey with piano lessons, before switching the instrument out for another one that eventually makes them famous—be it brass, woodwind, strings or their own voice.

Starting on Piano (and Finishing Somewhere Else)

Mississippi State

For Live At Mezzrow, which was recorded on Feb. 5, 2023, Peplowski performs in a quartet with pianist Ted Rosenthal, bassist Martin Wind, and drummer Willie Jones III. While Peplowski’s playing cannot be confined to swing or early jazz and his rhythm section has often been heard in more modern settings, the music on this set primarily falls into the area of forward-looking small-group swing. Peplowski, who splits his time between tenor and clarinet, performs a wide ranging set of sometimes surprising material.

Ken Peplowski • Live At Mezzrow

And it seems to be a Henderson showcase throughout, although when Hutcherson brings his vibes to the fore, it’s always arresting. As in a Joe Chambers ballad, “Mirrors,” that puts Hutcherson squarely in the forefront and doesn’t welcome Henderson in until the four-minute mark. Hutcherson was...

Classic Bobby Hutcherson Blue Note Sessions 1963-1970

Camden, NJ

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 discussion has thus far been almost as scintillating to me as the music itself, and I’m sure this entry will prove the same. Not only a feast for the ears, the Herculean output of this single-day session is a testimony to the strength of the human spirit, as well as that of the music that feeds it.

Bennie Moten’s KC Orch: The Final Four Recordings

Blanco, TX

Community Voices represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program but not yet verified their accounts. Community Voices are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

community_voice

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

Writers represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. Writers are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

writer

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

Decider.com

For the 2023 documentary It’s Only Life After All, now streaming on Netflix, filmmaker Alexandria Bombach and Indigo Girls members Amy Ray and Emily Saliers focus on the duo’s lives as performers and people over the Grammy-winning folk-rock duo’s 40 years together. That’s a long time, and It’s Only Life doesn’t approach it in linear music doc fashion, instead drawing on thoughtful new interviews with Ray and Saliers where they touch on the themes that have defined Indigo Girls’ music and career: individual acceptance, shared experience, the visibility of women and the LGBTQ community, and an always lit spark of...

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘It’s Only Life After All’ on Netflix, A Documentary The Influential Folk Rock Duo The Indigo Girls

Delving into the realm of operatic grandeur, this article explores the Top 15 Most Popular Best Opera Songs of All Time, showcasing the unparalleled artistry and emotional depth that define this classical genre. Opera, with its powerful blend of music, drama, and spectacle, has produced timeless pieces that resonate across generations. From the poignant arias of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” to the tragic beauty of Bizet’s “Carmen,” each selection embodies the essence of human experience through stirring melodies and intricate vocal performances. Verdi’s “La donna è mobile” and Mozart’s “Der Hölle Rache” stand as pillars of vocal virtuosity, while the haunting allure of Delibes’ “Flower Duet” evokes serene pastoral scenes. The operatic repertoire further unfolds with the passionate duets of “Au fond du temple saint” from Bizet’s “The Pearl Fishers” and the romantic tragedy of “Un bel dì vedremo” from Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly.” Whether capturing moments of love, despair, or triumph, these selections illustrate opera’s enduring appeal as a pinnacle of artistic expression. Join us on a journey through the Top 15 Best Opera Songs, celebrating their profound impact on music and culture worldwide.

15 Best Opera Songs of All Time

Emily Standley Allard

Marriage is a significant life decision that requires extreme commitment, understanding, devotion and a heck of a lot of compromise. While many people dream of a lifelong partnership, others find the concept of marriage challenging. Astrology offers insights into personality traits and behaviors, suggesting that certain zodiac signs might face more difficulties in maintaining a traditional marital relationship. This article explores the five zodiac signs that are often considered less suited for marriage due to their unique characteristics and tendencies when it comes to lifelong commitment.

The 5 Zodiac Signs Not Meant for Matrimony

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

Piano players, whether classical virtuosos or jazz improvisers, embody a unique ability to blend technical precision with emotional expression. They navigate a vast repertoire, from intricate classical compositions to fluid jazz improvisations, showcasing versatility and creativity. Beyond mastering the keys, they interpret, innovate, and breathe life into music, captivating audiences with their dynamic performances. Piano players are cultural storytellers, shaping melodies that resonate through generations, bridging genres and styles with their artistry. Their influence extends beyond the concert hall or jazz club, inspiring and enriching the global musical landscape with their passion and skill.

15 Best Piano Players of All Time

Los Angeles, CA

The late Robbie Robertson will be honored with an all-star tribute concert 14 months after his death in 2023 at age 80. Life Is a Carnival: A Musical Celebration of Robbie Robertson, to be held on October 17, 2024, at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, will feature performances by such stars as Eric Clapton, Bruce Hornsby, Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench of the Heartbreakers, Van Morrison, Mavis Staples, Elvis Costello, and Lucinda Williams.

Robbie Robertson All-Star Tribute Concert Set

Whiskey Riff

Nobody does it like Willie Nelson.

And by "it," I mean, quite literally, anything...

The living legend has some incredible outlaw stories to his name, many of which were covered in the new Taylor Sheridan-produced docuseries called Willie Nelson & Family.

I pretty much binged it over the Christmas holiday, which isn't that hard to do if you're still off and looking for something to watch, as it's a concise four episodes that each delve deep into a different era and aspect of his lengthy, legendary career.

It's an incredible look into some never-before-seen footage of him too, as Willie gave the directors unprecedented...

“Roll Him A Joint & Make His Special Coffee” – That Was Someone’s Only Job While Willie Nelson Was Recording ‘Teatro’

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

In the late 1970s, Linda Ronstadt was the biggest female rock star in the United States, achieving several platinum records and gracing magazine covers with her beauty. However, by the early 1980s, she grew tired of playing in large arenas and sought new musical challenges. Millions sang along to her...

Linda Ronstadt Talks About The Eagles In Adorable Interview Back In The 70s

This is an article I never expected to write. My interest in Scott Joplin was originally centered on his music; examination of his life came later, and I was pleased to discover how details of his life added to the understanding of his music. Thoughts of his parents rarely surfaced. I accepted the little that was written about them and didn’t bother to examine the stories carefully. My thoughts changed a year ago when my daughter Stephanie Caputo, an amateur – though expert – genealogist, showed me what she had discovered about the parents. This was new and intriguing information. I agreed that we should follow her line of investigation and see where it leads.

Scott Joplin’s Parents: Truths, Fabrications, and Revelations

Joined by one of two rhythm sections (pianists Ray Gallon or Miles Black, Jodi Proznick or Cameron Brown on bass, drummers Joel Fountain or Anthony Pinciotti and, on two of the seven numbers, saxophonist Dave Say), Ms. Verbrugge is heard throughout in top form. She has a relaxed style while infusing her renditions with subtle creativity and her own appealing musical personality.

Angela Verbrugge • Somewhere

American Songwriter

Here’s sending out Happy Birthday wishes to Linda Ronstadt, who was born 78 years ago today (July 15, 1946). Ronstadt first gained attention in the late 1960s as a member of folk-rock group The Stone Poneys before launching hugely successful solo career. From 1970 into the 2000s, Ronstadt released...

4 Memorable Guest Vocal Appearances by Linda Ronstadt, Including Songs From Neil Young and Paul Simon

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

Studying history often comes with an inevitable fact that we will never be able to communicate with the people we are interested in. As frustrating as this is, the closest thing we can find are personal papers and letters that belonged to the person. Recently, a letter was shared online that was sent by Justin Ring to a young record collector, dated to about 1960. While this letter is very interesting to read, it doesn’t reveal much new information on Ring or his friends. However, it does tell us that contrary to previous scholarship, Ring did in fact communicate with young collectors toward the end of his life.

Justin Ring and the Phonograph Scholars

NewsBreak

Will Anderson Ventures into the Literary Field with New Book

Will Anderson has written a book titled SONGBOOK SUMMIT: 15 Pioneers of American Sound that is scheduled for release in September. According to the author, it...

Will Anderson Ventures into the Literary Field with New Book

Comments / 0