Benny Powell, the veteran trombonist, died last Saturday in New York. Born in New Orleans, Powell was treasured by his colleagues as a superb musician and teacher and as a gentleman who observed old-South standards of courtesy and consideration. Among the bands that Powell graced were those of Count Basie, Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, Bill Holman, Benny Goodman, Duke Pearson and Terry Gibbs. Here he is playing the blues in the company of a few of his admiring colleagues: Dizzy Gillespie and Harry … [Read more...]
Recent Listening: Linda Ciofalo
As always, the Rifftides staff is trying to keep up with new releases. It can't be done; the inflow never ceases and listening time is at a premium, but in the next few days we'll alert you to a few. Linda Ciofalo, Dancing With Johnny (Lucky Jazz Music). The dancing partner of the title is Johnny Mercer. Ciofalo applies her smooth, rangy voice and flexible phrasing to some of his best-known lyrics. She interprets Mercer beautifully, capturing the joy and irony he intended in "Tangerine," the … [Read more...]







Recent Comments
Doug Ramsey on Weekend Listening Tips (Bi-Coastal)
Amazon seems to be offering to serve as a middleman to provide Stridemonster! as an MP3 download for nine bucks or a CD for $80.00.Ted O'Reilly on Weekend Listening Tips (Bi-Coastal)
Please pass on to Bill Kirchner my thanks in highlighting the Stridemonster! album I produced. I was at the Bern concert and spoke...David on Weekend Listening Tips (Bi-Coastal)
Ken, I have that LP - make me an offer. The four pianists were seated back to back, apparently with only one mic on each...Doug Ramsey on Weekend Listening Tips (Bi-Coastal)
I'm afraid that it went the way of most of my other LPs before the last big move.Ken Dryden on Weekend Listening Tips (Bi-Coastal)
I've long been a collector of duo piano recordings, especially after hearing so many fun combinations on Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz. But do you have...