Thanks to the dozens and dozens (and dozens) of Rifftides readers who sent birthday messages via Facebook and other social media. How the word got out, I have no idea, but you folks certainly know how to make a guy feel that maybe this blogging stuff is worth the effort. … [Read more...]
Kilgore And Frishberg At The Touché

“Schedule permitting” I wrote in the previous exhibit, “I hope to work in a bit of blogging.” The schedule did not permit. The Oregon expedition was a jam-packed (ahem) four days that allowed the Rifftides staff (plus one) time to sleep a little and to eat now and then, often on the run. It's life on the road. I hope tomorrow to bring you a compact account of the Jazz at Newport Festival on the Oregon coast. For now, let me tell you about Rebecca Kilgore and Dave Frishberg Thursday … [Read more...]





The nonagenarian pianist presented de Barros with every biographer’s hope, unrestricted access to his subject’s personal papers and nearly unrestricted access to her private thoughts. He made the most of it, turning exhaustive research and hundreds of hours of interviews into a true story with the sweep of a novel. From the early discovery of McPartland’s musical gift through her wartime service, her ecstatic and stormy marriage to Jimmy McPartland, her growth as a pianist, her deep affair with Joe Morello, and the radio show that made her a national figure, she has had a fascinating life. It makes a splendid read.
Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Band had three fewer musicians than most big jazz outfits. Its size permitted precision, flexibility and subtlety, yet the band had the power of sprung steel. In this concert from a half century ago, the CJB is as fresh as yesterday. Arrangements by Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and Johnny Mandel set standards to which big band writers still aspire. Bassist Buddy Clark and drummer Mel Lewis inspired Mulligan, Brookmeyer, Conte Candoli, Gene Quill and Zoot Sims to some of the best soloing of their careers. This beautifully produced issue of the complete concert is a basic repertoire item.
Recent Comments
Bill Benjamin on Unburied Treasure: Chick Corea Trio
Just great. The "Now He Sings, Now He Sobs" trio. The Bush family must have been freaking out on that first tune.Bill Anschell on Praise For Poodie James
I read and thoroughly enjoyed it -- great writing!Roberta on Poodie James Sale
Good luck with your book Doug. I will check it out. Thank you for the great blogging. All the best, Roberta Arnold, Artist Representative Toninho Horta Ronnie CuberFrank Roellinger on Benny Carter: An Appreciation
Due to an operation and rehab stay in the family I missed this blog entry when it first was published. It contains no YouTube...Bill Crow on Weekend Listening And Viewing Tip: Stamm And Holober Live
Thanks for the link, Doug. I had to miss the concert because I had a gig in Staten Island that evening. I've played...