Jazz bassist, Don Bagley, left us on July 26, 2012. He was 85. Born in Salt Lake City, he played with such greats as Shorty Sherock, Bill Holman and Stan Kenton. He also did session work with Nat King Cole and Maynard Ferguson. The tribute song I have chosen is a performance by Julie London, with Don being the only player accompanying her.
Tag: Jazz
Song Of The Day – Caro Emerald – "Back It Up"
Kind of a fun song from the “Michael Jackson of The Netherlands”. Her most recent disc broke Micheal’s long standing record for biggest selling album (Thriller) in Holland.
Back It Up
Remembering Abram Wilson
The music world lost Abram Wilson June 9, 2012. He passed at the age of 38 of colon cancer. Far to early. I have explored jazz, and the trumpet in particular through an introduction to Donald Byrd, and discovered Abram in my travels. Spectacular player, absolutely amazing. He was born in New Orleans and lived in London, UK. Have a listen to the cuts I have included and then dig a bit deeper, satisfaction is guaranteed,
Africa
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Abram Wilson Quartet
New Canadian Music By Holly Cole
Halifax born Canadian jazz singer Holly Cole released a new album, “Night” on November 20th. This is her 16th release, spanning the past 23 years. Her sultry voice and stylings lend themselves to a wide range of music. She has released rock, country and show tunes in addition to her normal jazz repertoire. The song I have chosen to spotlight is titled “Walk Away” and is indicative of what she has made a career out of doing. Great song.
Walk Away
Song Of The Day – Donald Byrd – Falling Like Dominoes
I heard this song in a tapas bar in Barcelona and it blew us away. The song is off a Donald Byrd album, “Places and Spaces” and was released in 1975. Donald was born in 1932 and has recorded since the 1950’s. An accomplished trumpet player, he has over 46 albums to his credit and many more as a sideman to such artists as Kenny Clarke, Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane. We need more players like this to be in the forefront of music. Makes a lot of today’s talent look imbecilic, doesn’t it.
Falling Like Dominoes
Remembering Andy Hamilton
Andy Hamilton, a sensational jazz sax player, passed away on June 3 at the age of 94. Originally from Jamaica, he stowed away on a banana boat and travelled to the UK. He paid his dues ( a 14 day jail term for this transgression) and left jail to pursue his music. This guy was the real deal as you will hear in the 2 clips I have inserted here. Wow, wow, wow!!!!
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Here he is playing his song, “Orocabessa” in 2007 at the age of 89.
Remembering Faruq Z. Bey
June 1 saw the passing of American jazz saxophonist, Faruq Z. Bey . He was best known for his time with Griot Galaxy, a free jazz band from the 1970’s and 80’s. In the mid 80’s, he was forced to leave the band after a bike accident that left him in a coma for some time. He returned to playing in the mid 90’s. I have posted a couple of videos here in tribute to this outstanding musician. The first is with his band “The Northwood Improvisers”. The second is with the Griot Galaxy. Love Jazz.
Mystery of Love
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Androgyny
Song Of The Day – Moses Dillard and the Tex Town Display – Tribute To Wes
Couldn’t leave without at least one tune. Be cool, be very cool, this song lays down an amazing groove. Heard it on Breaking Bad of all places. Best 2 minutes and 24 seconds you will have today, or this month, or year maybe.
Remembering Pete Cosey
Pete Cosey, guitarist extraordinaire, passed away on May 30, 2012. He was 68. He was a session guitar player at Chess Records until 1973, playing on recordings by Etta James, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters, among many others. In 1973, he joined the Miles Davis Band and played with them until 1975. When the band broke up in 1975, he pretty much disappeared, surfacing from time to time to play on someone’s record. He resurfaced somewhat in 2001, forming a band, The Children of Agharta. Check out the clips I have included. The guy was amazing.
Pete Cosey Jamming
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Calypso Frelimo
Song Of The Day – Thievery Corporation – Lebanese Blonde
This tune is a bit different from my usual, but I just love the groove. Thievery Corporation is a DC based duo who play with a variety of supporting artists. A touch of Jazz, a morsel of electronica, a dash of reggae, they all combine to create a terrific song. And the song, Lebanese Blonde may bring back memories of a certain hashish from back in the day.
Thievery Corporation Home Page
Thievery Corporation on iTunes
Thievery Corporation on Facebook – who cares
Thievery Corporation on Twitter
Lebanese Blonde